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Market updates, policy explainers, and borrower-focused mortgage intelligence from the Pragmatic Mortgage editorial team.
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Canada’s proposed $50,000 GST rebate for first-time buyers clears Senate third reading: what changed and what happens next (2026)
Mar 2, 2026
Bill C-4 has passed Senate third reading and returned to the House of Commons with amendments. Here’s the practical impact for first-time buyers, including timelines, eligibility, and next steps.
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Smith Manoeuvre readiness checklist (Canada 2026): 10 controls before your first leveraged draw
Feb 26, 2026
A practical 10-point checklist for Canadians considering a Smith Manoeuvre strategy, focused on risk controls, documentation, and approval-safe setup.
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Best RRSP Home Buyers Plan alternatives in Canada (2026): when HBP is not your best move
Feb 25, 2026
Comparing HBP alternatives for Canadian first-time buyers in 2026: FHSA-first, FHSA+HBP, TFSA liquidity, gifted down payment, and smaller first-home strategy.
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FHSA vs RRSP vs TFSA for first home savings (2026): which stack wins in Canada?
Feb 25, 2026
A practical comparison of FHSA, RRSP Home Buyers Plan, and TFSA for Canadian first-time buyers planning a down payment in 2026.
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How to buy a home in Canada: 21-day offer readiness plan (2026)
Feb 25, 2026
A focused 21-day checklist to move from accepted offer to smooth closing in Canada, with lender, legal, and cash-to-close actions sequenced by week.
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First-time home buyer cash-to-close playbook (2026): 60-day offer readiness plan
Feb 25, 2026
A practical 60-day first-time buyer checklist to align affordability, down payment documentation, and closing readiness before offer pressure peaks.
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Minimum down payment cash-to-close playbook (2026): 45-day plan for Canadian buyers
Feb 24, 2026
A practical 45-day playbook to align down payment, insurance premium impact, and cash-to-close totals before offer and closing timelines tighten.
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Closing costs cash-to-close checklist (2026): 30-day plan before possession
Feb 24, 2026
A practical 30-day checklist for Canadian buyers to lock in cash-to-close numbers, avoid funding stress, and reduce closing-day surprises.
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Bank of Canada rate announcement checklist (2026): what mortgage borrowers should do each cycle
Feb 24, 2026
A practical checklist for Canadian borrowers before and after each Bank of Canada rate announcement, with clear mortgage actions for fixed and variable files.
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Prime rate update (February 2026): variable-mortgage playbook for Canadian borrowers
Feb 24, 2026
What the latest Bank of Canada and prime-rate data means for variable-mortgage borrowers, plus a practical 7-day plan to reduce payment shock risk before renewal.
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Mortgage Deselection: Navigating Economic Uncertainties
Dec 12, 2023
Mortgage deselection is gaining attention due to the heightened state of upcoming mortgage renewals. Particularly, financial institution Scotiabank recently announced incoming renewal strategies that will potentially reduce their book of high-risk borrowers.
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Mortgage stress test in Canada (2026): current rules, key exemptions, and smart qualification strategy
Nov 23, 2023
A practical Canadian mortgage stress test guide for 2026: what rules still apply, where straight-switch exemptions exist, how 2024 reforms changed insured borrowing, and what to do if you do not qualify today.
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Housing affordability is a significant issue in Canada. Let’s fix it.
Feb 24, 2023
The complexity of building codes and obtaining building permits Housing affordability is a significant issue in Canada , with high housing costs making it difficult for many Canadians to afford a home. The issue has been amplified in recent years as housing prices continue to rise, and many people are being priced out…
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Pros and Cons of cosigning a loan for family or friends?
Feb 6, 2023
What cosigning a loan means Cosigning a loan refers to the act of someone (the cosigner) agreeing to take equal responsibility for repaying a loan alongside the primary borrower . The cosigner acts as a co-guarantor, promising to repay the loan if the primary borrower fails to do so.
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What is a Goldilocks community, and why is this density “just right”?
Jan 30, 2023
Finding the Perfect Balance for Urban Development Urban development has become one of the most pressing issues facing modern societies, as cities continue to grow at a rapid pace. While cities offer numerous benefits such as employment, education and cultural opportunities, they can also lead to overcrowding, traffic …
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Understanding the Appraisal Process: Why Some Transactions Require an Appraisal and Others Don’t
Jan 29, 2023
As a homebuyer, mortgage holder, or refinancer, you may have found yourself wondering why some transactions require an appraisal of the property while others do not. The answer to this question lies in a variety of factors, including lender specific requests, the use of automatic valuation methods, and the nature of t…
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The History of the Canadian Banking System History and How It Works Today.
Jan 22, 2023
How it Started The banking system in Canada has a long and rich history that dates back to the early days of European settlement. The first banks in Canada were established in the late 1700s, and were primarily focused on providing financial services to the wealthy and powerful individuals and businesses of the time.
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Canada’s 6.3% Inflation: Gas Prices Fall, Grocery Prices Rise.
Jan 17, 2023
As Canadians brace for another potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada , new data released by Statistics Canada has revealed some promising news on the inflation front. According to the figures published on Tuesday, the country’s annual inflation rate cooled to 6.3 per cent in December, its lowest level sin…
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The Bank of Canada has announced its schedule for interest rate announcements in 2023.
Jan 17, 2023
Interest rate announcements in 2023 The Bank of Canada has recently announced its schedule for interest rate announcements in 2023. The central bank will be making its interest rate announcements on the following dates: January 19, March 9, April 13, May 25, July 13, September 7, October 19, and December 7.
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5 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers to Secure the Best Mortgage Rate
Jan 14, 2023
Purchasing a home as an FTHB (First Time Home Buyer) can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. One of the most important factors to consider when buying a home is securing a favorable mortgage rate.
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OSFI Invites Public Consultation on Proposed Changes to Mortgage Lending Guidelines
Jan 12, 2023
On Thursday, OSFI released the new proposed mortgage guidelines for public comment. Essentially, OSFI wants to remove the least-qualified borrowers from the federally regulated mortgage market, but how they will do that is not yet determined.
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Bank of Canada holds target rate at 0.25%. Until March.
Jan 26, 2022
The Bank of Canada’s decision Wednesday to keep interest rates near zero at least until early March will continue to add fuel to the country’s overheated housing market. The central bank said it “expects interest rates will need to increase,” but that cost of borrowing will continue to be cheap over the near term.
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How to Calculate 2022 property taxes owing based on 2021 assessments.
Jan 10, 2022
How to Calculate 2022 property taxes owing based on 2021 assessments. Updated January 14th 2022 The original video could be interpreted that your property taxes will go up 40-60% higher simply because your values increased.
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Central Okanagan Open Letter | Solar Power Initiative 2022
Dec 22, 2021
The reason for this open letter is because I wish to encourage change through my personal habits related to the environment and climate change. I feel like most people want to do this, but they just don’t know where to start, or how to stay motivated.
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OSFI Stress Test Deadline | May 31st
May 21, 2021
OSFI has set the new stress test for uninsured (AND INSURED in the 11th hour, ouch) mortgages to take affect June 1st. The new stress test will affect your buying power by 5-10% in a purchasing power.
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October 28th 2020 | Central bank announcement
Oct 28, 2020
October 28th 2020 | Central bank announcement This was the ninth interest rate decision of the year. The overnight rate remains at just 0.25 percent, which is incredible great news for borrowers currently in the market.
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How To Scan Documents as a PDF using iPhone’s Built In Scanner App.
Oct 28, 2020
How To Scan Documents as a PDF using iPhone’s Built In Scanner App. With banks wanting true PDf’s and our team trying to be as safe as possible through the pandemic.  Using the notes app on your iphone to send docs has never been easier!
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We are now Apple Business Chat Approved!
Oct 15, 2020
We are now Apple Business Chat Approved!  Apple Business Chat | We are live now!  But we are very excited to announce today that Apple has approved our business to use their integrated business chat platform!  Currently it is extremely difficult to get approved by Apple to use this platform.
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Why Rates are increasing despite BoC Rate drops.
Mar 27, 2020
Pragmatic analysis for Why Rates are increasing despite BoC Rate drops. with lender, qualification, and risk context for Canadian borrowers.
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March 18 briefing: fiscal stimulus package announced
Mar 18, 2020
March 18 briefing: fiscal stimulus package announced Government pledges billions in support of Canadian workers and businesses The Prime Minister addressed the nation for a third consecutive day. Today’s comments included an announcement of a major fiscal stimulus package designed to provide financial assurances to th…
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Helping a client understand what’s going on with Bank of Canada
Mar 15, 2020
Client: Hey Kyle I don’t understand what going on with lending rates. Sorry I have no idea about this stuff Kyle Wilson: Ok so let’s say you want to go buy a box O Henry’s at Costco to RESELL at your convenience store 7/11.
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.5% rate decrease from BOC – What does it mean for buyers?
Mar 4, 2020
Bank of Canada Delivers A (Double) Coronavirus Cut The Bank of Canada cut its policy interest rate by 50 basis points to 1.25% this morning (was: 1.75%). counterparts, the risks related to COVID-19 were front and center.
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DO NOT get a credit card for your child.
Feb 23, 2020
DO NOT get a credit card for your child.  It does nothing good for them. This is incorrect in Canada.  They’re are many regulations and laws, such as the consumer protection act; which protect minors from the responsibility of managing debt.
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International Angelman Syndrome Day 2020
Feb 14, 2020
International Angelman Syndrome Day 2020 February 15th of every year is International Angelman Day! You may or may not know, my Son who is now 5 years old was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome 4 years ago.
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Local Business Must Bring the A-Game in Customer Service to Win.
Jan 28, 2020
Local Business Must Bring the A-Game in Customer Service to Win.
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How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020
May 21, 2019
How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020 How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020 If you live in the Kelowna BC area.  This video will help you apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020.
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Questions to Ask a Realtor to Sell your Home
Jul 23, 2018
  Reach out to us today and tell us about your unique property you have interest in. These questions to ask a Realtor prove to be valuable during the interview stage. If you live in British Columbia, we have had experience with several professionals who will get the job done for you.
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Do I have to Pay Capital Gains when selling property?
Jun 5, 2018
How about this scenario:  You live in the property but you rent out the basement suite ? There may be even further unique circumstances and your property and living situation may not be so cut and dry.  A good mortgage broker can point you in the right direction!
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Legal Suite vs Illegal Suite | Do Banks Really Care?
May 23, 2018
Legal Suite vs Illegal Suite In Canada it can be challenging to differentiate if a secondary suite or basement suite is a Legal suite vs Illegal Suite.
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Proactive or reactive in getting credit | What should you do?
May 9, 2018
  Reach out to us today so we can help you on the path to success financially!
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Pre Approve Yourself | Qualifying for a Mortgage
May 2, 2018
Pre Approve yourself | Qualifying for a Mortgage | Where to Start? Pre Approve yourself | Qualifying for a Mortgage | Where to Start?
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Why You Should Avoid a Joint Credit Card When Possible
Apr 18, 2018
Joint Credit means more Risk!  Why would you take on the risk of another persons credit like your spouse or Kid if you don’t have too? Like sourcing a Mortgage Broker or Finance Broker .  Just because one bank declined your family members application does not mean they do not qualify!  Banks and Credit …
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Co Guarantor Vs Cosignor | Which Option Should I Pursue?
Apr 16, 2018
Co Guarantor VS CoSignor You apply for a Mortgage or Car loan and the bank says “sorry you need a CoSignor”.  Without explaining WHY you need this it can be difficult to know which one is the best scenario to fit your needs. See if a Co Guarantor Vs Cosignor is the right fit.  A Co Guarantor is when someone …
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0 Financing | Is it worth it? | Zero Percent Loans
Apr 11, 2018
that’s 10 years) does not mean it’s a #gooddeal.  Dealerships like @kelownamercedesbenz and @sentesautogroup have a #transparent sales process that educates you on your options.   Finally, if you hate numbers:  Seek #advice from a finance professional.  A #mortgagebroker is a good source to rely on…
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Should I Save Money or Pay Off Debt?
Apr 4, 2018
The math is simple: Don’t save your money if the rate of return is LOWER than the interest rate your charged on debt. PAY OFF DEBT and take control of your long term goals and start saving!  There are some awesome tools out there now a days that help you get a grib on budgeting and paying off your debt.
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New Mortgage Underwriting Guidelines for 2018 | B20
Nov 6, 2017
Pragmatic analysis for New Mortgage Underwriting Guidelines for 2018 | B20 with lender, qualification, and risk context for Canadian borrowers.
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Property Tax Season | Apply for your Home Owners Grant!
May 30, 2017
Apply Annually for the Home Owners Grant Apply Annually for the Home Owners Grant Every year it is important to apply for the Home Owners Grant in your Municipality.  Please watch the video to learn how to apply online in the City of Kelowna !
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