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Hidden Fees and Fine Print: What to Watch for Before You Sign
When it comes to choosing a mortgage, most people focus on one thing — the rate. And while getting a great rate is important, it’s not the whole story. Some mortgages look like a great deal on paper but come with fine print that can cost you thousands later on — in penalties, restrictions, or missed flexibility. That’s why I always tell clients: before you sign anything, make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to. Let’s go over a few of the most common “gotchas” to wat

Lisa Belanger
Nov 263 min read


Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: One Protects You — the Other Just Estimates
If you’ve started looking for a home, you’ve probably heard the terms pre-approval and pre-qualification tossed around a lot. They sound similar, and even some lenders use them interchangeably — but they’re not the same thing. In fact, knowing the difference could be what saves you from falling in love with a home you can’t afford — or missing out on one you could. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can shop for your next home with confidence. 1. What a Pre-Qualification

Lisa Belanger
Nov 193 min read


The Mortgage Paydown Strategy You Haven’t Tried Yet
When it comes to mortgages, most people focus on one goal: getting the lowest rate. And don’t get me wrong — that’s important. But here’s something I always tell my clients: The real savings come from how you manage your mortgage, not just what rate you get. There are smart, easy strategies you can use to shave years off your mortgage — without tightening your budget or sacrificing your lifestyle. Let’s go over a few of my favourites. 1. Switch to Accelerated Payments — Small

Lisa Belanger
Nov 123 min read


Fixed, Variable, or Blended: Which Option Actually Fits Your Financial Goals?
When it comes to choosing a mortgage, one of the first questions I get is: “Should I go fixed or variable?” It’s a great question — but here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on you — your goals, your comfort level with change, and your long-term plans. Let’s walk through the differences together so you can feel confident knowing you’re making the right choice for your situation — not just following what everyone else is doing. 1. The

Lisa Belanger
Nov 53 min read


Breaking the Renewal Routine: Why You Should Never Accept Your Bank’s First Offer
When your mortgage term comes up for renewal, your bank will usually make things super easy for you. They’ll send you an email or a letter with a simple “click here to renew” button — no meetings, no paperwork, no questions asked. Sounds convenient, right? But that convenience can quietly cost you thousands of dollars over your next term. Let’s talk about why your renewal deserves just as much attention as getting your first mortgage — and how I can help you make sure you’r

Lisa Belanger
Oct 223 min read


The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when it comes to finances. Many buyers...

Lisa Belanger
Sep 293 min read


Using Home Equity Wisely
Your home isn’t just a place to live—it’s one of your biggest financial assets. Over time, as you pay down your mortgage and property...

Lisa Belanger
Sep 221 min read


The Power of a Mortgage Broker
When most Canadians think of getting a mortgage, their first thought is: “I should go to my bank.” But what if your bank only represents...

Lisa Belanger
Sep 152 min read


Why Pre-Approval Matters More Than You Think
When you start thinking about buying a home, the excitement usually begins with browsing listings online or visiting open houses. But...

Lisa Belanger
Sep 82 min read


The Mortgage Renewal Trap
When your mortgage term comes to an end, your lender will typically send you a renewal letter in the mail or by email. It usually looks...

Lisa Belanger
Sep 42 min read


What’s a Down Payment, Really?
Your down payment is the money you pay upfront when buying a home. In Canada, the rules are straightforward but can vary depending on...

Lisa Belanger
Aug 181 min read


Mortgage Renewal Mistakes to Avoid
Did you know that 70% of homeowners just sign the renewal offer from their bank without shopping around? That’s like leaving free money...

Lisa Belanger
Aug 111 min read


What You Need for a Pre-Approval
Before you start shopping for your dream home, getting pre-approved is a must. A pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow...

Lisa Belanger
Aug 41 min read


Fixed vs. Variable: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgage can feel like flipping a coin — especially in a market with unpredictable...

Lisa Belanger
Jul 281 min read


Mortgage Rate Myths in 2025: Don’t Fall for These Common Misconceptions
With so much online advice, it’s easy to fall for mortgage myths. Let’s bust a few: ❌ Myth: Fixed rates are always safer In reality, a...

Lisa Belanger
Jul 212 min read


5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. Between figuring out your budget, getting approved for a...

Lisa Belanger
Jul 202 min read


Short-Term Rentals & Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know Before You Airbnb
Thinking of offsetting your mortgage by renting out a suite or your entire home on Airbnb? Be aware: ✅ Lender restrictions Not all...

Lisa Belanger
Jul 142 min read


Your Mortgage After Divorce: How to Keep or Requalify for Your Home
Divorce is emotional and complicated — and housing decisions are a huge part of the transition. ✅ Can you afford to keep the home? To...

Lisa Belanger
Jul 72 min read


What No One Tells You About Prepayment Penalties (And How to Avoid Them)
Imagine you need to move unexpectedly — maybe for work, divorce, or a bigger home. If you break your mortgage early, you could face a...

Lisa Belanger
Jun 302 min read


The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why Some Canadians Regret Delaying Their Home Purchase in 2025
In 2025, many Canadians continue to delay buying a home, hoping for lower interest rates or a housing market correction. But waiting...

Lisa Belanger
Jun 271 min read
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