Frequently asked questions

A mortgage broker is an independent intermediary, regulated by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), who compares offers from multiple different lenders for you: banks, credit unions, specialized and private lenders. Instead of researching institution by institution, you fill out a single application and we negotiate on your behalf, not just for the lowest rate, but to find the mortgage best suited to your situation.

For the vast majority of residential mortgage applications, our services are 100% free for you: the chosen lender pays us once your mortgage is finalized. For certain alternative or private loans, fees may apply. They are always disclosed clearly and in writing before you make any decision.

Your bank can only offer its own products. We have access to more than 30 lenders and make them compete for your business. You get a neutral view of your options, often better terms (rate, penalties, prepayment flexibility) and a single point of contact from start to finish.

An initial conversation and an estimate have no impact on your credit report. A credit check is only done with your authorization, at the full analysis stage, and one single check lets us present your application to several lenders. Instead of multiplying applications at different banks, you protect your score.

We usually get back to you within one business day. We have a short call to understand your project, then we tell you which documents to provide (proof of income, down payment, etc.). We then carry out an analysis and a market review based on your goals, and present our recommendations.

Your information is handled confidentially, in compliance with Québec’s Law 25 on the protection of personal information. It is used only to analyze your request and is only shared with a lender with your consent. See the privacy policy for details.

No one can guarantee an approval: the final decision always rests with the lender. Our role is to prepare your mortgage application properly, present it to the lenders most likely to accept it and tell you honestly where you stand. If now isn’t the right time, we’ll give you a concrete plan to get there.

No. We work by phone and video call across Québec. Documents are shared securely and most signatures are electronic. We can meet at the Laval office by appointment if you prefer.

For an owner-occupied property: 5% on the first $500,000, then 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $1.5M. From $1.5M, the minimum is 20%. For an owner-occupied 3–4 unit plex, plan for at least 10%, and 20% for a pure rental property.

Not at all, it’s a common situation for first-time buyers. Below 20%, your mortgage must be insured against default (CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty). The premium is added to your mortgage. However, the 9% Québec tax on the premium is payable in cash at the notary. On the plus side, insured mortgages often get the best rates.

Yes. The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) lets you withdraw up to $60,000 per person from your RRSPs, repayable over 15 years. The FHSA lets you save up to $40,000 ($8,000 per year) tax-deductible, and withdrawals for a first home purchase are tax-free. Both can be combined. Confirm the details with your financial planner.

It’s the property transfer duty, payable to your municipality after the purchase. It’s calculated in brackets on the higher of the price paid and the adjusted municipal assessment, and Montréal applies additional brackets for higher-value properties. Estimate it with the welcome tax calculator.

On top of the down payment, plan for about 1.5% to 3% of the purchase price: notary, pre-purchase inspection, welcome tax, municipal and school tax adjustments, tax on the mortgage insurance premium (if applicable) and moving. We prepare a complete picture for you before you make an offer.

A fixed rate stays the same for the whole term: your payments are predictable. A variable rate follows the lender’s prime rate, which moves with Bank of Canada decisions: it can go down or up during the term. The penalty for breaking the mortgage is usually much lower with a variable rate (3 months’ interest).

It depends on your risk tolerance, your budget, your plans (possible sale or refinance within 5 years?) and the rate environment. There’s no universal answer: we present both scenarios, with numbers, so you can make an informed choice.

To be approved, you must show you could make your payments at a higher rate than your actual rate: the greater of 5.25% and your contract rate + 2%. This largely determines your borrowing capacity. Good news: for a straight switch at renewal, the test no longer applies.

Yes. Through our lender network, we find solutions for self-employed borrowers, newcomers, plex buyers, new construction, secondary homes and credit-rebuilding applications. Every situation is unique, and so should your financing be.

No, it’s the perfect time to talk! Most lenders let you hold a rate a few months before maturity. Starting early lets us review your options without pressure, watch rates and lock in the best offer at the right time. Sometimes an early renewal is even worthwhile.

Absolutely. At the end of your term, you’re free to transfer your mortgage without penalty, and the legal transfer costs are often covered by the new lender. Since November 2024, a straight switch (same amount, same amortization) no longer requires you to pass the stress test again.

Generally, up to 80% of your home’s market value, minus your current mortgage balance. For example, for a $500,000 home with a $250,000 balance: $400,000 − $250,000 = $150,000 available. Run the numbers with the equity take-out calculator.

A prepayment penalty may apply: usually 3 months’ interest on a variable rate, and the greater of 3 months’ interest or the interest rate differential on a fixed rate. We calculate together whether the savings (debt consolidation, better rate) outweigh the penalty before we recommend anything.

Very often, yes. Several lenders accept stated income from self-employed borrowers, commission income or imperfect credit histories. Alternative and private loans also offer bridge solutions. What matters is presenting your mortgage application properly, and that’s our job.