When it comes to buying a home, many people focus on saving for a down payment or finding the right property. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that plays a huge role in your mortgage options: your credit score.

Your credit score is essentially a snapshot of your financial reliability. Lenders use it to decide not only whether to approve your application, but also what kind of interest rate you’ll receive. A higher score signals lower risk for the lender, which often translates into lower rates and better terms for you. Over the life of a mortgage, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings.

The good news? Your credit score isn’t set in stone. Making payments on time, keeping balances low compared to your limits, and avoiding unnecessary new credit can all help improve your score. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference over time.

If you’re planning to buy a home, your credit score should be part of your strategy. Understanding where you stand—and how to strengthen it—can put you in the best position when it’s time to apply for a mortgage.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

As the school year kicks off and families settle into their new routines, fall brings a fresh opportunity to focus on your housing plans. The hustle of summer moves and vacations slows down, making it an ideal time to think about what your next home chapter looks like.

Maybe your family needs more space for growing kids or a quieter neighbourhood close to their new school. Perhaps you’re ready to transition from renting to owning, building equity, and creating a home you love. Whatever your goals, fall’s stable routines and predictable schedules can make the home-buying process feel more manageable.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage now can put you ahead of the curve when the market picks up again. It means you’ll shop with confidence and move quickly when the right home appears.

Remember, this season of new beginnings is more than just a fresh school year — it’s your chance to set the foundation for your family’s future. If buying or refinancing is on your mind, reach out. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Fall into your perfect home this season — because every great journey starts with a solid first step.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. A sudden job loss, a serious illness, or the unexpected passing of a loved one can quickly change your financial picture. When your income is affected, the thought of keeping up with mortgage payments can feel overwhelming—and the last thing you need in those moments is the added fear of losing your home.

That’s where Manulife Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP) comes in. MPP is designed to step in during life’s toughest moments, helping cover your mortgage payments so you and your family can focus on what truly matters—recovery, healing, and moving forward.

Whether it’s short-term support during an illness or long-term protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing, Manulife provides peace of mind knowing your home is safeguarded. You’ve worked hard to build your life in your home—MPP helps ensure it stays yours, no matter what life brings. Think of it as a safety net for your biggest investment and your family’s sense of security.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

A mortgage pre-approval isn’t a commitment—it’s a clear picture of what you can afford based on your income, credit, and financial situation. It helps you house hunt with confidence, knowing your budget is backed by real numbers.

With a pre-approval in hand, you can:
✔ Make stronger, more competitive offers
✔ Focus on homes in your price range
✔ Avoid surprises during the mortgage process

It also helps uncover any potential issues early, giving you time to improve your finances or gather any needed documents.

Best of all? It’s quick, free, and gives you a head start in a market where preparation matters.

If you’re even thinking about buying in the next few months, let’s talk. We’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your next steps.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

A home appraisal is a key step in the mortgage process, helping lenders determine a property’s fair market value before approving financing. Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or selling, an appraisal ensures the home’s value aligns with the loan amount requested.

Here’s how it works: A licensed appraiser conducts a detailed evaluation of the home, considering factors like location, size, condition, upgrades, and recent comparable sales in the area. The appraiser will walk through the home, take measurements, and note any features or deficiencies that could impact its value.

Why does this matter? Lenders use the appraised value to confirm that the property is worth the investment. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can affect how much financing you qualify for — or even lead to renegotiations with the seller.

To help the process go smoothly, make sure your home is clean, accessible, and any recent upgrades are documented.

Remember, the appraisal isn’t just for the lender — it also protects you from overpaying for a home.

Have questions about appraisals or how they affect your mortgage? Our team is here to guide you through every step.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

House hunting is exciting—but it’s also easy to get overwhelmed without a clear plan. Before you start booking showings, here are a few essentials to check off your list:

✅ Get Pre-Approved:
Knowing what you can afford not only helps you focus your search, it also shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

✅ Set Your Budget Boundaries:
Look beyond just your mortgage payment. Consider property taxes, utilities, insurance, and possible renovations. A realistic budget is your best tool in a competitive market.

✅ Create a Needs vs. Wants List:
Do you need a double garage or just want one? Knowing your non-negotiables helps narrow your options quickly and confidently.

✅ Build the Right Team:
From your mortgage expert (hi 👋) to your realtor, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable professionals keeps things smooth and stress-free.

Starting with a solid plan makes the process easier—and way more enjoyable.

Ready to get moving?

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

If you’re 55+ and own your home, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank offers a way to access up to 55%* of your home’s value—without selling, moving, or making monthly payments. It’s a flexible, tax-free option that can support your retirement goals.

Here’s how it can help:

Preserve Your Savings
Instead of dipping into RRSPs or TFSAs—which could trigger taxes—you can use tax-free cash from your home to let your investments keep growing.

Handle Debt or Emergencies
Pay off high-interest debt or manage surprise costs without disrupting your retirement budget.

Live Retirement Your Way
Whether it’s travel, home upgrades, or helping family, CHIP gives you freedom to enjoy retirement on your terms.

Why choose CHIP?
✅ No monthly mortgage payments
✅ You stay in your home—ownership remains yours
✅ Does not affect government benefits
✅ No Negative Equity Guarantee*

If you’re looking for financial flexibility in retirement, reach out to your Dominion Lending Centres mortgage expert to learn if CHIP is right for you.

*Some conditions apply. Survey by Ipsos for HomeEquity Bank, April 2022. Guarantee requires meeting home maintenance, insurance, and tax obligations.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

Did you know that professionally staged homes often sell faster and for a higher price? Regardless of market conditions, a great first impression can make all the difference.

Staging doesn’t require major renovations. Simple steps like decluttering, rearranging furniture, updating décor, and adding greenery can transform a space.

Summer is the perfect time to showcase your home:

• Let in as much natural light as possible to make rooms feel bright and spacious.
• Use light, neutral tones with a few accents to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Spruce up outdoor areas—tidy the yard, add a few planters, and stage the patio or balcony to show off extra living space.

Whether you’re selling a newer home or an older character property, staging helps buyers see the full potential of your space.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres