Downsizing in retirement sounds simple — sell the big house, buy something smaller, pocket the difference. In reality, it's one of the most emotional and financially complex decisions Canadians face. In this episode, Ben Davies sits down with real estate agent Alyssa Ismail, mortgage brokers Rob and Sandra Zanet, and real estate & estate lawyer Sebastian Schmoranz for a 360-degree look at what it really takes to make the right move — and the costly mistakes people make when they try to go it alone.

In this episode:

• Rent vs. own in retirement — including the landlord risk most people never think about
• The hidden costs that quietly turn a "downsize" into an accidental upgrade
• Carrying a mortgage into your 70s, 80s, and beyond — and when it actually makes sense
• Reverse mortgages: how they really work, who they're for, and what to watch out for
• Estate myths that cost families dearly — probate, putting your kids on title, and joint bank accounts
• Multi-generational living and ADUs: the pros, the tax traps, and the cleanest way to set it up

In Part 2 of our 2026 Real Estate Round Table, we are diving deep into the essential programs and strategies you need to know if you're looking to enter the housing market. We are once again joined by our incredible local expert panel: Sebastian Schmoranz (Lawyer, Kingsville), Alyssa Ismail (Real Estate Agent, Windsor Essex), and Rob & Sandra Zanet (Mortgage Brokers, Indi Mortgage Co.).

In this episode, we cover: • Navigating the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) • Leveraging the RRSP Homebuyers’ Plan • Breaking down the new Federal/Provincial HST rebate for new home builds and significant renovations

Important FHSA Note: While contribution room accumulates when you open an FHSA, you can only contribute a maximum of $16,000 in any given year ($8,000 for the current year plus $8,000 carried forward). Keep this in mind if your strategy is simply to open the account to let the room build!

If you missed Part 1 covering our comprehensive Windsor Essex real estate market update, be sure to go back and give it a listen.

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Welcome back to The Clear Money Mindset with Ben Davies! We are kicking off a highly anticipated, multi-part series: our annual Spring Real Estate Roundtable.

In Part 1, we are diving deep into the current state of the Windsor-Essex real estate market. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in 2026, you'll hear essential tips, market trends, and insider insights to help you make the best financial decisions.

Joining Ben for this premier series is a powerhouse panel of local experts: • Sebastian Schmoranz – Lawyer (Kingsville, ON) • Alyssa Ismail – Real Estate Agent (Windsor-Essex) • Rob & Sandra Zanet – Mortgage Brokers, Indi Mortgage Co. (Windsor-Essex)

Coming up later in this series: Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss our upcoming roundtable episodes where we'll cover incentives for first-time home buyers, and a special deep dive for retirees (including downsizing, reverse mortgages, and keeping a mortgage in retirement).

Tune in and get your mindset ready for the 2026 market!