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It’s March Madness time at the UCC office. Okay, fine, there’s not too much NCAA basketball madness in our office… just John and I.

The rest couldn’t care less lol. I’ve always loved this tournament… I’m a sucker for a good Cinderella story.

That’s probably why my bracket is usually so terrible.

John is a big basketball guy himself.

Football guy too. He played and coached.

He was quite the athlete in his day…

If anybody’s wondering… I’m a Michigan fan.

We play the #1 seed on Friday, in the Sweet 16. Go Blue!

Speaking of madness, I’m sure you’ve all been keeping a close eye on the recent federal election call, haven’t you?

It seems like everywhere you turn, people are talking about the potential trade war with the U.S. and how it might impact our economy.

While it’s certainly a significant issue that deserves our attention, I can’t help but feel like we’re losing sight of the other important matters that were dominating the headlines just a few short months ago.

Take real estate and homeownership, for example.

I recently came across an article written by Steve Saretsky that really got me thinking about how the policies implemented by the current Federal government over the past 9 years have affected this sector.

Saretsky argues that these policies have not only led to a less competitive business environment, making it harder for companies to thrive and create jobs, but they’ve also made it increasingly difficult for Canadians, particularly first-time homebuyers, to enter the real estate market and build wealth through property ownership.

He points out that the government’s housing policies, such as the stress test and foreign buyer taxes, have contributed to this problem.

As a result, we’re seeing a widening gap between those who already own property and those who don’t, with the rewards disproportionately benefiting the former group.

This phenomenon is often referred to as the “destruction of the middle class” in Canada.

As homeowners and those aspiring to own property, it’s crucial that we stay informed about these issues and how they might impact our investments and financial well-being.

The outcome of the election and any subsequent changes in government policy could have far-reaching effects on interest rates, investment opportunities, and consumer confidence – all of which play a significant role in the real estate market.

But here’s the thing: as Canadians, we’re a diverse bunch, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the same policies can affect us in vastly different ways depending on our unique circumstances.

What matters most is that we approach these conversations with an open mind, respect for one another, and a willingness to listen and learn from those whose experiences differ from our own.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’re likely paying close attention to the promises being made by all sides during this election, particularly those related to housing affordability.

It’s essential to think critically about whether these proposed policies can actually benefit you and your family.

This quote serves as a stark reminder that we need to carefully scrutinize the promises made by politicians and consider the bigger picture.

No matter what the future holds, know that we’re here to help you.

Our goal is to provide you with the information, support, and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your real estate investments and financial future.

If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat about the state of the world (or March Madness), don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we’ll navigate these challenging times and come out stronger on the other side.

Let’s forge ahead, stay informed, and keep our eyes on the prize!

Vince

P.S. The more we can foster open, honest dialogue about the issues that matter most, the better equipped we’ll be to build a brighter future for all Canadians.

P.P.S. Think beyond headlines.  Don’t let yesterday’s soundbite become your opinion today.  Actions always speak much louder than words.  Especially when it comes to politics.