Your Guide to Successfully Navigating the Housing Market

Josh Perez • October 8, 2025

Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market.


The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story.


So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach:
Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters.

Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity:

  • Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run?
  • Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want?
  • Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home?
  • Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer?
  • How long do I plan to stay in the property?
  • If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay?
  • Will buying a home now support my long-term goals?
  • Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly?
  • Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns?


These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life.


Here’s How I Can Help

Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help.

The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval.


It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting.


You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.


Josh Perez
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Deposit vs. Down Payment: Key Differences for Homebuyers

By Josh Perez • February 18, 2026
When you’re buying a home, two terms often cause confusion: deposit and down payment . While they’re related, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process. Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Deposit? A deposit is the money you provide when you make an offer on a property. Think of it as a show of good faith that proves you’re serious about purchasing. How it works : Typically, you provide a certified cheque or bank draft that your real estate brokerage holds in trust. If your offer is accepted, the deposit remains in trust until the deal moves forward. If negotiations fall through, the deposit is refunded. Connection to your down payment : Once the sale is finalized, your deposit becomes part of your total down payment. Why it matters : The amount is negotiable, but a larger deposit can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market. Keep in mind, however, that if you back out after conditions are removed, you risk losing your deposit. What Is a Down Payment? Your down payment is the amount you contribute toward the purchase price of your home when securing a mortgage. Minimum requirement : In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home’s purchase price. Anything less than 20% requires mortgage default insurance. Sources : Down payments can come from your savings, the sale of another property, RRSP withdrawals (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), a gift from family, or even borrowed funds. Example: How They Work Together Imagine you’re buying a $400,000 home with a 10% down payment ($40,000). When you make your offer, you provide a $10,000 deposit . Once conditions are met, that deposit is transferred to your lawyer’s trust account. At closing, you add the remaining $30,000 to complete your full down payment. The lender provides the rest—$360,000—through your mortgage. The Bottom Line Your deposit shows commitment and secures your offer, while your down payment is what makes the mortgage possible. Together, they work hand in hand to get you into your new home. 📞 If you’d like clarity on deposits, down payments, or any other part of the mortgage process, let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through it step by step.
Cozy armchair next to a small wooden table with a mug and an open book. Sunlight streams through a window.

Is a 5% Down Payment a Mistake? Here’s the Unpopular Truth.

By Josh Perez • February 15, 2026
Discover why a 5% down payment isn’t always irresponsible. Learn when a low down payment is a smart financial move for Ontario homebuyers and when it’s a risk.