Knowledge Hub

Mortgage Tips & Expert Advice

Stay informed with the latest mortgage news, tips, and insights from our experts.

How Bank of Canada Rate Changes Affect Alberta Mortgages in 2026 - Rates mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Rates

How Bank of Canada Rate Changes Affect Alberta Mortgages in 2026

A clear explainer of how BoC overnight rate decisions flow through to Alberta variable and fixed mortgage rates, payment math, and renewal strategy.

Voytek Jedrusiak Voytek Jedrusiak
Feb 22
The True Cost of a Cash Back Mortgage: Break-Even Math Most Brokers Won’t Show You - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

The True Cost of a Cash Back Mortgage: Break-Even Math Most Brokers Won’t Show You

Side-by-side cost analysis of every cash back tier using real 2026 rates. See exactly how much extra interest you pay and whether the cash received makes up for it.

Voytek Jedrusiak Voytek Jedrusiak
Feb 22
How to Get Out of a Private Mortgage in Ontario - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

How to Get Out of a Private Mortgage in Ontario

Stuck in a private mortgage? Here's your step-by-step plan to transition to a B-lender or A-lender — rebuild credit, document income, and lower your mortgage costs.

Voytek Jedrusiak Voytek Jedrusiak
Feb 20
Down Payment Requirements in Canada: How Much Do You Really Need in 2026? - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

Down Payment Requirements in Canada: How Much Do You Really Need in 2026?

A complete breakdown of minimum down payments by purchase price, CMHC insurance thresholds, and where your money can come from — updated for 2026 rules.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak
Feb 20
BC Secondary Suite Financing: Mortgage Options for Basement Suites and Coach Houses - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

BC Secondary Suite Financing: Mortgage Options for Basement Suites and Coach Houses

How BC lenders treat secondary suites in 2026 — legality, rental offset rules, financing for adding a suite, and the math that turns a basement into qualifying income.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak
Feb 19
Monoline vs Bank Cash Back Mortgages: What Canadian Buyers Need to Know - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

Monoline vs Bank Cash Back Mortgages: What Canadian Buyers Need to Know

The timing of when you receive your cash back — funding day vs post-closing — changes everything. Compare monoline lenders like MCAP and Merix against big bank cash back programs.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak
Feb 18
Private Mortgage Lenders in Alberta: When Banks Say No (2026 Guide) - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

Private Mortgage Lenders in Alberta: When Banks Say No (2026 Guide)

When and how to use private mortgage lenders in Alberta — typical rates, fees, exit strategy, and the situations where private money is the right call.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak
Feb 17
Closing Costs in Alberta 2026: What to Actually Budget For - Alberta mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Alberta

Closing Costs in Alberta 2026: What to Actually Budget For

Plain-English 2026 guide to Alberta closing costs: legal fees, title insurance, land titles registration, no land transfer tax, and real-dollar examples for Calgary and Edmonton buyers.

Voytek Jedrusiak Voytek Jedrusiak
Feb 17
Credit Score Requirements for Alberta Mortgages in 2026 - Mortgage Tips mortgage article | Best Rates Canada
Mortgage Tips

Credit Score Requirements for Alberta Mortgages in 2026

What credit score you actually need for Alberta mortgages in 2026 — A-lender minimums, B-lender thresholds, and how to fix scores below 600 fast.

Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak Monika Tarnik-Jedrusiak
Feb 14