Help Center
Mortgage Questions, Answered.
No jargon, no fluff. Just clear answers to the questions I get every day, from first-time buyers, renewers, and everyone in between.
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?
The fixed vs. variable debate is one of the most common questions I get. Here's a clear breakdown to help you decide.
Key Points
- Fixed rates lock in your payment for your entire term
- Variable rates fluctuate with the prime rate
- Variable rates have historically been lower, but not always
How Much Mortgage Can I Actually Qualify For?
Lenders look at several factors to determine your maximum mortgage. Here's exactly how it's calculated — and what you can do to improve your number.
Key Points
- Lenders use Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios
- GDS should generally be 39% or less of gross income
- TDS should generally be 44% or less of gross income
What Documents Do You Need for a Mortgage Application?
Getting your documents organized before you apply makes the whole process faster and less stressful. Here's the complete checklist.
Key Points
- Identity: 2 pieces of government ID
- Income: pay stubs, T4s, or NOAs depending on employment type
- Employment: letter of employment confirming salary and tenure
The Mortgage Stress Test Explained
What is the mortgage stress test, why does it exist, and how does it affect what you can borrow? Everything you need to know in plain language.
Key Points
- The stress test qualifies you at a rate 2% above your actual rate
- It applies to all federally regulated lenders in Canada
- It reduces your maximum qualifying mortgage by roughly 15–20%
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA): A Guide for Canadians
The FHSA is one of the best savings tools ever created for Canadian first-time homebuyers. Here's how it works and why you should open one today.
Key Points
- Contribute up to $8,000/year, to a lifetime max of $40,000
- Contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP)
- Growth and withdrawals for a home purchase are tax-free (like a TFSA)
Mortgage Glossary: Terms Every Canadian Homebuyer Should Know
From amortization to variable rate, here's a plain-language guide to the mortgage terms you'll encounter — no financial degree required.
Key Points
- Amortization: the total life of your mortgage (e.g., 25 years)
- Term: the length of your current rate contract (e.g., 5 years)
- GDS/TDS: ratios lenders use to determine how much you can borrow
Amortization vs. Mortgage Term: What's the Difference?
Amortization and term are two of the most confused concepts in the mortgage world. Here's a clear explanation of both — and why each one matters.
Key Points
- Amortization = the total life of your mortgage (e.g., 25 years)
- Term = the length of your current contract (e.g., 5 years)
- Longer amortization = lower payments but more total interest
What Is a HELOC and Should You Get One?
A Home Equity Line of Credit can be a powerful financial tool — or a financial trap. Here's how to think about it clearly.
Key Points
- A HELOC is a revolving credit line secured against your home equity
- Access up to 65% of your home's value (up to 80% combined with your mortgage)
- Interest-only payments are possible, but this can be dangerous
Still Have Questions?
The help articles cover the most common questions, but your situation might be unique. Reach out and I'll give you a direct, honest answer.