Jenn Story-Mortgage Agent YMTG- Mortgage Alliance Lic #10530

08/05/2026

What a beautiful token of appreciation from some amazing clients, this 100% made my day💜

07/13/2026

Something you may want to look into for that second unit in your home!!

Oxford County is currently accepting applications for My Second Unit, a funding program that helps homeowners add a rental unit, like a basement apartment, to their home.

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $30,000 in an interest-free, forgivable loan to cover construction costs.

Funding is limited and will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis. Learn more at www.oxfordcounty.ca/mysecondunit

07/09/2026

This property is definitely priced to sell!! The reason for no interior pictures is because it is currently a rental so it’s occupied and they couldn’t get in, if you are interested in having a look at this property located in Ingersoll please contact Tammy Todd or one of our amazing local Real Estate Agent!!

06/17/2026

🏡 Mortgage Market Update – Ingersoll & Area

If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what happens with mortgage rates, you're not alone.

The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% in June, bringing some stability to variable-rate mortgages. While fixed rates continue to fluctuate with the bond market, many buyers and homeowners are finding that today's market offers more opportunities and less competition than we've seen in recent years.

For homebuyers, this can mean:
✅ More inventory to choose from
✅ More negotiating power
✅ Less pressure to make rushed decisions
✅ Opportunities to secure financing before rates change again

For homeowners with upcoming renewals, now is the time to review your options. Many Canadians are facing renewals at rates higher than what they locked in years ago, making a proactive mortgage review more important than ever.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, refinancing, or renewing, every situation is unique. A quick conversation can help you understand what today's market means for your goals and what options may be available.

If you have questions about the current mortgage market in Ingersoll, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, or anywhere in Oxford County and surrounding areas, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

📞 Jenn Story 519-200-8481 or [email protected]

Helping People Get Home.

10/30/2025

The Bank of Canada announced yesterday that it is reducing its benchmark interest rate to 2.25% from 2.50%. This marks the second rate cut this fall and reflects the Bank’s expert interpretation of current economic data and trending conditions.

We summarize the Bank’s observations and its outlook below.

Canadian Economic Performance Amid Tariffs
Canada’s economy contracted by 1.6% in the second quarter, reflecting a drop in exports and weak business investment amid heightened uncertainty – even though household spending grew at a healthy pace
U.S. trade actions and related uncertainty are having “severe effects” on targeted sectors including autos, steel, aluminum, and lumber
As a result, GDP growth is expected to be weak in the second half of the year
Growth will get “some support” from rising consumer and government spending and residential investment, and then pick up gradually as exports and business investment begin to recover
Canadian Labour Market
Canada’s labour market remains soft; employment gains in September followed two months of sizeable losses
Job losses continue to increase in trade-sensitive sectors and hiring has been weak across the economy
The unemployment rate remained at 7.1% in September and wage growth has slowed
Slower population growth means fewer new jobs are needed to keep the employment rate steady
Canadian Inflation
Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) was 2.4% in September, slightly higher than the Bank had anticipated
Inflation excluding taxes was 2.9%
The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation have been “sticky” around 3%
Expanding the range of indicators to include alternative measures of core inflation and the distribution of price changes among CPI components suggests underlying inflation remains around 2.5%
The Bank expects inflationary pressures to ease in the months ahead and CPI inflation to remain near 2% over its projection horizon
Global Economic Performance
In the United States, economic activity has been strong, supported by AI investments
At the same time, U.S. employment growth has slowed and tariffs have started to push up U.S. consumer prices
Growth in the euro area is decelerating due to weaker exports and slowing domestic demand
In China, lower exports to the United States have been offset by higher exports to other countries, but business investment has weakened
Global financial conditions have eased further since July and oil prices have been fairly stable
The Canadian dollar has depreciated slightly against the US dollar
Rationale for Today’s Rate Cut
With ongoing weakness in the economy and inflation expected to remain close to the Bank’s 2% target, its Governing Council decided to cut its policy rate by 25 basis points. If inflation and economic activity evolve broadly in line with its October projection, Governing Council sees the current policy rate at “about the right level” to keep inflation close to 2% while helping the economy through this period of structural adjustment. This statement is likely to temper expectations of further rate cuts in the near term.

Return of Projections
With the effects of U.S. trade actions on economic growth and inflation now somewhat clearer, the Bank has returned to its usual practice of providing a projection for the global and Canadian economies in its Monetary Policy Report (MPR). However, because U.S. trade policy remains unpredictable and uncertainty is still higher than normal, this projection is subject to a wider-than-usual range of risks.

Growth Outlook
The Bank projects Canada’s GDP will grow by 1.2% in 2025, 1.1% in 2026 and 1.6% in 2027. On a quarterly basis, the Bank estimates that growth will strengthen in 2026 after a weak second half of this year. Excess capacity in the economy is expected to persist and be taken up gradually.

In its MPR projection, the global economy slows from about 3.25% in 2025 to about 3% in 2026 and 2027.

Final comments
The Bank noted that the Canadian economy faces a difficult transition. The “structural damage” caused by the trade conflict reduces the capacity of the economy and adds costs. This limits the role that monetary policy can play to boost demand while maintaining low inflation. The Bank says it is focused on ensuring that Canadians continue to have confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval and underscored that if its outlook changes, it is prepared to respond as it assesses incoming data carefully relative to its forecast.

Additionally, the Bank said that while the global economy has been resilient to the historic rise in U.S. tariffs so far, the impact is becoming more evident. Trade relationships are being reconfigured and ongoing trade tensions are dampening investment in many countries.

Next scheduled BOC rate announcement
The Bank is scheduled to make its next (and final 2025) interest rate announcement on December 10th. First National’s executive summary will follow. In the meantime, please visit the Resources page of this website for other important insights.

10/03/2025

Friday Mortgage Minute!

Canada’s housing market isn’t standing still, and that means opportunities may be opening for those who are ready. According to CMHC’s Fall 2025 Housing Supply Report, the total number of new homes started in early 2025 remained consistent with levels seen in 2024. However, what’s being built is starting to shift. More rental units and ground-level homes are coming to market, while new condo activity is slowing down in many major cities.

Resale listings are also up nearly 9% year-over-year, giving potential buyers more choice and creating chances to enter or move within the market. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, affordability, or a better fit for your lifestyle, this may be a smart time to revisit your goals and explore what’s possible.

What About Rates and Affordability?
Affordability remains a top concern across Canada. Inflation continues to be influenced by factors like energy costs, tariffs, and government spending — all of which the Bank of Canada is watching closely. These pressures affect variable mortgage rates, and any potential future rate cuts will depend on how inflation and the broader economy evolve over the coming months.

Fixed mortgage rates work a little differently. They tend to move with government bond yields, which can shift quickly based on global markets and investor confidence. That means fixed rates can rise or fall with little notice.

This is why it’s so important to explore your options and consider securing a rate hold early. Locking in a rate can protect you from future increases, while still giving you the flexibility to adjust if rates go down before your mortgage closes. The right mortgage strategy can help you stay ahead, no matter which direction the market moves.

09/25/2025

✨ Thinking about buying a home? ✨
Getting preapproved for a mortgage is one of the most important first steps! It gives you a clear idea of what you qualify for, helps you shop with confidence, and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

📩 Contact me today to see what you qualify for and start your journey to homeownership! I can be reached directly at 519-200-8481 or via email [email protected]

06/29/2025

🚨 New listing alert 🚨

🏡 Just Listed – Country-Style Bungalow Retreat in Courtland
537 Highway 3, Norfolk (Courtland), ON • MLS® X12197475
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🔹 Price: $875,000
🔹 Bedrooms: 3 + possible office/4th bedroom
🔹 Bathrooms: 2
🔹 Style: Detached bungalow (~1,500–2,000 sq ft)
🔹 Lot: Nearly 1 acre of serene landscaped grounds

✨ Highlights You’ll Love:
• Extensively renovated in the past 6 years – same level as brand new ()
• Chef’s dream kitchen: quartz counters, KitchenAid appliances, large island
• Energy-smart features: in-floor heating in mudroom/laundry/powder rooms, fiber‑optic & smart home ready
• Detached garage (2023): 100‑amp service, mold-resistant flooring, matching metal roof
• Custom California shutters, new metal roof, windows, updated plumbing, electrical & HVAC
• Finished basement: family room, bedroom with walk-in closet, versatile office space
• Outdoor oasis: flagstone fire‑pit path, mature trees, invisible dog fence, full rural privacy

📅 Open House:
Sunday, June 29 • 1 – 3 pm

Why It Stands Out:
Enjoy the best of both worlds: luxury, modern comfort in a peaceful country setting, yet close to all conveniences. Ideal for families, pet lovers, remote-work lifestyles, or anyone craving space and style without compromise.

📞 Interested?
Contact Susan Jones -Realtor - to book a tour or learn more.
Listed by Century 21 Heritage House Ltd. Brokerage

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Take the next step toward your dream country home — this gem won’t last long!