Sam Micheal

Halifax Students Slam N.S. Government Over Skyrocketing Housing Costs: ‘We Can’t Afford to Live Here’ In the shadow of Halifax’s ivy-clad campuses, a chorus of frustrated voices rose on the steps of the provincial legislature, where student union leaders unleashed a raw plea against the crushing weight of the Halifax student housing cost crisis. “This … Read more

U.S. Homebuilder Sentiment Surges Most Since Early 2024 on Rate Relief Hopes U.S. homebuilders are exhaling a collective sigh of relief as confidence levels spiked dramatically this month—the sharpest rebound since early 2024—fueled by easing mortgage rates and brighter sales outlooks amid persistent affordability hurdles. NAHB housing market index, homebuilder confidence October 2025, builder sentiment … Read more

CMHC Eyes Rebound: Canadian Housing Starts Forecast to Hold Strong Above Historical Norms in 2026 Canada’s construction crews are firing up again, with September’s housing starts leaping 14% to an annual pace of 261,282 units— a welcome jolt after months of malaise. As Canadian housing starts 2026 forecast trends brighten amid easing rates, CMHC warns … Read more

Dreaming of homeownership but daunted by the mortgage maze? As housing costs soar and rates fluctuate, understanding mortgages is your first step to unlocking that front door in 2025’s dynamic market. A mortgage is a loan specifically for purchasing property, secured by the home itself. You borrow from a lender—bank, credit union, or non-bank like … Read more

Just How Likely Is a 30-Year Mortgage Rate Below 6% by December 31, 2025? As of October 20, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stands at approximately 6.23%, according to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) from October 17—down slightly from 6.28% the prior week but still hovering in the mid-6% range. … Read more

Renting out your property in today’s competitive Australian market can feel like a high-stakes game. With rental demand surging in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and new tenancy reforms shaking up the rules, picking the wrong tenant could cost you thousands in lost rent or repairs. But fear not—this straightforward guide arms you with proven … Read more

The Mortgage Renewal Gold Rush Is a Mirage: Brokers’ Smarter Strategies for 2025 Success Picture this: Mortgage brokers across Canada gearing up for a tidal wave of renewals, only to watch most clients quietly re-up with their banks without a single call. That’s the harsh reality hitting the industry right now, as the much-hyped 2025 … Read more

How We Get to Sub-6% Mortgage Rates by the End of 2025 As of October 20, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at around 6.18%-6.28%, per Freddie Mac and Zillow data—the lowest since early 2024 but still stubbornly above the 6% psychological barrier last breached in September 2022. That’s tantalizingly close: just 18-28 … Read more

Scotiabank Layoffs 2025: Job Cuts Sweep Canadian Banking Unit in Bold Efficiency Overhaul In a stark memo that rippled through Toronto’s financial towers, Scotiabank’s Canadian banking head revealed sweeping layoffs across the unit, signaling a ruthless pivot to sharpen the bank’s edge amid fierce competition. As Canada’s third-largest lender trims fat for faster growth, thousands … Read more

First National Financial Secures $800M Bond Offering as Private Equity Buyout Nears Completion In a pivotal move signaling the final stretch of its transformation, Toronto-based mortgage lender First National Financial Corporation has finalized an $800 million senior notes issuance, just days before its $2.9 billion takeover by private equity giants Birch Hill Equity Partners and … Read more