Mortgage Minutes focus on one question at a time, so you can get the answer you need without digging through information that doesn't apply. They're written for home buyers and homeowners across British Columbia.
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Browse Mortgage Minutes
Start with the question you have right now. From down payments and mortgage approval to mortgage choices and home equity, these short answers help you get to the point quickly.
Buying & Down Payment
From your price range to the money needed at closing, these Mortgage Minutes break down some of the numbers buyers usually want answered first.
Affordability
See how income, debts, down payment, rates, taxes, and housing costs may affect affordability.
Buying Costs
Look beyond the down payment at closing costs, legal fees, taxes, and other purchase expenses.
Down Payment
See when buying with less than 20% down may be possible and how minimum requirements work.
Home Buyers’ Plan
See when repayments begin, how the annual minimum is calculated, and what happens if you repay less than required.
Approval & Qualification
Income, debts, ratios, the property, and the documents behind the application can all affect qualification and final approval.
Debt Ratios
Understand how lenders compare your income with housing costs and other monthly debts when reviewing mortgage qualification.
Pre-Approval
See what a pre-approval can tell you, what it does not guarantee, and why it can be helpful.
Final Approval
Understand why a pre-approval is not final approval and what can still affect your mortgage before closing.
Mortgage Insurance
See when mortgage default insurance is required, who it protects, and how the premium works.
Mortgage Choices
Some mortgage decisions affect how long you repay the loan, how your rate behaves, how you access home equity, and how much flexibility you have later.
Mortgage Structure
See how your mortgage term and amortization work together and how each may affect your mortgage.
Rate Type
Compare payment stability, changing rates, possible penalties, and flexibility.
Breaking a Mortgage
See when a prepayment penalty may apply, how the cost can be calculated, and what options may help before you end the term early.
Reverse Mortgages
No. See what the 55+ age requirement actually means and why being retired isn't what determines whether you can explore a reverse mortgage.
Home Equity
See why the reverse mortgage balance can grow over time, how changing property values affect the equity you keep, and what may remain when the home is eventually sold.
Featured Answer
A pre-approval is an important starting point, but it is not final approval. Income, debts, credit, the property, and even changes before closing can still affect the lender's decision.
Read the Answer
Complete Mortgage Guides
Mortgage Minutes focus on one question. The complete guides bring the related steps, choices, and details together when you need to see the whole picture.
Browse all Mortgage GuidesFirst-Time Home Buyers
Follow the buying process from early planning and qualification through the offer, mortgage approval, closing, and getting the keys.
Down Payments
Understand minimum requirements, gifted funds, savings options, mortgage default insurance, and the money you may need upfront.
Mortgage Renewals
Review your renewal offer, compare your options, and understand what may be worth looking at before you sign another term.
Mortgage Refinancing
See how refinancing may change your mortgage, access equity, consolidate debt, or support another financial goal.
Mortgage Basics
Find plain-English explanations of mortgage terminology, fixed and variable rates, open and closed mortgages, terms, amortization, penalties, portability, prepayment options, and other common concepts.
Still Have a Question?
Sometimes the answer depends on your income, property, timing, or what you're trying to accomplish. If your question needs more context, reach out anytime. I'm happy to help you work through it.
Ask Kiersten a QuestionPersonal Guidance
Your mortgage question may be simple. Your situation may not be.
Sometimes a quick conversation is the easiest way to sort out what matters and what your next step should be.