Educational Profit Pod: What Entrepreneurs, Advisors, and Buyers Need to Know Heading into 2026
As 2026 begins, the market feels different, not because uncertainty is gone, but because urgency has faded.
The chaos of the past few years has cooled. Buyers are more cautious. Business owners are more selective. Investors are recalibrating. And across finance and real estate, professionals are being forced to separate real signals from headline noise.
To make sense of this shift, we brought together four practitioners working at the front lines of financial decision-making every day: Paul Davidescu, Alex Walford, Reza Jafari, and Alex Dunbar.
Their combined perspectives offer a grounded view of what actually changed in 2025, and what’s already shaping outcomes in early 2026.
A Slower Market, Not a Weak One
The first and most consistent observation was that the market has slowed in pace, but not in stability.
“There’s less urgency, but more intention,” said Paul. “People aren’t rushing into decisions anymore. They want to understand structure before they move.”
This shift is visible across multiple sectors. Buyers are taking longer to decide. Investors are running numbers more carefully. Borrowers are asking more questions before committing. What’s important is that this slowdown is not being driven by fear. Instead, it reflects a return to rational decision-making after years of rapid movement fueled by low rates and speculative behavior.
Alex Walford described it as a normalization phase. “When the market slows down, you start seeing more logic and less emotion. That’s usually a healthy sign.”
Rather than reacting to headlines, participants are paying closer attention to fundamentals such as cash flow, risk exposure, and long-term viability.
Why 2025 Felt Unstable Despite Strong Activity
Although transaction volume remained relatively high in parts of 2025, many people felt uneasy. That disconnect came up repeatedly in the discussion.
The issue was not a lack of opportunity, but a lack of clarity. Markets were moving quickly, policies were shifting, and forecasts changed frequently. As a result, decision-making became reactive rather than strategic.
“It felt like everyone was busy, but not always moving in the right direction,” Paul explained.
By the end of the year, that began to change. Activity slowed, but focus improved. Market participants became more selective, and decisions were based more on structure than speculation. This transition set the tone for 2026.
The Confidence Gap in Today’s Market
One of the most revealing insights was the gap between market performance and market sentiment.
“Many people are actually in decent shape financially,” said Alex Walford. “But they don’t feel confident.”
This disconnect is largely driven by perception. Constant exposure to economic uncertainty, interest rate commentary, and global instability has made people more cautious, even when their own numbers are stable.
Reza Jafari pointed out that when clients are shown their financial position in context, their outlook often changes. “When you walk through different scenarios and stress-test their situation, most people realize they’re more resilient than they thought.”
This suggests that today’s market is being shaped as much by psychology as by economics. Confidence, not capital, is the limiting factor for many decisions.
Housing and Lending: Adjustment Rather Than Decline
In housing and lending, the dominant theme is adjustment.
Renewals are driving activity more than new purchases, as borrowers move from historically low rates into higher-rate environments. While this has created pressure, it has not led to widespread distress.
“Most borrowers are adapting,” said Paul. “They’re restructuring, extending amortizations, or adjusting expectations. Very few are in crisis.”
The key change is how people view debt. Mortgages are no longer seen as passive obligations, but as tools that need to be actively managed. Buyers are also more analytical. Monthly payment alone is no longer the deciding factor. People are looking at long-term cost, flexibility, and how a property fits into their broader financial picture.
Real Estate: A Market Driven by Logic, Not Emotion
On the real estate side, conditions have become more balanced.
“Buyers are much more rational now,” said Alex Dunbar. “They’re looking at risk, usability, and long-term value instead of chasing appreciation.”
Inventory has increased in many areas, but pricing remains uneven. Homes priced realistically are moving, while those anchored to past market highs are sitting longer. This has created a healthier dynamic where data matters more than urgency. Buyers have time to evaluate options, and sellers are being forced to align expectations with current demand.
The result is a market that rewards preparation rather than speed.
What the Market Is Rewarding in 2026
Across every area discussed, a consistent pattern emerged. The market is now favoring:
Planning over speculation
Structure over speed
Clarity over volume
Discipline over timing
As Reza Jafari summarized, “You don’t need to predict the market perfectly. You need a structure that works even if conditions change.”
This mindset reflects where the market is heading. The era of quick wins and rapid appreciation has been replaced by one that values sustainability and informed decision-making.
Top FAQs for 2026: What Buyers, Investors, and Homeowners Are Asking
Q: Will interest rates continue to fall in 2026?
Probably, but gradually. Most signs point to modest easing rather than aggressive cuts. Central banks are focused on stability, not stimulus. Borrowers should expect small adjustments, not a return to ultra-low rates.
Q: Is now a good time to buy real estate, or should buyers wait?
For end users, yes. If the numbers make sense. Buyers who can negotiate, lock in reasonable financing, and plan to hold long term are in a strong position. Waiting for “perfect” conditions may mean missing realistic opportunities.
Q: Are investors still active in this market?
Yes, but they are far more selective. Investors are prioritizing cash flow, zoning potential, and long-term usability over appreciation. Short-term speculation has largely disappeared.
Q: What type of real estate is performing best right now?
Properties with flexibility are outperforming. This includes homes with secondary suites, laneway potential, or layouts that support multi-generational living. Buyers want optionality.
Q: Are renewals becoming a problem for homeowners?
Not broadly. Most borrowers are adjusting through longer amortizations or restructuring. The bigger shift is awareness, people are paying closer attention to how their mortgage fits into their overall financial picture.
Q: Is the market overvalued or stabilizing?
It’s stabilizing. Pricing has corrected in many areas, and demand has become more rational. Properties priced realistically are moving, while those anchored to past peaks are sitting.
Q: Are Canadians still looking to move abroad for work?
Yes, particularly in tech, healthcare, and remote-first roles. Some homeowners are selling or downsizing to reduce costs and gain flexibility, especially when U.S. or international income is involved.
Bottom Line
Early 2026 isn’t rewarding speed, predictions, or hype. It’s rewarding clarity, structure, and disciplined decision-making.
The professionals and clients making progress right now aren’t trying to outguess the market — they’re tightening systems, protecting cash flow, aligning advice, and building resilience into how they operate. In a cycle where uncertainty is normal and sentiment shifts quickly, boring, well-built foundations are outperforming urgency.
This isn’t a pause in the market. It’s a strategic window. And the advantage belongs to those using it to prepare not react before the next wave of confidence, demand, or volatility arrives.
Level Up Mortgages is a mortgage broker team focused on helping the self employed, new immigrants, non-residents, and investors, access best rate and alternative lending in Canada. We have been nominated for best up and coming broker in Canada in 2021 and have been on CTV News and various publications because of our education-first approach to helping you always stay a step ahead of the process. Reach out to us for access to our first-time buyer course or a mortgage strategy session.
See What You Qualify For Or Contact Paul To Get Your Pre-Approval.
Paul Davidescu (www.levelupmortgages.com)
Level Up Mortgages
604-809-3188
paul@levelupmortgages.com
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