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Canadian Inflation Surges to 2.4% Y/Y on Oil Price Shock
The headline inflation rate in Canada surged as expected with the War in Iran and the resulting oil price shock. The inflation rate hit 2.4%, up from 1.8% in February, tying for the highest in a year but a bit below market expectations of 2.5%. The surge reflected the initial impact of the war in the Middle East on Canadian consumer prices, as disruptions to tankers from the Persian Gulf triggered energy shortages worldwide. The consumer energy inflation swung to 3.9% from th

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Apr 203 min read


The Canadian Jobs Report Showed a Small Gain in Net New Employment with the Unemployment Rate Steady at 6.7%
Confusion over a fragile ceasefire continued yesterday as Israel ramped up attacks on Lebanon. The Strait of Hormuz--a key oil shipping route whose closure has sent oil prices skyrocketing in recent weeks--reportedly remained closed. Normally, the Strait accommodates roughly 130 ships a day.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Apr 104 min read


Fraud awareness month: Don’t get caught in these real estate and mortgage scams
Fraud Awareness Month is a reminder, not a warning bell. With the right safeguards in place, transparent documentation, licensed professionals, disciplined credit monitoring and informed decision-making, you dramatically reduce your exposure.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Mar 304 min read


Mortgage and Market Insights
Global markets have been shaken by renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Mar 183 min read


Mortgages: What today’s smart buyers and homeowners are thinking
As we move into 2026, the most successful borrowers aren’t the ones who predict rates perfectly; they are people who stop reacting emotionally and start thinking strategically.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Feb 44 min read


Mortgages and Market Insights
the outcome of CUSMA negotiations will influence inflation, economic growth, and ultimately the direction of inter

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Feb 33 min read


The snowball momentum strategy: How to reduce debt, manage expenses and enjoy life
The snowball momentum strategy is a practical, step-by-step approach that helps you regain control, reduce interest costs and free up cash flow without giving up the life you enjoy.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Jan 234 min read


Financial stability in a busy season: How to help your holidays feel warm, manageable and debt-free
As the calendar edges toward the festive season, something familiar begins to stir. We feel it in the soft glow of lights on early evenings, in the hum of anticipation as family plans take shape, and if we are being honest, in the quiet pressure building behind the scenes. Joy and harmony might headline the holidays, but the supporting cast often includes stress, overspending and the uneasy promise of January credit-card statements. But this doesn’t have to be another year wh

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Dec 12, 20253 min read


Mortgage and Market Insights
Canada’s latest economic releases sparked quite a reaction first from analysts, then from bond markets, and now from lenders.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Dec 12, 20254 min read


Turning B.C.'s Market Challenges into Opportunities
British Columbia’s housing market in 2025 is unlike any in recent memory. Buyers and homeowners alike are navigating a landscape of slower sales, easing interest rates and more inventory, and the opportunities hidden in these conditions are significant. After decades working with developers, property management and mortgage financing, I have learned that understanding the market cycle and acting strategically is what separates stress from success. A balanced market for all bu

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Nov 27, 20253 min read


Mortgage and Market Insights
The Bank of Canada has cut rates again 0.25%, bringing the prime rate to 4.45%. Sounds good, but markets are still unpredictable: inflation is stubborn at 3%, housing markets keep starting and stopping, and interest rates are undecided. Many Canadians feel stuck: working harder, earning less, and trying to stretch every dollar. Some of this is adjusting from the “free money” era of COVID, and some comes from deeper economic challenges. Even so, Canadians keep going. Market sn

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Nov 6, 20254 min read


BANK OF CANADA CUTS RATES - Save Thousands on Your Mortgage
The Bank of Canada just cut its policy rate to 2.50%—the third cut this year. Canada’s major banks and lenders immediately followed, dropping their prime rate from 4.95% to 4.70%. For anyone in BC’s housing market, this is big news. Whether you are buying, refinancing, or investing, lower rates mean more savings, more options, and more opportunity. Homeowners: Save on Your Mortgage Now Adjustable-rate mortgages: your monthly payment just went down (roughly $15 per month per $

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Sep 25, 20251 min read


Home Sales Rise as Prices Stabilize - BC and Alberta Markets Show New Momentum -
Western Canadian Housing Market Gaining Ground After a softer spring, the housing markets in BC and Alberta are showing renewed energy. According to the latest MLS® data, sales across Canada rose again in June, with Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and parts of Alberta — including Calgary and Edmonton — seeing more buyers stepping back into the market. Prices have held steady in both provinces, while new listings have dipped, creating more balanced conditions and opportu

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Sep 22, 20252 min read


Global Tariff Uncertainty Sidelined Buyers
Housing continues to struggle despite the dramatic easing by the Bank of Canada, which took overnight rates down from 5% in June 2024 to 2.75% today, its lowest level since September 2022.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Mar 17, 20253 min read


Weak Canadian Job Creation Opens The Way For BoC Easing Next Week
The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed—was unchanged at 61.1% in February. This follows three consecutive months of increases. The employment rate had previously fallen 1.7 percentage points from April 2023 to October 2024, as employment growth was outpaced by population growth.

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Mar 7, 20254 min read


The benefits of rate holds
Getting pre-approved doesn’t commit you to a single lender, but it does guarantee the rate offered to you will be locked in from 90 to ...

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Feb 10, 20252 min read


Bank of Canada Cuts Policy Rate By 25 BPs
We expect the BoC to continue cutting the policy rate in 25-bps increments until it reaches 2.5% this Spring, triggering continued strengthe

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Jan 29, 20254 min read


Positive News On The Inflation Front
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.8% year-over-year in December, a slight decrease from the 1.9% rise in November. The main...

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Jan 22, 20253 min read


The Impact of Tariffs on Canadian Housing Markets
Today is President Trump's inauguration day in the US, and contrary to earlier threats, officials have announced that he will not impose...

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Jan 22, 202511 min read


Good News On The Inflation Front
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.9% year-over-year (y/y) in November, down from a 2.0% increase in October. Slower price growth was...

Alisa Aragon-Lloyd
Dec 19, 20242 min read
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