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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 212 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


Pros and Cons of Short Term Mortgages!
Interest rates have been on a rollercoaster for the past few years, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. With the Bank of Canada...

Lisa Belanger
Jun 183 min read


How to Access Your Home Equity!
If you’ve owned your home for a few years, there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a valuable financial resource — and you might not...

Lisa Belanger
Jun 163 min read


GST/HST Rebate on Housing For First-Time Home Buyers
As of May 27, 2025, the Canadian government has introduced the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate) to enhance housing...

Lisa Belanger
Jun 102 min read


'Pre-qualified' vs 'Pre-approved' ... don't be fooled - they are NOT the same
You've probably come across those ads on the radio, online, and billboards, boasting the speed and ease of getting 'Pre-Qualified' for a...

Lisa Belanger
May 262 min read
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