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Buying your first home, no matter your age, is a huge milestone! It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times, both financially and emotionally. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way in keeping things calm and on track. Here are my best tips to help you minimize stress, avoid surprises, […]

Breaking news: The Bank of Canada just cut its key interest rate by 0.25% on September 17, 2025. This means most lenders’ prime rate should fall to 4.70% in the coming days. Here’s what that could mean for you and your mortgage. 1️⃣ Adjustable Rate Mortgage Holders: If your mortgage is tied to prime, your […]

When your mortgage comes up for renewal, it’s easy to focus on one thing: the interest rate. And yes — getting a competitive rate matters. But your renewal is about so much more than just locking in a number. It’s a chance to make sure your mortgage is still working for you and lining up […]

As expected, the Bank of Canada has left its policy rate unchanged at 2.75% this morning on July 30, 2025. This marks the third consecutive rate hold. The unpredictability of the current tariff situation, as well as higher-than-expected inflation, has left the Bank of Canada moving forward cautiously. A rate hold means no changes for […]

What is my minimum down payment, and how does it affect my application? There are 3 types of down payment scenarios: If your down payment is between 5% and 19.99% of the purchase price, your mortgage is considered a high-ratio (or insured) mortgage. This means you're borrowing more than 80% of the home's value. Because […]

Let’s try a little experiment and do a little check-in... When was the last time you went an entire day without worrying about money or your financial future? Take a moment. Think about it… If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. For so many aspiring first-time home buyers, especially in today’s market, financial stress has […]

The Bank of Canada held the Target Overnight Rate steady at 2.75% again this morning, June 4, 2025. This is the benchmark rate used by banks to set their Prime Rate, and therefore, I expect no change to lenders' Prime Rate. This announcement directly impacts any borrowers with a variable or adjustable-rate mortgage and home […]

As of May 27, 2025, first-time home buyers could save up to $50,000 on a new home thanks for the brand new GST rebate announced by the federal government. A full GST rebate on new homes under $1 million, and a partial rebate on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. First time home buyers...If […]

When applying for a mortgage in Canada, debt servicing ratios—also known as GDS (Gross Debt Service) and TDS (Total Debt Service)—play a key role in determining how much you can qualify for. If you're aiming to increase your approved mortgage amount, the key is to improve these ratios. Two Main Strategies to Reduce Your Debt […]