Forest Fires & Approvals: The Force Majeure Clause
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Forest Fires & Approvals: The Force Majeure Clause

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.

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RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP: The Alphabet Soup of Savings Accounts
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP: The Alphabet Soup of Savings Accounts

RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP: What Do They All Mean for Homeownership?
Feeling overwhelmed by Canada’s savings account options? You’re not alone. In this post, I break down what each account does and how you can use them to buy your first home, boost your down payment, and stay financially secure long after you move in. Plus, if you need expert advice on where to start, I can connect you with a trusted financial advisor from my network.

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Basic Steps in an Investment Property Transaction in BC
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Basic Steps in an Investment Property Transaction in BC

Looking to invest in property in B.C.? Here’s how the process works. From crunching numbers and securing pre-approval to conducting due diligence and closing the deal, this blog post outlines the key steps every investor should know before taking the plunge.

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Lawyer or Notary: Who Should Handle Your Home Purchase in BC?
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Lawyer or Notary: Who Should Handle Your Home Purchase in BC?

When buying a home in British Columbia, you'll need to choose between working with a lawyer or a notary for your closing. While both can handle the legal side of a real estate transaction, there are key differences in what they can do. In this post, I’ll explain how lawyers and notaries compare, what each is responsible for, and how to decide which is right for your situation.

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Title Insurance: What is it & Who Does it Protect?
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Title Insurance: What is it & Who Does it Protect?

Title insurance is one of those home-buying terms that often flies under the radar but it plays a key role in protecting ownership rights. In British Columbia, there are two types of title insurance: one that protects the lender, and another that can protect you as the homeowner. In this post, I explain what title insurance is, how it works in BC, and what each type covers so you can better understand what’s involved in your home purchase.

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HELOC Payments 101: How to Calculate What You Owe Each Month
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

HELOC Payments 101: How to Calculate What You Owe Each Month

Confused about how much to pay on your HELOC this month? You’re not alone. Understanding how your Home Equity Line of Credit works especially when it comes to calculating interest payments is key to staying on top of your finances. In this post, we break down the simple formula to calculate your monthly interest payment and explain why making at least the minimum payment is critical to protecting your credit and your home. *Please note to familiarize yourself with your specific HELOC’s product repayment options according to your agreement as every mortgage product is different.

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Things to Consider When Buying a New Construction Build in B.C.
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Things to Consider When Buying a New Construction Build in B.C.

New construction builds are exciting - modern layouts, energy efficiency, and that fresh home smell! But they also come with unique considerations, from GST and deposit structures to builder reputations and delayed completions. As your friendly trusted mortgage broker, I’ve put together a quick guide on what to watch for before you sign on the dotted line. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, knowing these key points can save you time, money, and stress. Let’s make sure your dream home doesn’t come with unexpected surprises!

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5 Reasons to Contact a Mortgage Broker for Your Upcoming Renewal
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

5 Reasons to Contact a Mortgage Broker for Your Upcoming Renewal

Your mortgage is coming up for renewal—now’s the time to make it work for you. Most people auto-renew without realizing they could save money or get better terms. In this post, I’ll share 5 great reasons to connect with a mortgage broker before you renew, from accessing better rates to making sure your mortgage still fits your life. Don’t miss this chance to reset and save!

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10 Terms to Know and Understand in Your Mortgage Documents
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

10 Terms to Know and Understand in Your Mortgage Documents

Mortgage paperwork can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you're buying your first home or renewing your mortgage, knowing the key terms can make the process smoother and less stressful. In this post, your friendly Canadian mortgage broker breaks down 10 important mortgage terms like amortization, prepayment penalties, and portability—so you can feel confident and in control every step of the way.

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What is a Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage?
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

What is a Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage?

Found a home you love but it needs a little work? A Purchase Plus Improvements mortgage lets you roll renovation costs into your mortgage, so you can upgrade things like flooring, kitchens, or windows right from the start. Learn how this flexible option can help you turn a "good enough" home into your dream space without the upfront renovation stress.

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The Real Impact of Interest Rates Doubling: What Canadian Homeowners Need to Know as Renewals Loom in 2025 & 2026
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

The Real Impact of Interest Rates Doubling: What Canadian Homeowners Need to Know as Renewals Loom in 2025 & 2026

With mortgage rates more than doubling since 2020, many Canadian homeowners face a serious payment shock as their five-year terms come up for renewal in 2025 and 2026. Monthly payments on a typical $500,000 mortgage could jump by $530—or nearly 25%. This post breaks down what that means in real terms, why early planning matters, and what steps you can take now to soften the impact.

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Client Case Study
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Client Case Study

When my clients set out to buy their first home in the Okanagan, they weren’t sure what kind of mortgage would give them both flexibility and peace of mind. With a bit of guidance and the right lender, they landed a great rate and a mortgage that fit their lifestyle—complete with options to pay it down faster when they’re ready. Here’s how we made it happen!

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7 Things Not to Do After Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

7 Things Not to Do After Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approved for a mortgage? Great start—but your work isn't over just yet. Before you make any big moves, check out these 7 common mistakes that could put your mortgage approval at risk. From new credit to unexpected deposits, this guide helps you stay on track from pre-approval to possession.

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From Pre-Approval to Possession: A Timeline for Buyers
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

From Pre-Approval to Possession: A Timeline for Buyers

Planning to buy a home in BC? Whether you're a first-time buyer or just want to feel more prepared, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire mortgage and homebuying process—from pre-approval to possession day. Learn what to expect at each stage so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

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5 Things First-Time Homebuyers in BC Need to Know
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

5 Things First-Time Homebuyers in BC Need to Know

Thinking about buying your first home in BC? Before you dive into open houses and down payment calculators, check out these 5 must-know tips that most first-time buyers aren’t told. From surprise closing costs to the real power of a pre-approval, this blog breaks it down—minus the jargon. Friendly, honest advice from your local mortgage expert.

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Why a HELOC is More Than Just a Line of Credit
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Why a HELOC is More Than Just a Line of Credit

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) offers quick access to emergency funds during unexpected events like job loss or urgent repairs. The key is to have one in place before an emergency occurs. With a HELOC, you’ll have a financial cushion that provides peace of mind during uncertain times.

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How a 5-Day Financing Condition Can Protect You When Buying a Home
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

How a 5-Day Financing Condition Can Protect You When Buying a Home

In a competitive real estate market, it’s tempting to make firm offers without financing conditions, but that can be risky. Insisting on a five-day financing condition is a smart move, giving you time to secure mortgage approval and get an appraisal. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, this window allows you to reassess your options without being financially tied to the deal. In a fast-paced market, don’t skip this essential step—your peace of mind and financial security are worth it!

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Understanding the Difference Between Mortgage Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

Understanding the Difference Between Mortgage Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval

When buying a home, understanding the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage is crucial. Pre-qualification provides a rough estimate of how much you might be able to borrow based on basic financial information, while pre-approval involves a thorough review of your finances and offers a more accurate loan amount. Being pre-approved gives you a competitive edge and makes you a more credible buyer in the eyes of sellers and real estate agents.

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How to Save Thousands While Navigating Selling & Buying a Home At the Same Time
Barbara Essaunce Barbara Essaunce

How to Save Thousands While Navigating Selling & Buying a Home At the Same Time

Buying and selling a home can be complicated, but as an expert mortgage professional, I can try to help you save thousands by aligning your purchase and sale dates and minimizing the need for bridge financing. I'll guide you through the mortgage process, explaining why traditional lenders require a firm purchase and sale agreement before offering approval. With my expertise, you’ll get the best financing options and avoid costly mistakes throughout the process.

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