Clear, Trusted Mortgage Advice for Fort McMurray Homeowners

Yes, a pre-approval helps you shop with confidence by confirming a realistic price range and payment. It can also help you lock in a rate hold and move faster when the right home comes up.

In Canada, the minimum down payment is typically 5% for homes up to $500,000, and 10% on the portion from $500,000 to $999,999. If you put down less than 20%, mortgage default insurance is usually required.

The stress test is a qualifying rule that checks whether you could handle payments if rates rise. It can reduce the maximum amount you qualify for, but it is designed to keep your mortgage affordable long-term.

It depends on your risk comfort and goals. Fixed offers payment stability, while variable can offer flexibility and may move with the market. I help you compare both options with real numbers, not guesses.

Yes. Many people simply sign their renewal offer, but switching lenders can sometimes improve your rate, terms, or features. I will compare options and explain any costs or savings so you can decide confidently.

Often, yes. Refinancing can be a smart way to use home equity for high-impact goals like renovations or consolidating higher-interest debt. I will walk you through the numbers, the new payment, and the best structure for your timeline.

Yes. Self-employed approvals are common, but income needs to be documented the right way. Depending on your situation, we can use traditional lending with your financials, or explore alternative income verification options when that makes sense.

Lenders often want to see consistency, history, and how your income is structured (base pay versus overtime or bonus). I help package your file properly so your true earning power is reflected as accurately as possible.

Yes, in many cases. There are lenders and mortgage solutions designed for credit challenges, and sometimes a small strategy shift makes a big difference. I will review your situation and map out the most realistic path to approval.

Most applications start with photo ID, income documents (employment letter and pay stubs, or self-employed income docs), recent bank statements, and permission to review credit. I will give you a simple checklist based on your exact situation so you only gather what is needed.