Weekly Podcast Roundup: February Sales Slump, RECO Crackdown, and What Investors Should Do Now
This week on The Canadian Real Estate Investor: February sales slump to 2009 levels, RECO freezes Save Max accounts, and what investors should watch next.
This week on The Canadian Real Estate Investor, we covered two stories that sit at opposite ends of the market — one systemic, one surgical.
On the macro side, February's housing data shows the market is starting 2026 worse than 2025. On the regulatory side, RECO is cracking down on alleged trust fund misuse at Save Max.
Here's what you need to know.
Episode 1: Canada's Housing Market Just Hit a Breaking Point (12:39)
February 2026 sales activity was 16.2% below a year earlier — and over 8% lower than February 2025. That puts us at levels comparable to 2009 or the 1990s.
Key takeaways:
2025 national home sales totaled 470,000 (nearly 2% below 2024)
Affordability is improving from falling prices, lower rates, and rising wages
Confidence is pressured by trade-war and war-related uncertainty
Oil-driven inflation risks, weakening labor market (84,000 jobs lost in February; unemployment 6.7%)
Rising mortgage arrears and delinquency risk (notably Toronto and Vancouver)
New listings fell 4%, leaving a 47.6% sales-to-new-listings ratio
Ontario and B.C. remain weak while Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic Canada show firmer price growth
Episode 2: RECO Freezes Save Max Accounts Over Trust Fund Allegations (6:18)
RECO recently froze the accounts of several Save Max real estate brokerages due to an alleged $2.7 million unlawful disbursement of trust funds.
Key takeaways:
RECO froze Save Max accounts for alleged $2.7M trust fund misuse
Concerns about industry practices and broker accountability
Trust fund management issues becoming more visible as market pressures mount
This follows a pattern of regulatory scrutiny as the market slows
What Investors Should Do Now
Watch regional divergence: While Ontario and B.C. are weak, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic Canada are showing firmer price growth. Consider geographic diversification.
Monitor delinquency trends: Rising mortgage arrears in Toronto and Vancouver could signal distressed selling opportunities later this year.
Scrutinize broker practices: The RECO action is a reminder to vet your brokerage relationships carefully, especially in a slower market where financial pressures can lead to questionable practices.
Stay liquid: With 84,000 jobs lost in February and unemployment at 6.7%, maintain cash reserves for both personal stability and potential buying opportunities.
Listen to the Full Episodes
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JYlFtREJxw&list=PLtSIoTsU-LP3B9KqvZMEd4btQW6XRMMnd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-canadian-real-estate-investor/id1634197127
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wcDGtXn8Pa7K02l2Ujd3g
The Canadian Real Estate Investor drops new episodes every Tuesday and Friday at 5am EST. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.