Page 34 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 156

Can we remove the fishing for kids part at the top and add we now carry live minnow.

Also can we say we are your ice fishing destination
34 Issue #156 January 2026 www.sportsenergynews.com
Thanks

Johnston - Continued from page 10 managing debt and credit before avoiding the statistical average,” to create friction. Buyers who
buying. he said. “Mortgage pros are well feel financially ready often find
unclear or unexpected costs. The Chad Wilson, Principal Broker versed in the dynamics of mortgage themselves overwhelmed once the
findings indicate transparency, not at Ideal Mortgage Solutions and agreements. We deploy knowledge closing process begins, especially if
they rely primarily on self-directed
just affordability, remains a major Mortgage Professionals Canada and tools to keep clients informed—
online research. Wilson says the
hurdle. Buyers increasingly rely board member, says the results right down to the closing costs.”
takeaway is straightforward: “The
on online sources for guidance, reflect what he sees in practice. Even with signs of improved buyer
onus is on the client from the
with 39% saying they used online “Most buyers go into the process confidence in parts of the Ontario outset to avoid becoming part of
research to understand closing with tunnel vision, focusing market, the survey suggests that the statistic—put the time in and
costs and financial requirements, solely on approval and rate,” he lack of clarity around terms, surround yourself with educated
far more than those who learned told Canadian Mortgage Trends. costs, and adjustments continues professionals.”
directly from their real estate “Everything after that tends to
agent, (21%) or lawyer, (25%). be about finding a suitable home. Continued from page 32 hanging out with the boys twice a
I’m not surprised by the survey week, keeping those competitive
Online sources dominate, even their current sponsor, “Budweiser,”
results.” juices flowing while maintaining
though mortgage professionals the momentum only shifted into
Buyer stress peaks when the the bonds that make amateur
remain most trusted. a higher gear with back to back
closing paperwork begins. sports so special.
championships. When you look at
Ownright’s data highlights a Despite entering the market the stat sheet, Brandon’s resume is Looking ahead, Brandon has no
mismatch between where buyers with financial confidence, many staggering: eleven seasons, seven plans to hang up the flags anytime
get their information and who respondents said stress increased league finals, four championships, soon. He draws inspiration from
during the closing stage. Sixteen
they actually trust. While online plus two additional winter league the league’s iron men like Brian
percent reported anxiety related
sources were the most common titles for good measure. O’Neill, Tommy MacKay, Scott
to interest rates or home values,
source of financial guidance, Coulter, and Marc Bigras. These
while 6% said the process drained Beyond the trophies, Brandon
only 6% of respondents said has been a pillar of the league’s veterans represent the longevity
their finances. Nearly one in four,
online information was their Brandon aspires to achieve. He
(24%), wished they had asked their infrastructure. Serving as both Vice
most trusted source. By contrast, President and League President intends to keep playing as long
agent or lawyer about additional
51% said they trust their lawyer costs beyond the down payment for two years each, he has seen the as his body allows, motivated by
most for financial clarity during and mortgage before buying, and game from every possible angle. the simple joy of staying active
closing, followed by 22% who 17% wished they had asked more Yet, if you ask him what sticks out and the even simpler joy of a post
trust mortgage lenders or advisers. about what is and isn’t included most, he won’t point to a specific game celebration with friends.
This gap may be contributing to in closing costs. The findings trophy or a board meeting. Instead, In a world where sports can
confusion, with more than four in underline how complex mortgage he talks about the people. often feel overly professionalized,
ten buyers (41%) saying they need agreements can be and how easily For Brandon, the most cherished Brandon Picken reminds us why
more education on total closing buyers can feel overwhelmed memories involve sharing the grass we started playing in the first
costs, and 29% wanting clearer during closing. Wilson says that with his brother, Dan Bertrand, place. It is about the thrill of the
breakdowns of adjustments such connecting with a mortgage and one of his best friends, Thor win, the sting of the loss, and the
as utilities, taxes, and credits. professional earlier in the process Grant. While the Budweiser squad friends who are there for both. As
Another 25% said they need can help prevent that. “Using a has built a formidable winning long as there is a field in Cornwall
better budgeting guidance after mortgage professional early in the culture, Brandon insists that the and a game to be played, you can
closing, and 21% said they wished process is a very important step camaraderie is the real prize. He bet Brandon will be right in the
thrives on the weekly routine of
they’d received more advice on to getting properly educated and thick of it.