What Will You Accomplish in 2016?

Katherine Martin • January 4, 2016

Goodbye 2015. Hello 2016! The start of a new calendar year is an excellent time to reflect on the year that was, and to set goals for the year ahead. Have you spent any time sorting what you would like to accomplish in 2016?

On most “New Year Resolutions Lists” you will find the usual suspects: to eat better, exercise more, take up a hobby, spend more time with family, or be more financially responsible. And although all of these resolutions are a good idea, the problem is they lack real substance, they aren’t concrete, they are more like a general direction without a final destination. In order to make a real change, you are going to want to figure out exactly what you want and figure out how you are going to get there.

In a couple of year end articles published on Spring the blog (a Canadian personal finance blog)  “What I want for you in 2015” and “What I want for you in 2016”  author and financial planner Sandi Martin outlines “Clarity” and “Ownership” as what will affect real change. Finding clarity, or the understanding of where you are now (and where you have come from) is the first step in making plans that will get you to where you want to go. While ownership is the engagement, the effort, the commitment to getting you there.

So what are your financial goals in 2016 as they relate to where you live? Maybe you are looking to buy your first home, maybe your family is growing and you need more living space, maybe it’s time to get serious about paying off your mortgage, or maybe you have an empty nest and it’s time to downsize. Regardless of where you find yourself along this timeline, the best thing to do right now is to find clarity. And I can help you with that.

As an independent mortgage professional, I work with multiple lending institutions and offer a wide range of mortgage products. I can help you look at all the options you have available to you, options you might not even know are available to you. If the goal is to find clarity in order to be able to take ownership, you don’t have to go it alone.

If you are in a place where you want 2016 to be better than 2015, if you are serious about taking ownership of your finances in 2016, consider this my invitation to reach out and contact me about working together to build a plan that will help you accomplish your mortgage and housing goals!

Here’s to a prosperous 2016! All the best in the year ahead!

Katherine Martin


Origin Mortgages

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


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How to Get a Mortgage for a Second Property

By Katherine Martin • April 1, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Second Property? Here’s What to Know Buying a second property is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a big financial decision that deserves thoughtful planning. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation retreat, building a rental portfolio, or looking to support a family member with a place to live, there are plenty of reasons to consider a second home. But before you jump in, it's important to understand the strategy and steps involved. Start with “Why” The best place to begin? Clarify your motivation. Ask yourself: Why do I want to buy a second property? What role will it play in my life or finances? How does this fit into my long-term goals? Whether your focus is lifestyle, income, or legacy planning, knowing your “why” will help you make smarter decisions from the start. Talk to a Mortgage Expert Early Once you’ve nailed down your goals, the next step is to sit down with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because buying a second property isn't quite the same as buying your first. Even if you’ve qualified before, financing a second home has unique considerations—especially when it comes to down payments, debt ratios, and how lenders assess risk. How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment? Here’s where the purpose of the property really matters: Owner-occupied or family use: You may qualify with as little as 5–10% down, depending on the property and lender. Income property: Expect to put down 20–35%, especially for short-term rentals or if it won’t be occupied by you or a family member. Your down payment amount can be one of the biggest hurdles—but with strategic planning, it’s often manageable. Ways to Fund the Down Payment If you don’t have the full amount in cash, you might be able to tap into your current home’s equity to help fund the purchase. Here are a few ways to do that: ✅ Refinance your existing mortgage to access additional funds ✅ Secure a second mortgage behind your current one ✅ Open a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) ✅ Use a reverse mortgage (in certain age-qualified scenarios) ✅ Take out a new mortgage if your current home is mortgage-free These options depend on your income, credit, home value, and overall financial picture—another reason why having a pro in your corner matters. Second Property Strategy: It’s More Than Just Numbers This purchase should be part of a bigger financial plan—one that balances risk and reward. It’s about: Assessing your full financial health Maximizing your existing assets Minimizing your cost of borrowing Aligning your purchase with your long-term goals Ready to Take the Next Step? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a second property. That’s why it helps to talk things through with someone who understands both the big picture and the small details. If you’re ready to explore your options and build a plan to make that second property dream a reality, let’s connect. I’d love to help you take the next step with confidence.

Deposit vs. Down Payment: Key Differences for Homebuyers

By Katherine Martin • March 25, 2026
When you’re buying a home, two terms often cause confusion: deposit and down payment . While they’re related, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process. Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Deposit? A deposit is the money you provide when you make an offer on a property. Think of it as a show of good faith that proves you’re serious about purchasing. How it works : Typically, you provide a certified cheque or bank draft that your real estate brokerage holds in trust. If your offer is accepted, the deposit remains in trust until the deal moves forward. If negotiations fall through, the deposit is refunded. Connection to your down payment : Once the sale is finalized, your deposit becomes part of your total down payment. Why it matters : The amount is negotiable, but a larger deposit can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market. Keep in mind, however, that if you back out after conditions are removed, you risk losing your deposit. What Is a Down Payment? Your down payment is the amount you contribute toward the purchase price of your home when securing a mortgage. Minimum requirement : In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home’s purchase price. Anything less than 20% requires mortgage default insurance. Sources : Down payments can come from your savings, the sale of another property, RRSP withdrawals (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), a gift from family, or even borrowed funds. Example: How They Work Together Imagine you’re buying a $400,000 home with a 10% down payment ($40,000). When you make your offer, you provide a $10,000 deposit . Once conditions are met, that deposit is transferred to your lawyer’s trust account. At closing, you add the remaining $30,000 to complete your full down payment. The lender provides the rest—$360,000—through your mortgage. The Bottom Line Your deposit shows commitment and secures your offer, while your down payment is what makes the mortgage possible. Together, they work hand in hand to get you into your new home. 📞 If you’d like clarity on deposits, down payments, or any other part of the mortgage process, let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through it step by step.
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