top of page

BLog


Why Home Equity Is Your Secret Weapon, Even Before You Sell
When I sat down with Mark and Elena last month, they told me they were worried: “We’re far from selling, but interest rates are making our payments tight.” Instead of focusing purely on buying or selling, I turned their attention to something they already had: home equity . It changed their mindset — and it can help you too. What is home equity, and why it matters Your home equity is simply the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on the mo
Cait Holmes
Oct 203 min read


Still Waiting for 1% Mortgage Rates? Here’s Why They’re Gone for Good
What’s Changed Since the Pandemic? Remember those record-low mortgage rates in 2020 and 2021? Some of us locked in 5-year fixed terms...
Cait Holmes
Sep 112 min read


Understanding When Appraisals Are Required in Canada
Buying a home or refinancing your mortgage? You might be wondering if a home appraisal is something you’ll need to worry about. The...
Cait Holmes
Aug 113 min read


How Mortgages Can Accelerate Your Wealth-Building
When most people hear “mortgage,” they think of long-term debt—not a wealth-building or tax-saving opportunity. But with the right...
Cait Holmes
Jul 172 min read


5 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker in Canada
Shopping for your first mortgage can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. As someone who’s helped many young...
Cait Holmes
Jul 103 min read


Rethinking Retirement: Why Your Home Can Be a Financial Asset, Not Just a Place to Live
Most of us were raised with the idea that being mortgage-free was the ultimate goal by retirement. And while there’s nothing wrong with...
Cait Holmes
Jun 53 min read


Is Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Actually Useless? Here’s Why It Might Be
A Rate Hold Isn’t a Guarantee—And That Could Cost You the Home Getting pre-approved for a mortgage should feel like progress. It’s...
Cait Holmes
May 203 min read


Are Variable Rates Still Worth It in 2025? It Depends…
The fixed vs. variable debate is heating up again in 2025—and for good reason. Borrowers across Canada are asking: should I lock in a...
Cait Holmes
May 63 min read


A Turbulent Economy Meets a Wave of Mortgage Renewals
Right now, millions of Canadians are bracing for mortgage renewals—and many are facing rates two to three times higher than what they...
Cait Holmes
Apr 163 min read


No-Payment Mortgage Options: Are They Right for You?
When people hear “no-payment mortgage,” they often assume it’s too good to be true or that it comes with hidden risks. But in Canada,...
Cait Holmes
Apr 163 min read


Should I renew or refinance my mortgage?
Millions of Canadians are approaching the end of their mortgage term, eager to lock in the best possible rate. While many are focused on...
Cait Holmes
Mar 173 min read


You Missed the Best Time to Buy—Now What?
Let’s be real—2020 was a great time to buy a home. Prices were lower, and mortgage rates were sitting at 2.84% . But if you didn’t buy...
Cait Holmes
Mar 32 min read


Lower Rate with Higher Penalty OR Higher Rate with Lower Penalty?
When choosing a mortgage, many borrowers focus on getting the lowest interest rate. But what happens if life throws a curveball and you...
Cait Holmes
Feb 183 min read


Are Mortgage Rates Going to Drop in 2025? How U.S. Tariffs Could Impact You
Is the Economy Going to Crash? What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know With new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods already in place —and Canada...
Cait Holmes
Feb 53 min read


Capital Gains Tax Rules: Are They Changing?
With all the uncertainty surrounding Canada’s proposed capital gains tax changes, many property owners are asking, "Do I have to pay...
Cait Holmes
Jan 162 min read


Your Resolution May Fail by February… Here’s Why
The start of a new year inspires us to set ambitious goals, from getting fit to saving more money. But did you know that most people...
Cait Holmes
Jan 43 min read


Bank of Canada Cuts Rates by 50 Basis Points: What It Means for Your Mortgage
The Bank of Canada recently made headlines by cutting its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, a move aimed at providing relief to...
Cait Holmes
Dec 16, 20242 min read


Understanding 30-Year Amortizations: What Mortgage Brokers and Clients Need to Know
What is a 30-year Amortization? In simple terms, amortization refers to the length of time it takes to pay off a mortgage in full,...
Cait Holmes
Dec 4, 20243 min read
Are Interest Rates Going Down?
Interest rates are a key concern for both current and aspiring homeowners in [Your City]. Understanding why mortgage rates are high,...
Cait Holmes
Sep 18, 20243 min read


Unlocking Financial Freedom: Exploring Reverse Mortgages in Canada
Hey there, lovely readers! It's Cait Holmes, and today we're delving into a topic that's been buzzing in the financial world lately:...
Cait Holmes
Aug 30, 20233 min read
bottom of page
.png)