The Domino Effect

Posted on July 2, 2025July 2, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

I was recently hired to write an expert witness report for a case that perfectly illustrates the domino effects of the real estate correction that started in 2022. As you may recall, the Bank of Canada began to raise interest rates in the spring of 2022, signalling the beginning of the end to the real estate party that had been going on since the start of the Pandemic. From March to October 2022 the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by 3.50%. The days of cheap money and real estate hyster...

Work With A “Mucker”

Posted on May 15, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Andy MacDonald, The Mucker of Noon Hockey

Back in my late twenties I had the privilege of playing hockey with a Canadian icon, Mr. Paul Henderson. We played Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at noon hour at the old barn in Oakville on Kerr Street. To my clients, I was at a “lunch meeting", but for me it was a time to get some exercise while learning from a bunch of guys that were ten to twenty years my senior. It was a diverse bunch including veterinarians, fire fighters, cops, lawyers, ex NHL’ers, realtors etc. The dressing room was a gr...

An Expert Witness Can Offer Clarity

Posted on May 5, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Sometimes, the most valuable thing an expert witness can provide is a reality check.I had a call the other day with a litigator and their client. The day before, the lawyer had sent me a brief summary of their case as they were considering retaining me as an expert witness.The conversation lasted only 15-20 minutes, but in that time, I was able to offer some key insights. Their theory hinged on the idea that a private mortgage lender was somehow tied to an embezzlement scheme. After reviewing t...

Two Daughters & The Secret Ballot

Posted on April 27, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Tomorrow, Canadians across the country will head to the polls to cast their votes in the federal election. It's a moment that always fills me with a mix of pride, hope, and reflection. This year is extra special; I get to watch my daughters navigate their relationship with voting and democracy. I have two daughters who are now of voting age. I have tried my best to instill in them the importance of exercising their vote. To research the candidates and their party platforms. To critically jud...

Testimonial: Payam Ezzatian

Posted on April 25, 2025May 27, 2025 by admin

I had the pleasure of working with Andy on a recent matter. He’s prompt and professional, and provides valuable insight based on decades of experience. I would not hesitate to ask for his assistance again. Payam Ezzatian Partner Brauti Thorning LLP Toronto, Ontario

I Felt Every Second of That Drill

Posted on April 22, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

I was in the dentist’s chair last week for what should have been a quick fix: replace a cracked filling, in and out. But as the drill started, I realized something wasn’t right. I could feel everything. Even the air flow from the suction was causing pain. After a few painful seconds, I raised my hand and asked, “Is it true that redheads need more freezing?” My dentist paused, gave me a look, and said, “Actually… yeah, they often do.” I nodded. “Thought so. I’m bald now, but I was ...

How Self-Employed Buyers Can Qualify for a Mortgage

Posted on April 15, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

If you’re self-employed and planning to buy a home in 2025, you may already know this journey can come with more hoops to jump through compared to salaried employees. But here’s the good news: qualifying for a mortgage is absolutely possible! You just need to be prepared, understand how lenders think, and work with the right mortgage professional. Why It’s Tougher for Self-Employed Borrowers Mortgage lenders love predictability. With salaried employees, it’s easy: lenders look at pay stub...

Expert Insights: Peter Morris

Posted on March 10, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Peter Morris, President of Robertson Morris, to expand my network of Expert Witnesses. My goal was to gain insights from his extensive experience and refine my skills in writing Expert Witness Reports for litigation involving mortgage brokers and agents in Ontario. With over forty-five years in the property and casualty insurance industry, Peter has a wealth of knowledge in his field. Over the past decade, he has transitioned into ...

Hire An Expert Witness Early!

Posted on January 29, 2025May 27, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

I was recently contacted by a Plaintiff and their legal team to prepare an expert report on their case involving a mortgagor and a mortgage broker. The original Statement of Claim was filed in 2019, and they were scheduled to head to mediation within a month. (It only took them five plus years to seek an expert opinion.) After reviewing the documentation supplied to me, I could find no negligence nor damages. In reviewing my report with the legal team, I asked them to convince me otherwise. ...

What is a private mortgage?

Posted on November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 by Andy MacDonald

A private mortgage refers to a loan, secured by real property, provided by an individual or a private entity, rather than a traditional financial institution like a bank or credit union. Here are some key features: Lending Source The lender can be a private individual, a group of investors, or a private lending company like a MIC (Mortgage Investment Corporation). Terms and Conditions Private mortgages often have more flexible terms compared to traditional mortgages. They can v...