The Mortgage Life

The Bank of Canada announced its latest rate decision today, and while headlines often focus on the “what,” we’re diving into the “why” — and, more importantly, the “what now.” In this episode of The Mortgage Life Podcast , we break down: The key factors the BoC weighs when making rate decisions Why the central bank continues to lean on inflation, economic resilience, and global pressures The thre...

Thinking about buying your first home? This episode of The Mortgage Life Podcast is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Your hosts dive into the provincial and federal programs available to first-time home buyers, unpack how home ownership acts as a powerful forced savings tool , and explain the technical details that can help you maximize your options. Heads up: this one’s note-taking ma...

The Bank of Canada held the key rate steady on July 30, 2025 — and while there’s no dramatic change, there’s still plenty to unpack. In this episode, we break down the three reasons behind the rate hold: - Global tariff uncertainty - A surprisingly resilient Canadian economy - Inflation hovering near target We also talk about what this “wait and see” moment means for borrowers — and why now might...

In this episode, we sit down with an experienced and knowledgeable Yukon real estate lawyer, Graham Lang of Lamarche, Lang & Barrett LLB, who unpacks the ins and outs of private property transactions (no MLS). From legal must-knows to common pitfalls, get expert insights to help you navigate a private deal with confidence. A must-listen for buyers, sellers, and industry pros alike!

In this timely episode of The Mortgage Life Podcast, we break down the Bank of Canada’s latest rate announcement. We explain possible reasons why, despite ongoing inflation concerns, the central bank chose to hold the key interest rate steady. Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, or just mortgage-curious, this episode will help you make sense of the bigger picture, and what it could mean for you...

Renewal time doesn't have to be confusing — and it definitely shouldn't be rushed. In this episode of The Mortgage Life Podcast, your broker hosts break down five clear options you have when your mortgage comes up for renewal. From simple renewals with your current lender to full refinancing strategies, we get into the technical details, numbers, and considerations you need to feel empowered — not...

NO CHANGE from The Bank of Canada! The key overnight rate has remained the same. What does this mean for our your mortgage? For our economy? What pressures are influencing today's decision to hold steady? Check out this episode to hear our take.

The Bank of Canada dropped rates by 1/4% on March 12, 2025. This is the 7th straight interest rate drop and it falls in amongst some very turbulent economic and political times. Our guest, Professor Thomas Davidoff, from UBC explores the interest rate decrease and its effects on you, the mortgage consumer. We also discuss the impacts of tariffs and how they play into the Bank of Canada's decision...

The start of a new year is a great time to take stock of everything that happened in the past year... with your mortgage! In this episode, we break down two important documents that you'll be receiving shortly - your BC Assessment and your mortgage statement. Find out why you'll want to review these documents and listen for important tips to ensure accuracy and potentially save some money....

The Bank of Canada has once again dropped their key policy rate, this time by .25%. This rate drop will most likely cause Canadian banks to drop their prime rate by .25%, which would bring prime to 5.2%. For those with Variable Rate mortgages, Adjustable Rate mortgages, and Home Equity Lines of Credit - you will see a change to your mortgage (either payment or amortization period). For those with...

Christmas presents being given out by the Bank of Canada? Yup, that's right! The Bank of Canada announced today that they're cutting the overnight rate by 1/2% to 3.25% today. That means variable rate mortgage clients and those with lines of credit should see some relief in their rates shortly. Tune in to get our take on what happened and where we're going in 2025.

Co-Signers and Guarantors – what exactly are they and when would you need them? In this episode we chat about potential options of including cosigners or guarantors when you can’t qualify for the mortgage on your own. We also review what is required, their legal obligations, and how easy (or difficult) it is to remove them at a later date. If you have a co-signer or guarantor on your mortgage, tun...

From policy changes to interest rates to home values, this in an enlightening chat with Dustan Woodhouse, author of Be the Better Broker book series. After a challenging couple of years in the mortgage and real estate industry, and following the most recent drop in the Bank of Canada interest rate, we hope that you enjoy the extra perspective in this episode!

Today, the Bank of Canada announced another rate cut - the fourth consecutive rate cut for the Bank this year. And, to top it off, today's rate cut is twice the size of previous cuts at 1/2 percent! Tune in to get Pete and Mindy's take on the rate cut, why it was a jumbo sized rate cut, and what might happen at the Bank of Canada's next announcement on December 11th. Have a listen!

The beginning of a broker / client relationship is warm and encouraging as we discuss the client's goals and how we can achieve them...then we ask for supporting documentation... Quite often a client may feel like we're asking for too much information, and it can be quite a bit of home work for the client finding all the pieces! In all cases each lender is very specific on what they want to see in...

Effective December 15, 2024 there are some MAJOR changes to insured mortgages. One big change is that purchases of up to $1.5M can now be insured mortgages which means your down payment can be less than 20%. Another change is bringing back 30 year amortizations on insured mortgages. Buyers who are considered first-time home buyers or buyers of newly built homes can now get a mortgage with a 30 yea...

What DOES a mortgage broker do? Good question! And turns out Pete and Mindy could speak about it for days! In a nutshell, mortgage brokers are independent, licensed, regulated and educated professionals who are absolutely determined to understand their clients financing needs! Have a listen to Pete and Mindy' chat!

The Bank of Canada dropped the overnight lending rate by 1/4 % today. Check out this episode for our analysis of the rate drop and what's coming for possible future cuts.

For the second time in a row, the Bank of Canada has dropped their rate!

Check out this episode where Pete and Mindy discuss some of the things you might want to think about as a first time home buyer.

We chat with Brendon Ogmundson, the chief economist for the BC Real Estate Association, to find out what he thinks about the current state of interest rates. Brendon explains the recent Bank of Canada rate drop and the potential for future rate decreases. Does the Bank of Canada have any effect on fixed rates? And how do these rates affect the real estate market? Is it a good time to buy? Tune in...

Welcome to our podcast! We have created this library of episodes to help educate our clients on some of the most important and most asked about topics relating to the mortgage process. Stay tuned for more captivating topics in the future, and in the meantime, please enjoy the 62 episodes published to date.

You might be surprised at some of the unique topics uncovered in this episode! Have a listen as Pete, Sue, and Mindy chat with Terence Tait, broker/owner at REMAX Action Realty in Whitehorse, YT.

Murray Smith from KPMG in Vernon joins Pete, Sue, and Mindy for a riveting chat about working with an accountant, and how an accountant can add to your trusted team of advisors. From financial reporting, to tax advice, to business strategy, an accountant can add an in depth financial perspective to your portfolio.

Reflections on some of our key episodes since the launch of The Mortgage Life in January 2021. - episode 1: Curious about BC Assessment? - episode 2: Don't burn your mortgage statement! - episode 6: What is Alternative Lending? - episodes 14-16, 19, 20: the GAM! Series - getting a mortgage - episode 17: First Time Home Buyers - episode 25: Thinking of purchasing in the USA? - episode 26: Under...