Core Memories

Posted on January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 by Andy MacDonald

The holidays are a great time to spend with family and reflect on what is important in life. This year my now 23-year-old daughter reminded me of what she described as one of her “core memories” growing up. The year was 2013 and she was doing competitive figure skating for the first time. The Port Credit club was hosting a competition and one of the options was a “Family Ice Dance”. This required a child and parent to perform the Canasta Tango on ice. Having played hockey all my life, I was ...

Who are you relying on for advice?

Posted on December 5, 2025December 5, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

I was recently hired to offer my expert opinion on a litigation case where a handful of investors agreed to participate in a syndicated private second mortgage on a commercial building. There were many red flags with this transaction but the thing that stuck out the most to me was the lack of experience amongst the multiple mortgage brokers and agents that were involved in the transaction. Most of them had only been in the business for a few years. There was some phuckery involved in the transa...

Testimonial: Steven M. Polak

Posted on November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 by admin

I have had the pleasure of working with Andy MacDonald as an Expert Mortgage Broker on a case that I worked on. Andy was responsive, timely, thoughtful and well informed. He provided us with real assistance in understanding the issues in the case and informing the Court process. His report and opinion were well written and well thought out. Thank you Andy. Sincerely, Steven M. Polak Partner, Lerners LLP

Testimonial: Robert D’Orazio

Posted on October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 by admin

Andy, Your insight and guidance have been invaluable to my family and I to help us navigate through some very important and generational decisions. Thank you for the wisdom and transparency that fostered a trust that is so important at times like these and during decision making of such consequence. We are forever grateful. Robert D’Orazio Oakville, Ontario

The Road Less Travelled

Posted on October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

Yesterday, I went for a walk in the woods on a road that was abandoned long ago. It reminded me of the journey we take in life. Sometimes the road is clear and other times we must look a little harder for that road. The outline of it is there but we might have to climb over a few obstacles or cross a brook to find our way. My professional journey started back in 1989. I would have taken my first mortgage application while working as a Loans Clerk at Canada Trust. That would have been t...

The Struggle in Canada is Real!

Posted on August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

As a card-carrying member of Gen X, I grew up at a time when life was affordable in Canada. No matter where you were on the socio-economic spectrum the basic necessities of food and shelter were attainable even if you just made minimum wage. If you needed transportation, you could always find a beat-up old car for a nominal price and if you aspired to be a homeowner that too was affordable. For perspective, my first apartment in London, Ontario, was $250 per month for a bachelor apartment in...

The Vice is Tightening!

Posted on July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 by Andy MacDonald

The vice is tightening for many Canadian households!If your mortgage is maturing this year, you may find the following:- Your interest rate is higher- Your payments are higher- You do not have the option to roll other consumer debt into your mortgage because your home has decreased in valueFor some, the news is even more concerning:- Your private mortgage lender refuses to offer a renewal- Your institutional lender is making you requalify for your mortgage (rumour has it that Equitable Ba...

Testimonial: Amy Halliday

Posted on July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by admin

I have worked with Andy on two separate mortgages and really appreciate his knowledge and guidance. He takes the time to understand your financial goals and presents the best options clearly. The process was smooth and stress-free. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Andy to anyone in need of a mortgage broker. Amy Halliday Mississauga, Ontario

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...

The Value of Human Judgement

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

About seven years ago I stumbled into songwriting. It wasn’t a calculated decision; it was on a whim and a prayer. For me it was therapeutic and a new challenge. It allowed me to use a completely different part of my brain that was probably well on its way towards atrophy. I was fortunate to find Murray Foster and the Toronto Songwriting School. Murray and his co-pilot, Mary Krause, have created a truly amazing community of aspiring songwriters from all walks of life. Their Songwriter Getawa...