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A Fun Look At How Others See Your Home

A Fun Look At How Others See Your Home

We all think our homes are worth a million dollars, but you may be surprised to know that not everyone in the housing chain sees your home as you do. Check out the photos below, they will give you a...
What does it mean to refinance

What does it mean to refinance?

“My friend rolled their car loan and other debt into their mortgage. Can you do that for us?” When someone says this to me, I know what they really want to do is use the equity they’ve built up in...
The Ten Commandments of Buying a Home

The Ten Commandments of Buying a Home

When buying a home, there are sure-fire ways to cause hiccups at closing; on rare occasions, it has cost the client their purchase.   Here’s a fun way of remembering what not to do, until you hold the keys to...
the five cs

The Five “C”s of Credit

If you're a newcomer to Canada, self-employed, working on commission, or have a poor credit history, you may think your chances of qualifying for a mortgage are slim. Think again! The trick is to see yourself through the eyes of...
Using Equity To Renovate Your Home

Using Equity To Renovate Your Home

Selling your existing home and buying another home can be very costly and stressful. Suppose you like your current home or your location. In this case, you may want to consider staying where you are and renovating—allowing for you and...
72 Hour Preparedness Do you know what to do

72 Hour Preparedness Do you know what to do?

When I first moved to Ottawa in 2006, I applied for a position and was accepted as a DM Disaster Management volunteer at the Canadian Red Cross. WOW! Did I get a wake-up call? I am so incredibly grateful for...
Collateral versus Standard Charge mortgages

Collateral versus Standard Charge mortgages

More lenders today are moving towards collateral charge mortgages. Why? Because it glues you to "that" lender. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but you should know what you are signing as it's becoming increasingly important to understand the difference...
Bridge Financing What you need to know

Bridge Financing What you need to know

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that you give yourself. You are borrowing money against your existing home's sale to facilitate the down payment on the home you are purchasing. Bridging is a tool that helps you "bridge" the...
Paying Property Taxes in Ottawa What are your choices

Paying Property Taxes in Ottawa What are your choices?

Property taxes are a MAJOR monthly expense for all homeowners. The collection and portion of monthly property taxes are out of our control, but we have outlined below several payment options for your review: OPTION #1 - Pre Authorized debit...
Do You Know The Difference Between A Mortgage Broker and A Bank Mortgage Specialist

Do You Know The Difference Between A Mortgage Broker and A Bank Mortgage Specialist?

I like to say, "I'm a one-trick pony." Why? All I know is mortgages; this is what I do. It's what I've done for the past fifteen years. I do not offer bank accounts, GICs, or RSP's; although I am...