Category Knowledge Base
Helpful information for homeowners about our Home Equity Sharing Agreement (HESA).
Inheriting a Home with Siblings: Funding a Buyout with a HESA

Inheriting a family home is often an emotional experience, but it also arrives alongside complex financial choices. When siblings inherit a property together, their goals frequently diverge: one sibling may dream of moving in, while others prefer their share of…
The Value of Staying Put: Rethinking Home Equity and Happiness

Standard real estate advice often focuses on the return on investment (ROI) of various home improvements. Homeowners are used to seeing charts that highlight the benefits of minor kitchen renovations while suggesting that larger projects, like finished basements or high-efficiency…
How to Repay CRA Tax Debt and Overdue Property Taxes with Home Equity

Falling behind on taxes can happen to anyone. Whether you are dealing with an unexpected reassessment or just had a tough year running your small business, receiving a large Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax bill is incredibly stressful. Understanding CRA…
Invest in Your Backyard Oasis without Monthly Payments

As the last of the snow finally retreats and the first hints of green appear, Canadian homeowners experience a familiar shift. We stop spending as much time cooped up inside and start getting excited to return to our outdoor spaces…
Age in Place while Funding Retirement with a Home Equity Sharing Agreement

“Aging in Place” Is Reshaping Retirement Retirement in Canada is changing. For many, it’s no longer just about stopping work. It’s about navigating shifting realities while trying to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Canadians now believe that they need $1.7 million…
How to Fund Home Care Without Selling Your Home or Taking on Debt

This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and is not advice regarding any financial product or financial planning in retirement. You should consult a certified financial planning professional, such as a Certified Financial Planner or a Qualified Associate…
Your Home Equity: A Guide to Calculating, Building, and Accessing It

Home equity has become a significant asset for many Canadians. Our analysis has found that home equity represents between half and two-thirds of the median homeowner’s net worth in Canada. But unlike traditional financial assets like stocks and bonds, your…
Understanding Fair Market Value Appraisals

What is an FMV appraisal? A fair market value (FMV) appraisal in an unbiased estimate of what a property would sell for in an open and competitive market. An FMV appraisal takes in factors like location, condition and recent comparable…
Your Home’s Capital Stack: The Key to Financial Flexibility

You’ve worked hard for years and your home is likely your most significant asset. It represents dedication, memories and a cornerstone of your financial life. But is that hard-earned equity working as effectively for you as it could be, especially…
Beyond Interest Rates: Hidden Mortgage Loan Features and Their Impact on You

You know about fixed versus variable interest rates but what about the rest of the terms of your mortgage loan? These often-overlooked details can help or hinder your financial flexibility, especially when considering options for secondary financing, like a Home…