Jamie Small, AMP, Mortgage Agent

Jamie Small, AMP, Mortgage Agent Ottawa mortgage broker since 2008.

Jamie leads an experienced team delivering customized solutions, exceptional service, and a seamless mortgage experience from start to finish.

๐Ÿ“ฌ Your inbox doesn't need more noise. It needs better information.That's why I've created three curated newsletters, eac...
08/31/2026

๐Ÿ“ฌ Your inbox doesn't need more noise. It needs better information.

That's why I've created three curated newsletters, each designed with a different audience in mind:

๐Ÿก Home Buyers
๐Ÿค Realtors
๐Ÿ“ˆ Financial Advisors

No gimmicky giveaways. No endless list of articles to work through. Just carefully selected, practical insights on the Ottawa housing and mortgage market, along with strategies and information relevant to you.

The goal is simple: to deliver value, not volume.

Want in? Click the Send Message button and let us know which newsletter you'd like to receive: BUYER, REALTOR or ADVISOR. We'll take it from there.





Most homeowners know they have equity in their home. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Fewer know just how many ways it can work for them.Home equity is...
08/27/2026

Most homeowners know they have equity in their home. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Fewer know just how many ways it can work for them.

Home equity isn't just for renovations. It can also help you consolidate debt, generate rental income, invest in real estate, fund a business, prepare for retirement, support your family, or create a financial safety net. โœจ

The important part isn't simply accessing your equity. It's using it strategically and making sure it aligns with your long-term financial goals.

Swipe through for 9 smart ways homeowners are putting their equity to work.

๐Ÿ“– Want to dive deeper? Read our latest blog to learn more about each strategy, including when they make sense, what to consider before borrowing, and how to determine the right approach for your financial goals.

๐Ÿ”— https://www.jamiesmall.com/index.php/blog/post/330/think-before-you-borrow-strategic-ways-to-use-home-equity

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

๐Ÿ“ˆ Fixed mortgage rates are feeling some upward pressure this month.Bond yields have been climbing, and many lenders have...
08/24/2026

๐Ÿ“ˆ Fixed mortgage rates are feeling some upward pressure this month.

Bond yields have been climbing, and many lenders have responded by nudging fixed rates higher. Behind that movement are two key factors: inflation ticked up in July, and Canadaโ€™s job market posted another strong month.

So, does that mean rates are headed significantly higher? Not necessarily.

The bigger picture is more nuanced, and one factor in particular continues to have an outsized impact: oil prices and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

For borrowers, this is a good reminder that the lowest advertised rate doesnโ€™t always tell the full story. Your mortgage type, term, lender and overall strategy all matter.

๐Ÿก Renewing, refinancing or considering a purchase? Reach out to our team. We can help you understand whatโ€™s changing and what makes sense for your situation.

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

Buying your first home is exciting, but one small mistake before you even start shopping could cost you.Your credit scor...
08/21/2026

Buying your first home is exciting, but one small mistake before you even start shopping could cost you.

Your credit score plays a major role in the mortgage options available to you. It's not just about having "good credit." It's also about how you've managed it in the months leading up to your application.

A few common mistakes we see include:
โœ”๏ธ Missing a payment
โœ”๏ธ Carrying high credit card balances
โœ”๏ธ Applying for multiple new credit accounts
โœ”๏ธ Closing long-standing credit cards

The good news? Most of these are completely avoidable with a little planning.

This is just one of the four biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make.

Read the full blog to learn about the other three common pitfalls and how to set yourself up for a smoother homebuying journey.

๐Ÿ”— https://www.jamiesmall.com/index.php/blog/post/324/first-time-homebuyer-mistakes-to-avoid

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

๐Ÿ“Š Ottawaโ€™s July housing numbers point to a market that may be finding a little more balance heading into the second half...
08/19/2026

๐Ÿ“Š Ottawaโ€™s July housing numbers point to a market that may be finding a little more balance heading into the second half of summer.

Sales fell 12.7% from June, but hereโ€™s the interesting part: over the past decade, the typical June-to-July decline has been 20.7%. In other words, Ottawa held onto more of its spring activity than we usually see. ๐Ÿก

There were also a few encouraging signs beneath the headline numbers:

๐Ÿ“ˆ Year-to-date sales are now 5.2% behind 2025, narrowing the gap from 6.1% at the end of June. So far this year, 8,288 homes have changed hands, representing approximately $5.8 billion in sales.

โš–๏ธ The sales-to-new-listings ratio improved from 48.8% in June to 52.4% in July as sales held up relatively well and fewer new listings came to market.

For buyers, this continues to look like a market with choice, but one where conditions can vary significantly depending on property type and location.

If youโ€™re considering a purchase, the numbers are only part of the equation. Understanding your financing options and buying power before you start looking can put you in a much stronger position.

Reach out to our team for expert insight and mortgage planning guidance tailored to your goals:

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

Your home is more than just a place to live. ๐Ÿ‘‰ It can also be a powerful financial tool, when used strategically. ๐Ÿก Whet...
08/07/2026

Your home is more than just a place to live. ๐Ÿ‘‰ It can also be a powerful financial tool, when used strategically.

๐Ÿก Whether you're thinking about renovating, investing, consolidating debt, or helping fund a child's education, borrowing against your home equity isn't a decision to make lightly. The right strategy can move you closer to your financial goals. The wrong one can cost you.

Our latest blog explores when using home equity makes sense, the questions you should ask first, and how to make a decision that fits your long-term plans.

๐Ÿ“– Read the full blog and discover how to make your home equity work for you, not against you.

๐Ÿ”— https://www.jamiesmall.com/index.php/blog/post/330/think-before-you-borrow-strategic-ways-to-use-home-equity

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

08/04/2026

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ New to Canada and wondering if homeownership is still years away?

It might be closer than you think.

Every year, we help newcomers navigate Canada's mortgage system and successfully purchase their first home. While the process can seem overwhelming at first, with the right guidance it's often much more achievable than people expect.

Here's a quick look at what lenders are typically looking for:
โœ”๏ธ Your residency status
โœ”๏ธ Your credit history (or international credit)
โœ”๏ธ The minimum down payment to get started

If you've already made the big move to Canada, let's talk about the next one.

๐Ÿ“ž Reach out to our team for a no-obligation conversation about your options. We'll help you understand where you stand today and what steps can move you closer to owning a home.

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

Many buyers choose to wait until they have a 20% down payment so they can avoid paying Mortgage Default Insurance.It's a...
07/31/2026

Many buyers choose to wait until they have a 20% down payment so they can avoid paying Mortgage Default Insurance.

It's a logical strategy ๐Ÿ‘‰ But it's not always the most affordable one.

While the insurance premium is a one-time cost that's added to your mortgage, waiting 2 to 3 years could mean paying tens of thousands more if home prices continue to rise. ๐Ÿก ๐Ÿ“ˆ

๐Ÿงฎ The only way to know which option makes the most financial sense is to run the numbers for your specific situation.

If you're deciding whether to buy now or wait, reach out to our team. We'll compare both scenarios and help you make an informed decision with confidence. ๐Ÿค

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929





Fixed or Variable? Here's the question everyone asks. ๐ŸกThere isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.A fixed-rate mortgage offe...
07/28/2026

Fixed or Variable? Here's the question everyone asks. ๐Ÿก

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

A fixed-rate mortgage offers stability and predictable payments. A variable-rate mortgage has historically cost borrowers less over the long term, but comes with more uncertainty. The right choice depends on your finances, your comfort with risk, and your future plans.

In our latest blog, we break down:
โœ… The pros and cons of each option
โœ… The real trade-offs beyond just the interest rate
โœ… A practical self-assessment to help you determine which mortgage type fits your situation

If you're weighing your options, this is a great place to start.

๐Ÿ“– Read the full blog at https://www.jamiesmall.com/index.php/blog/post/328/fixed-vs.-variable-rate-mortgages-which-one-is-right-for-you

When you're ready, reach out to our team. We'll help you compare today's rates, explain the trade-offs, and find the mortgage strategy that makes the most sense for your goals.

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐Ÿ“ฒ 613-797-1929

Address

500-2725 Queensview Drive
Ottawa, ON
K2B0A1

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+16137971929

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