Home / Guides
Mortgage guidesMortgage guides, without the jargon.
Short, practical explanations of the parts of a mortgage that catch people off guard. Each guide lists its official sources and the date it was last reviewed, so you know how current it is.
Read first, then ask
general info, your numbers
These guides explain how the rules work in general. Your own numbers depend on your income, debts, down payment and the property, and lenders apply the rules a little differently.
Once you have read the background, a short call is usually the fastest way to see how it applies to you. There is no obligation, and in most cases my help costs you nothing because the lender pays when your mortgage funds.
Start here
The mortgage stress test
What the qualifying rate is, how lenders use it with your income and debts, and when it does not apply at renewal.
Read the guide
Ontario closing costs
Land transfer tax and the first-time buyer refund, legal fees, inspections, adjustments and other costs to budget for.
Read the guide
Construction mortgages
How draws and progress advances work, holdbacks, what lenders ask for, and converting to a regular mortgage.
Read the guide
Guide questions
Are these guides financial advice?
No. They are general information about how mortgage rules work in Ontario, not a quote or approval. For advice on your situation, book a call.
How current is the information?
Each guide shows the date it was last reviewed and links to the official sources used. Government rules change, so confirm the current version before relying on a number.
Can you run the numbers for my situation?
Yes. Book a short call or apply online, and I will show you what applies to your income, debts and property.
Mortgage services
Questions after reading?
Book a short call and I will walk through how the rules apply to you, in plain language.
Prefer the phone? Call 613-714-9499. Office visits by appointment.