FAQ

How do I get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Click here to start your online application. Once we have obtained your application you will receive a phone call from either myself or one of my team members to go over all details and discuss which documents you will need to gather.

Check out What We Need For Your Mortgage Pre-Approval

How long does a pre-approval take?

The quicker you get all your documentation to us the quicker you will receive your pre-approval. Once we have all we need it should take 1-2 days depending on which lender we have decided for you.

Check out What We Need For Your Mortgage Pre-Approval

What is the process for securing financing for the purchase of a home?

1. Get Application
2. Obtain documents
3. Submit for approval

Check out our 8 Steps to Buying A Home

What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank?

As a broker, I have many different lending options and rates at my fingertips. When you use the bank or Credit Union directly you only have THEIR options.

Check out our 7 Reasons Why You Should Work With a Broker

What is a mortgage renewal?

Once your mortgage term has ended your mortgage comes up for renewal. It may be tempting to just sign what the bank has sent for you. But I think this is a great time to consolidate debt, review payments, amortization and review your life situation to ensure we meet your goals.

Can I switch mortgage providers while in a mortgage contract?

Yes, you can switch BUT you will pay a penalty to leave your current contract. What this means, is that you will be breaking your contract with your current lender. When breaking a contract, you must pay a penalty. I will run all the numbers for you to see if the penalty would be worth the potential savings.

Can I refinance my property?

If you’re looking to take out equity to build that new addition or you just want to consolidate some debt, a refinance might be a great option for you. When refinancing we can only finance 80% of your property value.

What is the difference between a commercial and residential mortgage?

Commercial mortgages consist of a commercial building. These mortgages statistically take longer to underwrite, have an application fee and a higher interest rate.

Residential mortgages would consist of financing your home. The underwriting process is very quick and easy.

Can I add home improvement costs to my mortgage?

We can absolutely do a purchase plus improvements mortgage. All you need to get is quotes for material and labour!

If you own the existing home, we can either look at pulling the existing equity out to do the improvements or again, gather the quotes for material and labour to ensure there is enough equity.

How does debt affect my ability to secure a mortgage?

We have specific guidelines that we need to follow to ensure your ratios are in line. All side debt affects the existing mortgage request.

How does my employment status affect my ability to secure a mortgage?

When looking at employment history we generally ask for a 2-3yr average to determine job stability. If you don’t have a job currently, you do not qualify for a mortgage.

Different lenders will accept different forms of income such as child tax benefit, foster income and so on.

What is a down payment?

A type of payment, often in cash, made in the early stages offer. The payment represents a percentage of the full purchase price. In some cases, the down payment is not refundable if you write your offer unconditional to financing.

What is a mortgage rate? What is the difference between fixed and variable?

A mortgage rate is the rate of interest charged on a mortgage.

A fixed rate means the interest rate on your loan does not change over the life of your loan. A variable rate is where the interest rate on your loan can change, based on the prime rate

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions…Answered!

What is a home inspection, and should I get one?

Is the examination of the condition of a home. Home inspections are performed by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform these inspections.

What are closing costs?

At the end of your deal, you will be faced with closing costs such as, lawyer fees, realtor commissions, appraisal fees etc.

What is a mortgage?

A type of loan made between you and the lender that allows you to borrow money to purchase a home. The property is security for the loan. And your amortization period is the number of years you have to pay it all back.

What does this cost me?

My service is free. I get paid by the lender that I send you to. *O.A.C. Conditions may apply

What are your hours of operation?

I will do whatever it takes to get the job done. I am prepared to meet my clients during the daytime, evenings or weekends.

How many lenders do you deal with?

I deal with over 58 different lenders. Some more closely than others. They all have their own niche in the industry. Some lenders are local and others are virtual. I will discuss this with you and choose the lender that best suits your needs.

Why are mortgage brokers different in Canada than in the USA?

In Canada we have very strict rules and regulations that we have to follow. The Canadian government is constantly tightening up their guidelines to protect the Canadian economy and the people that live here. In Canada, we do qualify our clients for mortgages differently.

What does the AMP mean?

Accredited Mortgage Professional – this simply means that I have obtained this designation and am part of the CAAMP program. As an AMP, I will be an ethical mortgage broker that will be committed to providing you with the service, mortgage product/rate and educate you accordingly.

Why are mortgage brokers different than at the bank?

  1. We are 100% commission based. This is a positive thing we are committed to working with you fromthe beginning to the end and have a satisfied client, as our business is referral based.
  2. Hours are not structured. Prepared to work evenings & weekends
  3. Prepared to work on credit issues.
  4. Work with a network based team from legal lawyers to realtors to life insurance planners
  5. Email you on a monthly basis to advise you of the rates
  6. 100% confidential service