Why Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step in the Home Buying JourneyBy Craig Barton, Licensed Mortgage Broker in British Columbia If you’re thinking about buying a home in British Columbia—whether it’s your first purchase or you’re upgrading—there’s one essential step you should take before you even start browsing listings: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. […]

🏡 Top Mortgage Solutions for First-Time Homebuyers in Canada 1. First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) This federal program offers shared equity loans of 5% or 10% of the purchase price of your home. The government essentially helps you with part of the down payment in exchange for a stake in the home’s future value. Reduces […]

Why Purchasing Real Estate is a Smart Investment Over Renting in British Columbia As a mortgage broker in British Columbia, I’m often asked by clients whether it’s better to rent or buy a home. It’s an important decision, and the right choice varies depending on personal circumstances. However, more often than not, purchasing real estate […]

The Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage to Pull Equity: A Smart Way to Manage Debt, Fund Renovations, or Plan a Family Trip As a mortgage broker, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether refinancing a mortgage makes sense when it comes to managing personal debt or funding significant life expenses like […]

Achieving a High Credit Score in Canada: Tips and Best Practices Your credit score is one of the most important factors when it comes to managing your finances in Canada. A high credit score can open doors to better loan rates, lower interest on credit cards, and even better rental opportunities. Whether you’re planning to […]

Why Canadians Should Consider Using a Mortgage Broker Instead of a Big Bank When it comes to securing a mortgage for your home, Canadians are often faced with a choice: approach a traditional big bank or work with a mortgage broker. While both options have their pros and cons, there are several compelling reasons why […]

The federal government on September 24, 2024 announced expanded parameters for lenders and insurers to begin offering insured mortgages effective December 15, 2024. The expanded parameters include: Expanding the eligibility for 30-year amortizations. Increasing the $1 million cap to $1.5 million. To qualify for the 30-year amortization: the loan to value must be 80% or […]

Big News for Homebuyers in Canada! Inflation has dropped to 2.0%! This could mean lower mortgage rates are on the way! New Mortgage Rules: The government is introducing 30-year mortgages for first-time buyers and increasing the price cap for insured mortgages to $1.5M. More flexibility for homebuyers! U.S. Retail Sales Update: Strong numbers could affect […]