Marc Evans

How the Bank of Canada is Shielding the Economy from Potential U.S. Tariffs

The Bank of Canada’s recent Monetary Policy Report has caught the attention of many, especially with the looming possibility of new U.S. tariffs. Given our close economic ties with the U.S., such tariffs could have significant implications for our economy. But fear not—the Bank of Canada has a game plan to keep us on course.

The Tariff Talk

There’s been chatter about the U.S. imposing new tariffs on imports, which could directly impact Canadian exports in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. If these tariffs come into play, we might see a slowdown in trade, businesses feeling the pinch, and potential fluctuations in the Canadian dollar. The Bank of Canada acknowledges these uncertainties and is gearing up to tackle them head-on.

The Bank’s Playbook

So, what’s the strategy? Here’s how the Bank of Canada is positioning us to weather potential storms:

Cutting Interest Rates
In January 2025, the Bank trimmed the target overnight rate by 0.25% to 3%. This move aims to make borrowing more affordable, encouraging businesses and consumers to keep investing and spending, even amidst trade uncertainties.
Keeping Inflation in Check
With inflation close to the 2% target, the Bank is maintaining price stability. This approach ensures that businesses can plan with confidence, knowing that sudden price hikes aren’t on the horizon.
Pausing Quantitative Tightening
The Bank has also hit the brakes on its quantitative tightening program. By maintaining its bond holdings, it ensures there’s ample liquidity in the financial markets, supporting lending and investment across various sectors.

Looking Ahead

While we can’t control U.S. trade policies, the Bank of Canada’s proactive measures are designed to keep our economy resilient. For businesses and investors, this approach offers reassurance that we’re equipped to handle potential challenges.

As always, staying informed and prepared is key. With the Bank’s strategies in place, Canada is well-positioned to navigate any uncertainties that come our way.

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Real Estate Sales

How PropTx is Changing the Game for Home Buyers and Sellers

At the Evans Real Estate Group, we’re always looking for ways to improve the home buying and selling experience for our clients. That’s why we’re excited about the recent introduction of PropTx, a cutting-edge platform now used by many REALTORS® in Ottawa, including our team. PropTx isn’t just a fancy new tool for agents—it’s designed to streamline the entire real estate process and deliver real benefits to home buyers and sellers. Here’s how:

For Home Buyers: Making the Process Smoother and More Transparent

Access to Real-Time, Accurate Information 🏡
PropTx integrates MLS® and land registry data, meaning buyers can trust the information they’re getting about homes on the market. Whether it’s the latest listing price, home features, or even neighborhood data, you’ll always have up-to-date details at your fingertips.
Smarter, Faster Communication 📲
The platform allows REALTORS® to communicate faster and more efficiently with buyers. This means fewer delays in receiving answers to your questions, scheduling viewings, or submitting offers. In a competitive market, speed can make a big difference!
Detailed Neighborhood Insights 🌳
Through integrated tools like HoodQ, buyers can get comprehensive neighborhood reports, including information on schools, parks, transit, and local amenities. Knowing what’s nearby can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a home.

For Home Sellers: Streamlining the Sale Process

Faster Offer Management 📄
With tools like SkySlope Offers, managing offers is easier than ever. Offers are submitted, tracked, and organized digitally, ensuring nothing gets missed. Sellers can review multiple offers quickly and easily, making it simpler to decide on the best deal.
Increased Visibility and Listing Performance 📈
PropTx includes tools like ListTrac, which tracks how much interest your property is generating. Sellers can see how many views their home is getting online and how well it’s performing compared to other listings in the area.
Compliance Made Easy ✅
Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, including regulatory compliance. PropTx streamlines this process, ensuring that all forms and documents are handled correctly. This reduces stress and gives sellers peace of mind knowing everything is being done by the book.

The Evans Real Estate Group Advantage

At The Evans Real Estate Group, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to real estate technology. Our adoption of PropTx means we can offer our clients a faster, more transparent, and stress-free experience—whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property you’ve loved for years.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Ottawa area, let’s chat! With the power of PropTx and our dedicated team, we’ll help you navigate the process smoothly and successfully.

Real Estate - ANALYSIS

Why Time in the Market Matters More than Timing the Market

The primary financial advantage of owning real estate is the equity you build as your mortgage is paid down. The longer you wait, the more time you lose to grow that equity. Even if rates drop, higher prices can erase any savings on interest. In many cases, those who wait to buy end up with less equity and fewer financial gains in the long run.

The Numbers: Buying Now vs. Waiting for Lower Rates

Let’s compare two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Buying Now

Home price: $700,000
Down payment: 20% ($140,000)
Mortgage amount: $560,000
Interest rate: 3.25%
Amortization: 25 years

Using these terms, the monthly mortgage payment is approximately $2,730. Here’s how much principal is paid down and equity is built over the first 30 months:

Month	Equity Built
6	$8,300
12	$17,000
18	$26,000
24	$35,400
30	$45,000

By month 30, you will have built $45,000 in equity, just from principal paydown. This doesn’t include any potential home appreciation, which could further increase your total equity.

Scenario 2: Waiting for 6 Months for Rates to Drop

Home price (after 6 months): $730,000 (a 4.3% price increase)
Down payment: 20% ($146,000)
Mortgage amount: $584,000
Interest rate: 2.75%
Amortization: 25 years

At the lower rate, your monthly payment would be about $2,686. However, because you waited 6 months, you only have 24 months left in this comparison. Here’s the equity built over the next 24 months:

Month	Equity Built
6	$7,800
12	$16,200
18	$25,100
24	$34,800

By month 30, you’ll have built $34,800 in equity, which is $10,200 less than if you had bought earlier at a higher rate. Even with a slightly lower monthly payment, the missed time for equity-building results in a smaller total gain.

Key Takeaways

Delaying your purchase means losing equity-building time. Even with a lower rate, the missed opportunity for principal paydown can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in equity over a short period.
When rates drop, prices typically rise. Ottawa’s real estate market tends to experience price surges when borrowing becomes cheaper, meaning any savings on interest are often offset by higher home prices.
Wealth in real estate comes from holding property long-term. The longer you own your home, the more equity you build through both principal paydown and potential price appreciation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re waiting for lower rates before buying your home in Ottawa, think carefully about the true cost of waiting. The sooner you start building equity, the better your long-term financial position will be. With the right strategy—and a trusted real estate advisor—you can navigate today’s market confidently and make a smart investment in your future.

If you have questions about whether now is the right time to buy or sell, contact us at Evans Real Estate Group. We’re here to help you make informed decisions that build lasting wealth.

Real Estate Sales

How to Sell Your Home in the Winter (and Win the Market)

Winter in Ottawa may seem like an unlikely time to sell, but it’s actually full of opportunities. With fewer listings, less competition, and motivated buyers braving the cold, you can position your home to stand out and shine.

Here’s how to make your winter sale a success:

1. Maximize Your Curb Appeal (Even in the Snow)

Snow and ice can hide your home’s best features. Keep pathways shoveled and salted, light up your entryway, and add evergreen wreaths or winter planters for a warm touch. Buyers should see your home as inviting, not frozen over.

2. Light is Your Best Friend

Winter days are short, and natural light is limited. Inside, open blinds, turn on all lights, and use warm-toned bulbs for a cozy glow. Outside, add pathway lights or soft spotlights to create a welcoming evening appeal.

3. Highlight Energy Efficiency

Ottawa winters remind buyers of heating bills. Showcase energy-efficient features like new windows, upgraded insulation, or a smart thermostat. These upgrades make a strong selling point in winter months.

4. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Make buyers feel right at home.

Turn up the heat (comfort matters).
Use seasonal décor—like a throw blanket or candles.
Offer warm touches during showings, like freshly baked cookies or hot drinks.

5. Work With a Market Expert

The winter market has fewer listings, but buyers are serious and ready to act. Having the right agent ensures you market your home effectively to attract motivated buyers and close on your terms.

Final Thoughts

Selling in winter doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right preparation and strategy, your home can stand out and sell for top dollar—even when the snow is falling.

📞 Contact me today to discover how we can make your winter sale a success!

Real Estate Sales

What Buyers Really Want: Energy-Efficient Homes

Did you know that energy-efficient homes are now topping the wish list for today’s buyers? With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, buyers are prioritizing efficiency—and sellers who adapt stand to gain big.

Why Buyers Care About Energy Efficiency

Rising energy costs make efficient homes more affordable immediately and over the long term. Lower monthly bills are a big selling point for buyers watching their budgets.
Environmental awareness is driving demand for greener living. More buyers want homes that reduce their carbon footprint.
Smart buyers see energy-efficient upgrades as an investment, not just a feature. For them, it’s about saving money, adding comfort, and protecting the planet—all at once.

Easy Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Sellers

If you’re planning to sell, you don’t have to break the bank to make your home more energy-efficient. Here are a few simple upgrades that buyers love:

LED Lighting: Replace outdated bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. They last longer and cut utility costs.
Improved Insulation: Focus on attics, basements, and walls—key areas where heat escapes.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Double or triple-pane windows reduce drafts and lower heating/cooling bills.
Smart Thermostats: These allow buyers to optimize energy usage and lower monthly costs with ease.
Major Upgrades: Solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and tankless water heaters are investments that truly stand out.

The Financial Impact

Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a selling point. Here’s why:

Homes with energy-efficient features often sell faster and for more money because buyers see the immediate and long-term value.
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that promise lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.

Why This Matters for Sellers

For homeowners looking to sell, energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re what buyers are actively searching for. Even small changes can make a big difference in attracting offers and increasing your home’s appeal.

Want to know how energy-efficient upgrades can boost your home’s value? Send me a message—I’d love to chat!

Real Estate Sales

Unlocking China: A Marketing Masterclass

Today I implemented a custom marketing plan to directly market one of my listings to Realtors in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

I knew that the Buyer would be a very unique one because of both the opportunity and the style of the home, so one of the suggestions I had was a direct marketing campaign to Realtors in China from three of the main cities that immigrate to Canada.

How did I do that?

To start, I did some research on what Chinese Buyers are looking for in a Country, City and Home, and how Ottawa was a great selection. Then I took my drafted marketing and framed it in a way to reflect all of those aspects a Chinese Buyer was looking for. Next, I took the reframed marketing on Canada, Ottawa and this particular home, combined it with favourable photos, and translated it carefully into both Mandarin and Cantonese. After this, I leveraged my REMAX network to identify the top producing agents and Broker Owners with highest producing brokerages, and sent them a personalized email in both English and their language of choice, with the Electronic Flyer in both languages.

Common sense, right?

Sure, it took some brainstorming, resources, careful attention and about 4 hours to put together – but this isn’t something other people can’t do.

What it comes down to is you really have to have pride in your work, and a job well done. If you’re one of the type of people that like to just get by with the bare minimum – than you may find this excessive. But, it you’re a person that values hard work focused in an effective manner, this might resonate with you.

This type of strategy is simply a Macro version of what a normal Targeted Marketing campaign looks like. Normally we identify the Buyer for a home and tailor the marketing for that one specific and ideal buyer, but in this case we simply took the same principles and applied it to a larger audience.

😉

Real Estate Investment

Buying Your First Investment Property

YES, it is true, Real Estate investing produces more millionaires than any other industry. But that doesn’t mean it’s dummy proof.

And YES, it is true, it’s hard to lose when it comes to Real Estate investing over the long term. But that doesn’t mean you CAN’T lose, or at least that some strategies are better than others.

So where do you start?

Well – here are some questions you need to consider.

How much money do you have?

How risky do you want to be?

Are you more interested in short term CASH or long term equity?

Do you want something turn key, or something that needs work?

How handy are you?

How much time do you have to put into this?

How big of a project are you comfortable taking on?

When you take the time to answer those questions you can really start to determine what works best for you.

For example. Lots of money, time and skills, willing to take on risk and looking for short term cash? Maybe we buy a house on a main street on a big lot where prices aren’t yet too crazy but rents are still high – and we build a wicked multi unit, rent it out, and flip it as a cash cow.

Little money, time and skills? Want as little risk as possible and ok with long term equity? Let’s buy a brand new apartment in the most steady location we can find and rent it out for 10 years.

Both could be your first investment – and one is SUPER ambitious and the other is pretty tame. Both are good.

Rather than list all the options, just answer all those questions and feel free to send me the answers for recommendations on investments that match your answers.

What’s the most popular 1st time investment in my experience you ask?

I’d say a purpose build duplex that could use some lipstick and that would fetch some great rents. That’s a pretty decent first step that gives you some low(ish) risk that will probably get you a little positive cash flow but will absolutely get you some nice equity over the long term.

The MOST IMPORTANT part to Real Estate Investing? START.

Honestly, that’s it. Even slightly sub par investment will pay off big time if you hold it long enough, but what’s undeniable is that when you own Real Estate you have more options. If you have a property that builds some decent equity, once that mortgage is due you can refinance it and pull out some money to invest in more Real Estate – and it snowballs from there.

If you want to have a talk about how to get in the game, send me a message and I’ll be happy to talk 🙂

Real Estate - ANALYSIS, Suburb Series

The Impact of 4 Rate Reductions on Prices

Have the prices gone up since the rates went down?

I looked at prices of the median residential home across the major suburbs in Ottawa within 10 days of the past 4 rate reductions to track, if any, the impact on prices.

Here’s what I found.

Question: Have the prices gone up since the rates went down?

Hypothesis: Yes, I bet they went up a bit.

Research:

Baseline: April 10th +10 days = Median Price of $691,000

Now let’s start lowering rates and see what happened!

June 5th impact? $695,000 ok. small but fair

July 24th? $672,000 probably just a one-off

Sept 4th? $680,000 better, but still lower than baseline

Oct 23rd? $677,000 that’s really weird, rates dropped .5%

Analysis: Well, it looks like in this particular instance, the prices have NOT gone up since the rates went down. Technically, they also went down.

Conclusion: In Ottawa’s suburbs, prices for residential properties have NOT gone up since the rates have started to come down. I believe this is really due to the financially conservative nature of the residents given the drop in values we saw after the Covid bubble. We’re not used to big swings in value like that, and I think it put us on our heels. People are still being very careful with their spending.

There you have it. I’m honestly surprised as I at least suspected a 20K rise in the average price. Nothing big, but enough to show that people are at least opening up their pocket books just a little more.

Seems that’s not the case.

If you have any questions let me know 🙂

Thought Process - THOUGHT PROVOKING

Multi-Generational Living doesn’t mean be a Loser.

If your adult child is still living in your house, and it’s causing them to miss out on major life milestones and delay their development of basic life skills – that’s YOUR FAULT.

I get it – it’s a Hard Knock Life, but that’s no excuse to not properly develop as a functioning adult.

I’m fortunate enough to see a LOT of different living arrangements, including multi generational ones, and I’ve seen at last 10 different cultures do their best at it. The ONE common denominator for those that seemed to have done it properly and raised their adult children like functioning members of society is GOOD PARENTING. I’ve seen some parents ensure their kids are responsible, they work, they study, the help around the house and at least carry their weight – and I’ve seen parents let their kids freeload.

Believe me – letting them live at home is NOT the problem.

Bad parenting is.

According to recent reports from CMHC, millennials are having a tougher and tougher time affording homes. Property prices are rising faster than wages are, and massive student debt payments are sucking them dry.

That makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is letting your kid turn into a basement dwelling troll that doesn’t know how to function in society.

I know PLENTY of Millenials in their 20’s and even young 30’s that are still at home with their parents who are complete MACHINES, and frankly… who are blessed with INCREDIBLE parents that put forth their very best efforts to ensure their kids are shaping up to be excellent humans.

What do you think?

Market Update, Real Estate Financing

Lower Rates = More Money in Your Pocket

As we move into late October, there is growing optimism in the financial world regarding interest rates. Many forecasters are eyeing a potential decrease of 0.25% to 0.5% in variable mortgage rates, creating a buzz about what this could mean for home buyers and sellers here in Ottawa.

For potential home buyers, lower mortgage rates represent a golden opportunity. A decrease in rates can reduce monthly payments significantly, allowing you to stretch your budget and potentially afford a more comfortable home. For example, on a $100,000 mortgage, a drop to 4.75% could save you around $15 a month compared to the current 5.0% rate. If rates fall to 4.5%, that savings could reach nearly $30 per month! This could be the deciding factor that helps you move from window shopping to actually closing on your dream home.

Sellers, too, should take note of these potential changes. Lower rates might attract more buyers to the market, as affordability increases. More buyers often mean a faster sale and potentially greater interest in your property, leading to better offers. With a competitive environment, carefully staging your home and pricing it right can leverage these favorable conditions to your advantage.

In conclusion, as we await the next Bank of Canada announcement, keep a close eye on interest rates. Whether buying or selling, now is a great time to strategize and prepare for a market that could become more favorable with a potential rate drop. The landscape is shifting, and there’s no time like the present to take action in the Ottawa real estate market!