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If you’re a Canadian homeowner and the CRA is knocking with a tax bill you can’t afford, you’ve got more power than you think—especially if you’ve built up equity in your home. CRA debt can spiral quickly, thanks to aggressive interest and penalty structures. But with the right refinancing strategy, you might be able to…

Thinking about buying a home in 2025? Maybe you’ve hit your limit with renting, or your one-bedroom condo just isn’t cutting it anymore. Whatever the reason, buying a home is a major move—not just financially, but emotionally too. And let’s be honest, the process can be a bit of a maze. I’ve guided countless clients…

In short? 100%. The First Home Savings Account—or FHSA for short—is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the 2025 home buying game. If you’re just starting to think about buying your first place, this account gives you a rare combo: tax breaks when you contribute, tax-free growth while your money’s invested, and no tax…

If you’re buying a home or thinking about refinancing, you’ve probably heard the term mortgage agent come up. But what exactly does that mean? And how is it different from a broker—or the mortgage rep at your bank? Let’s keep it simple: a mortgage agent is a licensed professional who helps you arrange mortgage financing….

For most people, sorting out a mortgage can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re buying your first home, renewing your current mortgage, or looking to access equity for renovations or investments, the options can become confusing—fast. The good news? Once you understand how each type of mortgage works, things start to make a whole lot more sense….

What Does a Mortgage Broker Do? Think of a great broker like your GPS in the mortgage world—navigating around obstacles and helping you find the most efficient path to your ideal mortgage. They’re licensed professionals who shop around on your behalf — across dozens of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and what’s known as monoline…

Earning $70,000 a year in Canada? You’re probably wondering how much house you can actually afford — and whether the dream of homeownership is within reach. Good news: for most Canadians in 2025, a $70K salary can qualify you for a mortgage somewhere between $280,000 and $380,000. But that’s just a ballpark. The exact number…

Buying a condo is a big step—whether it’s your first home, an investment property, or a move into something more manageable. One of the first questions most buyers ask is: “How much do I need for the down payment?” The short answer? It depends on the price of the condo and whether you plan to…

Posted in Mortgage News: HOA fees—or Homeowners Association Fees—are commonly required for properties in some of Calgary’s newer communities, such as Auburn Bay, Mahogany, or West Springs. These fees fund the maintenance of shared amenities like lakes, tennis courts, or parks. Read on for more detailed guidance on HOA fees: What Do HOA Fees Cover?…

Posted in Mortgage News: House flipping has been around for many years and continues to be a popular way for people to make money—often while doing something they love. Buying a house at a low price, fixing it up, and selling it for a higher value is an enticing prospect. But is now the right…

Posted in Mortgage News: If you’ve been unfortunate enough to go through a bankruptcy or consumer proposal, and need to apply for a mortgage loan to purchase a property, you’ll find that it might be a lot tougher than you anticipated. Around 100,000 Canadians apply for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal every year, and this…

Posted in Mortgage News: When it comes time to renew your mortgage, it presents a great opportunity to reassess your financial situation and determine whether your needs have changed since your last mortgage term began. Perhaps your budget has shifted, you’re thinking about moving, or you’re no longer happy with yourcurrent lender. Factors like these…

Posted in Mortgage News: Getting the right property at the right price is crucial if you’re planning to buy a commercial building in Canada. The first step in the process is understanding the different types of commercial properties available. Some of the most common include: Each of these comes with its own set of advantages…

Posted in Mortgage News: If you’ve never considered working with a mortgage broker, it might be because you’ve heard a few things about them that just aren’t true. Mortgage brokers can be incredibly helpful when it comes to finding a great deal on a loan. In fact, many of their clients end up saving thousands—savings…

Posted in Mortgage News: When you make a late payment or default on a loan, the lender reports this to the credit bureaus. That information becomes part of your credit report and can influence future lending decisions. If you’re applying for a mortgage and have bad credit, it can affect your ability to get approved—but…

Posted in Mortgage News: Do you dream of owning your own home, but worry that a poor credit score will make that dream impossible? Fortunately, even if your credit is bruised or less than perfect, there are still options available and while you may not have access to as many mortgage products as someone with…

Posted in Mortgage News: For anyone looking to purchase their first property, the process can feel overwhelming. Knowing who to turn to for advice—and where to get your mortgage—can be confusing. To make things a little easier, here are the three main places you can get your mortgage from: Banks Many people naturally go straight…

Posted in Mortgage News: Getting approved for a mortgage in Canada isn’t always straightforward. If you’re facing challenges with income, credit, or passing the mortgage stress test, having a co-signer could be the boost you need. Here’s a closer look at how co-signing works, when it makes sense, and what you should consider before moving…

Posted in Mortgage News: After four years as an associate with The Mortgage Centre, Calgary mortgage broker Luke Wile has launched a new firm—Red Key Mortgage Group—as part of the Verico Network. Luke Wile’s Mortgage launch marks an exciting new chapter for Red Key Mortgage Group and for homebuyers across Calgary. Having served as both…

With home prices staying high and interest rates not giving anyone a break, Canadian buyers and sellers are starting to look beyond the traditional mortgage route. One increasingly appealing option? Assuming a mortgage. If you’re scratching your head wondering what that actually means — or whether it’s a smart move in today’s market — you’re…

Your complete guide to answer the question, “How long do I need for my mortgage financing condition when buying a new home?” Let’s get into it. So, you’ve got your mortgage pre-approval in hand—nice! That’s a big step. But now you’re wondering: how long until I actually get the mortgage and can call that house…

Poor credit doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your dream of homeownership. In fact, more Canadians than ever are qualifying for bad credit mortgage loans — and there are real options available if you know where to look and how to prepare. Whether your credit history includes late payments, collections, or a bankruptcy, this…

If you’re shopping for a mortgage in Canada, you might be considering working with a mortgage broker. One of the most common questions people ask is: how does a mortgage broker get paid? It’s a great question—and one that’s important to understand before you choose who helps you with one of the biggest financial decisions…

First off: if you’re staring at your online banking app realizing your mortgage payment didn’t go through — take a breath. You’re not the first person this has happened to, and you won’t be the last. Maybe your car broke down. Maybe a surprise dental bill hit harder than expected. Or maybe it was just…

Let’s be real—saving for a down payment in Canada feels like trying to fill a swimming pool with a teaspoon. Home prices haven’t exactly chilled out, and for many would-be homeowners, the biggest roadblock isn’t the monthly mortgage payment… it’s coughing up that initial chunk of change. So, can you actually buy a home in…