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How the Bank of Canada’s 2026 Rate Holds Affect Your Mortgage Strategy
If you’ve been waiting to see where mortgage rates are heading in 2026, here’s your update. The Bank of Canada just held its overnight rate steady again in December, keeping it at 2.25%. For anyone in British Columbia thinking of buying, renewing, refinancing, or selling this year, this stability could be a big opportunity. Let’s walk through what this means for you and how to take advantage of it, no matter where you are in your homeownership journey. What’s a Rate Hold and
Cait Holmes
Jan 223 min read


What Are the Best Mortgage Renewal Rates Available in Canada?
Most People Auto-Renew Without Question You receive a letter from your lender. Your mortgage term is coming to an end, and they’re offering a new rate and a new term. It feels straightforward, familiar, and safe. So you sign it. You send it back. And just like that, you’ve locked yourself in for another five years. But here’s what most people don’t realize: that quick, routine decision can cost you thousands of dollars—not only in extra interest, but in missed opportunities.
Cait Holmes
Dec 17, 20254 min read


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 20, 20253 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 11, 20252 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 11, 20253 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 17, 20252 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 10, 20253 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 5, 20253 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 20, 20253 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 6, 20253 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 16, 20253 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 16, 20253 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 17, 20253 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 3, 20252 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 18, 20253 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 5, 20253 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 16, 20252 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 4, 20253 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
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