Welcome to Plan My Mortgage
by Katherine Martin
You Plan Your Home, I'll Plan Your Mortgage.
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.
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.
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
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.
I would highly recommend Katherine to anyone who is looking for a mortgage Broker.
J. Bilodeau
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
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.
Katherine is a mortgage broker of the highest quality and integrity.
Thank you Katherine for your excellent service.
Lesli and Robert
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!
For most Canadians, the down payment is the biggest hurdle to homeownership. A down payment is the initial amount you contribute toward your property purchase, while the lender covers the rest through a mortgage. By law, Canadian lenders can only finance up to 95% of a property’s value, which means you’ll need at least 5% down to qualify. If you’re putting down less than 20%, your mortgage must be insured through one of Canada’s three default insurance providers— CMHC, Sagen (formerly Genworth), or Canada Guaranty . This insurance comes at a cost, but it can be rolled into your mortgage amount. The less you put down, the higher the premium. Since saving a down payment can feel overwhelming, it helps to know the different sources you can draw from. Here are the most common options available to Canadian homebuyers: 1. Savings & Personal Resources The most straightforward source is your own savings. Lenders will ask to see a 90-day history of the funds in your account. Any large deposits outside of regular payroll must be explained with documentation—such as the sale of a vehicle or a transfer from an investment account. This requirement isn’t just red tape; it’s part of Canada’s anti-money laundering rules. 2. Proceeds from the Sale of a Property If you’ve recently sold another home, you can use the proceeds as a down payment on your new purchase. Proof of the sale—such as the final statement of adjustments from your lawyer—will be required. 3. RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) First-time buyers can withdraw up to $35,000 each (or $70,000 as a couple) from their RRSPs to put toward a down payment under the federal Home Buyers’ Plan . The funds are withdrawn tax-free, but they must be repaid over a 15-year period. This is a popular option for buyers who have been steadily contributing to their retirement savings. 4. Gifted Down Payment With today’s housing prices, many buyers turn to family for help. A parent or immediate family member can provide a gift that makes up part—or even all—of the required down payment. The lender will require a signed gift letter confirming that the money is a true gift (with no repayment expected) and proof that the funds have been deposited into your account. 5. Borrowed Down Payment In some cases, you may be able to borrow your down payment. This option is usually available only if you have strong credit and sufficient income. The payments on the borrowed funds are factored into your debt service ratios, so affordability is key. Lenders typically use 3% of the outstanding balance when calculating the additional payment. The Bottom Line A down payment doesn’t have to come from just one source—it can be a combination of savings, gifted funds, RRSPs, or other resources. What matters most is being able to show where the money came from and that it meets lender requirements. If you’d like to explore your options or learn how much you might qualify for, it’s never too early to start the conversation. Connect with us today—we’d be happy to help you create a plan and take the first steps toward homeownership.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. That’s why lenders want to be sure you can handle your mortgage payments—not just today, but also if interest rates rise in the future. This is where the mortgage stress test comes in. Many Canadians hear the term but aren’t entirely sure what it means or how it affects them. Let’s break it down in plain language. What Is the Mortgage Stress Test? The stress test is a rule introduced by the federal government that requires all mortgage applicants to qualify at a higher rate than the one they’ll actually pay. Currently, you must qualify at the greater of your contract rate + 2% or the benchmark qualifying rate (set by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions). For example: If your lender offers you a 5-year fixed mortgage at 5.25%, you must show you could still afford the payments at 7.25% . Even if rates don’t rise that high, the stress test ensures you won’t be overextended if they do. Why Does It Matter? The stress test protects both borrowers and lenders by: Preventing over-borrowing : It ensures you don’t take on more debt than you can realistically handle. Preparing for rate hikes : With interest rates fluctuating, it’s a safeguard against sudden increases. Strengthening financial stability : It lowers the risk of defaults, protecting the housing market as a whole. While it can sometimes feel like a barrier—reducing the amount you qualify for—it’s ultimately designed to keep you from becoming “house poor.” How Does It Impact Buyers? The stress test can significantly affect your homebuying budget. For example, without it, you might qualify for a $600,000 mortgage, but with the stress test applied, you may only qualify for $500,000. That doesn’t mean your dream of homeownership is out of reach—it just means you may need to adjust expectations or explore other strategies, such as: Increasing your down payment Paying down existing debts Considering alternative lenders who may have different qualification standards Why Work With a Mortgage Professional? Every lender applies the stress test, but not every lender views your application the same way. An independent mortgage professional can: Shop multiple lenders to find the best fit Run affordability scenarios at different rates Help you understand how much house you can truly afford—without stretching your finances too thin The Bottom Line The mortgage stress test isn’t meant to stop you from buying a home—it’s there to protect you from financial strain down the road. By understanding how it works and planning ahead, you can make smarter choices and buy with confidence. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply want to know how the stress test affects your options, connect with us today. We’ll help you stress-test your budget and find the mortgage solution that works best for you.
You’ve found the right home, your offer’s been accepted, and your financing is approved—congratulations! But before you can pick up the keys and celebrate, there’s one more important stage: the closing process. Closing is the final step in your homebuying journey, where all the paperwork, legal details, and financial transactions come together. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, but with the right preparation, closing can be smooth and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process. Step 1: Hire a Lawyer or Notary A real estate lawyer (or notary, depending on your province) handles the legal side of closing. They will: Review the purchase agreement and mortgage documents Conduct a title search to confirm the seller has the legal right to sell the property Ensure the mortgage lender is properly registered on the title Handle the transfer of funds between you, the lender, and the seller Your lawyer or notary will be your main point of contact during closing, so choose one you trust and who communicates clearly. Step 2: Finalize Your Mortgage Your lender will send the mortgage instructions directly to your lawyer or notary. At this stage: You’ll provide proof of property insurance (lenders require this before releasing funds) You’ll confirm your down payment and closing costs are available in your lawyer’s trust account The lawyer will prepare all documents for your review and signature Step 3: Pay Closing Costs Closing costs typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. These can include: Legal fees Title insurance Land transfer tax (where applicable) Adjustments for property taxes or utilities prepaid by the seller Home inspection or appraisal fees (if not already paid) Your lawyer will provide a final statement of adjustments so you know exactly how much is due on closing day. Step 4: Sign the Paperwork A few days before closing, you’ll meet with your lawyer or notary to sign all the necessary documents, including: Mortgage agreement Title transfer Insurance confirmations Statement of adjustments Bring valid government-issued ID to this appointment. Step 5: Transfer of Funds On the day of closing: Your lender sends the mortgage funds to your lawyer Your lawyer combines these funds with your down payment and pays the seller Legal ownership of the property is transferred into your name The lender is registered on title as a secured creditor Step 6: Get the Keys! Once the paperwork is filed and the funds have cleared, your lawyer will confirm that the transaction is complete. You’ll then get the keys to your new home—officially making it yours. The Bottom Line The closing process is a series of important steps, but with the right team in place, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By working closely with your mortgage professional and lawyer, you’ll have guidance every step of the way—from signing the documents to turning the key in the front door. If you’d like help preparing for the closing process—or want a clear breakdown of your own closing costs— connect with us today.
