Hey Everyone,
We’ve spent the last six months talking about the "buyer's market."
We’ve watched inventory climb and prices soften.
But the data just shifted, and if you’re still waiting for the "perfect bottom," you might be walking into a trap.
The trap I see many falling into is “Waiting for Spring 2026"
Major forecasts, including the latest report from Re/Max (Re/Max predicts a 2026 housing market rebound as sales volume climbs 3.4%.) , are now officially calling for a housing market rebound in 2026.
The narrative seems to be shifting in that national home sales are projected to climb as buyers finally come off the sidelines, driven by the cumulative effect of rate cuts.
Here’s the problem: The herd is slow.
Most buyers are still sitting on their hands, waiting for Spring 2026 to see if rates drop another 0.25%. But by the time they move, the inventory advantage we have today will be gone.
Right now, active inventory is up (~7% year-over-year in October), giving you leverage. Come spring that leverage might evaporate into bidding wars.
Buying now means securing the price before the crowd wakes up.
Okay, so you buy now to beat the rush. But how do you finance it without getting stuck on the wrong side of the Bank of Canada?
This is where the Variable Rate shines, not just for the potential rate drop, but for the exit strategy.
In a market that is still finding its footing, the Variable rate is the ultimate hedge:
The "3-Month" Escape Hatch: This is the real secret. Fixed mortgages can come with massive penalties (Interest Rate Differential) if you need to break them early. Variable mortgages generally come with a simple 3-month interest penalty.
Why this matters now: You can buy the home today to lock in the price and take a variable rate to ride the potential cuts. If the bond market offers an irresistible fixed rate next year? You pay a tiny penalty and lock it in then.
You aren't married to the rate: With a fixed term, you are committed until 2028 or 2030. With a variable, you are just dating the rate. You keep your options open while securing the asset today.
You can’t lose by acting now, but you can lose by waiting for the crowd to return in 2026. Use the Variable rate to keep your options open, but don't let the "perfect rate" distract you from the right price.
The Play:
Don’t gamble on December 10th. The next Bank of Canada announcement is just a couple weeks away. Waiting is not a strategy; a rate hold is.
Lock in a killer Variable rate. It buys you stability today and flexibility tomorrow.
Beat the 2026 Rebound. The best time to buy isn't when everyone else is buying. It's right now.
So while everyone else is eagerly writing letters to Santa asking for new bikes and hot tubs, write a letter to your favourite Mortgage Broker (me!) and ask for a rate hold.
Then you can find out who really delivers come Xmas, me or the guy in the red suit.
(P.S I also like milk & cookies).
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
-Andrew
Text me, right now! 250-919-5474
I don’t say this on a whim, I’m serious, if you text me now, I can show you exactly where you stand within a few hours. No stress, no pressure, no obligation.
Just a simple text that can put you at ease.