
mortgage tips


Thinking of a private mortgage? Here’s what lenders want to see
Private mortgages continue to play an important role in today’s Canadian housing market, especially as traditional lending guidelines tighten. Yet many borrowers are surprised to learn that private lenders don’t simply look at one or two factors — they assess a wide range of details that can make or break a deal.

How to keep your home after separation—even if you don’t qualify alone
Separation and divorce are hard enough without throwing mortgage stress into the mix. One of the most emotional questions we hear is, ‘I want to keep the house, but I don’t make enough on my own to qualify—what can I do?’

Low appraisals are back—don’t let them kill your financing
Appraisals have become a bit of a wildcard lately. More and more, they’re coming in lower than expected—which can seriously throw off your plans, whether you’re buying or refinancing.

When can a seller lend you money? What to know about vendor take-back mortgages
Homebuyers looking to bridge a financing shortfall sometimes consider asking the seller for help. One option that occasionally comes up is a vendor take-back (VTB) mortgage, where the seller lends a portion of the purchase price to the buyer, typically as a second mortgage.

What to expect when making the jump from renting to home ownership
Going from renting to owning is a major life upgrade — but now that your name is on an asset, you have to take care of it.

Pre-construction purchases: Beware of closing day surprises
Recently, we helped a couple navigate the process of buying a pre-construction condo townhome. Their journey left them frustrated and vowing never to buy pre-construction again.

Thinking of gifting a down payment this holiday season? Here’s what you should know
With the holiday season in full swing, many Canadians are focused on gift giving. For some, that includes helping loved ones take their first steps toward homeownership with a financial contribution for their down payment.

Pros and cons of a 10-year fixed mortgage: Is stability worth the cost?
The 10-year mortgage has long been a niche product in the Canadian mortgage market.

Preparing for your mortgage renewal: Tips to ease the stress of higher payments
Millions of Canadian homeowners are facing mortgage renewals in the coming years, with many feeling stressed as they prepare for higher payments amid persistently elevated interest rates.