Under One Roof

Thinking about tackling some exterior projects this summer? Before you spend thousands on landscaping, paving stones, or a backyard makeover, it's worth knowing which upgrades actually add value to your home—and which ones don't. This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga breaks down the exterior improvements that make the biggest impact on curb appeal, resale value, and buyer interest. Plus, Fred and Martin answer another round of frequently asked mortgage questions from listeners. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now The Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady once again What the latest rate decision means for homeowners and buyers What happens if a landlord stops making mortgage payments? Could tenants be forced out if a rental property is repossessed? Real Estate: Summer Upgrades That Actually Add Value (and the Ones That Don't) Thinking about improving your home's exterior? LJ shares where homeowners should—and shouldn't—spend their money: How driveway resurfacing, paving stones, and walkway repairs influence first impressions The landscaping upgrades that boost curb appeal without breaking the bank Whether decks, patios, pergolas, gazebos, and outdoor kitchens actually increase value Summer projects that homeowners often overspend on The best exterior improvements for homeowners working with a limited budget How outdoor spaces can help a home sell faster and stand out from the competition Mortgages: Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions Fred and Martin answer another round of listener mortgage questions, covering topics such as: Interest rates and mortgage strategy Renewals and refinancing Borrowing options in today's market Common misconceptions homeowners have about their mortgages Practical advice for navigating today's lending environment Trivia Question of the Week Question: What is a bridge loan? Answer: A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution used to bridge the gap between purchasing a new property and selling an existing one. It provides temporary access to funds until longer-term financing is in place. Get in Touch LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 📱 Instagram & Social Media: @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management 📞 514-709-6397 Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin.com 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Zillow-style estimates and online home value calculators are everywhere. But how accurate are they when it comes to determining what your home is actually worth? This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga explains why online estimates often miss the mark, what truly drives a home's value, and how sellers can get a realistic picture of what their property is worth in today's Montreal market. Plus, we're joined by Marc Bissell of Castleton Finance to discuss private lending, who it's for, and how it can help homeowners and borrowers who don't fit the traditional bank model. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now Could running a business from your home impact your mortgage or insurance? Investment in housing construction continues to decline despite Canada's housing shortage What the appointment of a new U.S. Federal Reserve Chair could mean for interest rates in Canada Real Estate: How Much Is Your Home Really Worth? Online Estimates vs Reality LJ Aguinaga breaks down the difference between online valuations and actual market value: How accurate are online home value estimates? What algorithms miss when valuing a property Why two seemingly similar homes can sell for dramatically different prices The impact of renovations, layout, natural light, parking, and overall feel The difference between assessed value, asking price, and market value The best way to determine what your home is truly worth today Special Guest: Marc Bissell, Castleton Finance What exactly is private lending, and who is it designed for? Marc Bissell, President and Owner of Castleton Finance, joins the show to explain: What private lenders do and how they differ from banks Who typically turns to private financing solutions Common misconceptions about private lending How quickly private lenders can approve and fund deals Real-world examples of borrowers helped through private financing When homeowners should consider speaking with a private lender Property of the Week 📍 LaSalle, Montreal 518-522 33e Avenue — a fully vacant triplex featuring a spacious 3-bedroom owner's unit with garage, finished basement, and backyard deck, plus two income-generating one-bedroom apartments ready for immediate occupancy. Located steps from Angrignon Park and the metro. Listed at $1,100,000. Open house from 2–4 PM. Trivia Question of the Week What is a fixed-rate mortgage? Answer: A home loan where the interest rate remains the same for the entire mortgage term. Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-500-5222 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Home inspection reports can be intimidating, especially for first-time buyers. But how do you know which issues actually matter… and which ones are just part of owning a home? This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga breaks down the biggest mistakes buyers make after reading an inspection report and explains which findings should truly raise concern. Plus, Fred and Martin answer another round of frequently asked mortgage questions, including refinancing, renewals, penalties, and credit scores. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now Consumer insolvencies in Canada are now at their highest levels since 2009 Mortgage delinquency rates continue to climb as economic uncertainty grows Canada's commercial real estate market remains surprisingly strong as investors return to stable, income-generating assets Real Estate: The Inspection Report — What Actually Matters (and What Doesn't) LJ Aguinaga explains how buyers should approach inspection reports without panicking: The biggest mistake buyers make after reading an inspection report Which findings should immediately raise red flags How to separate cosmetic issues from structural or safety concerns When to renegotiate, request repairs, or walk away from a deal Common issues in older Montreal homes that may not be as serious as they sound Mortgages: Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions — Part 2 Fred and Martin answer more of the questions they hear most often from homeowners and buyers: What's the difference between renewing and refinancing a mortgage? How does your credit score affect mortgage approval? What's the difference between using a bank versus a mortgage broker? Why are mortgage penalties sometimes so expensive? Property of the Week 📍 Fabreville, Laval 3730 Rue Gaston-Miron — a stunning 2015-built two-storey home backing directly onto 50 hectares of protected woodland. Features include four bedrooms, a spa-style ensuite, two-storey atrium, fully finished basement with gym, and an inground saltwater pool. Listed at $1,050,000 through LJ Realties. Trivia Question of the Week What is the name of the document that legally transfers ownership of a residential property in Quebec? Answer: Deed of Sale (Acte de Vente) Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Thinking about selling your home? Wondering what the process actually looks like behind the scenes? This week on Under One Roof MTL, we walk you through the real seller's journey, from pricing and prep to accepting an offer. Plus, we break down whether paying down your mortgage faster is always the smart financial move. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now The Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady Mortgage debt is rising fastest among Canadians nearing retirement More homeowners are leveraging equity to help younger buyers, raising long-term financial considerations Real Estate: The Seller's Journey — What Selling Your Home Actually Looks Like Seller consultation, pricing strategy, and reviewing comparables Gathering documents, warranties, and setting inclusions/exclusions Decluttering and preparing the home for market Managing showings and adapting based on buyer feedback Accepting an offer after 16 days, within target price and preferred closing timeline What sets LJ Aguinaga and his team apart in a competitive market Mortgages: Paying Down Your Mortgage Faster — Smart Move or Trade-Off? Why many homeowners want to pay down their mortgage early The trade-off between prepaying your mortgage and maintaining liquidity How prepayment privileges actually work Increased scrutiny around borrowing and financial planning Practical advice for borrowers deciding where to allocate their money Property of the Week 📍 Anjou, Montreal 7421 Avenue des Halles — 1-bedroom, move-in-ready condo on the 4th floor with hardwood floors, private balcony, in-unit laundry, indoor parking, and walk-in closet. Listed at $299,000 — perfect for first-time buyers looking to stop renting. Trivia Question of the Week What is the word for the amount of money you've built up in your home as its value increases and your mortgage decreases? Answer: Equity Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

This week on Under One Roof, we're talking about the new initiative announced by the Quebec government to reimburse the welcome tax for first-time home buyers. Plus, LJ has some advice on whether now is the right time to buy. And, Fred and Martin break down which insurance products are mandatory, nice to have, and optional.

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at how the recent surge in oil prices and expected job losses could impact the Bank of Canada's next interest rate announcement on April 29th. Plus, what should you prioritize when it comes to curb appeal improvements? And, what's more important; your interest rate or your mortgage loan conditions?

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at the inflation numbers for February, and predicting what they might look like in the coming months. Plus, LJ has some advice for anyone who is considering purchasing property with a friend or family member. And, Fred and Martin offer up suggestions on how to successfully refinance your mortgage with a solid strategy in place.

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're discussing the three warning signs that you could be at risk of defaulting on your mortgage. Plus, what are some of the things that turn potential buyers away when you're selling your home, and is there anything you can do to mitigate those issues? And, what are your options for helping your adult children buy their first home?

This week on Under One Roof, we're talking about inflation falling to 2.3%, and how this may or may not impact the Bank of Canada's next interest rate announcement on March 18th. We also look at whether or not it's still possible (and economical) to downsize in Montreal, and what to do if you're feeling house poor these days.

This week on Under One Roof, we're talking about whether homeownership is still a good investment. Plus, is it possible to be a great landlord AND make money doing it? And, everything you need to know about private lending and private mortgages in Canada.

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're talking about the latest inflation data, which indicates a 2.4% upward tick for the month of December. Is this cause for concern? Plus, LJ talks about what to do when a listing goes stale, and when you should start to worry. And, Fred and Martin share some of the most common questions they get asked as mortgage brokers.

This week on Under One Roof MTL, Fred, Martin, LJ and Robyn try to predict what will happen with interest rates and the Canadian economy in 2026. We also explain what condo fees are, where that money goes, and why condo owners sometimes end up with 4 and 5 figure special assessments. We're also joined by Robert Hogue, assistant chief economist at RBC, to break down where Canada's economy is headed in 2026, and what this means for the national housing markets.

This week on Under One Roof, LJ, Fred and Martin try to predict what the Bank of Canada will do with its final interested rate announcement this week. Plus, why are so many first-time homebuyers in the dark when it comes to closing costs? We also discuss downsizing, and how to know if it's the right move for you. And, we're joined by best-selling author Jessica Moorhouse, to talk about the financial future of young Canadians, and how they can best set themselves up for success.