Mortgage Tips

Mortgage Default Insurance - What it is and when you may need it.

By Alisa Aragon-Lloyd, as seen in "New Home + Condo Guide" magazine, August 20, 2022 Mortgage default insurance is commonly referred to...

Innovative Mortgage and Investment Strategies

by Alisa Aragon-Lloyd, as seen in “New Condo + Condo Guide” Most people believe that being mortgage-free is their plan for retirement....

Things to know before you start shopping for your new home

by Alisa Aragon-Lloyd, as published in “The New Home and Condo Guide”, February 06th 2021. For many people, there is a sense of pride and...

What do you need to know about your first mortgage?

Traditionally, each spring, mortgage rates start to move, followed by a spring buying rush, with a lag in the summer, and then a second...

Pro tips for securing a mortgage

Vancouver has always been a challenging city to get a foot in the door. Add on a pandemic, and it gets even more complicated. HAVAN’s...

A smart way to put your tax refund to work

Many people have already submitted their tax return prior to the deadline and some have started planning on how they will be using it. In...

Building your homeownership budget

Making the transition from renter to homeowner is likely one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout your lifetime. It can also...

How Much Does Mortgage Rate Really Matter?

A great discounted rate on your mortgage is worth nothing if it’s going to cost you thousands in penalties down the line. As seen in...

Thirteen things you need to know BEFORE renewing your mortgage

Is your mortgage coming up for renewal? Don’t be too quick to sign that mortgage renewal letter. More than 70 per cent of Canadian...

What If I Don’t Have the Full Down Payment?

Raising a down payment can be the trickiest part of buying in Vancouver’s hot market – but some programs may help. As seen in REW.ca Q: I...

Frequently asked questions when buying a home

As seen in the Metro Vancouver New Home Guide. What do lenders look at when qualifying me for a mortgage? Most lenders look at the...

What Happens When Financing Falls Through?

If your mortgage approval is rescinded at the last minute, your purchase could be in jeopardy. Here’s how to fix it. As seen in REW.ca Q:...

Is the Rate the Most Important Factor in a Mortgage?

With ultra-low interest rates all over the news, it’s no wonder that’s what people focus on. But they shouldn’t. As seen in the REW.ca....

Do I Really Need Mortgage Pre-Approval Before House-Hunting?

Mortgage pre-approvals are often recommended for would-be homebuyers – but there are exceptions to every rule. As seen in Rew.ca Q: I’m...

How to Make Your Mortgage Tax Deductible and Increase Your Net Worth

If you have home equity, there’s a neat method to use it to make investments and write off the mortgage interest. As seen in Rew.ca. For...