Shelley Podolinsky - RBC Royal Bank Mobile Mortgage Specialist

02/18/2026

Canada’s housing crisis is a hot topic and consistently grabbing headlines. If you have adult children looking to live on their own, or aging parents looking to downsize, housing availability is likely a major issue that’s affecting your family.

02/16/2026

Sometimes the difference between a good home and a great home is a little TLC. But taking on the responsibility of making updates isn’t for everyone. Read on to decide whether a fixer upper or a move-in ready home is right for you.

If you’re looking for an affordable home, buying a fixer-upper can be a smart way to save money. But it can also be a money pit if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s how to determine whether a fixer-upper or move-in ready home is right for you. What is a fixer-upper? A fixer-upper is any

02/14/2026

With so much at stake, buying a home is a decision you want to make with confidence. No one wants a home they love to become a source of financial or emotional stress. Read our guide covering all the key factors to know if a house is a good investment for you.

With so much at stake, buying a home, especially your first one, is a decision you want to make with confidence. By considering all the key factors, including your own financial readiness, your future plans, the market and the property itself, you will know if a house is a good investment. Your pers...

02/12/2026

Understand the difference between fixed vs. variable mortgage rates, including the pros and cons of each so you can decide which one is best for you.

If you’ve begun looking into your home financing options, you’re likely wondering the difference between a fixed vs. variable mortgage rate. That’s because these are the two most common types of home loans offered in Canada. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can weigh up your opt...

01/20/2026

Whether the motivation is financial, lifestyle or mobility related, the bottom line is that many older adults are leaving their family homes for something smaller. Just because it’s the popular thing to do, doesn’t mean it’s the only option.

HGTV Canada's Bryan and Sarah Baeumler share ways to keep you in your home longer as you age.

01/19/2026

A buyer representation agreement can help to protect your interests in the buying process. This guide breaks down how they shape your relationship with your agent.

A representation agreement is an important document to take seriously, but it’s not to be feared. Understanding what you’re signing lets you move ahead confidently, knowing that you’re protected and have an agent who’s going to work hard to help you buy a new home. Let’s explore how to dec...

01/18/2026

Home price is almost always negotiable. Our guide gives you tips on how to balance your needs against a seller’s motivations to put yourself in the best position possible.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you may be wondering how to negotiate a house price. By understanding how much you can afford, your needs, the market and the seller’s motivations, you can put your best foot forward in coming to a deal that suits everyone involved. How to negotiate house ...

01/17/2026

Buying a home in winter: Did you know the real estate market is quieter during winter? Cold weather and holiday-season distractions keep many people on the sidelines until the spring, but there are opportunities for determined buyers. Learn how to take advantage and find the right home for you.

If you’re buying a home in winter, you may have noticed that there is less market activity, likely due to weather conditions, limited daylight and holiday-season distractions. However, by knowing the advantages, disadvantages and factors to consider, you can make sure you find the right home for y...

01/16/2026

Your personal goals, financial situation and where you want to live can help determine whether it makes more financial sense for you to rent or buy. This article provides key factors to think through as you plan for your future.

Home ownership has long been recognized as one of the pillars of a successful adulthood. However, with market conditions as they are, you may be wondering whether it’s better to continue rent vs own a home. And the answer is not one-size-fits-all. By knowing the factors to consider, you can take y...

01/15/2026

Knowing when a house was built can help you to anticipate future repairs or renovations, but that information won’t always appear in the listing. Our guide provides pointers for determining a home’s age when it isn’t readily available.

Knowing how to find out when a house was built can be a useful piece of intel for homebuyers and owners. Not only does the construction date provide a historical and stylistic context of the home, but from a practical perspective it can also help you to anticipate maintenance requirements and repair...

11/17/2025

What does condition mean when buying a house? Conditions, also known as contingencies, outline the terms of your offer to a seller. Learn more about common conditions and what it means when an offer is conditional.

If you’re buying a home and are about to enter the negotiation period, your real estate agent may have helped you to pull together a purchase agreement, which includes the terms of your offer. In the homebuying process, these are referred to as “conditions” and they can be used to define the s...

11/16/2025

It’s easy to get distracted during a home tour, which is why it helps to go in prepared. Use our checklist to keep your priorities in line and make sure you’re getting an accurate impression of any property you visit.

These days many of us are looking for potential properties online, so the first impression of a new home happens before you even step inside. You might have a good feeling about a property before you go to see it, especially if the listing has beautifully staged photos, a lovely view, or a new