Hey friend,

I’ve got a story for you that still has me shaking my head. It’s about how my new Google Pixel Smartwatch probably saved my life. And no, this isn’t some ad—it’s just the truth.

I ordered the watch during Black Friday sales. One of its fancy features is that it can monitor your ECG and detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Cool, right? But I honestly thought, “This thing’s just a glorified gadget.”

Turns out, it’s smarter than I gave it credit for.

For weeks, it kept pinging me with warnings about possible AFib. I ignored it—because I felt fine! No symptoms, no issues, nothing. I thought, “What does a watch know about my heart?”

But then, one day, curiosity got the better of me. I started reading up on the watch’s accuracy (apparently, it’s right 98.2% of the time). That got me thinking, so I decided to check my pulse manually. Something was definitely off—it was racing like I’d just sprinted up a hill.

Finally, I gave in and went to the emergency room.

The triage nurse took one feel of my pulse and said, “You’re in AFib. Let’s get you a bed right now.” My heart rate was doing cartwheels at 150 beats per minute, and I was whisked off for tests. It was serious, but thankfully, I was in the right place.

Now, I’m working with a cardiologist to figure out the best treatment plan. I’m still in shock, honestly—there were no obvious symptoms, but that little watch wouldn’t stop nudging me until I listened.

I’ve been a ski patroller for decades, and I’ve seen what AFib can do to people. I’ve done CPR on folks who didn’t know they had it. Some even passed away because they didn’t catch it in time. Knowing that I’m one of the lucky ones? It’s humbling.

So, yeah—big shoutout to geeky tech. It’s the reason I’m here to tell this story.

Why a Mortgage Broker Is Your Financial “Smartwatch”

This whole experience got me thinking about the importance of listening to experts—whether it’s a watch that knows your heart or a professional who knows mortgages inside and out.

For over a decade, I’ve been a Mortgage Broker here in Collingwood, Ontario. Helping people navigate the twists and turns of mortgage financing has been my passion. I’ve also got deep roots in real estate, thanks to my family’s long history in the industry.

Here’s why I think working with a broker (like me!) can make your life a whole lot easier:

1. I Have the Experience You Need With more than 35 years as a ski patroller and over a decade helping folks with mortgages, I’ve seen it all. Whether it’s helping first-time homebuyers or tackling tricky refinancing situations, I’ve got the knowledge and patience to guide you.

2. You Get Access to 80+ Lenders

From big banks to credit unions to private lenders, I can shop around to find the best rates and terms for you. Sometimes your current bank is the best choice—sometimes it isn’t. Either way, I’ll help you figure it out.

3. It Costs You Nothing

Here’s the kicker: my services are completely free to you. Lenders pay me a small commission, so you get expert advice without any extra fees.

4. Personalized Service

Every client’s situation is unique, and I treat it that way. I’ll explain your options in plain English, answer your questions, and maybe even throw in a cheeky joke or two (because why not make mortgages a little fun?).

5. I’m With You for the Long Haul

Need help down the road? Want to explore refinancing or have questions about your mortgage? I’ll be there for you—not just during the process but long after.

Wrap-Up

Just like my smartwatch kept nudging me until I paid attention, having a trusted Mortgage Broker in your corner is like having someone look out for you in the confusing world of financing.

If you’re looking to buy, refinance, or renew your mortgage, give me a shout. Together, we’ll find the best deal for you, save you some stress, and maybe even have a laugh along the way.

Stay healthy, stay smart—and listen to the things (and people) that have your back.

Stuart Lessels

Your “Go To” Mortgage Broker for Georgian Bay and beyond

📧stuart@housenow.ca

📞 (705) 445-1234

Feel free to share this with your clients and colleagues. It’s always good to stay informed and be prepared for what’s coming next in the market! 😊

P.S. If you need any mortgage advice or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help all across Ontario! 🏡📞

2025 Predictions for the Canadian Housing Market and Interest Rates

Welcome to 2025! The Canadian housing market is still buzzing with excitement and guesses about what’s next. Whether you own a home, are thinking about buying one, investing in real estate, or helping others buy homes, knowing what’s coming can help you make smart choices. Let’s dive into what we might see this year—with a few laughs along the way!

Housing Market Trends

Canada’s housing market has been pretty tough to shake off in the past few years, and 2025 looks like it’s sticking around for a while. Here are some cool trends to keep an eye on:

• Still Lots of People Want Homes People are still eager to buy homes, thanks to more people moving to cities, wanting their own place, and the population growing. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal will stay busy, making it a bit of a race to buy homes and pushing prices up.

• Moving to the Suburbs and Countryside More folks are moving away from crowded cities to quieter suburbs and rural areas. Thanks to the pandemic, remote work is here to stay, and people are looking for bigger homes and a nicer lifestyle outside the hustle and bustle.

• Eco-Friendly Homes Are In Being green is trendy! More homebuyers want houses that are good for the environment and save energy. Builders are catching on and adding eco-friendly features to meet this demand.

• Tech is Changing Real Estate Technology is making buying and selling homes easier. Think virtual tours, online mortgage applications (which I already use! 😄), and digital paperwork. These techy tools are making the whole process smoother and faster.

Interest Rate Forecast

Interest rates are super important because they affect how much your mortgage will cost. Here’s what to expect in 2025:

• Rates Might Go Up Slowly After a long time of super low rates, the Bank of Canada might start to raise them a bit to keep things balanced. Even small increases can make your mortgage payments a little higher, so it’s something to watch.

• Mortgage Renewals Could Be Pricier If your mortgage is up for renewal in 2025, you might see higher rates than when you first got your loan. It’s a good idea to start planning now to find the best rates and terms for your renewal.

• Choosing Between Variable and Fixed Rates Deciding between a variable rate (which can change) and a fixed rate (which stays the same) is still a big choice. Variable rates might be cheaper at first but can go up, while fixed rates give you stability and peace of mind.

Why Choose a Mortgage Broker?

Navigating the housing market and all the mortgage options can feel like trying to solve a tricky puzzle. Here’s how a Mortgage Broker can help—and maybe even make it fun:

• Lots of Lenders to Choose From, I work with over 80 lenders, including big banks, credit unions, and private lenders. This means I can find the best rates and terms just for you.
• Personalized Help I get that everyone’s financial situation is different. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or renewing your mortgage, I offer advice that fits your unique needs.
• No Cost to You My services are free! Lenders pay me a commission, so you get expert help without spending extra money.
• Expert Negotiation I negotiate with lenders to get you the best deal, including lower interest rates and better terms. Think of me as your personal mortgage superhero!
• Ongoing Support I’m here for you not just once, but throughout your mortgage journey. Need advice or have questions? I’ve got your back.

Conclusion

2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the Canadian housing market and interest rates.

Whether you’re buying a new home, renewing your mortgage, or thinking about refinancing, staying informed will help you make the best choices. Remember, the best deal might be with your current bank or someone new. With access to over 80 lenders, I’m here to help you find the best deal possible, all for free!

Feel free to reach out to me anytime to chat about your mortgage needs. Let’s make 2025 a fantastic and prosperous year together!

Stuart Lessels

Your “Go To” Mortgage Broker for Georgian Bay and beyond

📧stuart@housenow.ca

📞 (705) 445-1234

As the festive season is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year is all about joy, reflection, and togetherness. It's also a perfect opportunity to share a personal story and some valuable insights into understanding for each of us.

A Lesson in Understanding

It’s been quite a while since my “sheltered” upbringing in Craigleith and Thornbury. At 15, while working as a ski instructor, I had an eye-opening experience that has stayed with me ever since. One day, I was riding the chairlift with a younger student and asked him what he got for Christmas. To my surprise, he told me he didn't celebrate Christmas but Hanukkah. I was embarrassed by my lack of awareness and humbled by his explanation of Hanukkah. This experience taught me the importance of understanding and respecting our differences. It’s a lesson that has never lost its importance on me, and it makes me appreciate living in Canada where I get to embrace many different cultures and backgrounds.

Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes

I want to wish you and your family a joyous and festive holiday season. Let's take this time to celebrate our differences, learn from each other, and come together in the spirit of understanding and togetherness. Here's to a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Stuart Lessels

Your “Go To” Mortgage Broker for Georgian Bay and beyond

stuart@housenow.ca

(705) 445-1234

Feel free to share this with your clients and colleagues. It’s always good to stay informed and be prepared for what’s coming next in the market! 😊

P.S. If you need any mortgage advice or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help all across Ontario! 🏡📞