The mortgage pro’s guide to AI: What to use, when, and why it matters + MORE Jul 8th

Canada’s housing agency says advertised rents in some major cities are easing due to factors such as increased supply and slower immigration, but renters are still not feeling relief.

In its mid-year rental market update released Tuesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said average asking rents for a two-bedroom purpose-built apartment were down year-over-year in four of seven markets.

Vancouver led the way with a 4.9% decrease in the first quarter of 2025, followed by drops of 4.2% in Halifax, 3.7% in Toronto, and 3.5% in Calgary. Average asking rents grew 3.9% in Edmonton, 2.1% in Ottawa, and 2% in Montreal, compared with the first quarter of 2024.

Increased vacancy time for leasing units

Landlords reported that vacant units are taking longer to lease, CMHC said, especially for new purpose-built rental units in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, where they face competition from well-supplied secondary rentals such as condominium units and single-family homes.

“Purpose-built rental operators are responding to market conditions by offering incentives to new tenants such as one month of free rent, moving allowances and signing bonuses,” the report said, adding some landlords anticipate they may need to lower rents over the next couple of years…

From writing emails and analyzing client data to brainstorming marketing ideas, mortgage professionals are embracing AI to work more efficiently. But knowing which tools to use—and how to use them wisely—can make all the difference.

HomeEquity Bank has launched a new platform to help parents unlock their home equity to support their children’s first home purchase.