2026 is going to be an interesting year: Sherwood Mortgage Group’s Joe Ferraro reflects on 2025, looks optimistically towards new year

TORONTO, ONTARIO – DECEMBER 4, 2025 – The Canadian mortgage industry had a challenging year in 2025, according to Sherwood Mortgage Group Level Two Mortgage Agent Joe Ferraro.

 

The Sherwood Mortgage Group is a Canadian company founded in 2008. It features a team of over 100 mortgage brokers and agents along with over 50 institutionalized and alternative lenders to secure over a billion dollars a year in financing for their clients.

 

Ferraro appeared on the Dec. 3 edition of AvranceCorp Presents to talk about his observations and concerns from mortgage clients, while noticing some trends that could linger on in 2026.

 

“There is uncertainty on so many different levels,” Ferraro explained. “Especially with what’s happening south of the border with how that economy’s working. Who’s in charge over there. The uncertainty with the tariffs and what not. It’s affected everyone and everybody.”

 

Some of the key American tariffs against Canada include a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian steel that recently forced Canadian company Algoma Steel to lay off 1,000 employees.

 

Generally, the United States levied a 35 per cent tariff on Canadian goods in 2025, although a lot of products are exempt under the current United States-Canada-Mexico (USMCA) free trade agreement. A mandatory joint review of the USMCA is scheduled for July 2026.

 

But some recent anti-tariff ads in October featuring late American president Ronald Reagan from Ontario premier Doug Ford angered American president Donald Trump to increase Canada’s levies by 10 per cent over and above current levels.

 

“As much as we’re trying to say, ‘No, no, no’ … it’s there,” Ferraro added. “Sentiment in the market has always remained. The Bank of Canada, who is notorious for keeping us safe, keeping us in line, they do a good job. No matter how much we can try and say we don’t like them. Between the Bank of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, they’ve always nailed it.”

 

“As much as we’re not happy with the current rates right now, what’s happening south of the border and the uncertainty that’s happening up here, whether it’s inflation, whether its unemployment, it all has an effect in the mortgage world and how those rates look.”

 

The Bank of Canada overnight rate started at 3.25 per cent at the beginning of the year, then went down through a series of 25 basis point cuts in March, September, and October to 2.25 per cent. Dec. 10 is the next scheduled potential rate adjustment.

 

“It’s situational. Month by month, quarter by quarter, we go with what we have,” Ferraro said. “Hopefully, a pickup in the summer and fall (of 2026). Everyone wants to see a stable market, but what’s happening south of the border is a problem. It impacts us a lot.”

 

 

About AvranceCorp Developments

 

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

 

Media Contact

 

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
📧 kenai@avrancecorp.com
📞 647-368-8888

 

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AvranceCorp Developments partners with Lumbao Architects to elevate its Georgian Bay Terrace project

AvranceCorp Developments, a leader in cutting-edge real estate development, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Lumboa Architects, renowned for their innovative and sustainable architectural designs.

 

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the development of future projects that aim to redefine urban living spaces through cutting-edge design, sustainability, and community-centered development.

 

With a shared commitment to excellence and forward-thinking design, the partnership will leverage the expertise of both companies to deliver visually striking, environmentally sustainable, and functionally superior spaces that meet the needs of modern communities.

 

Starting with AvranceCorp Developments’ Georgia Bay Terrace project in 2020, Lumbao Architects took over as the principal architect and primarily assisted with the finalization of the site plan approval process. They will also assist with managing the development of the Georgian Bay Terrace through to completion.

 

“At AvranceCorp, we believe in creating developments that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow,” AvranceCorp vice chairman and acting CEO Ravi Thakur explained. “Our partnership with Lumboa Architects represents a shared vision of building smarter, more sustainable urban spaces that improve the quality of life for their inhabitants. Together, we are committed to delivering design solutions that are both innovative and environmentally responsible.”

 

Founded in 2017 and primarily led by principal architect Rommel A. Lumbao, Lumbao Architects is a member of the Ontario Association of Architects, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. The team consists of architects, designers, engineers, building technologists, and project managers with over 25 years of experience in the fields of construction, management, engineering, and architecture.

 

 

About Lumboa Architects

Founded in 2017, Lumboa Architects is an award-winning architecture firm that specializes in sustainable, forward-thinking design. With a focus on creating functional, environmentally conscious spaces, Lumboa Architects has earned recognition for its innovative use of materials, energy-efficient design, and creative approach to integrating architecture with the natural environment. Their portfolio includes residential, commercial, and civic projects that prioritize both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

 

 

About AvranceCorp Developments

 

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

 

Media Contact

 

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
📧 kenai@avrancecorp.com
📞 647-368-8888

 

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Save, Save, Save: Sherwood Mortgage Group’s Joe Ferraro shares money-saving tips on AvranceCorp Presents

TORONTO, ONTARIO – DECEMBER 4, 2025 – Helping clients save money is always on the mind of Joe Ferraro at Sherwood Mortgage Group.

 

Ferraro is a Level Two Mortgage Agent at the Sherwood Mortgage Group, where he primarily helps first-time homebuyers secure mortgage financing, and also helps existing homeowners with mortgage renewals. He shared some of his favourite money-saving tips on the Dec. 3 edition of AvranceCorp Presents.

 

 

“Credit is super important,” Ferraro explained to AvranceCorp Presents host Kenai Andrews. “If you have a credit card, make your minimum payment. Try and pay the balance off each month. Keep all of your balances to below 30 per cent. For example, if you have a credit card with a $1000 limit, do not let that balance get above $300. If it’s $10,000, keep it below $3,000. Try not to carry a lot of debt. If you do carry debt, try and make it 30 per cent of the overall limit.”

 

“Have two trade lines,” Ferraro continued. “One can be a VISA, one could be a Mastercard. One could be an American Express, one could be an unsecured line of credit. Make sure you have two of them because that’s how the Equifax algorithm works.

 

“The Equifax algorithm is a set of proprietary formulas that help to assess credit risk using factors such as payment history, credit utilization, credit mix, bankruptices, and so on. Equifax typically assigns a certain weight to each factor to calculate a probability score to indicate the risk of an individual defaulting on a loan.

 

Ferraro also has plenty of smaller yet meaningful ways of piling up some cash that are time-tested.

 

“When it comes to saving money, if you want to buy a home, create a plan to start saving money,” Ferraro said. “Take a look at the income you have coming in right now and start getting rid of or limiting those expenses that you can really save money on. You don’t need an eight-dollar coffee every day from Starbucks. You can make your own coffee at home. You’d be surprised at how much people can save if they just do things at home.”

 

“Cook your own meals, stop buying out. Take that money and leave it in the bank account. I would create a separate savings account, meaning if you have a bank account that has a chequing account, but you don’t have a savings account, create a savings account that you simply label: Savings for your home purchase. And every paycheque at minimum, after expenses, a minimum of 10 per cent has to go into that savings account. If you can put more, absolutely fantastic.”

 

“On the show, Ferraro mentioned a lot more tips, including how to save at mortgage renewal time and as well as sharing how he takes care to educate clients on all facets of homebuying and other mortgage services.

 

“Work, save, save, work, work, work, save, save,” Ferraro said. “And before you know it, you’ll have a good chunk of money saved up.”

 

About AvranceCorp Developments

 

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

 

Media Contact

 

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
📧 kenai@avrancecorp.com
📞 647-368-8888

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AvranceCorp Developments launches renovation services division

TORONTO, ONTARIO — DECEMBER 9, 2025— Real Estate firm AvranceCorp Developments announced the launch of its renovation services division.

The new renovation services division is an extension of AvranceCorp’s long-standing commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer service. By bringing renovation and remodeling in-house, AvranceCorp aims to provide a seamless, end-to-end experience for homeowners seeking to upgrade, modernize, or reimagine their living spaces.

 

“As our communities have grown, so has the demand for renovation expertise backed by a name homeowners trust,” AvranceCorp Developments vice chairman and acting CEO Ravi Thakur said. “Launching this division allows us to bring AvranceCorp’s signature design excellence and construction standards directly into customers’ existing homes. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel, basement finishing, or a full custom redesign, we’re committed to elevating the way people live.”

 

The renovation services division offers clients various services such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement conversions, whole-home renovations, structural upgrades (including additions, open-concept transformations and floorplan reconfigurations), exterior enhancements, smart home upgrades, and more. Every project is guided by AvranceCorp’s established standards of quality assurance, transparent communication, industry compliance, and client-centered planning.

 

The renovation services division will initially service clients in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions as well as select markets in Halifax, with plans to expand into additional Canadian markets as demand grows. Homeowners can begin booking consultations immediately through the new AvranceCorp renovation portal..

 

About AvranceCorp Developments

 

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

 

Media Contact

 

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
📧 kenai@avrancecorp.com
📞 647-368-8888

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AvranceCorp Developments partners with Eringate Homes on its Georgian Bay Terrace and Springbank Lux projects

TORONTO, ONTARIO — DECEMBER 9, 2025AvranceCorp Developments announced a strategic partnership with Eringate Homes to co-develop two premier residential communities: Georgian Bay Terrace, a luxury waterfront-inspired development near Georgian Bay, and Springbank Lux, a nine-storey luxury residential project in London, Ontario.

 

This collaboration brings together two respected builders known for quality craftsmanship, design innovation, and community-focused development. AvranceCorp Developments and Eringate Homes share a common vision: to create communities where architectural excellence meets exceptional livability.

 

“Our collaboration with Eringate Homes marks an exciting chapter in AvranceCorp’s growth,” said Ravi Thakur, Vice Chairman and Acting CEO of AvranceCorp Developments. “These projects reflect our mutual dedication to delivering homes that enrich everyday life and stand the test of time. Together, we’re shaping communities that blend modern amenities with natural and cultural surroundings.”

 

Eringate Homes, a privately held Toronto-based property development and construction firm founded in 2016, brings more than 40 years of combined industry experience to the market. The company’s expertise spans residential and commercial construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects. As the general contractor for AvranceCorp, Eringate Homes will oversee key phases of construction for both developments.

  • Georgian Bay Terrace: A five-story boutique residence with 150 luxury suites located at 1 Legion Road in Meaford, Ontario.
  • Springbank Lux Condos: A nine-storey luxury residential project featuring 175 condo suites, 11 luxury townhomes, and four ground-floor commercial units. Currently in pre-construction, it is situated within walking distance of the scenic Thames River and just eight minutes from downtown London, Ontario.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of the Georgian Bay Terrace project. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially due to various factors including regulatory changes, construction timelines, and market shifts.

 

About AvranceCorp Developments

 

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

 

Media Contact

 

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
📧 kenai@avrancecorp.com
📞 647-368-8888

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Wasaga Lux Condos: A Modern Community Minutes from Ontario’s Most Iconic Beach

TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 1, 2022 – AvranceCorp Developments, a Tarion-licensed Canadian real estate developer with a growing Ontario portfolio, proudly announces Wasaga Lux Condos, a signature mid-rise community designed to bring contemporary living to one of Ontario’s most desirable resort towns.

 

Situated just five minutes from the world-famous Wasaga Beach shoreline, Wasaga Lux Condos offers the best of both worlds; a tranquil, nature-rich setting with quick access to waterfront recreation, shopping, and dining.

 

Wasaga Lux represents our vision for a connected, sophisticated, and sustainable community,” said Samuel Babarinde, CEO and Founder of AvranceCorp Developments. “We’re building modern homes that reflect the spirit of Wasaga; vibrant, community-driven, and surrounded by natural beauty – while keeping lifestyle convenience at the forefront.”

 

Modern Living, Naturally Connected

 

Planned as part of a larger master-planned vision, Wasaga Lux Condos will feature two contemporary mid-rise buildings offering approximately 392 residential suites. Residents will enjoy resort-inspired amenities, modern design, and seamless integration with the surrounding environment; including nearby nature trails, forested green space, and scenic views of the Nottawasaga River area.

 

With proximity to Collingwood, Blue Mountain, and Highway 26, Wasaga Lux provides effortless access to recreation and essential amenities, appealing to retirees, professionals, and families seeking long-term value in a growing, Four-season destination.

 

A Legacy of Community-Driven Development

 

AvranceCorp Developments continues to expand its footprint across Ontario with communities emphasizing affordability, sustainability, and thoughtful urban design. Its portfolio includes developments in Ottawa, Meaford, London, and the Greater Toronto Area, each focused on long-term community and investor value.

 

“Every AvranceCorp project begins with purpose,” added Babarinde. “We aim to create spaces that enhance the lifestyle and economy.”

 

About AvranceCorp Developments

 

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

 

Media Contact

 

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
Email: kenai@avrancecorp.com
Phone: 647-368-8888

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T City Townhouse and Condos Phase I and II — A Landmark Multi-Tower Investment Opportunity in North York

TORONTO, ON — OCTOBER 22, 2025 — AvranceCorp Developments (“AvranceCorp” or “the Company”), a Tarion-licensed real estate developer based in North York, Ontario, is pleased to announce T City Townhouse and Condos Phase I and II.

The development represents a significant expansion of the company’s T City mixed-use community and a compelling investment opportunity in one of the Greater Toronto Area’s most promising urban growth corridors.

“The plan for the first phase is on the way, which is townhouses,” AvranceCorp CEO and founder Samuel Babarinde said. “It could be 50 units, full townhouses, or 125 unit stacked townhouses on the south side of the property. Proceeding with 5 towers on the north side of the property, which could average 2,400 units.

“It’s going to be a lot of affordable housing through this project,” Babarinde clarified. “We have partnered with the city of Toronto to offer 20 per cent of the total unit as affordable housing. We’re going to be working with different non-profits as well, and we’re going to be offering a lot of exciting incentives to the public to enable the public to gain access to this development. We look to dedicate about three towers for rental, and the last two towers, as phase three, will be dedicated as condos.

“The essence of the entire development is to provide affordable housing both in terms of rental, and in terms of ownership, condominium to the public.”

Major New Development for a Growing Corridor

T City Condos Phase II will feature approximately 2,400 modern condominium suites across multiple towers, forming a dynamic and well-connected community that integrates residential, retail, and green spaces.

Strategically located near transit routes, the Humber River, and key arterial roads, the project offers residents urban accessibility while maintaining proximity to natural surroundings.

“T City Phase II represents a strategic growth opportunity for AvranceCorp and our investment partners,” Babarinde added. “With its scale, prime location, and alignment with Toronto’s demand for connected, livable condominium communities, we believe this project will deliver strong equity growth and sustainable returns over its development cycle.”

Project Highlights

  • Developer: AvranceCorp Developments (Tarion Licensed)
  • Project Type: Multi-tower condominium community with mixed-use elements
  • Location: 3100 Weston Road, North York, Ontario (Weston Rd. & Sheppard Ave intersection)
  • Number of Units: Approx. 2,400 residential suites
  • Current Status: OPA & Zoning Application (Pre-construction)
  • Estimated Occupancy: To be determined

Investment Strengths

Prime Location and Connectivity
Situated in North York’s evolving Weston Rd. & Sheppard Ave. corridor, the project benefits from robust transit access, strong neighborhood infrastructure, and ongoing municipal investments in housing and transportation.

Scale and Market Reach
The large-scale, multi-tower design enables a mix of unit types and price ranges, appealing to first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers alike — while also achieving cost efficiencies and resilience to market fluctuations.

Demand Alignment
The GTA continues to experience sustained demand for suburban condominium living in well-connected, transit-oriented areas. T City Condos Phase II is designed to meet that need, combining urban amenities with community-oriented design.

Design and Community Vision

The development will feature a blend of modern architecture, professionally landscaped public areas, and resident-focused amenities. Retail and commercial spaces at street level will bring added vibrancy to the neighborhood, while the community’s variety of suite layouts — including studio, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms with dens — ensures wide market appeal.

“We are committed to executing with quality, transparency, and efficiency,” Babarinde explained. “T City Condos Phase II reflects AvranceCorp’s long-term vision of building thriving, sustainable communities while delivering strong value for all stakeholders.”

Next Steps

T City Condos Phase II is currently undergoing municipal review, with detailed design and site planning underway. Marketing and pre-sales are expected to launch following key approvals, with construction to proceed in phased stages.

Forward-Looking Statements:
This release may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of the T City Townhouse and Condos Phase I and II projects. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially due to various factors including regulatory changes, construction timelines, and market shifts.

About AvranceCorp Developments

AvranceCorp Developments is a Toronto-based real estate development company with a $4B+ portfolio and 7,000+ residential units in active development. Guided by urban planning principles and a commitment to innovation, AvranceCorp delivers communities that balance affordability, sustainability, and investor value.

Media Contact

Kenai Andrews
Director, Media & Investor Relations
AvranceCorp Developments
Email: kenai@avrancecorp.com
Phone: 647-368-8888

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