by Allen Ehlert | July 21, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
In an increasingly globalized world, transferring funds across borders has become a routine task for many. Whether for personal reasons, business transactions, or supporting loved ones abroad, international money transfers are more accessible than ever. However, each...
by Allen Ehlert | July 20, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
The implementation of the mortgage stress test in Canada has been a significant regulatory measure with far-reaching implications for the mortgage industry, housing market, social dynamics, financial stability, and the broader Canadian economy. This article provides...
by Allen Ehlert | July 19, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Navigating the world of mortgages can be daunting for both new and seasoned homeowners. A fundamental aspect of any mortgage is the “mortgage term,” which dictates several key financial decisions and outcomes over the course of homeownership. My goal in...
by Allen Ehlert | July 18, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
Mortgage Finance Companies (MFCs) in Canada are financial institutions that specialize in providing mortgage lending and related services. MFCs offer an alternative to traditional bank mortgages (prime lenders) and cater to a variety of borrowers, including those who...
by Allen Ehlert | July 16, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
… When You Can’t Simply Refinance Sometimes divorce math simply doesn’t cooperate. You want to keep the house, the monthly payment is manageable, but the refinance limit of 80% stops the deal from working. That’s where the spousal buyout purchase structure...
by Allen Ehlert | July 14, 2026 | Commercial, Investing, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
… The Metric That Separates Amateur Deals from Professional Decisions In real estate, it’s easy to get caught up in surface-level numbers—cash flow, purchase price, appreciation. But if you really want to operate like a professional investor, and guide your clients...
by Allen Ehlert | July 12, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
To ensure you do not spend more than 30% of your income on housing costs, it’s important to understand how to calculate your housing expenses. In Canada, housing costs typically include: Mortgage Payments: The monthly amount paid towards the mortgage principal,...
by Allen Ehlert | July 7, 2026 | Commercial, Investing, Mortgages, Personal Finance
Most Canadians focus on paying down their mortgage as quickly as possible—but very few stop to ask whether they’re doing it in the most tax-efficient way. In a country where mortgage interest is not tax-deductible, yet interest on money borrowed to earn income often...
by Allen Ehlert | July 5, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
Did you know that 1 in 4 Canadian mortgage applications gets declined? This is because of poor Debt Service Ratios (DSRs). Knowing how to calculate your DSR is key to getting a mortgage and staying financially secure. Lenders use the Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total...
by Allen Ehlert | July 4, 2026 | Insurance, Mortgages, Personal Finance
When you take out a mortgage in Canada, you’re entering into a long-term financial commitment that involves repaying both the principal amount borrowed and the interest charged by the lender. Understanding the nuances of how mortgage payments are structured,...
by Allen Ehlert | July 2, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
… What Your Contract Rate Isn’t Telling You About APR and EAR When you’re shopping for a mortgage, it’s easy to get laser-focused on the interest rate. You hear “4.79%” or “5.09%” and naturally assume the lower number is the better deal. Fair enough — that’s how most...
by Allen Ehlert | July 1, 2026 | Commercial, Economy, Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
…. A Digital Deadbolt for Your Credit Ontario has just added a powerful new consumer-protection tool to your financial toolbox: the ability to lock or freeze your credit file. Think of it like putting a digital deadbolt on your credit report. It will not stop every...
by Allen Ehlert | June 29, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
As a professional mortgage underwriter in Canada, I often emphasize the importance of the Loan to Value (LTV) ratio in the mortgage qualification process. The LTV ratio is a critical factor in determining the terms of the mortgage for which a borrower qualifies,...
by Allen Ehlert | June 26, 2026 | Investing, Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate, Uncategorized
“Wait… We’re Paying Land Transfer Tax Again?” A lot of homeowners think adding a HELOC is just paperwork. You sign a few documents, the lawyer registers a new charge, and away you go. Easy peasy, right? Well… sometimes. But every now and then, a refinance or HELOC...
by Allen Ehlert | June 20, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
Financial planners generally advise spending no more than 28% to 30% of your gross monthly income on housing. This guideline is known as the “front-end ratio” and primarily covers housing expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s...
