
Mortgage Tips & Real Advice for Canadian Homebuyers
Everything Canadian homebuyers, investors, and refinancers need to know - straight from a licensed broker.
Recent Blog Posts by Jeff Dinsmore, Mortgage Broker:
Read more blog posts below:
The Non-Bank Lender Landscape: Why Monolines Are the Banks’ Worst Nightmare
The Big 5 banks dominate the ads, but monoline lenders like MCAP and First National dominate the broker world. With fairer penalties, faster service, and competitive rates, here’s why they’re often the smarter mortgage choice.
What Does Getting a Mortgage After Separation Look Like?
Getting a mortgage after separation looks different - but it’s possible and shouldn’t be daunting. From separation agreements or statutory declarations, to refinancing for a buyout and accessing 30-year amortizations, here’s how lenders approach it in Canada.
Builders Paying Your Bills? What London Ontario’s Smart Start Program Really Says About the Market
Foxwood Homes in London, Ontario is offering to cover up to $12,500 of property taxes and utilities for new buyers. Sounds like a deal - but it’s actually evidence of a slowing & hesitant housing market. Here’s what you need to know.
How Do Mortgage Brokers Get Paid?
Mortgage brokers are usually free for clients, but lenders pay us for sending them qualified deals. Here’s how broker commissions work, when fees apply, and why banks actually prefer paying brokers over finding clients on their own.
Can You Use Crypto to Buy a Home in Canada?
Crypto is becoming mainstream in Canada, but lenders are still cautious. Here’s how to turn your digital assets into a mortgage down payment, what new OSFI rules mean, and the safest ways to use crypto in home buying.
What Really Controls Mortgage Rates in Canada?
Mortgage rates don’t move randomly. Fixed rates follow the bond market, variable rates track the overnight rate, and both respond to big events like recessions, global crises, or inflation. Here’s the simple breakdown every Canadian should know.
Insured, insurable, or uninsurable - which bucket your mortgage falls into decides your rate. Here’s what each means in 2025, how to keep insured status, and why refinances always end up uninsurable.