Mortgage Qualify

Blog

Rates, tips and the occasional myth-bust.

Rates

What the Bank of Canada's Latest Rate Hold Means for Mortgage Shoppers

The policy rate held steady again this quarter. Here's how that ripples through variable rates, fixed pricing, and the stress test benchmark.

Buyer Tips

5 Things First-Time Buyers Are Getting Wrong This Spring

From skipping pre-approval to underestimating closing costs — the patterns we keep seeing in this year's buyer questions.

Savings Strategy

FHSA vs. RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: Can You Use Both?

Short answer: yes, and combining them is one of the more effective down-payment strategies available to first-time buyers today.

Qualifying

Why Condo Fees Can Shrink Your Mortgage Approval More Than You'd Expect

Lenders include half of your condo fees in your debt service ratios — which means a $600/month fee can meaningfully reduce your approved amount.