Emma Caplan-Fisher

Various articles written for Moneywise.com

Buying a new home before selling your current one is a common challenge for Canadian homeowners. That’s because in many markets, the timing of two real estate transactions can be difficult to coordinate. It’s very common for buyers to find their ideal property before their existing home officially sells or before the closing date arrives.
The good news is, there’s a solution: bridge financing, a short-term loan designed to solve this timing gap. It allows homeowners to access equity from thei...

In our culture of “Top 30 under 30” and “20-something disruptors,” it’s easy to internalize the idea that success has an expiry date. But Helen Hirsh Spence is living proof that meaningful work doesn’t end at 40, 50 or even 65, and that the story of midlife is one of transition, not decline.
At 76, Hirsh Spence isn’t retired like some 90 per cent of other Canadians in their seventies. Instead, she’s busy redefining what growth, contribution and relevance look like in later life.
While she wen...

Canada’s housing market is stabilizing in many regions, with buyers returning cautiously and competition strongest for homes that stand out. According to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales activity has shown signs of recovery in recent months, though conditions vary by region and property type.
In this environment, presentation matters more than ever — especially online. Digital-first behaviour, along with the fact that most buyers form an opinion withi...

Breakups have their clichés – the playlist, the ice cream nights, the “closure” talk. But there’s another kind of heartbreak we rarely give space to: when a close friendship ends. For many women, that loss feels just as painful, sometimes even more so, than romantic breakups.
Yet societally, it’s treated as something to simply get over in silence.
“I cried for like three straight weeks,” says Sarah Burton,* recalling the end of a friendship that lasted over two decades. She describes it like ...

In uncertain markets, where digital advertising costs are soaring and competition is intensifying, resilient businesses are not just surviving, they're thriving. For SaaS founders, especially those bootstrapping or going solo, the path to both sustainable growth and potential exit opportunities lies in robust operational practices.
Recent data underscores this shift: global advertising spend reached $1.09 trillion in 2024, 7.3% up from the previous year, and largely comprised of digital chann...

Selling a home in Canada today is very different from what it was a few years ago. Interest rates have shifted, buyer behaviour has become more cautious and local market conditions can vary dramatically from one neighbourhood to the next.
Some homes still sell in days, while others sit for months — often because of pricing, timing or preparation missteps rather than a lack of demand.
Our latest House Price Index shows home prices were down by 1% year-over-year, declining across all property t...

A Letter of Intent (LOI) marks a pivotal moment in the acquisition process, as the first real sign that a buyer is serious. While not fully binding, an LOI document sets a proposed deal's tone by outlining its key structure, expectations, and timeline.
If you've reached or are nearing the point of LOI, congratulations! This is no small feat, so be proud of how far you've come. But it's just as important to understand what this means for you and your business.
This guide is here to help make t...

We tend to picture divorce as something that happens when couples are young – kids at home, careers just taking off. But something quieter is happening across Canada: marriages are ending in later life, with many people aged 50 and older parting ways.
And the reasons for this “grey divorce” phenomenon go well beyond one spouse falling out of love.
50+ divorce: On a slower decline
Interestingly, on the surface, divorce in Canada is falling. The overall divorce rate dropped from about 13 per 1,...

Buying a home shouldn’t come with buyer’s remorse, whether you’re eyeing a detached in Vancouver, a condominium in Toronto or a townhouse in Halifax. That’s where Wahi comes in, with this helpful guide to walk you through 10 practical, Canadian-specific tactics on negotiating a house price that works for you — without sacrificing financing, protections or smart planning.
You’ll get actionable advice, sample scripts, simple comparisons and quick FAQs to help you move ahead more confidently. Be...

It’s a story far too many women know intimately. You’re raising teenagers, building a career, managing a household and then – almost without realizing when it happened – you’ve also become the full-time caregiver to your aging parent.
Part of this comes from what many call the “good daughter” trap. Parents choose to be parents, but children don’t choose to become caregivers. And yet, when support is needed, it’s often daughters who feel an unshakable sense of duty – and guilt – to step in.
In...

Various articles written for RealEstateMagazine.ca

Burlington-based real estate investment firm Equiton has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in 2015, surpassing $1.5 billion in assets under management and expanding its portfolio across Canada.
At the heart of this success is president, CFO and co-founder Helen Hurlbut. Her extensive career in real estate and finance has been instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory.
In honour of International Women's Day, RENX spoke to Hurlbut about her journey, challenges she's faced...

At SureSwift, great leadership isn’t just about managing—it’s about inspiring, connecting, and driving innovation. Enter Amanda McKay, our dynamic VP of People & Operations. In her role, Amanda merges her expertise in talent acquisition with a deep understanding of operational strategy, shaping a leadership style that ensures every business unit thrives.
Below, we dive into Amanda’s approach to identifying business needs, matching leadership candidates to SureSwift’s core values, and fosterin...

Willowdale Asset Management (Willowdale) and one of its portfolio companies have recently undergone some big structural changes.
Willowdale is now owner and manager of six portfolio companies, while Empire Continental Land, formerly the land division of Empire Communities, is now rebranded as standalone entity Precedent Land Company (Precedent).
Established in 1993 as the former corporate division of Empire Communities, Willowdale has grown from a single-project homebuilder into a diversified...