House Hacks: How to Make Small Spaces, Big

Katherine Martin • June 14, 2016

In 2016, the tiny house/small living space movement is in full swing. Individuals are choosing to live with less: less stuff, less square footage, less of a footprint. However, as these small living spaces become more of the “norm”, the people who inhabit them are asking, “How do I maximize the space that I do have?” Not because they want more, but rather, because they understand that it’s about using every square foot to it’s fullest. Waste not, want not. This is life from a different angle.

The following are five ways to make a small living space seem more spacious:

Organize Separate Spaces with Different Functions

Organize your living space into different “sections”. You may not have the amount of actual “walled off” rooms that a larger living space would boast, but designating different tasks and unique functions for these areas will give your home an air of spaciousness. Create a study space, a book nook, a living area, and a formal dining area. Design each of these areas to look unique, and stick to the plan!

Multi-Purpose Pieces

A bed which doubles as a couch is the classic example of a piece of furniture that can (and does) fulfill various functions, but there are many more than this. Get creative with how you use your space and how it can be used differently during the day, and then at night (ex: a living room that doubles as a guest sleeping space).

Ditch the Clutter

If you don’t need it, or worded differently, if it doesn’t perform a useful function, it probably doesn’t need to be there.

Now, if you’re reading this, there’s a chance that you’ve already embraced this way of living. However, it could be that you’ve been pushed into a smaller living space and you’re still figuring out how to make it work. Either way, learn to live with less.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get rid of everything right away (storage units are great for this stuff, until you have the proper amount of time to sift through, and purge); but it does mean that you need to be more intentional about how your living space is utilized. Look at it from every angle. What will work, and what won’t work?

This applies to furniture choices as well. The good people at Housebeautiful.com   suggest that you choose bigger pieces, but fewer of them; again, with the idea that clutter is the real space killer.

Know Your Space & Plan Appropriately

You know your layout better than anyone, so when it comes to filling it with furniture and various other things, do so wisely. Don’t’ buy a couch that’s twice as large as the wall for which it’s meant. This may seem obvious, but when we’re shopping, we can be overtaken, visually, by a piece, not realizing that it just won’t work, size wise.

Customization is key here, also. Now, obviously if you rent, this won’t be so much of an option for you, but if you own your own space, you have the opportunity to build to your specific needs. If you’re thinking more along these lines, Hongkiat has some wonderful design ideas that will serve to get you totally inspired. I’d mention them all here if we had room, but we don’t, so here is the link ( did anyone say living cube or suspended bedroom? ):

Open Space

As much as possible, keep your space open and “airy”. Nothing makes a house or an apartment seem cramped and small like a build-up of walls and closed off areas. Side note: paint colours matter; dark colours create a cave-like atmosphere. Avoid this pitfall by choosing bright, light, neutral colours. Lighter is brighter is better.

Small spaces don’t need to be unappealing! Consider the previous suggestions and get creative!

Katherine Martin


Origin Mortgages

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


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By Katherine Martin • February 11, 2026
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.

Buying a Vacation Property or Rental? Here’s What Lenders Look For

By Katherine Martin • February 4, 2026
Owning a vacation home or an investment rental property is a dream for many Canadians. Whether it’s a cottage on the lake for family getaways or a rental unit to generate extra income, real estate can be both a lifestyle choice and a smart financial move. But before you dive in, it’s important to know what lenders look for when financing these types of properties. 1. Down Payment Requirements The biggest difference between buying a primary residence and a vacation or rental property is the down payment. Vacation property (owner-occupied, seasonal, or secondary home): Typically requires at least 5–10% down, depending on the lender and whether the property is winterized and accessible year-round. Rental property: Usually requires a minimum of 20% down. This is because rental income can fluctuate, and lenders want extra security before approving financing. 2. Property Type & Location Not all properties qualify for traditional mortgage financing. Lenders consider: Accessibility : Is the property accessible year-round (roads maintained, utilities available)? Condition : Seasonal or non-winterized cottages may not meet standard lending criteria. Zoning & Use : If it’s a rental, lenders want to ensure it complies with municipal bylaws and zoning regulations. Properties that fall outside these norms may require financing through alternative lenders, often with higher rates but more flexibility. 3. Rental Income Considerations If you’re buying a property with the intent to rent it out, lenders may factor the rental income into your mortgage application. Long-term rentals : Lenders typically accept 50–80% of the expected rental income when calculating your debt-service ratios. Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) : Many traditional lenders are cautious about using projected income from short-term rentals. Alternative lenders may be more flexible, depending on the property’s location and your financial profile. 4. Debt-Service Ratios Lenders use your Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to determine if you can handle the mortgage payments alongside your other obligations. With investment or vacation properties, lenders may apply stricter guidelines, especially if your primary residence already carries a large mortgage. 5. Credit & Financial Stability Your credit score, employment history, and overall financial health still matter. Since vacation and rental properties are considered higher risk, lenders want reassurance that you can handle the additional debt—even if rental income fluctuates or the property sits vacant. 6. Insurance Requirements Rental properties often require specialized landlord insurance, and vacation homes may need coverage tailored to seasonal or secondary use. Lenders will want proof of adequate insurance before releasing mortgage funds. The Bottom Line Buying a vacation property or rental can be exciting, but financing these purchases comes with extra rules and considerations. From higher down payments to stricter property requirements, lenders want to be confident that you can handle the responsibility. If you’re considering a second property, the best step is to work with a mortgage professional who can compare lender requirements, outline your options, and find the financing that works best for you. Thinking about making your dream of a vacation or rental property a reality? Connect with us today.
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