If the holidays left your finances feeling a little stretched, you’re not alone. For many BC homeowners, refinancing can be a practical way to consolidate high-interest debt, improve cash flow, and start the year with a clear plan. This blog post explores how refinancing works, when it makes sense, and how it can help turn post-holiday stress into renewed financial confidence.

Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make but have you taken the steps to protect it? A will and power of attorney are essential tools that ensure your home is managed and passed on according to your wishes, not left to the courts. Whether planning for the unexpected or preparing for the future, these documents provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind for homeowners and their families.

Feeling the Blue Monday blues? An annual mortgage review is a simple way to regain financial clarity and peace of mind. It can uncover opportunities to save money, reveal new needs as your life and goals evolve, or simply confirm—two thumbs up—that your mortgage strategy is still aligned with your long-term plan. A quick review with a trusted mortgage professional can turn uncertainty into confidence and help you start the year on solid financial footing.

The biggest mistake borrowers make is waiting until the last minute. Starting early gives you more options, stronger negotiating power, and a clear strategy to secure better terms. Not just a rate. With the right plan in place, your 2026 renewal can save you thousands. Strategy is everything.

Planning a vacation around your mortgage completion? Think again. Between in-person legal meetings, lender requirements, and potential last-minute amendments, being away could delay your move or cause stress. Stay put, keep funds ready, and celebrate your new home once everything is finalized!

Your mortgage isn’t a “set it and forget it” product. Reviewing it at least once a year can uncover savings, optimize your payment strategy, and align your mortgage with your financial goals. A quick annual check-up with a mortgage professional can pay off big in the long run!

Paying your mortgage with a credit card might sound like a clever way to earn rewards but in Canada, it’s not allowed by most lenders. Even if it were, any such payment would be treated as a cash advance with no interest-free period. On top of that, lost cards or fraudulent activity could disrupt your essential mortgage payments. Stick to pre-authorized debits from your bank account and save yourself the risk there are smarter ways to earn rewards while staying financially secure.

Many strata owners assume strata insurance covers everything but it doesn’t. Your strata’s policy only protects the building and common areas, not your belongings, upgrades, or liability if damage starts in your unit. That’s why having your own fire insurance is so important. It fills the gaps, covers what matters most, and protects you from costly surprises.

Homeownership comes with more than just mortgage payments property taxes, maintenance, and repairs can add up fast. A sinking fund helps you plan ahead by setting aside a little each month for those annual or unexpected costs. It’s a simple, stress-free way to stay on top of your home expenses and avoid dipping into credit when surprises pop up.

Think a perfect 900 credit score gets you a better mortgage rate than someone with 700? Surprisingly, it doesn’t at least not with major banks and credit unions. In the “A” lending space, both borrowers qualify for the same great rates. The key isn’t perfection it’s paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and using credit responsibly.

Listing prices don’t always tell the full story. In today’s BC housing market, a home’s asking price might not reflect its true value especially if it’s been listed for a while or has unique history. As we move toward 2026 and see BC Assessment values adjust, understanding real market value (and working with the right professionals) is key to making smart buying or selling decisions.

Most buyers focus on saving for their down payment, but many forget about the deposit and you’ll need it fast once your offer is accepted! In BC, deposits are typically around 5% of the purchase price and show sellers you’re serious. Learn when it’s due, where the money can come from, and how to make sure you’re ready when the perfect home comes along.

Thinking about refinancing, selling your home, or making a big move before your mortgage term ends? You could be facing a prepayment penalty and it’s often much more than people expect.

In this post, I break down the two main types of penalties (including the dreaded Interest Rate Differential), show real-life examples of how they're calculated, and share tips on how to avoid or reduce them.

Don’t let surprise fees catch you off guard - know what you're signing up for.

Not all mortgages are created equal—and depending on your credit, income, and financial goals, the right lender might not be a big bank. In this post, I break down the key differences between A lenders (traditional banks), B lenders (alternative options), and private mortgages, so you can understand which one fits your situation best.

Whether you're self-employed, have bruised credit, or need fast financing, there's likely a solution for you.

Getting help from family is more common than ever—but gifted down payments come with specific lender rules. From gift letters to proof of transfer, it's important to get it right.

In this post, learn what’s required, how much can be gifted, and what both buyers and gift givers need to know to avoid delays in the mortgage process.

If you're a homeowner in British Columbia, especially approaching retirement or feeling financial pressure, deferring your property taxes might seem like a smart way to ease your cash flow. And it can be - but it’s not without potential downsides.

Retirement is changing and so are your options.
More Canadians over 55 are unlocking the value in their homes with reverse mortgages, choosing comfort and freedom over monthly payments. As more retirees carry mortgages into retirement, it’s time to ask yourself: Do you want a payment with your mortgage… or not?

Thinking about buying a home and financing a car? Before you take on a new vehicle loan, it’s important to understand how car payments can affect your mortgage approval especially here in BC. Even a $500/month car payment could reduce your borrowing power by tens of thousands. In this post, I break down how lenders view car loans and what you can do to keep your mortgage goals on track.

Co-signing a mortgage isn’t like splitting a pizza if things go sideways, you're not just responsible for your "slice"… you’re on the hook for the whole pie. From credit impact to legal liability, there’s a lot more at stake than most people realize. Before you sign on the dotted line, here’s what you really need to know.

Buying a home in BC? Keep an eye on the force majeure clause in your contract especially during wildfire season. These clauses protect against unexpected events like natural disasters, but they can also delay your closing date and jeopardize mortgage approval. Add in the risk of fire-related insurance issues, and things can get complicated fast. Learn how to protect your home purchase from the unexpected and keep your mortgage on track.