Just back from a week away.
We packed a lot into seven days — four nights in Muskoka, a visit with Jackie’s sister in Sauble Beach, and a soccer tournament in Grimsby to wrap it all up.
When you run your own business — especially in the client service world — it’s not easy to fully unplug.
And if you do… good luck when you resurface.
That said, I think I did a pretty good job this time.
What could wait, did. And the things that would’ve caused more stress by ignoring, I handled.
A few years ago, I read a book called 18 Summers.
The idea is simple: you only get 18 summers with your kids before they start doing their own thing.
That message stuck with me.
I want to make the most of these summers while the kids are still young.
But I also don’t have a job that lets me disappear for eight weeks.
So like most things in life — balance is key.
And that got me thinking…
Because the same is true for how we approach housing, investing, and trying to move forward in a system that doesn’t always feel fair.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing takeaways from a report called The Great Sell-Off — a deep dive into how Canada’s housing market evolved from a place to live into a full-blown investment vehicle.
We talked about:
- How homes became financial assets
- How credit policy amplified investor advantage
- How tax rules reward those who already own
So, this week, let’s wrap with one simple question:
Now what?
Because if the system rewards ownership, if policy favours equity holders, if tax rules tilt the playing field — what do you do with that?
If you already own property, you’re holding one of the most system-supported assets in the country.
That’s not just good luck. It’s an opportunity — if you’re intentional about it.
Use your equity. Plan your next move. Be strategic.
Whether it’s:
- Building a secondary suite
- Helping your kids with a down payment
- Buying your next property
…the window is still open. But it won’t stay that way forever.
Leverage isn’t a bad word — if it’s used responsibly.
If you don’t own property yet, I want to say this clearly:
You are not behind. And you’re not shut out.
You’re just operating in a system that requires different tools.
You might have to be more creative. More patient. More intentional.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways in.
Here are a few examples:
- Partner with someone strategic: They bring capital, you bring hustle. Sweat equity can be just as valuable as cash.
- Buy a property with rental potential: A basement apartment, garden suite, or duplex can help offset costs.
- Live in part, rent out the rest: It’s not forever, but house hacking can be a stepping stone.
- Start small: Your first property doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to get you in the game.
Focus on:
- Increasing your income
- Keeping your expenses lean
- Building liquidity
And most of all — educate yourself.
The system isn’t fair. But it is learnable.
And once you understand how it works, you start to see opportunities that others miss.
Real estate is not a get-rich-quick game.
But it is still one of the few long-term strategies that gives you control, leverage, and stability — all at the same time.
Don’t get distracted by the headlines. Don’t get discouraged by what others have.
Play your game. Make smart moves.
And remember — it’s never too late to make a good decision.
P.S. This wraps up my 4-part series inspired by The Great Sell-Off. If you missed any of the earlier messages, let me know and I’ll send them your way.
P.P.S. Whether you’re on summer #3, #10, or #18 with your kids… I hope you’re making the most of it. Time flies.
P.P.P.S. And yes — I’m fully caught up on email now. Mostly 😅
