Should I Get A Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Marci • October 9, 2019

Should I get a Mortgage Pre Approval?

Going through the pre-approval process is important. However, the actual term ‘pre-approval’ is often misunderstood. It’s not magic, and it’s certainly not binding.

Let’s be clear, a pre-approval isn’t for the lender; it’s for you!

And yes, if you’re considering buying a property, you should start with a pre-approval. But be aware that simply having a pre-approval isn’t all you need to secure mortgage financing.

When you sit down with your mortgage broker, we’ll discuss your financial situation, work through a lender product review, access your credit report, and review all income and downpayment documents. At the end of the pre-approval process, you should be clear just how much you qualify to purchase and how much this will cost. A pre-approval should never be relied on as a sure-fire bet for future mortgage financing. There is a lot more to work through.

While we can work together to preview and catch any significant areas of concern such as unpaid/unfiled taxes, employment probation, or clarity around downpayment origins, please understand that lenders do not offer a formal live review of documents, so it’s important to protect yourself as best you can.

The best way to do this is to include a condition (or ‘subject’) clause along the lines of ‘subject to receiving and approving satisfactory financing’. There are several variables that can derail a final approval once you write an offer on a property, this clause protects you while everything is sorted out. This is arguably the single most important clause in a purchase contract, and should not be taken lightly (even in cases of multiple competing offers).

So the bottom line is, start with a pre-approval, but protect yourself by allowing enough time in the purchase transaction to finalize the mortgage financing. If you have any questions about this or anything else mortgage related, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime!

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Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Marci Deane • March 25, 2026
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — March 18, 2026

By Marci Deane • March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For anyone watching the mortgage market — whether you're renewing, purchasing, or simply keeping an eye on borrowing costs — here's a breakdown of what was announced and what it may mean for you.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy? A Look at Canada's 2026 Housing Market

By Marci Deane • March 17, 2026
For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership has felt like a moving target. After years of market volatility, shifting interest rates, and economic uncertainty, you might be wondering: is 2026 finally the year to make a move?