The Tribe Blog
Your First Mortgage Renewal is About More Than a New Rate
Your first mortgage renewal can come with a lot of questions. Your lender sends a renewal offer with a new interest rate, but how do you know if it’s competitive? Do you have to accept it? And is there anything else you should be considering before signing? The good...
What Does “Affordable” Actually Mean for Homeownership?
Getting approved for a mortgage is exciting, but just because a lender is willing to lend you a certain amount doesn’t mean the payments will fit comfortably into your life. There’s a difference between the amount of money you can borrow versus what you can...
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Renewal to Review Your Mortgage
Your mortgage renewal is an important financial decision, but it shouldn’t be a last-minute one. Waiting until your lender sends you a renewal offer may mean you have less time to explore what else is available or consider whether your mortgage still fits your needs....
Banks Aren’t Your Only Mortgage Option
When you’re looking for a mortgage, it’s easy to assume that your bank is the natural place to start. After all, they already have your accounts, know your financial history and may even offer you what looks like a competitive rate. But your bank isn’t your only...
Kids Moved Out. Is it Time to Downsize?
For years, your home may have been the centre of a busy family life. Bedrooms were full, the kitchen was constantly in use and having extra space made perfect sense. Then the kids grew up and moved out. Suddenly, the home that once felt just the right size may feel...
Student Loans Don’t Have to Stand in Your Way to Homeownership
Student loan debt feels like a major roadblock to becoming a homeowner for many first-time homebuyers. It’s common to assume that you need to completely pay off your student loans before you can even think about qualifying for a mortgage. Fortunately, that’s a common...
Gifted Down Payments: How Family Can Help You Buy Your First Home
For many first-time homebuyers, saving enough for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Fortunately, financial help from family members is becoming increasingly common, and a gifted down payment can make the dream of buying a home a reality much...
Think Missed Bill Payments Mean You Can’t Get a Mortgage? Think Again
If you’ve missed payments in the past, you may assume homeownership is out of reach. It’s a common misconception that a few financial setbacks automatically disqualify you from getting approved for a mortgage. The reality is often much more encouraging. While your...
Gifted Down Payments: How Family Can Help You Buy Your First Home
For many first-time homebuyers, saving enough for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Fortunately, financial help from family members is becoming increasingly common, and a gifted down payment can make the dream of buying a home a reality much...
Think Missed Bill Payments Mean You Can’t Get a Mortgage? Think Again
If you’ve missed payments in the past, you may assume homeownership is out of reach. It’s a common misconception that a few financial setbacks automatically disqualify you from getting approved for a mortgage. The reality is often much more encouraging. While your...
Growing Family? It’s Time to Start Thinking About Your Next Home
The arrival of a new baby is often one of the biggest life changes homeowners experience. Along with the excitement comes a new set of practical considerations. Suddenly, that spare bedroom becomes a nursery, storage space disappears and the layout that once worked so...
Facing Higher Mortgage Payments at Renewal?
One of the biggest concerns homeowners are facing right now is significantly increased mortgage payments at term renewal. Many Canadians who locked into historically low interest rates several years ago are now approaching renewal in a much different rate environment....
Avoiding Homebuying Surprises: Closing Costs
Many first-time homebuyers spend years focused on saving their down payment, only to realize near closing day that there are several additional costs involved in buying a home. It’s one of the most common surprises during the homebuying process – and one that can...
It’s Not a Hassle to Switch Lenders for Your Mortgage Renewal!
One of the most common questions homeowners ask as their mortgage renewal approaches is whether switching lenders is more trouble than it’s worth. The assumption is often that it’s a complicated, time-consuming process filled with extra costs and paperwork. In...
Exploring Multiple Down Payment Sources
When most people think about buying a home, the biggest hurdle is often the down payment. While personal savings are the most common source, they’re far from the only option. Understanding the different ways you can fund a down payment may open doors you didn’t...
How Your Home Equity Can Help You Navigate Financial Challenges
If you’re experiencing financial pressure – or even anticipating challenges ahead – you’re not alone. Life can shift quickly due to rising expenses, changes in income or unexpected events. The good news is that, for many homeowners, there’s a valuable resource already...
How’s Your Credit Score Calculated?
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. It provides a snapshot of how you manage borrowed money and helps lenders assess the level of risk involved in lending to you. Understanding how your credit score is...
Mortgage Myth: Pre-approval Guarantees Your Mortgage
One of the most common misconceptions among homebuyers is that a mortgage preapproval guarantees final approval. It doesn’t. A preapproval is an important first step in the homebuying process, but it’s not the finish line. Understanding the difference can help you...
Why Timing the Housing Market Matters Less Than You Think
One of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers is, “Should I wait for the market to improve?” It’s a fair question. Interest rates change, home prices fluctuate and headlines often make it feel like buying at the “wrong” time could be a costly mistake. But...
I Wish I’d Talked to My Mortgage Agent Sooner!
This is something mortgage agents hear far more often than you may expect – usually after a renewal has already been signed, a purchase is well underway or a financial change has created unexpected pressure. By the time many people reach out, their options may be...
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