Your Top Real Estate Questions — Answered!

Описание: Rent vs buy in Quebec: how to actually run the numbers, avoid surprises (welcome tax, closing costs, insurance), and know when it’s truly the right time to buy, sell, or invest in a second property.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Should you buy now or keep renting?
01:01 – How to compare rent vs owning (what costs to include—and what not to)
01:56 – What is the “welcome tax” in Quebec & why everyone pays it
02:59 – Can you really buy with less than 5% down? New financing options explained
04:04 – Minimum down payment rules for $500K, $1.5M+ and second homes
04:45 – Why pre-approval comes before browsing properties
05:37 – What makes a good mortgage broker (bank vs multi-lender)
06:32 – A-lenders, B-lenders & private lenders: what they are and when they help
07:35 – Documents a serious mortgage broker should ask for (and red flags)
08:26 – Immigration status & buying: extra rules non-residents must meet
09:05 – Hidden costs buyers underestimate: closing vs recurring expenses
10:20 – Closing costs breakdown: inspection, notary, welcome tax
10:55 – Recurring costs breakdown: municipal/school taxes, condo fees, insurance
11:46 – Why you should “shop” home and car insurance every year
12:38 – The myth of “waiting for prices and rates to drop together”
13:32 – Quebec vs Ontario: why condo prices differ in Montreal vs Toronto
14:22 – Montreal rental market: incentives, free months & a slower pace
15:06 – Are rents really going down or are incentives hiding the price?
15:43 – Why buyers underestimate the importance of a good inspection
16:55 – Should you attend the inspection & how to choose the right inspector
17:58 – Local knowledge matters: why inspector location and expertise count
18:38 – Is there a perfect time to buy real estate?
19:40 – How to find opportunities in a seller’s market (30–60+ days on market)
20:41 – Buyer fears: not being able to pay or maintain the property
21:52 – Why your first purchase is the scariest—and how process reduces risk
22:38 – How a skilled agent can save you from costly mistakes (Catalina’s story)
24:05 – Why some people only use a broker after a bad first experience
25:01 – Is now a good time to sell? Why 2025 is a seller’s market
25:57 – Is now a good time to buy? Yes—if you hunt for the right deals
26:35 – Should you buy a second property as an investment in Quebec?
27:08 – Using your home equity/HELOC to buy income properties (and tax benefits)
28:04 – Putting your principal residence to work for you
28:40 – Who you need on your team: real estate broker + mortgage broker
29:05 – Where to follow Catalina for more tips & what’s coming next on the show