Under One Roof

About Under One Roof

Under One Roof, hosted by Robyn Flynn, featuring LJ Aguinaga (LJ Realties), Martin Spalding and Fred Pichette (Fred et Martin Hypothèques), expertly guides listeners through the intricate maze of home buying and financing, while revealing key factors that significantly impact a home's value. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, this is the show for you.

Publisher

Under One Roof

Category

business · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jan 2024

Latest episode

18 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

98 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Oct 2026

   When to Walk Away + How Debt Affects Your Mortgage

   Sometimes, the smartest real estate decision you can make is knowing when to walk away. This week on Under One Roof MTL, Robyn Flynn and LJ Aguinaga discuss the warning signs that should make homebuyers think twice before committing to a property. From troubling home inspections and financing complications to questionable seller disclosures and unexpected repair costs, we explore when it's worth negotiating and when it's better to move on. Plus, Fred Pichette and Martin Spalding explain why a great salary, excellent credit score, and substantial down payment don't necessarily guarantee mortgage approval. We'll explore how credit cards, car loans, and lines of credit can affect your borrowing power, and what you can do to improve your chances of qualifying. We're also looking at a growing concern in the mortgage industry: AI-generated documents and mortgage fraud. IN THIS EPISODE What's Happening in the Market: AI and Mortgage Fraud Artificial intelligence is making it easier than ever to create convincing financial documents, and lenders are taking notice. Why Equifax Canada is warning about AI-generated mortgage application fraud How falsified pay stubs, employment letters, and income statements can be used to misrepresent a borrower's financial situation Why declining reported fraud rates don't necessarily mean fraudulent applications are disappearing The difference between identity theft and misrepresenting your own income or debts Why lenders require extensive documentation to verify income, employment, and down payments Mortgage Professionals Canada's proposal to allow lenders to verify borrower income directly with the Canada Revenue Agency, with appropriate consent and privacy safeguards How buyers can protect themselves and prepare accurate documentation before applying for financing We also touch on the latest housing market trends, including the contrast between national and Montreal home prices, shifting buyer preferences, and the impact of bond yields on fixed mortgage rates. Real Estate: When Should You Walk Away From a Property? LJ discusses the moments when walking away from a home purchase might be the best decision you can make. How to recognize when emotional attachment is clouding your judgment Home inspection red flags that deserve serious attention When major repairs or structural concerns should make you reconsider a purchase What happens when a lender's appraisal comes in below the agreed purchase price What buyers should look for in Quebec's seller's declaration Seller behaviours that could signal trouble, including withholding information or pressuring buyers How unexpected repairs can push an already stretched budget beyond what's reasonable Distinguishing genuine warning signs from normal homebuying nerves Why it's important to understand your obligations before abandoning an accepted offer Mortgages: How Credit Cards, Car Loans, and Debt Affect Your Mortgage Approval Martin shares the story of Marie-Josée, a successful professional earning $150,000 annually, with a 790 credit score and $120,000 saved for a down payment. Despite her strong financial profile, her bank declined her mortgage application for a $650,000 home. The problem? Her existing debt obligations. Between a $950 monthly car payment, $15,000 in credit card debt, and a $20,000 personal line of credit, Marie-Josée had approximately $2,000 in monthly debt obligations under the illustrative qualifying calculations used in her case. We explore: Why a high credit score doesn't automatically mean you'll qualify for a mortgage How lenders calculate debt obligations when assessing affordability Why carrying a credit card balance can reduce your borrowing power, even if you always make your minimum payments How expensive vehicle payments can affect your ability to purchase a home Whether an unused line of credit can influence your mortgage qualification The difference between managing debt responsibly and having the capacity to take on additional debt How paying down existing balances can improve your financial position What prospective buyers should do in the six months leading up to a mortgage application The takeaway: Mortgage approval isn't just about how much money you earn. It's also about how much of that income is already committed to other financial obligations. PROPERTY OF THE WEEK This week, we're visiting a Mile-End landmark known as The Red House, located at 5742 Avenue de l'Esplanade in Montreal. This century-old property underwent a complete transformation in 2020, combining historic character with modern finishes and amenities. Highlights include: Four plus one bedrooms and three full bathrooms A chef's kitchen featuring a gas stove A beautiful ensuite with a clawfoot tub, skylight, and heated floors A dedicated gym Front and rear balconies Walk Score of 96 and Bike Score of 100 Located in one of Montreal's most vibrant neighbourhoods, this property offers a combination of architectural character, modern luxury, and exceptional walkability. Listed at $2,600,000. Contact Amanda at LJ Realties for more information. TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK Brought to you by Felix & Norton Cookies! Question: What is a declaration of co-ownership? Answer: A declaration of co-ownership is an official, notarized legal agreement that establishes and regulates a divided co-ownership (condominium) property. Visit Felix & Norton at the Blue Haven Shopping Centre, 3705 St-Jean Boulevard in DDO. GET IN TOUCH LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-578-6397 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management 514-754-8443 plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Condo vs. House: Which Is Right for You? + Mortgage Approval Mistakes to Avoid

   Condo or house? It's one of the biggest decisions homebuyers face, and the right answer isn't always about price. This week on Under One Roof MTL, Robyn Flynn and LJ Aguinaga break down the financial and lifestyle differences between owning a condo and a house, from maintenance costs and condo fees to freedom, flexibility and long-term resale value. Plus, Martin Spalding explains why getting approved for a mortgage involves more than having good credit and a steady income. Through the story of a homebuyer who lost his dream property because his paperwork wasn't ready, we explore the documents lenders need, how requirements differ depending on the type of mortgage, and what you can do to avoid costly delays. We also look at whether Greater Montreal is finally shifting toward a buyers' market, and what that could mean for anyone planning to buy or sell. IN THIS EPISODE What's Happening in the Market: Is Montreal Becoming a Buyers' Market? After years of bidding wars and intense competition, the Greater Montreal real estate market may finally be shifting in favour of buyers. September home sales dropped 12% compared with last year, while active listings increased by 20% Why more inventory could mean more negotiating power for buyers How long properties are taking to sell, particularly condominiums Why home prices haven't necessarily fallen despite slowing sales How rising fixed mortgage rates could offset some of the savings buyers negotiate Whether bidding wars are becoming less common and sellers are adjusting their expectations What buyers and sellers should consider over the next three to six months Real Estate: Condo vs. House, Which One Makes Sense for You? LJ walks us through the important considerations when choosing between condo ownership and a traditional house. What questions should buyers ask themselves before deciding between a condo and a house? How do the ongoing costs of ownership compare? Why understanding a condo's declaration of co-ownership and building rules is essential What condo fees actually cover, and why unusually low fees can be a warning sign How homeowners should budget for major expenses like roof replacements, foundation repairs and heating systems What buyers should consider about long-term resale value, especially if they plan to move again in five or ten years Mortgages: The Documents You Need to Get Approved Martin shares the story of David, a homebuyer who found the perfect property and had his offer accepted, only to lose the home when he couldn't provide the documentation required for mortgage approval before his financing deadline. The problem wasn't necessarily his income or credit. It was the paperwork. We discuss: Why lenders require so much documentation before approving a mortgage The importance of current employment letters, pay stubs and tax records How to properly document your down payment, including money transferred between accounts or gifted by family members Why an account balance screenshot isn't enough to establish the source of your funds Whether B-lenders require less documentation than traditional banks How documentation requirements differ for reverse mortgages and private lending Why mortgage brokers can't always rescue an application at the last minute How to organize your documents before making an offer to avoid unnecessary delays The takeaway: Having the financial means to qualify for a mortgage is only part of the equation. If your lender can't verify your information before the financing deadline, you could lose the property. PROPERTY OF THE WEEK This week's featured property is 4595–4597 Rue Quevillon in Saint-Hubert, a modern duplex built in 2017. The property features a three-bedroom upper unit and a one-bedroom basement unit, both currently occupied with leases in place. Generating nearly $50,000 in annual gross rental revenue, this fully tenanted property offers an opportunity for investors looking for a newer income property on Montreal's South Shore. Listed at $900,000. Contact LJ at LJ Realties for more information. TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK Brought to you by Felix & Norton Cookies! Question: What is a conditional offer? Answer: A conditional offer is an offer to purchase a property that depends on certain conditions being satisfied, such as obtaining financing or completing a satisfactory home inspection. Visit Felix & Norton at the Blue Haven Shopping Centre, 3705 St-Jean Boulevard in DDO. GET IN TOUCH LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-578-6397 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management 514-754-8443 plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

3. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Buying Your First Home + B-Lenders Explained

   Buying your first home is exciting, but there's a LOT that happens between deciding you're ready to buy and finally getting the keys. This week on Under One Roof MTL, Robyn Flynn and LJ Aguinaga discuss the unexpected costs, difficult decisions, and common surprises first-time homebuyers should prepare for. Plus, Martin Spalding explains the world of alternative mortgage lending, better known as B-lenders. If you've ever been turned down for a mortgage by a traditional bank, that doesn't necessarily mean homeownership is out of reach. We explore who these lenders serve, how they qualify borrowers, and why they can be particularly useful for self-employed Canadians. IN THIS EPISODE What's Happening in the Market: Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages With fixed mortgage rates climbing and variable rates becoming increasingly competitive, borrowers are facing an interesting decision. Why fixed mortgage rates are rising even without a Bank of Canada rate increase How Government of Canada bond yields influence fixed mortgage rates Why variable rates are currently attracting more attention How inflation and slowing economic growth are complicating future interest-rate decisions Why the difference between fixed and variable rates matters when choosing a mortgage How your financial circumstances and tolerance for uncertainty should factor into the decision Real Estate: Buying Your First Home, What Nobody Warns You About LJ Aguinaga walks us through some of the biggest surprises awaiting first-time buyers, beyond simply saving for a down payment. The unexpected expenses first-time buyers often forget to budget for How to establish a realistic homebuying budget What surprises buyers once they actually start visiting properties Distinguishing between must-haves and nice-to-haves What to expect when making your very first offer What happens between an accepted offer and getting the keys Common mistakes that can jeopardize a purchase LJ's biggest piece of advice for anyone preparing to buy their first home Mortgages: Understanding B-Lenders and Alternative Mortgage Financing Martin takes a deep dive into B-lenders, explaining why borrowers who don't qualify with a traditional bank may still have other financing options. Using the example of Daniel, a successful self-employed business owner whose taxable income doesn't reflect his company's actual revenue, we explore how alternative lenders can assess a mortgage application differently. What exactly is a B-lender, and how does it differ from a traditional bank or private lender? Why self-employed borrowers sometimes struggle to qualify for conventional mortgages How business bank statements and stated-income programs can help demonstrate borrowing capacity Why borrowers with bruised credit or higher debt ratios may consider alternative lending Understanding GDS (Gross Debt Service) and TDS (Total Debt Service) ratios The potential drawbacks of B-lenders, including higher interest rates, lender fees and appraisal requirements How alternative mortgage financing can sometimes help homeowners consolidate expensive debt Why a B-lender can be a temporary stepping stone toward returning to conventional financing A mortgage rejection from your bank doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a mortgage. Sometimes, a different type of lender may be able to accommodate your financial circumstances. PROPERTY OF THE WEEK This week we're heading to Unit 505 at 505 Lucien-L'Allier, a beautiful two-level condo in the heart of downtown Montreal. Featuring panoramic city views, a gas fireplace, two private balconies, and a mezzanine that can serve as a home office or guest space, this property offers downtown living with plenty of flexibility. An indoor garage is included, and the condo is just an eight-minute walk from the metro, with Griffintown, the Lachine Canal and Atwater Market nearby. Listed at $750,000. Contact Amanda at LJ Realties for more information. TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK Brought to you by Felix & Norton Cookies! Question: If your mortgage interest rate can rise or fall during your term, what type of mortgage do you have? Answer: A variable-rate mortgage. Visit Felix & Norton at the Blue Haven Shopping Centre, 3705 St-Jean Boulevard in DDO. GET IN TOUCH LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-578-6397 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management 514-754-8443 plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Who has been a guest on Under One Roof

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• LJ Aguinaga
• Fred
• Martin
• Marc Bissell
• LJ

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

79

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.