Learning Centre

Plain-English guides to buying, refinancing and renewing your mortgage in Ontario.

All Buying First-Time Buyers Mortgage Basics Refinancing Renewing

Refinancing

Payments feeling tight? Options to lower your monthly mortgage payment, from renewal and refinancing to consolidating debt.

Mortgage Basics

Small changes, big savings. Simple strategies that can take years off your mortgage and save tens of thousands in interest.

Mortgage Basics

A bank specialist offers one bank's products. A broker compares many lenders. Here's how to decide which is right for you.

Buying

Income, debts, down payment and the stress test: how lenders decide your budget, with a quick way to estimate yours.

Mortgage Basics

The lowest advertised rate isn't always the best deal. Seven ways to get a better mortgage rate, and what to look for besides the rate.

Renewing

Your renewal letter isn't your best offer. A step-by-step plan to get a better rate at renewal.

Buying

Budget 1.5%–4% of the purchase price for closing costs. Here's every item to plan for.

Mortgage Basics

Why you qualify at a higher rate than you'll pay, and what it means for your budget.

First-Time Buyers

The two most powerful tools for first-time buyers, and how to stack them for a bigger, tax-free down payment.

Buying

If your down payment is under 20%, you'll need mortgage default insurance. Here's what it costs and how it works.

Ready to start your mortgage journey?