Call Me BEFORE Listing Your Home!

Katherine Martin • August 12, 2015

You Know What They Say About Assumptions!

If you are thinking about selling your existing property and financing a new one, you should really consider contacting me BEFORE you list your current property. No, I’m not a Real Estate Agent, and I don’t want to list your property for you, I am your mortgage broker and I simply want to make sure that you are going to qualify for your next purchase BEFORE you go and sell your existing property. Because I would hate to see you end up homeless.

Now, if this sounds like common sense to you, perfect, I expect your call, but if you are wondering why you should call me first, you are most likely making the assumption that because you qualified for a mortgage before, you will qualify again. Unfortunately, not so. Over the past couple of years there have been many changes to how people qualify for a mortgage and lots of products and programs have been eliminated or scaled back.

Mortgage qualifications and lender guidelines simply aren’t what they used to be. It’s a lot harder to get a mortgage now in 2015 than it was back in 2010-2014. Don’t just assume you will qualify for a mortgage going forward, start the process by talking with me!

Even if your financial situation has only improved since you secured your last mortgage, there is still a chance you might not qualify going forward. The key is simply having a look and developing a plan. I am always available to you in order to sit down and take a look at your numbers.

Taking the time to meet with me at the very beginning will ensure that you don’t start down a path and get blindsided by your assumptions.

Of course the worst case scenario would be for you to sell your existing home believing that you will qualify for a mortgage going forward just to realize that you can’t, and it’s too late, you no longer have a home. Or even if you were to start shopping for a property (before selling your existing), just to find your dream house, put in an offer only to realize that you no longer qualify for financing and you have to back away from the purchase. That is heartbreaking! I assure you, although these scenarios may seem to be far fetched, they are more commonplace than you would think.

The truth is, people only know what they know, and the combination of rule changes and assumptions in mortgage qualification can be very dangerous. Most people only care about mortgages every 3-5 years, there is no need for them to stay current with lender guidelines. However I do this every day, so please put my experience to work for you.

Now, chances are you will most likely qualify for a new mortgage, but I can’t stress enough the importance of having a plan from the start… and who knows, maybe I can even help you figure out the best way to proceed by shining light on options you might not have even known existed to you.

Let me finish with this… if you are thinking of selling your existing home to buy something new…

Let’s work through all the numbers together and put a plan together before you go and list your property and end up homeless.

Katherine Martin


Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842


RECENT POSTS

Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

By Katherine Martin • January 21, 2026
Owning a home feels great—carrying a large mortgage, not so much. The good news? With the right strategies, you can shorten your amortization, save thousands in interest, and become mortgage-free sooner than you think. Here are four proven ways to make it happen: 1. Switch to Accelerated Payments One of the simplest ways to reduce your mortgage faster is by moving from monthly payments to accelerated bi-weekly payments . Instead of 12 monthly payments a year, you’ll make 26 half-payments. That works out to the equivalent of one extra monthly payment each year, shaving years off your mortgage—often without you noticing much difference in your budget. 2. Increase Your Regular Payments Most mortgages allow you to boost your regular payment by 10–25%. Some even let you double up payments occasionally. Every extra dollar goes directly toward your principal, which means less interest and faster progress toward paying off your balance. 3. Make Lump-Sum Payments Depending on your lender, you may be able to make lump-sum payments of 10–25% of your original mortgage balance each year. This option is ideal if you receive a bonus, inheritance, or other windfall. Applying a lump sum directly to your principal immediately reduces the interest charged for the rest of your term. 4. Review Your Mortgage Annually It’s easy to put your mortgage on auto-pilot, but a yearly review keeps you in control. By sitting down with an independent mortgage professional, you can check if refinancing, restructuring, or adjusting terms could save you money. A quick annual review helps ensure your mortgage is always working for you—not against you. The Bottom Line Paying off your mortgage early doesn’t require a massive lifestyle change—it’s about making smart, consistent choices. Whether it’s accelerated payments, lump sums, or regular reviews, every step you take helps reduce your debt faster. If you’d like to explore strategies tailored to your situation—or want a free annual mortgage review—let’s connect. I’d be happy to help you find the fastest path to mortgage freedom.

Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates in Canada

By Katherine Martin • January 14, 2026
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which One Fits Your Life? Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing your current mortgage, or approaching renewal, one big decision stands in your way: fixed or variable rate? It’s a question many homeowners wrestle with—and the right answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the key differences so you can move forward with confidence. Fixed Rate: Stability & Predictability A fixed-rate mortgage offers one major advantage: peace of mind . Your interest rate stays the same for the entire term—usually five years—regardless of what happens in the broader economy. Pros: Your monthly payment never changes during the term. Ideal if you value budgeting certainty. Shields you from rate increases. Cons: Fixed rates are usually higher than variable rates at the outset. Penalties for breaking your mortgage early can be steep , thanks to something called the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) —a complex and often costly formula used by lenders. In fact, IRD penalties have been known to reach up to 4.5% of your mortgage balance in some cases. That’s a lot to pay if you need to move, refinance, or restructure your mortgage before the end of your term. Variable Rate: Flexibility & Potential Savings With a variable-rate mortgage , your interest rate moves with the market—specifically, it adjusts based on changes to the lender’s prime rate. For example, if your mortgage is set at Prime minus 0.50% and prime is 6.00% , your rate would be 5.50% . If prime increases or decreases, your mortgage rate will change too. Pros: Typically starts out lower than a fixed rate. Penalties are simpler and smaller —usually just three months’ interest (often 2–2.5 mortgage payments). Historically, many Canadians have paid less overall interest with a variable mortgage. Cons: Your payment could increase if rates rise. Not ideal if rate fluctuations keep you up at night. The Penalty Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is the cost of breaking a mortgage early —something nearly 6 out of 10 Canadians do before their term ends. Fixed Rate = Unpredictable, potentially high penalty (IRD) Variable Rate = Predictable, usually lower penalty (3 months’ interest) Even if you don’t plan to break your mortgage, life happens—career changes, family needs, or new opportunities could shift your path. So, Which One is Best? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A fixed rate might be perfect for someone who wants stable budgeting and plans to stay put for years. A variable rate might work better for someone who’s financially flexible and open to market changes—or who may need to exit their mortgage early. Ultimately, the best mortgage is the one that fits your goals and your reality —not just what the bank recommends. Let's Find the Right Fit Choosing between fixed and variable isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding your needs, your future plans, and how much financial flexibility you want. Let’s sit down and walk through your options together. I’ll help you make an informed, confident choice—no guesswork required.
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