Welcome to Plan My Mortgage

by Katherine Martin


You Plan Your Home, I'll Plan Your Mortgage.

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Katherine Martin


Hi, I’m Katherine, thanks for visiting my website. If you are looking for someone to help you arrange mortgage financing, look no further, I would love to help you plan your mortgage.


A little bit about me… I was born and raised in Montreal and after attending Concordia University I moved out west to Vancouver. Honestly, I have never looked back, I absolutely love it here. I spent 8 years in the mutual fund industry before starting my career as a mortgage broker in 2004. In 2005 I was voted “Rookie of the Year” and over the next 10+ years I have enjoyed helping my clients plan for the biggest investments of their lives!


I have a wonderful husband (I say wonderful because he truly is wonderful) and two children (who are also wonderful, but I didn’t want to sound too repetitive!), I have a career that inspires me and I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Life is good!


Mortgage Services

Home Purchase

If you are looking to purchase a property, understanding all the mortgage options available to you can seem overwhelming. That’s where I come in; I do this everyday and I love it. I will help you make sense of all the numbers and provide you with options that make sense to you and arrange the mortgage that suits your goals!

Preapproval

Before you go out and start shopping for a new house, you need a plan. It doesn’t matter if this is your first time buying a home or your hundredth, financial situations change, rules change, interest rates change. The best place to start is with a preapproval, so you know exactly how much buying power you have.


Professional Clients

Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have worked with many professional and self-employed clients. As such, I have developed relationships with lenders who offer exclusive products to high net worth and professional individuals. So if you are a young professional starting out in your career or if you are well established in the business community, I understand your specific needs and can accommodate them perfectly.


Refinance

Are you looking to access some of the equity built up in your property? Maybe you want to consolidate some debts, start a new business, buy a vacation or investment property or travel the world… regardless, I can discuss all your mortgage refinancing options with you!

Renewal

The best time to start looking at renewing your existing mortgage is 120 days before your maturity date. If your existing lender has sent you a renewal offer in the mail, the first thing you should do is send it to me so I can give you a second opinion. Never just sign the offer, there is always room to negotiate, and I am here to help you so that you don’t have to do those negotiations alone!


Contact Me Anytime!

Obviously there are a lot more services I can offer and a lot more information I can share with you. Consider this my invitation to contact me with your questions, I would love to work with you and help you figure out a plan not only to get you a mortgage, but to help you get rid of it. Talk soon!


Lenders

I have developed excellent relationships with lenders across the country; let's figure out which one has the best product for you. 

John Doe's Image
I was introduced to Katherine through my financial planner 10 years ago and she has assisted me in the sometimes complex financing of several properties since that time. Her commitment to providing prompt service with responsible, comprehensive and professional service truly makes her stand out in the industry. To say she goes above and beyond what’s expected would be an understatement.

I have referred several friends to her with confidence that they will receive excellent personalized service and they have been equally impressed with her work.

S. Fitzpatrick

John Doe's Image
Katherine has been an absolute SUPERSTAR for my family’s mortgage needs. We are thrilled with her professionalism, honesty, and knowledge. She has gone above and beyond to make sure that we always have a painless experience and don’t regret our decisions. It’s not just about the paperwork and phone calls with Katherine, it’s about her clients and guiding them through a huge life decision!

I would highly recommend Katherine to anyone who is looking for a mortgage Broker.

J. Bilodeau

John Doe's Image
Katherine took the time to get to know my individual financial situation and objectives, and gave me pragmatic and tailored advice based on those factors. She has always been very responsive and I have complete trust in her abilities to execute. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a mortgage broker with great client service delivery.

M. Stephens

John Doe's Image
Katherine has been our mortgage broker for 10 years now and has brokered 4 mortgages for us. We had a unique and challenging situation arise with our last renewal. Katherine’s expertise, confidence and tenacity was invaluable as she navigated us through the intricacies of this situation. She not only went to bat for us, she went above and beyond. Her knowledge, skill, support and guidance are greatly appreciated.

Katherine is a mortgage broker of the highest quality and integrity.

Thank you Katherine for your excellent service.

Lesli and Robert

John Doe's Image
Katherine is amazing to work with. As a first time home buyer I appreciated that she was there to answer any and all questions and concerns I had. She went above and beyond for me. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a mortgage broker.

T. Holbeche

Mortgage Blog

This is the main education hub on my website, have a look around, let me know if you have questions!

By Katherine Martin August 28, 2025
As patios wind down and pumpkin spice ramps up, fall is the perfect reset for your home—and your homeowner game plan. These quick wins boost comfort, curb appeal, and efficiency now, and set you up for a low-stress winter (and a strong spring market). 1) Safety & “silent leak” checks (Weekend-ready) Clean gutters & downspouts. Add leaf guards where trees overhang. Roof scan. Look for lifted shingles, cracked flashings, or moss. Seal the shell. Re-caulk window/door trim; replace weatherstripping. Test alarms. New batteries for smoke/CO detectors; add one near bedrooms. Why it matters: Prevent water intrusion and heat loss before storms roll in. 2) Heat smarter, not harder Furnace/boiler tune-up and filter change. Smart thermostat with schedules and geofencing. Draft hunt. Foam gaskets behind outlets, door sweeps on exterior doors. ROI tip: Efficiency upgrades lower monthly bills and can improve lender ratios if you’re eyeing a refinance later. 3) Fall-proof your yard (so spring you says “thanks”) Aerate + overseed + fall fertilize for thicker turf next year. Trim trees/shrubs away from siding and power lines. Mulch perennials and plant spring bulbs now. Shut off/bleed exterior taps and store hoses to avoid burst pipes. 4) Extend outdoor season (cozy edition) Portable fire pit or propane heater + layered blankets. Path/step lighting for darker evenings (solar or low-voltage). Weather-resistant storage for cushions/tools to preserve value. Neighborhood curb appeal: Warm lighting and tidy beds make a big first impression if you list in shoulder season. 5) Water management = winter peace of mind Re-grade low spots and add downspout extensions (2–3+ metres). Check sump pump (and backup). Look for efflorescence or damp corners in the basement. 6) Mini-renos that punch above their weight Entry/mudroom upgrade: hooks, bench, boot trays, closed storage. Laundry room tune-up: counter over machines, sorting bins, task lighting. Kitchen refresh: new hardware, tap, and under-cabinet lighting in one afternoon. Budget guide: Many of these land under a micro-reno budget—perfect for a modest line of credit. 7) Indoor air quality tune-up Deep clean vents and dryers (including the rigid duct). Add door mats (exterior + interior) to catch grit/salt. Houseplants or HEPA purifier for closed-window months. Fast Timeline (pin this to the fridge) Late August–September Gutters/downspouts, roof/caulking, HVAC service, lawn care, plant bulbs, exterior tap shut-off plan, path lighting. October Weatherstripping/sweeps, fire pit setup, organize mudroom/garage, test alarms, sump check, downspout extensions, dryer vent cleaning. Financing smarter: make your mortgage work for your home Annual mortgage check-in. As rates, income, and goals evolve, a quick review can free up cash flow or open options for a small fall project budget. HELOC vs. top-up refinance. For bite-size projects, a HELOC can be flexible. For bigger renos you plan to pay down, a top-up refi might make more sense. Bundle & prioritize. Knock out the high-impact, low-cost items first (air sealing, safety, water management) before the cosmetic upgrades. Not sure which route fits your fall plans? We’ll run the numbers and map the best financing path for your specific budget and goals. Quick Checklist (copy/paste) ☐ Clean gutters/downspouts; add guards ☐ Roof & flashing visual check ☐ Re-caulk, weatherstrip, add door sweeps ☐ HVAC service + new filter ☐ Aerate/overseed/fertilize; trim trees; plant bulbs ☐ Path & entry lighting ☐ Drain/bleed outdoor taps; store hoses ☐ Downspout extensions; sump test ☐ Dryer vent cleaning ☐ Mudroom/garage organization ☐ Schedule mortgage review / discuss HELOC vs refi Ready to make fall your low-stress season? Book a quick fall mortgage check-up—15 minutes to see if a small credit line or a tweak to your current mortgage could cover your priority projects without straining cash flow.
By Katherine Martin August 27, 2025
Going Through a Separation? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Separation or divorce can be one of life’s most stressful transitions—and when real estate is involved, the financial side of things can get complicated fast. If you and your partner own a home together, figuring out what happens next with your mortgage is a critical step in moving forward. Here’s what you need to know: You’re Still Responsible for Mortgage Payments Even if your relationship changes, your obligation to your mortgage lender doesn’t. If your name is on the mortgage, you’re fully responsible for making sure payments continue. Missed payments can lead to penalties, damage your credit, or even put your home at risk of foreclosure. If you relied on your partner to handle payments during the relationship, now is the time to take a proactive role. Contact your lender directly to confirm everything is on track. Breaking or Changing Your Mortgage Comes With Costs Dividing your finances might mean refinancing, removing someone from the title, or selling the home. All of these options come with potential legal fees, appraisal costs, and mortgage penalties—especially if you’re mid-term with a fixed-rate mortgage. Before making any decisions, speak with your lender to get a clear picture of the potential costs. This info can be helpful when finalizing your separation agreement. Legal Status Affects Financing If you're applying for a new mortgage after a separation, lenders will want to see official documentation—like a signed separation agreement or divorce decree. These documents help the lender assess any ongoing financial obligations like child or spousal support, which may impact your ability to qualify. No paperwork yet? Expect delays and added scrutiny in the mortgage process until everything is finalized. Qualifying on One Income Can Be Tougher Many couples qualify for mortgages based on combined income. After a separation, your borrowing power may decrease if you're now applying solo. This can affect your ability to buy a new home or stay in the one you currently own. A mortgage professional can help you reassess your financial picture and identify options that make sense for your situation—whether that means buying on your own, co-signing with a family member, or exploring government programs. Buying Out Your Partner? You May Have Extra Flexibility In cases where one person wants to stay in the home, lenders may offer special flexibility. Unlike traditional refinancing, which typically caps borrowing at 80% of the home’s value, a “spousal buyout” may allow you to access up to 95%—making it easier to compensate your former partner and retain the home. This option is especially useful for families looking to minimize disruption for children or maintain community ties. You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone Separation is never simple—but with the right support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re keeping the home, selling, or starting fresh, working with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and create a strategy that aligns with your new goals. Let’s talk through your situation and explore the best path forward. I’m here to help.
By Katherine Martin August 20, 2025
The best place to start the mortgage process is with a pre-approval. But once you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage and you’ve been shopping with location in mind, what happens when you can’t find a suitable property? There's no doubt about it; finding the perfect property within your price range is a difficult task, especially for first-time homebuyers. So, before buyer’s fatigue sets in, maybe you should consider adding the cost of renovations into your purchase. Buying a property and including the cost of renovations into the mortgage is available through a program called purchase plus improvements. When purchasing a home, you can add the cost of home upgrades into your mortgage, making it a great option if you can’t find something move-in ready and aren’t afraid to do a little work! But while this sounds simple enough, in all honestly, it’s quite the process. There are some pretty strict rules to follow, but nothing that you can’t handle with the guidance of an independent mortgage professional. Here’s a quick overview of the process. Firstly, you must provide quotes to the lender ahead of time for the work you would like to complete. It’s good to note that the renovations will have to increase the value of the property accordingly. From there, the lender doesn’t give you the money to do the upgrades; you have to come up with that yourself. However, once the work has been completed and verified by an appraiser, the lender will reimburse you and include the money in your mortgage. This program isn’t for everyone. Buying a home is a stressful endeavour in and of itself. The added stress of having to undertake renovations right away might not be a good idea. But then again, if you have the financial wherewithal to handle the cost of renovations and like the idea of making it yours from the start, then this might be just the option you’ve been looking for! Please connect directly; it would be a pleasure to walk through the exact process and outline what securing a purchase plus improvements would look like for you!
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