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PDF Checklist
Self-Employed Mortgage Document Checklist
Exactly which documents Ontario lenders want from self-employed borrowers. Print it, collect them, move fast.
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Free guides & mortgage checklists
Plain-English answers to the questions Ontario borrowers actually ask. Downloadable PDF checklists, market insights, and explainers — all free.
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First-Time Buyer
Guide
First-Time Buyer's 90-Day Prep Checklist
What to do, avoid, and prepare in the three months before you shop for your first home in Ontario.
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Refinance
Guide
Should You Refinance or Just Renew?
The math of breaking a mortgage early vs. waiting for renewal — when each path actually saves you money.
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Credit Rebuild
Guide
12-Month Credit Rebuild Roadmap
The practical sequence for moving a 580 score to 680+ — what to pay first, how to establish credit, what to ignore.
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New to Canada
Guide
Newcomer's Guide to Mortgage Qualification
What Canadian lenders need to see from newcomers — and the programs built for limited local credit history.
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HELOC
Guide
Using a HELOC Strategically (Not Dangerously)
When a HELOC is a brilliant cash-flow tool, when it's a financial trap, and how to use readvanceable mortgages smartly.
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Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to use a mortgage broker?
In most residential cases, no — the lender pays the broker a finder's fee and the cost to you is zero. Specialty and private-lending files sometimes carry a broker or lender fee, which I disclose upfront before you commit.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
A soft-assessment conversation does not affect your credit. A hard credit pull only happens once you decide to formally apply — and we consolidate pulls to protect your score.
How fast can I get pre-approved?
Typically within 24–48 hours of receiving your documents. Urgent files (closing soon) can often be turned around faster.
Can I get a mortgage if I've had a bankruptcy?
Yes — many lenders work with post-bankruptcy and post-proposal clients, typically 1–2 years after discharge with re-established credit. I'll map the path for your specific timeline.
Do you work in my area?
Yes — I'm licensed across Ontario, from Windsor to Ottawa, including the GTA, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and Northern Ontario. Most work happens remotely with secure document upload.
What's the minimum down payment?
5% on the first $500K, 10% on the portion from $500K to $1.5M, and 20% on anything above $1.5M. Some alternative programs have different requirements.
Are posted bank rates the best I can get?
No — posted bank rates are starting points. A broker-negotiated rate is almost always lower. That's most of the value of using me.
How long does the whole process take?
From pre-approval to closing: typically 30–90 days depending on your situation. I give you a clear timeline upfront.