Get Your Mortgage / Shane MacDonald

Get Your Mortgage / Shane MacDonald Dedicated to helping clients secure the best possible mortgage solutions tailored to their goals. My process: accurate, clear, and timely answers.

My priority is simple: getting you the most value while making the process smooth and stress-free.

Rates have come down… but it doesn’t feel like it. Here’s why.The Bank of Canada held its rate at 2.25% today, which was...
04/29/2026

Rates have come down… but it doesn’t feel like it. Here’s why.

The Bank of Canada held its rate at 2.25% today, which was expected.

They’re essentially in a wait-and-see mode right now. Inflation ticked up in March, mostly due to higher energy costs, so instead of moving rates, they’re waiting to see if that continues or settles back down.

If things settle in the Middle East, we could see mortgage rates start to ease later this year or into early next year. If not, ongoing pressure on energy prices could keep inflation elevated, which makes it harder for fixed mortgage rates to come down in the near term.

From a mortgage standpoint, this is where things get confusing.

Variable rates have come down quite a bit over the past year. The Bank of Canada rate was around 5% in April 2024, dropped to 2.75% by April 2025, and now sits at 2.25%, so payments today are noticeably lower than they were.

Fixed rates have not dropped nearly as much because they are based on bond yields. That is why they still feel relatively high compared to variable rates.

Over the past couple of months, we have also seen fixed rates edge up slightly. With the conflict in the Middle East pushing energy prices higher, bond yields have risen, which has added upward pressure on fixed mortgage rates.

When you look at the housing market, it tells a similar story.

Across Canada, the average home price has gone from about $679,866 in April 2025 to around $673,084 today, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. Even with lower rates, prices have softened slightly, indicating that borrowing costs are still affecting demand.

Alberta has been a bit different. Prices have gone from about $524,755 in April 2025 to $533,201 today, based on provincial real estate board data across Alberta. A big reason is affordability. Alberta is still one of the more accessible markets in Canada, so we are continuing to see strong demand, including people moving here from higher-priced provinces.

The big takeaway is this. Even though the Bank of Canada has lowered rates, fixed mortgage rates have not come down nearly as much and have even ticked up slightly since the Middle East turbulence started.

If you are buying, renewing, or refinancing, it is less about timing the market and more about choosing the right strategy for your situation.

If you want to talk through your options, feel free to reach out.

The Bank of Canada held rates today, so variable rates aren’t changing.But fixed rates have already risen about 0.20% to...
03/18/2026

The Bank of Canada held rates today, so variable rates aren’t changing.
But fixed rates have already risen about 0.20% to 0.50% over the past couple of weeks due to global events, as they’re tied to bond markets, not the Bank of Canada directly.
Right now, because of inflation risks from the war, we’re in more of a ‘higher for longer’ environment rather than seeing rates drop quickly.
For fixed rates to improve, bond yields need to come down, which typically happens when inflation pressures, like higher oil prices, start to ease.

If you have a mortgage renewal coming up in the next few months, now is a good time to start looking at your options and consider locking in a rate. That way, if rates continue to rise, you’re protected—but if they come down before your renewal, we can always adjust it lower.
Feel free to reach out if you want to review your situation or run some numbers.

📉 Mortgage Rates Are Falling in Canada… And It’s Changing the ConversationFor the past couple years, fixed rates were th...
02/26/2026

📉 Mortgage Rates Are Falling in Canada… And It’s Changing the Conversation

For the past couple years, fixed rates were the “sleep better at night” option.

But now that the Bank of Canada has started cutting rates — and borrowing costs have already dropped significantly from their peak — adjustable and variable mortgages are becoming a lot more intriguing again, especially looking at the next 3–5 years. ()

Here’s why this matters:

Historically, variable-rate mortgages have saved Canadians money most of the time.

📊 Real data over time shows:

• A major study found variable mortgages beat fixed about 88% of the time ()
• Since 1997, the average variable rate was about 4.99% vs 5.47% for fixed — roughly 0.5% lower on average ()
• Even banks acknowledge that historically, variable-rate mortgages have often been the better financial choice and saved borrowers more over time ()

Let’s translate that into real dollars:

On a $500,000 mortgage over 25 years:

• Saving just 0.50% in interest
= roughly $12,000–$18,000 in savings per 5-year term
= potentially $40,000–$80,000+ over the life of the mortgage

That’s real money.

And here’s where it gets interesting…

When rates are high or falling, variable and adjustable mortgages tend to shine — because they benefit immediately when rates drop, while fixed borrowers stay locked in. ()

And right now, we’re entering exactly that kind of environment.

This doesn’t mean fixed is bad. Fixed is still great for stability.

But it does mean variable and adjustable mortgages are back on the table — especially for borrowers who:

✔ Expect rates to trend down or stabilize
✔ Want to potentially save more long-term
✔ Are comfortable with some flexibility

There is no universal “best” mortgage. Only the best strategy for your situation.

If you want, comment GUIDE or message me and I’ll send you my full breakdown report explaining how each option works — and which one makes the most sense in today’s market.

Because the right mortgage strategy can literally save you tens of thousands. 💰

🔎 2026 Central & Northern Alberta Real Estate & Mortgage Market Update — What Buyers and Sellers Should KnowAs we move f...
02/11/2026

🔎 2026 Central & Northern Alberta Real Estate & Mortgage Market Update — What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

As we move further into 2026, the Canadian real estate and mortgage markets continue to evolve in response to broader economic conditions, interest rate stability, and regional demand patterns. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, refinancing, or renewing your mortgage this year, here’s a clear look at what’s happening and what it might mean for you.

🏡 Real Estate Market – Stability Over Volatility

After a period of fluctuation through 2024 and 2025, the housing market is showing signs of balance and stabilization rather than dramatic growth or contraction. National home sales ended 2025 slightly lower, with transactions modestly down year-over-year, while home prices have flattened or softened in many regions — especially larger cities.

This trend reflects a market that’s shifting away from the rapid swings of recent years and settling into a more even footing — with balanced supply and demand, especially as we head into the spring buying season.

📍 What’s Happening in Alberta

In Alberta, market conditions often look a bit different than the national trend. Cities like Calgary and Edmonton have experienced increased inventory and balanced conditions, with sales lower compared to last year, but prices remaining relatively competitive as buyers adjust to the current market levels.

For many buyers, this stability can offer opportunities to negotiate with less pressure and more choice — something that hasn’t always been present in Canada’s hottest markets.

💰 Mortgage Rates — Still in a Comfortable Range

One of the biggest factors for homebuyers and homeowners in 2026 is interest rate stability.

The Bank of Canada has kept its key policy rate steady at 2.25% heading into 2026, and most forecasts suggest this stability will persist through much of the year. Variable mortgage rates are benefiting from this, staying relatively lower, while fixed rates remain stable near historic averages.

This environment means many buyers are in a good position to lock in predictable monthly payments, and those considering a variable-rate option may find even more competitive pricing.

🔍 What This Means for You

Here’s what these market conditions could mean for different groups:

✅ First-Time Buyers: More balanced inventory and stable rates make 2026 a potentially good entry point, especially compared to the rapid price growth seen in previous years.

✅ Homeowners Looking to Move: With less frenzied competition, you may have more flexibility in timing your sale and purchase.

✅ Mortgage Renewals: If your term is coming up, now may be a good time to compare fixed vs. variable options — rates are stable, but small differences in terms can have long-term impacts.

💡 Final Thoughts

The 2026 market isn’t about dramatic spikes or rapid declines. It’s about balance, patience, and strategy.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, refinancing, or renewing, having the right support and up-to-date insights can make all the difference.

I’m here to help you navigate this market with confidence, find the best mortgage solutions for your goals, and ensure you’re getting the value you deserve.

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18 Heron Link
Spruce Grove, AB
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