Don’t Overlook Your Property Taxes – Here’s Why They Matter

General Michele McGarvey 9 Jun

Paying your property taxes might not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but it’s one of the most important. These taxes fund essential local services—like schools, emergency services, and road maintenance—and missing payments can lead to serious consequences, including late fees, interest, and even a tax lien on your home. One smart way to […]

Read More

The Power of a Mortgage Rate Hold

General Michele McGarvey 30 May

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. One way to simplify the process and protect yourself is by securing a mortgage rate hold. A rate hold, typically valid for 90 to 120 days, locks in the current interest rate while you shop. If rates rise, you’re protected. And if rates drop, […]

Read More

6 Spring Home Upgrades to Boost Comfort and Value

General Michele McGarvey 22 May

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home. As the weather warms up, consider these six upgrades to enhance both your comfort and property value. 1. Kitchen Renovation A kitchen makeover adds beauty and function. Mid-sized renovations typically cost $25,000–$40,000 in Canada. 2. Roof Replacement Upgrade an aging roof to improve energy efficiency and […]

Read More

The Smart Way to Track Your Financial Health

General Michele McGarvey 15 May

The Smart Way to Track Your Financial Health Paying off debt or hitting savings milestones can feel like major wins — and they are. But if you want a clearer picture of your overall financial progress, it’s important to look at more than individual goals. One of the best ways to measure your financial health […]

Read More

Closing Costs – The Real Numbers You Need to Budget For

General Michele McGarvey 29 Jul

Buying a home is one of the most exciting ventures in life! To ensure it goes smoothly, you need to have a proper budget in place to protect your financial security and help you make the best decision for your future location. However, the cost of the home is not the only cost that you […]

Read More

Proven Strategies To Lower Your Interest Rate

General Michele McGarvey 10 Jun

Lowering your interest rate can save you money over the life of a loan or credit card. Here are some proven strategies to help you accomplish that: Improve Your Credit Score: Lenders typically offer lower interest rates to borrowers with higher credit scores. Pay your bills on time, keep your credit card balances low, and […]

Read More

Alternative Lending: Managing Mortgage Affordability

General Michele McGarvey 21 May

If you’re seeking a mortgage, but your application doesn’t fit into the box of the big traditional institutions, you’ll find yourself in what’s commonly referred to in the industry as the “Alternative-A” or “B” lending space. These lenders come in three classifications: Alt A lenders consist of banks, trust companies, and monoline lenders. These are large […]

Read More

Yard Appeal Ideas for The Biggest ROI

General Michele McGarvey 29 Apr

Summer is the time to get outside and enjoy your yard. To help you make the most of your space, I have broken down some of the top yard appeal ideas with the biggest ROI giving you the most bang for your buck and increasing your home’s equity and curb appeal at the same time! […]

Read More

5 Tips to Manage Financial Stress

General Michele McGarvey 15 Apr

With the continued rise of inflation, interest rates and the overall cost of living, the uncertainty can be unnerving for many individuals. But don’t fret! We have some tips and suggestions to help you manage your financial stress and help you to power through these latest economic changes: Prioritize What You Can Control: It can be […]

Read More