Buying your first home, upgrading to a larger space, downsizing, or investing in a retirement property can feel overwhelming—especially with so many mortgage options available. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
At mfactory, we guide you through a personalized mortgage journey, step by step, to help you find the perfect mortgage tailored to your unique needs.
Your journey to homeownership begins here. The first step is completing our online mortgage application.
This form gives your agent the essential details to build your budget, determine how much you can afford, and explore down payment options tailored to your situation.
Based on the information you provided in step 1, your agent will prepare a customized checklist of required documents to ensure all your mortgage options are available, helping you secure your mortgage or pre-approval.
After submitting the necessary documents, your agent will review your maximum purchase price, the required down payment, closing costs, and provide examples of mortgage payments tailored to a price range that suits you.
Searching for the perfect home is both exciting and challenging. We suggest partnering with a Real Estate Professional who can refine your search to match your specific needs.
When you’re ready to make an offer, having a pre-approved mortgage in hand gives you a competitive advantage.
Congratulations! Your purchase offer has been accepted. One important detail in the agreement is the ‘condition of financing,’ which outlines the deadline for fulfilling the mortgage requirements set by your lender.
At this stage, your agent will review your mortgage details, benefits, and payment options.
A lawyer, of your choosing, will facilitate the closing of your purchase and coordinate with Realtor®, the seller’s lawyer and any other parties involved.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
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A mortgage is a loan used to purchase a property or used to access equity against the value of a property you already own. It is a secured loan, meaning the property itself serves as collateral.
When you take out a mortgage, you agree to repay the lender over time through scheduled payments, which typically include:
If you fail to repay the loan, the lender has the right to foreclose on the property, meaning they can take ownership and sell it to recover the debt.
A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders to help secure a mortgage loan.
Instead of working for a single bank or lender, mortgage brokers have access to multiple loan products from different financial institutions, allowing them to find the best rates and terms for their clients.
What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?
Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker:
The difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval for a mortgage comes down to how in-depth the lender evaluates your finances and how strong the commitment is.
Basic
Comprehensive
No
Yes
No
Yes
Estimated
Verified
Helps set a budget
Makes you a serious buyer
No
Yes, Pre-Approval letter given to show sellers
Which One Should You Get?
Pre-Qualification is useful if you’re just starting to explore your options and want a general idea of your price range.
Pre-Approval is better if you’re serious about buying because it gives you more credibility with sellers and speeds up the mortgage process.
The mortgage amortization and mortgage term are two key aspects of a mortgage, but they refer to different things:
Mortgage Amortization
This is the total length of time it takes to fully pay off your mortgage if you follow the agreed-upon payment schedule. It’s typically 15 to 30 years and determines how much of each payment goes toward the principal and interest over time.
Mortgage Term
This is the length of time your current mortgage agreement is in effect before you need to renew or refinance. A term can range from a few months to 10 years, with 5 years being common. At the end of each term, you either pay off the remaining balance, renew with your lender, or switch to a new lender.
Key Difference:
Mortgage terms range from six months to 10 years, and the right choice depends on your financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, and preference for a fixed or variable rate.
Many homeowners choose a 5-year term, offering stability and predictable payments—especially when interest rates are low. A shorter term (1 to 3 years) may appeal to those seeking lower variable rates or planning to move soon, though it carries the risk of rate increases.
Also referred to as; Mortgage Default Insurance, Mortgage Loan Insurance, Default Insurance, and CMHC Insurance.
Mortgage default insurance protects lenders in case a borrower defaults (fails to make payments) on their mortgage. It does not protect the borrower—it is required by lenders when the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price (high-ratio mortgage).
In Canada, mortgage loan insurance is provided by three main insurers:
If you’re buying a home with a down payment of less than 20%, your broker and lender will automatically arrange for mortgage default insurance through one of the three approved providers: CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty. You do not need to apply for it yourself.
A home appraisal is a professional assessment of a property’s market value, conducted by a certified appraiser. Lenders use appraisals to ensure the home’s value supports the mortgage amount being requested.
To determine how much you can afford, you’ll need to consider your taxable income, outstanding debts, and monthly expenses.
Step 1: Calculate Housing Costs
For a primary residence, lenders typically allow you to allocate up to 39% of your income toward housing expenses, including:
Step 2: Consider Debt Obligations
Next, calculate 44% of your taxable income, then subtract all monthly debt payments, such as:
The lower amount from Step 1 or Step 2 is what lenders generally use to determine how much of your income can go toward housing costs.
Step 3: Stay Financially Comfortable
While these ratios provide a guideline, it’s essential to ensure you’re comfortable with the debt level. If 39% of your income feels too high, you may want to opt for a lower percentage to avoid becoming “house poor” and still have room in your budget for other expenses and lifestyle choices.
Additionally, you must qualify for your mortgage under the federal government’s mortgage stress test regulations, ensuring you can afford payments even if interest rates rise.
By carefully assessing these factors, you can find a home price that fits your financial situation and lifestyle.
In short—yes, you should get a home inspection.
A home inspection is a professional, visual assessment of a property’s condition. Conducted by a certified home inspector, it evaluates the home’s key components, including:
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed written report—usually within 24 hours—outlining any issues, from minor repairs to major structural concerns.
A pre-purchase home inspection helps protect your investment by revealing potential problems that could affect your decision or negotiation strategy. It also gives you peace of mind and allows you to plan for future maintenance, reducing unexpected surprises after you move in.
The minimum down payment required to purchase a home is 5%, but this is subject to maximum price limits. Certain factors, such as being self-employed or having a lower credit score, may require a higher down payment.
Beyond the down payment, you’ll also need to demonstrate that you can cover additional closing costs, including:
Ensuring you have enough funds for both the down payment and closing costs is essential for a smooth home-buying process.
When purchasing a home, you’ll need to budget for several expenses beyond the purchase price. Here’s a breakdown of key costs to consider:
Being aware of these costs helps ensure a smooth home-buying process without unexpected financial surprises.
Owning a home is a rewarding investment, but it comes with ongoing expenses.
Budgeting for these costs helps ensure financial stability and prevents unexpected financial strain.
Key Monthly Homeownership Costs include:
By understanding these costs and planning ahead, you can enjoy homeownership while staying financially prepared for both expected and unexpected expenses.
Getting Pre-Approved is as easy as 1-2-3 with our online application
We are working hard to get the latest and greatest mortgage information. Check back soon!
