Most homeowners focus on interest rates — but *how you schedule your payments* can have just as much impact on how fast you eliminate your mortgage. Choosing the right frequency can save years off your amortization and tens of thousands in interest. Here’s how each option works 👇 1️⃣ Monthly payments This is the standard setup most people choose. ✔️ lowest payment amount ✔️ easiest to budget ✔️ slowest way to repay the mortgage One payment per month means less frequent principal reduction. 2️⃣ Bi-weekly payments Your monthly payment is divided into 26 payments per year. ✔️ payments every 2 weeks ✔️ still totals the same as monthly ✔️ slightly smoother cash flow This does *not* speed up the mortgage unless accelerated. 3️⃣ Accelerated bi-weekly payments This is one of the most powerful repayment structures. ✔️ monthly payment ÷ 2 ✔️ results in 26 payments — equal to 13 “full” payments ✔️ knocks years off your mortgage You secretly make an extra payment each year without feeling it as much. 4️⃣ Semi-monthly payments Two payments per month = 24 payments per year. ✔️ consistent timing ✔️ aligns with twice-monthly income ❌ does NOT accelerate payoff Semi-monthly offers convenience, not speed. 5️⃣ Weekly payments Your monthly payment divided into 52 payments. ✔️ smooth weekly budgeting ✔️ smaller per-payment amount ❌ no time savings Like bi-weekly, this only speeds up with the accelerated option. 6️⃣ Accelerated weekly payments This is the fastest and most aggressive method. ✔️ monthly payment ÷ 4 ✔️ equivalent to 13 monthly payments per year ✔️ reduces amortization and interest dramatically A great choice if your cash flow supports it. 💬 Final Thought Your payment frequency can drastically change how quickly you build equity. If you want to compare the interest savings between each option, message The Frontline Mortgage Group and we’ll calculate it for your exact scenario. 💬

When choosing a mortgage, most people start by asking about the “best rate.” But the rate alone doesn’t tell you if the product is truly the right fit. What matters most is understanding how each rate type actually works. Here’s how fixed and variable rates really differ 👇 1️⃣ Fixed rates — stability and predictability A fixed rate stays the same for the entire mortgage term. ✔️ payment stays constant ✔️ easier budgeting ✔️ protects you from rising rates Because the lender carries less risk, fixed rates are often higher than variable rates. Fixed rates are influenced by lender competition and market conditions. 2️⃣ Variable rates — flexibility and movement A variable rate can move up or down during your term. ✔️ potential for lower costs ✔️ payment may change ✔️ lender risk is higher Because payments can fluctuate, qualification rules are often stricter for variable-rate mortgages. 3️⃣ How lenders price fixed rates Fixed rates are influenced by market conditions and lender competition. ✔️ lenders watch each other’s pricing ✔️ rates adjust as markets shift ✔️ promotions may appear “too good to be true” Always read the fine print — a low advertised rate may only apply for a short introductory period. 4️⃣ How lenders price variable rates Variable rates are based on a lender’s Prime rate. Prime itself is influenced by the Bank of Canada’s decisions. ✔️ Prime may increase or decrease ✔️ payments can rise or fall ✔️ risk depends on economic conditions Your variable rate is expressed as Prime plus or minus a set amount. 5️⃣ When a variable rate might increase If economic conditions change, Prime can adjust. ✔️ stronger economy may lead to higher Prime ✔️ weaker economy may lower Prime ✔️ changes affect your mortgage rate When Prime moves, your mortgage payment may change even if your discount stays the same. 6️⃣ Choosing between fixed and variable depends on your comfort level There is no universal “best” option. ✔️ fixed = stability ✔️ variable = flexibility ✔️ personal risk tolerance matters The right choice depends on your income, budget, future plans, and comfort with payment changes. 💬 Final Thought Fixed rates offer security, while variable rates offer flexibility — the best option depends on your comfort with payment changes and your long-term plans. If you want help comparing both options side by side, message The Frontline Mortgage Group anytime. 💬

Many buyers underestimate how even a small rate increase can impact qualification. A higher rate affects both monthly payments and the income required to qualify. Here’s what rising rates really mean for homebuyers 👇 1️⃣ Rate projections show meaningful increases ahead Some forecasts suggest the 5-year Government of Canada bond could rise more than 1%. As bond yields increase, fixed mortgage rates follow. ✔️ higher bond yield = higher mortgage rate ✔️ lenders add a fixed margin on top ✔️ even small changes impact affordability A 1% rate jump can drastically reduce borrowing power. 2️⃣ What today’s costs look like At current pricing, many buyers qualify comfortably at today’s fixed rates. ✔️ lower monthly payments ✔️ lower income requirement ✔️ greater purchasing power But this changes quickly when rates rise. 3️⃣ What happens if rates rise 1%? If fixed rates move up by a full percentage point: ✔️ monthly payment increases ✔️ required income increases ✔️ qualification becomes harder The same buyer could qualify today but be declined next year. 4️⃣ The stress test makes rising rates tougher The stress test requires borrowers to qualify at the higher of: ✔️ the benchmark rate OR ✔️ your contract rate + 2% When rates rise, the stress-test jumps too — tightening approvals even further. 5️⃣ Waiting could reduce your purchasing power Many buyers think they’re “waiting for the right time,” but rising rates may work against them. ✔️ higher payments ✔️ higher qualifying income ✔️ lower approved mortgage amount Waiting can mean losing the home you want. 💬 Final Thought You might qualify comfortably today — but a higher rate tomorrow could reduce your approval or eliminate it entirely. If you want to know exactly how much rate movement you can handle, message The Frontline Mortgage Group anytime. 💬

Many borrowers don’t realize that “conventional” mortgages still follow strict qualification rules. And depending on the lender, the guidelines can vary more than you think. Here’s what conventional borrowers need to understand 👇 1️⃣ High ratio vs. conventional — the real difference High ratio means less than 20% down and mortgage insurance is required. Conventional means 20% or more down and typically no insurance premium. ✔️ insured mortgages add a premium ✔️ conventional avoids the extra insurance cost ✔️ some rental and specialty loans still require insurance The down payment amount determines how the mortgage must be structured. 2️⃣ Why some conventional mortgages are still insured Many lenders insure their conventional mortgages even when the borrower puts 20% down. This is done behind the scenes and doesn’t cost the borrower directly. ✔️ mortgage companies use insurers to reduce risk ✔️ some lenders need insurance to access investor funding ✔️ borrowers often don’t know their loan is insured Insurance affects how the mortgage must be qualified. 3️⃣ How qualification changes based on the lender Some lenders must qualify borrowers at a stricter benchmark rate. Others can still use more flexible guidelines. ✔️ mortgage companies may require benchmark qualification ✔️ banks may allow qualification using the contract rate ✔️ amortization options depend on lender policy This means two lenders can approve two very different amounts for the same borrower. 4️⃣ Amortization options impact affordability Conventional mortgages may allow longer amortizations depending on the lender. Longer amortization reduces the monthly payment. ✔️ 30-year amortization available with some lenders ✔️ some still allow 35-year amortizations ✔️ insured conventional loans may be restricted to 25 years Longer amortization = lower payments = higher borrowing power. 5️⃣ Pricing differences between banks and mortgage companies Banks and mortgage companies operate differently, which affects interest rates. ✔️ banks may charge premiums for 30-year amortizations ✔️ mortgage companies may adjust pricing based on insurance rules ✔️ rates can shift quickly based on market changes Changes in insurance requirements can raise rates across the board. 6️⃣ Why competition still protects borrowers Even when rules tighten, the mortgage market still offers choices. ✔️ lenders adjust products to stay competitive ✔️ alternatives exist for rentals and self-employed borrowers ✔️ brokers can access multiple lending channels The “best option” is different for every borrower. 💬 Final Thought Conventional mortgages aren’t always as simple as they seem — different lenders follow different rules, which can affect approval, payments, and rates. If you want to compare all your options clearly, message The Frontline Mortgage Group anytime. 💬

When it comes to your mortgage, one thing is guaranteed: You will pay back what you borrowed — plus interest. ‎ But how you make those payments? That part is up to you. ‎ Here’s how each payment frequency works and how it impacts your bottom line 👇 ‎ ‎ 💰 The 6 Main Payment Frequency Options ‎ 1️⃣ Monthly — 12 payments/year 2️⃣ Semi-monthly — 24 payments/year 3️⃣ Bi-weekly — 26 payments/year 4️⃣ Weekly — 52 payments/year 5️⃣ Accelerated bi-weekly — 26 payments/year 6️⃣ Accelerated weekly — 52 payments/year ‎ The first four are lifestyle-based — you simply match your mortgage payments to your pay schedule. ‎ They: ✔️ keep budgeting simple ✔️ pay your mortgage as agreed ✔️ run the full length of your amortization ‎ But the accelerated options? That’s where the magic happens. ‎ ‎ ⚡ Accelerated Payments = Faster Mortgage Payoff ‎ Accelerated payments increase your payment slightly so that you effectively make one extra full payment per year. ‎ Here’s the difference: ‎ 📌 Regular bi-weekly: $2,000 × 12 ÷ 26 = $923.07 ‎ 📌 Accelerated bi-weekly: $2,000 × 12 ÷ 24 = $1,000 ‎ You still make 26 payments per year — but at a higher amount — which means: ✔️ more money goes to principal ✔️ interest costs drop ✔️ amortization shortens dramatically ‎ ‎ 🧠 Why does this work? ‎ Because the extra amount goes directly toward the principal, reducing the interest you owe over the entire life of the mortgage. ‎ With today’s rates, an accelerated bi-weekly schedule can cut your amortization by up to 3.5 years. ‎ ‎ 🗓️ Accelerated Weekly ‎ Works the same way — you simply divide the semi-monthly payment into 52 payments instead of 26. ‎ It’s another way to build extra payments into your cash flow without feeling the impact all at once. ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ Choosing an accelerated payment frequency is one of the simplest ways to reduce your overall borrowing cost — without refinancing or increasing your rate. ‎ If you want to see how different payment schedules affect your mortgage, message The Frontline Mortgage Group anytime. We’re happy to run the numbers for you. 💬

If you’re getting a mortgage — or already have one — there are three terms you absolutely need to understand: Prepayment, Portability & Assumability. ‎ Here’s what they actually mean 👇 ‎ ‎ 1️⃣ Prepayments ‎ Prepayments let you pay down your mortgage faster by putting extra money directly toward the principal. ‎ Depending on your lender, you can: ✔️ increase your regular payment amount ✔️ make lump-sum payments (bonus, tax refund, gift money, etc.) ✔️ combine both options ‎ These extra payments go straight to the principal — meaning less interest over time and faster payoff. ‎ Every lender has different rules, so always ask us what YOUR mortgage allows. ‎ ‎ 2️⃣ Portability ‎ Portability lets you take your existing mortgage — including your rate and remaining term — and move it to a new property when you sell your current home. ‎ This can help you: ✔️ avoid penalties ✔️ avoid breaking your mortgage early ✔️ keep your current rate ✔️ reduce legal and discharge costs ‎ If you need a bigger mortgage, many lenders offer “blend & extend” options to increase the amount without fully breaking the loan. ‎ ‎ 3️⃣ Assumability ‎ Assumability means someone else can take over (assume) your existing mortgage — or you can take over theirs. ‎ This most often happens within families, for example: ✔️ parents transferring their home to children ✔️ keeping an existing low rate instead of starting a new mortgage ‎ The person assuming the mortgage still needs to qualify for it, just like any normal application — same income, credit, and debt-ratio requirements. ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ These three features — prepayment, portability, and assumability — can save you thousands when they’re used properly. ‎ If you’re not sure which options your mortgage includes, or you want to compare lenders, message The Frontline Mortgage Group anytime. We’ll walk you through it and help you make the smartest choice. 💬

Most buyers assume that putting more money down is always better… But when it comes to mortgage insurance premiums, that’s not always true. ‎ Here’s how to make smarter down payment decisions 👇 ‎ ‎ 💡 How mortgage insurance premiums actually work ‎ When your down payment is under 20%, the mortgage insurer charges a premium based on your down payment percentage: ‎ • 5%–9.99% down → 4.00% premium • 10%–14.99% down → 3.10% premium • 15%–19.99% down → 2.80% premium ‎ These premiums get added to your mortgage — not paid upfront — so understanding the breakpoints can save you money. ‎ ‎ 📊 Example #1: 10% down on $600,000 ‎ Purchase price: $600,000 Down payment: $60,000 (10%) Mortgage before premium: $540,000 Premium: 3.10% → $16,740 New total mortgage: $556,740 ‎ ‎ 📊 Example #2: Using more down payment than needed ‎ Purchase price: $600,000 Down payment: $110,760 (18.46%) Mortgage before premium: $489,240 Premium: 2.80% → $13,699 Total mortgage: $502,939 ‎ Now here’s the smart part… ‎ ‎ 🤯 You don’t need 18% down to get the lower premium ‎ If you drop the down payment to exactly 15%: ‎ Purchase price: $600,000 Down payment: $90,000 (15%) Mortgage before premium: $510,000 Premium: 2.80% → $14,280 Total mortgage: $524,280 ‎ Here’s the comparison ⬇️ ‎ • Down payment used in Scenario #2: $110,760 • Down payment needed for 15%: $90,000 ‎ ➡️ You save $20,760 in cash upfront ‎ Premium difference: • With 18.46% down → $13,699 • With 15% down → $14,280 ‎ ➡️ That’s only a $581 increase in premium ‎ So you keep $20,760 in your pocket while the premium only rises by $581. ‎ That’s a strategic win for most buyers. ‎ ‎ 💡 Why this matters ‎ Keeping extra cash available can help with: ✔️ closing costs ✔️ moving expenses ✔️ furniture ✔️ emergency savings ✔️ repairs and upgrades ‎ You can even use the saved funds later for a lump-sum prepayment. ‎ ‎ 🤔 When is it worth putting more down? ‎ ✔️ when cash flow is not tight ✔️ when you want the smallest mortgage possible ✔️ when reducing interest is your top priority ‎ But if funds are tight, working the premium breakpoints can improve your financial flexibility. ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ Down payment strategy matters more than most buyers realize. ‎ If you want help structuring your down payment for the best financial outcome, message The Frontline Mortgage Group — we’ll walk you through the smartest options. 💬

Choosing between a fixed or variable rate is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when getting a mortgage. ‎ Here’s what you need to know 👇 ‎ ‎ 🔒 FIXED RATES ‎ Fixed rates give you stability and predictable payments. ‎ With a fixed rate: ✔️ your payment stays the same ✔️ your interest rate never changes ✔️ budgeting is easy ‎ Fixed terms are available in: • 1-year • 2-year • 3-year • 5-year • 7-year • 10-year ‎ The downside to fixed rates? Penalties. ‎ If you break your fixed-rate mortgage early, lenders charge the higher of: ✔️ 3 months’ interest OR ✔️ IRD (Interest Rate Differential) ‎ Fixed-rate penalties can be anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000+, depending on the lender and how much time is left in your term. ‎ Fixed rates are great if you want stability and don’t plan to break your mortgage early. ‎ ‎ 🔁 VARIABLE RATES ‎ Variable rates move based on the lender’s prime rate. ‎ Your rate is expressed as: Prime ± a discount/premium ‎ If prime increases → your rate goes up If prime decreases → your rate goes down ‎ The biggest advantage? Lower penalties. ‎ Variable-rate mortgages usually only charge: ✔️ 3 months’ interest ‎ This is often thousands of dollars less compared to fixed-rate penalties. ‎ Variable rates are great if you want flexibility and the option to refinance or switch lenders easily. ‎ ‎ 🤔 WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE? ‎ Choose Fixed if you want: ✔️ stability ✔️ predictable payments ‎ Choose Variable if you want: ✔️ flexibility ✔️ lower penalties ✔️ potential savings if rates drop ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ Both options have pros and cons — the right choice depends on your goals, your risk tolerance, and your plans for the property. ‎ If you want help comparing fixed vs variable for your situation, send The Frontline Mortgage Group a message. We’ll walk you through your options and help you make the best decision. 💬

Accelerated payments are a simple way to pay down your mortgage faster — but most people don’t fully understand how they work or how much they actually save. ‎ Here’s a clear breakdown 👇 ‎ 💡 What is an accelerated payment? ‎ It’s when your lender increases your weekly or bi-weekly payment amount just enough that you end up making the equivalent of one extra full mortgage payment per year. ‎ This helps reduce your balance sooner and shortens your amortization — but the interest savings alone are often smaller than people think. ‎ ‎ 📌 How the numbers work ‎ If your monthly mortgage payment is $1,000: ‎ • Monthly: 12 × $1,000 = $12,000 per year • Semi-monthly: 24 × $500 = $12,000 per year • Bi-weekly: 26 × $461.50 = $12,000 per year ‎ But accelerated bi-weekly uses the semi-monthly amount ($500) instead of the smaller bi-weekly amount: ‎ • Accelerated bi-weekly: 26 × $500 = $13,000 per year ‎ That’s one extra month of payments — which is why it speeds up the mortgage. ‎ ‎ ⚠️ A common misconception ‎ Accelerated payments DO help… but they are not a complete payoff strategy on their own. ‎ With today’s higher mortgage balances, using only accelerated payments barely makes a dent unless combined with additional strategies such as: ‎ • lump-sum prepayments • increasing regular payment amounts • shortening amortization at renewal • debt optimization ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ Accelerated payments are a great start — but for real impact, they should be part of an overall mortgage payoff plan. ‎ If you want to explore the best strategy for your situation, send The Frontline Mortgage Group a message. We’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

When buying a home, most people focus only on the purchase price — but that’s just part of the total cost. ‎ There are additional expenses called closing costs, and if you don’t plan for them, they can catch you off guard. ‎ Here’s what you need to know 👇 ‎ 💰 What are closing costs? ‎ Closing costs are the one-time legal, administrative, and adjustment fees you must pay on the day your purchase closes. ‎ They aren’t optional, and they vary depending on your location, the type of home, and whether it’s new construction or resale. ‎ Most buyers should budget 1.5%–4% of the purchase price to cover these costs. ‎ ‎ 📝 Common closing costs you need to plan for: ‎ • Legal Fees • Title Insurance • Home/Fire Insurance • Adjustments (prepaid taxes, utilities, condo fees, etc.) • Land Transfer Tax • GST on new construction • Interest adjustments • Moving-related expenses ‎ Let’s break them down… ‎ ‎ 1️⃣ Legal Fees ‎ Your lawyer or notary handles all the legal paperwork, ensures the contract is correct, and registers your mortgage and title. ‎ Legal fees typically range from $500–$2,500, depending on complexity, plus additional search and registration costs. ‎ They also collect: ✔️ land transfer tax ✔️ title insurance costs ✔️ adjustments ✔️ courier + disbursements ‎ All of this is paid on closing day. ‎ ‎ 2️⃣ Title Insurance ‎ Most lenders require title insurance. It protects you from: ✔️ title fraud ✔️ unknown liens ✔️ zoning issues ✔️ errors missed in title searches ‎ Costs range from $150–$500 depending on purchase price. ‎ ‎ 3️⃣ Home/Fire Insurance ‎ Lenders require home insurance to be active before closing. ‎ Typically ranges from: • $400+ per year for condos • $1,000–$2,000+ per year for detached homes ‎ Coverage must match at least the mortgage amount or rebuild value. ‎ ‎ 4️⃣ Adjustments ‎ These are reimbursements paid to the seller for anything they prepaid on your behalf, such as: ✔️ property taxes ✔️ condo fees ✔️ utilities ‎ If the seller paid for the full month and you move in mid-month, you owe them back the unused portion. ‎ ‎ 5️⃣ Land Transfer Tax (varies by province) ‎ Each province sets its own rules. In Ontario and some major cities, first-time buyers may qualify for rebates. ‎ Your lawyer will calculate the exact amount for you prior to closing. ‎ ‎ 6️⃣ GST on New Construction ‎ New homes are subject to GST. Resale homes generally are not. ‎ There are partial rebates on certain new builds depending on price and occupancy. ‎ ‎ 7️⃣ Interest Adjustment Costs ‎ Depending on your closing date, the lender may collect interest upfront until your first scheduled mortgage payment. ‎ This is normal and depends on when in the month your closing occurs. ‎ ‎ 8️⃣ Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs ‎ Not officially “closing costs,” but still important to budget for: ✔️ moving truck / movers ✔️ furniture and appliances ✔️ window coverings ✔️ paint or repairs ✔️ lawn or snow equipment ✔️ cleaning supplies ‎ These expenses add up quickly, so plan ahead. ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ Closing costs can surprise buyers if they aren’t prepared — but with proper planning, they’re easy to manage. ‎ If you want help estimating your total closing costs or reviewing your budget before you buy, message The Frontline Mortgage Group . We’ll walk you through the numbers and make sure you’re fully prepared for your purchase. 💬

If you’ve ever spoken with a mortgage broker, you’ve probably heard the term rate hold — but most buyers don’t actually know what it means or how powerful it can be. ‎ Here’s a simple breakdown 👇 ‎ 1️⃣ What is a rate hold? ‎ A rate hold is a lender’s commitment to lock in an interest rate for you for a set period of time — even if rates rise while you’re shopping for a home. ‎ It’s designed for buyers, not refinances or transfers. ‎ ‎ 2️⃣ How long does a rate hold last? ‎ Most lenders offer up to 120 days. ‎ During this time, you do not need: ✔️ a property ✔️ an accepted offer ✔️ a firm closing date ‎ You simply secure the rate while you shop. ‎ ‎ 3️⃣ Does a rate hold commit me to anything? ‎ No. ‎ A rate hold does NOT: ✔️ lock you into that lender ✔️ lock you into the broker who submitted it ✔️ guarantee a mortgage approval ✔️ hurt future approval chances (as long as you’re not submitting multiple rate holds everywhere) ‎ It’s simply a way to protect you if rates rise. ‎ ‎ 4️⃣ What if rates go UP? ‎ Your rate hold protects you. ‎ Example: You lock a rate today. If rates increase during your 120-day window, you still keep the lower rate. ‎ ‎ 5️⃣ What if rates go DOWN? ‎ You get the lower rate. A rate hold protects you from increases — it does not trap you if the market improves. ‎ ‎ 6️⃣ What happens when the 120 days expire? ‎ You can simply submit another rate hold at whatever rates are available at that time. ‎ There’s no penalty and no downside. ‎ ‎ 💡 Why this matters ‎ A rate hold gives you: ✔️ peace of mind ✔️ protection from rate hikes ✔️ time to shop without pressure ✔️ flexibility if the market changes ‎ It’s especially valuable for first-time buyers or anyone trying to plan ahead while watching the market. ‎ ‎ 💬 Final Thought ‎ A rate hold costs nothing, commits you to nothing, and can save you thousands if rates rise. ‎ If you want to secure a rate while you shop — or find out what you qualify for — message The Frontline Mortgage Group . We can set up a rate hold and guide you through your next steps. 💬

Co-signing a mortgage can be a huge help for someone who can’t quite qualify on their own — but it’s also a major financial responsibility that many people don’t fully understand. Here’s a clear breakdown of why co-signers are needed, what lenders look for, and what risks you need to consider 👇 1️⃣ Why are co-signers being requested more often? Recent mortgage rule changes have made approvals tougher: ✔️ tougher credit standards ✔️ stricter income qualification ✔️ stress-test rules that reduce borrowing power If the main applicant is short on income OR has weak credit, a co-signer fills that gap. But the reason matters — you should always ask *why* you’re needed. 2️⃣ What does being a co-signer actually mean? It does NOT mean simply “backing up the loan.” It means: ✔️ your credit is fully checked ✔️ your income, debts, and taxes are reviewed ✔️ you are legally responsible for the mortgage ✔️ you must provide full documentation Lenders treat you exactly like a full borrower. 3️⃣ Expect to provide a LOT of documents Depending on the lender, you may be asked for: • Letter of employment • Recent pay stubs • 2 years T1 Generals + Notices of Assessment • Proof of down payment (if you’re helping) • Tax bills on properties you own • Mortgage statements • Lease agreements (if applicable) • Separation/divorce agreements (if applicable) It’s not a symbolic signature — it’s a full mortgage application. 4️⃣ Big risks co-signers must understand Before you agree, keep these critical points in mind: ⚠️ This debt now counts against YOU It will appear on your credit bureau and can limit your ability to borrow for your own needs later. ⚠️ Late payments affect your credit If the main applicant pays late, your score drops too. ⚠️ If they can’t pay — YOU must You are 100% legally liable for the payments. ⚠️ You may not be able to remove yourself quickly Every lender has different rules — some allow removal after 12–24 months, others require full re-qualification. 5️⃣ Smart precautions co-signers should take If you decide to proceed, protect yourself: ✔️ Request a yearly mortgage + tax statement for confirmation ✔️ Use a joint account for the mortgage payments so you can monitor ✔️ Ensure adequate life insurance is in place ✔️ Discuss an exit strategy BEFORE signing anything You should know exactly when and how you can be removed from the mortgage. 💬 Final Thought Co-signing can make homeownership possible for someone who needs a boost — but it’s a serious financial commitment. Understanding the risks, responsibilities, and long-term implications is essential before signing. If you need help reviewing a co-signing request or want a second opinion, reach out — The Frontline Mortgage Group break down the numbers and the risks so you can make a fully informed decision.

Co-signing a mortgage is a big commitment — and often misunderstood. Many people don’t realize that co-signing makes you equally responsible for the mortgage, not just “helping out.” Here’s what you need to understand before, during, and after agreeing to co-sign 👇 1️⃣ Why someone may need a co-signer Two major rule changes over the years have made qualifying harder, especially for first-time buyers or borrowers with less than 20% down. ✔️ tougher credit requirements ✔️ stricter income verification ✔️ the mortgage “stress test” (must qualify at a higher rate than the contract rate) Because of this, borrowers may need a co-signer when: - their income is too low - their credit is weak or thin - their job history is unstable - they need more borrowing power to afford a home Before agreeing, ask the hard questions — **why** do they need a co-signer and what is the clear exit plan to remove you later? 2️⃣ What the co-signing process looks like Co-signing doesn’t mean “sign and forget.” You become a full borrower on the application, so the lender will require the same documentation from you as the primary applicant: ✔️ letter of employment ✔️ recent paystubs ✔️ 2 years of tax documents (NOAs, T1s, and financial statements if self-employed) ✔️ mortgage statements for any properties you own ✔️ bank statements if contributing to the down payment ✔️ property tax bills ✔️ divorce/separation agreements if applicable You will also have your credit pulled and must sign the final documents with the lawyer. You are fully tied to the mortgage until the lender approves a removal. 3️⃣ What risks you need to be aware of Co-signing affects your financial profile as much as the main borrower’s. ✔️ It becomes a monthly liability on your credit report ✔️ It can reduce your borrowing power for your own mortgage or loans ✔️ Late payments will show on YOUR credit bureau ✔️ If the main borrower cannot pay, **you are 100% responsible** Be prepared financially and make sure your budget can support covering payments if needed. 4️⃣ Important considerations before you agree To protect yourself: ✔️ request annual mortgage + property tax statements ✔️ consider using a joint account for mortgage payments ✔️ set reminders to check that payments are being made on time ✔️ discuss life insurance — ensure the policy covers at least one year of mortgage and expenses These steps help protect your credit and reduce financial risk should something unexpected happen. 💬 Final Thought Co-signing can help someone you care about become a homeowner — but it also ties your credit, borrowing power, and financial liability to their mortgage. Make sure you fully understand the commitment, the risks, and the exit strategy before signing. If you want help reviewing a co-signing situation or exploring alternatives, reach out and The Frontline Mortgage Group walk you through all the options.

Saving a down payment is the biggest barrier most Canadians face when trying to buy a home. While you *can* purchase with as little as 5% down, there are huge advantages to aiming for 20% whenever possible. Here are the five strongest benefits of putting 20% down: 1️⃣ Easier to qualify and service the debt With a 20% down payment, your mortgage is smaller — which immediately lowers your debt ratios. Lenders use two main rules to determine how much you can afford: ✔️ GDS (Gross Debt Service): Your mortgage payment + property taxes + heat + 50% of condo fees must fit within roughly 35–39% of your gross income. ✔️ TDS (Total Debt Service): Your GDS + all other monthly debt payments (car loans, credit cards, lines of credit, etc.) must stay under roughly 40–44% of your gross income. With a larger down payment, both ratios improve, giving you more purchasing power and a higher chance of approval. 2️⃣ Smaller monthly mortgage payments More down = less borrowed = lower monthly payments. This reduces financial stress and frees up money for savings, emergencies, and lifestyle spending. A smaller mortgage also protects you from rising rates when it’s time to renew. 3️⃣ No mortgage default insurance required With less than 20% down, federal regulations require you to pay mortgage default insurance (CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty). This insurance protects the lender — not you — and adds thousands of dollars to your mortgage. At 20% down: ✔️ no insurance premium ✔️ no added costs ✔️ no extra fees tacked onto your mortgage balance 4️⃣ Less interest paid over the life of the mortgage Even a slightly smaller mortgage can translate to tens of thousands of dollars saved over 25–30 years. By putting 20% down, you shorten the amortization and reduce total interest paid dramatically. 5️⃣ Immediate equity in your home A 20% down payment instantly gives you meaningful equity the moment you take possession. This protects you if: ✔️ the market dips ✔️ you need to refinance later ✔️ you want to upgrade or move ✔️ you face unexpected financial challenges Having equity provides flexibility and strengthens your long-term financial position. 💬 Final Thought While not everyone can reach 20%, it remains the smartest target if you want lower payments, lower risk, and more financial security. If you want to explore down-payment strategies or see what you qualify for today, reach out — The Frontline Mortgage Group can guide you step-by-step.

Canada’s mortgage stress test has made qualifying much harder — especially for buyers with strong credit and a solid down payment but lower income. Years ago, a 20% down payment could offset weaker debt ratios. Today, even that isn’t enough. So what can you do if you have good credit, a solid down payment, but your income isn’t high enough to qualify? Here’s the solution: buy a home with rental income built in. If you buy a property with a friend or roommate, you cannot use “roommate rent” as income unless it’s a legal rental unit. But there are plenty of options that DO allow rental income to be counted: ✔️ legal basement suites ✔️ duplexes ✔️ properties with a legal secondary suite ✔️ garage lofts / coach homes As long as the property is zoned for a legal rental unit, lenders may allow **50% to 85%** of that rental income to be added to your qualifying income — dramatically increasing what you can afford. What lenders look for in a legal suite: ✔️ separate entrance ✔️ dedicated kitchen ✔️ dedicated bathroom ✔️ sometimes a separate hot water tank ✔️ zoning and permits supporting rental use Not every lender uses the same rules, and percentages vary widely, which is why working with a mortgage broker is so important. We know which lenders accept more rental income, which lenders allow “add-back” vs “offset,” and how to structure your file to maximize your approval. 💬 Final Thought Buying a home with a legal suite can turn a “no” into a “yes.” Whether you’re dealing with the stress test, low income, or high market prices, rental income can make the difference. If you want to explore properties that could qualify, reach out — The Frontline Mortgage Group can guide you through the rules and get you into a home faster than you expect.