Mortgage Tips & Expert Advice

First Time Buyers

BC CMHC Insurance: When You Need It and How It Works

Understand CMHC mortgage insurance requirements for BC buyers, including premiums, benefits, and when insurance is required.

Voytek Jedrusiak

Jun 4

First Time Buyers

How to Maximize the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan in Alberta for 2026

The 2026 RRSP HBP playbook for Alberta first-time buyers — $60K limit, FHSA stacking, the gross-up strategy, and repayment math.

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voytekj

May 7

First Time Buyers

First-Time Home Buyer Incentives for Calgary in 2026

Every program a Calgary first-time buyer can stack in 2026 — FHSA, RRSP HBP, GST rebate, attainable-home programs, and the new $1.5M insurable cap.

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voytekj

May 7

First Time Buyers

Buying a Townhouse in Alberta: 2026 Mortgage Guide

Townhouse buying and financing in Alberta in 2026 — condo vs bare-land, condo fees, lender review, and the math that makes townhouses Calgary and Edmonton's best entry-level option.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak

Mar 14

First Time Buyers

Using Your RRSP to Buy a Home in Alberta: 2026 Home Buyers’ Plan Guide

How Alberta first-time buyers can use the $60,000 RRSP Home Buyers' Plan in 2026 — eligibility, withdrawal mechanics, repayment math, and stacking with the FHSA.

Voytek Jedrusiak

Mar 11

Financial Advice

FHSA vs RRSP: Which Should First-Time Homebuyers Prioritize in 2026?

Canadian first-time homebuyers now have access to two powerful tax-advantaged accounts to build their down payment: the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the RRSP...

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voytekj

Mar 4

First Time Buyers

How to Buy a Home in Canada With Zero Down Payment Out of Pocket

Think you need years of savings for a down payment? Government programs like London's $25,000 grant can cover your entire 5% down. Here's how Canadians are buying homes with $0 out of pocket.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak

Mar 2

First Time Buyers

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Alberta: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Exactly what an Alberta mortgage pre-approval involves in 2026 — documents needed, how long it takes, what gets you declined, and the difference between pre-qualification and a real rate hold.

Voytek Jedrusiak

Feb 27

First Time Buyers

5 Smart Ways to Use Your Cash Back Mortgage Funds

Make the most of your cash back mortgage by putting the money where it creates the highest return. Here are the 5 best uses — and the ones that destroy value.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak

Feb 25