Expert guides built by Canadian mortgage professionals. Learn ratios, understand lenders, master qualification, and use our free tools to run the numbers yourself.
Master the Gross Debt Service ratio, how it's calculated, what lenders look for, A-lender vs. B-lender thresholds, and expert tips to strengthen your qualification.
Read the Full Guide →How TDS differs from GDS, what debts are included, lender thresholds, and practical strategies to bring your ratio in line for approval.
What the stress test is, why it exists, how it impacts your buying power, and when it doesn't apply. The no-jargon breakdown.
Banks, credit unions, monoline lenders, and B-lenders. Who they are, what they offer, and when each option makes sense for your file.
How private lenders work, why they don't care about GDS, what they charge, and when a private mortgage is the right move.
Same A-lender ratios but provincially regulated with unique local products you won't find at the big banks.
Minimum amounts by purchase price, high-ratio vs. conventional, CMHC insurance costs, and where your down payment can come from.
No discrimination on GDS thresholds. The difference is proof of income. Here's exactly what self-employed Canadians need to qualify.
How Debt Service Coverage Ratio works for commercial deals, what lenders want to see, and how to use our free calculator to analyze deals.
When fixed makes sense, when variable wins, how each rate is determined, and how to decide based on your risk tolerance and timeline.
Why you should never auto-renew, how to shop your renewal, and when switching lenders can save you thousands over the next term.
Access your home equity, consolidate debt, or lower your rate. When refinancing works, when it doesn't, and the costs involved.
IRD vs. three months' interest, how each lender calculates penalties differently, and strategies to minimize the cost of breaking early.
FHSA, HBP, provincial rebates, and federal incentives. Every program available to first-time buyers and how to stack them properly.
How amortization length changes your monthly payment, total interest cost, and qualification. When a longer amortization is the smarter choice.
Who the insurers are, when insurance is required, how premiums are calculated, and the difference between default and portfolio insurance.
Residential rules up to 4 units, commercial rules beyond that. CMHC MLI Select, rent rolls, and how lenders underwrite multi-unit deals.
How brokers access dozens of lenders at once, why their rates are often better, and the scenarios where going direct might make sense.
Land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, adjustments, and appraisal costs. The full picture of what you owe on closing day beyond your down payment.
What each one actually means, which one carries weight with sellers, how long they last, and why one of them is basically meaningless.
Score tiers and what they unlock, how lenders pull and interpret your report, and practical steps to improve your score before applying.
Every section of the commitment explained in plain language. What to watch for, what the conditions mean, and what to do before you sign.
How lenders treat rental income, the 50% rule, qualifying when you own multiple properties, and offset calculations that affect your ratios.
When you need a co-signer, the real risks involved for both parties, and how it affects the co-signer's own future borrowing power.