by Kara Herbeson | Jul 24, 2026 | Blog
Student loan debt feels like a major roadblock to becoming a homeowner for many first-time homebuyers. It’s common to assume that you need to completely pay off your student loans before you can even think about qualifying for a mortgage. Fortunately, that’s a common...
by Kara Herbeson | Jul 10, 2026 | Blog
For many first-time homebuyers, saving enough for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Fortunately, financial help from family members is becoming increasingly common, and a gifted down payment can make the dream of buying a home a reality much...
by Kara Herbeson | Jun 26, 2026 | Blog, Homeownership
If you’ve missed payments in the past, you may assume homeownership is out of reach. It’s a common misconception that a few financial setbacks automatically disqualify you from getting approved for a mortgage. The reality is often much more encouraging. While your...
by Kara Herbeson | Jun 12, 2026 | Blog
The arrival of a new baby is often one of the biggest life changes homeowners experience. Along with the excitement comes a new set of practical considerations. Suddenly, that spare bedroom becomes a nursery, storage space disappears and the layout that once worked so...
by Kara Herbeson | May 29, 2026 | Blog, Mortgage
One of the biggest concerns homeowners are facing right now is significantly increased mortgage payments at term renewal. Many Canadians who locked into historically low interest rates several years ago are now approaching renewal in a much different rate environment....
by Kara Herbeson | May 8, 2026 | Blog
Many first-time homebuyers spend years focused on saving their down payment, only to realize near closing day that there are several additional costs involved in buying a home. It’s one of the most common surprises during the homebuying process – and one that can...
by Kara Herbeson | Apr 24, 2026 | Blog, Finance
One of the most common questions homeowners ask as their mortgage renewal approaches is whether switching lenders is more trouble than it’s worth. The assumption is often that it’s a complicated, time-consuming process filled with extra costs and paperwork. In...
by Kara Herbeson | Apr 10, 2026 | Blog, Finance
When most people think about buying a home, the biggest hurdle is often the down payment. While personal savings are the most common source, they’re far from the only option. Understanding the different ways you can fund a down payment may open doors you didn’t...
by Kara Herbeson | Mar 27, 2026 | Blog, Homeownership
If you’re experiencing financial pressure – or even anticipating challenges ahead – you’re not alone. Life can shift quickly due to rising expenses, changes in income or unexpected events. The good news is that, for many homeowners, there’s a valuable resource already...
by Kara Herbeson | Mar 13, 2026 | Blog, Finance
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. It provides a snapshot of how you manage borrowed money and helps lenders assess the level of risk involved in lending to you. Understanding how your credit score is...