Sal Farooqui

New builds drive rent decreases, but also leave tenants vulnerable to steep hikes, experts say An abnormally high level of housing completions has led to months of consecutive rental rates declines, realtors and economists say

A massive number of housing completions is part of why rent has been dropping this year in Toronto. But these newer homes also come with a risk of steep, uncapped rent increases: www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...

Mortgage rates are battling a weak economy and persistent inflation, and inflation may be winning Analysts say inflation may prove the bigger concern, pushing mortgage rates higher and keeping headline interest rates at the same level for the short term

A weak economy would usually bring mortgage rates down. Inflation would bring them up. Canada is dealing with both right now, and inflation is winning out in the marketplace. www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...

Canadian mortgage rates could be in for a bumpy ride in the Trump era Lenders tend to base their fixed mortgage rates on the U.S. and Canadian bond markets, which are moving in an upward trajectory in light of Trump’s agenda

Mortgage rates looked to be on a steady path downwards back in late 2024. The Trump tariffs are changing that. www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...

How the California wildfires could affect insurance rates in Canada As deadly and destructive natural disasters become more common across the country, insurance experts say Canadian consumers could be hit with price increases

Natural disasters outside of Canada like the LA wildfires can impact your home insurance premiums too, thanks to their impact on the reinsurance market. www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...

Latest from me

One-third of young Canadians say an inheritance is crucial for their goals. They might be disappointed Talking about money that’s going to be passed down can be awkward, but experts say it’s vital for families to set expectations around inheritances

From me earlier this month: one-third of Canadians say they’re counting on an inheritance in order to retire. But based on this survey of middle-aged Canadians, some of them might end up disappointed: www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...

Signed a mortgage when interest rates were at their highest? Breaking it could save you money Mortgage brokers say homeowners ‘set and forget’ their loans too often, when they could benefit from new strategies.

Too often, people “set and forget” their mortgages. If you signed one in the last year, paying the penalty to break it could save you thousands of dollars. www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...

Backcountry ski touring in the Rocky Mountains is always better (and safer) with a guide There’s no substitute to experiencing skiing and hut life, bunking up in what can be described as an off-grid hostel

Last winter I set off to spend a week skiing deep in the Rockies backcountry, staying in rustic mountain huts along the way. Almost nothing went to plan, but it was still one of the most awe-inspiring ski trips of my life. www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/...

Your handles are all valid to me.

Experts believe the housing market, global instability and the sense that people came out of the pandemic into even more financial hardship are reasons for the pessimism

Canadians are increasingly pessimistic about their financial success: survey Experts say cost of housing, global political uncertainty and economic hardship are just a few factors that have left people feeling discouraged

The proportion of Canadians who feel they‘re financially worse off than their parents’ generation is the highest it has ever been in an Environics Institute survey that has been conducted since 1990 www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/pe...