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 stay on track? Sign up for your municipality’s TIPPS (Tax Installment Payment Plan). Instead of paying a lump sum once or twice a year, TIPPS lets you spread your property taxes out over monthly payments—making budgeting easier and avoiding the stress of large bills.

If your mortgage lender doesn’t collect property taxes on your behalf, enrolling in TIPPS is a simple way to protect your home and avoid penalties. Many cities in Alberta offer this program with automatic withdrawals and no added fees.
Staying on top of property taxes is part of being a smart homeowner.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

Imagine waking up to birdsong instead of traffic, sipping coffee on the dock, or gathering around a firepit with family and friends. A second home—whether it’s a lakefront cottage, a mountain cabin, or a quiet spot in a favorite vacation town—is more than just a place to escape. It’s an investment in peace of mind, connection, and lasting memories.

For many Canadians, a vacation property is becoming an achievable goal rather than a distant dream. It’s a space for weekend retreats, extended summer stays, and even a potential source of rental income. Beyond the lifestyle perks, a second home can also offer long-term financial value.

Financing a second home may be more accessible than people expect. With options tailored to vacation properties and flexibility in how rental income can be used toward qualification, the path to ownership is more straightforward than ever. Planning, budgeting, and understanding your goals are key to making it happen.

Whether it’s about getting closer to nature, creating a family legacy, or simply having a peaceful place to unwind, the dream of owning a summer retreat is within reach for more people than ever before.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

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, you can often still take advantage of the lower option!

Here’s why a rate hold matters:

✅ Protection from Rate Increases: Your rate is secured even if the market shifts.

✅ Better Budgeting: Knowing your rate helps you plan monthly payments and shop within your price range.

✅ Time to Explore: You can compare homes and mortgage options without pressure from changing rates.

✅ Less Stress: No need to rush—your rate is safe. And if your hold expires, renewing is simple.

✅ Long-Term Savings: Locking in a great rate now could save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.

Even in a stable rate environment, a rate hold gives you peace of mind and flexibility as you move through the homebuying journey. It’s a smart first step toward homeownership!

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

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 avoid future damage. Costs usually range from $10,000–$20,000.

3. Backyard Makeover
Turn your outdoor space into a personal oasis. Decks, landscaping, or outdoor kitchens range from $5,000–$15,000+.

4. Siding or Paint Refresh
Boost curb appeal and protect your home. New siding runs $14,000–$30,000, while exterior paint costs $3,000–$9,000.

5. Doors & Windows Update
A new front door ($3,900) or updated windows ($15,000–$35,000) can brighten your home and improve efficiency.

6. New Air Conditioner
Stay cool with a modern, efficient system. Replacements typically cost $3,500–$8,500.

Start with the upgrade that suits your lifestyle best and enjoy a more comfortable, valuable home this spring.

*Please note that all the numbers listed above are estimates and have been sourced from numerous websites. These figures are approximate as they may vary depending on different factors including province, time, market conditions, as well as regulations or policies.*

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

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 is by tracking your net worth. This simple formula — your total assets minus your total liabilities — gives you a comprehensive snapshot of where you stand.

Regularly reviewing your net worth can help you see the bigger picture: how your savings, investments, and debts are working together. It keeps you focused on long-term growth and helps you make more informed decisions about spending, saving, and investing.

It’s also a valuable tool for retirement planning. Tracking your net worth over time shows whether you’re on pace to reach your future goals and can highlight areas where you may need to adjust your strategy.

There’s no one perfect way to measure financial growth, but keeping an eye on your net worth is a smart, simple habit that can guide you toward lasting financial wellness.

– Michele McGarvey Team

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 need to budget for! The temptation will always be to start looking at the very top of your budget but fees, such as mandatory closing costs, can easily put you over the top. Knowing the real numbers will make it that much easier to stay within your budget and maintain your financial comfort.

Closing costs are a one-time fee associated with the sale of a home and are separate from the mortgage insurance and down payment. Typically, these costs range from 1.5-4% of the purchase price, depending on your location. This means, for an $800,000 home, you would be looking to budget around $22,000 on average.

Here are a few closing costs to keep an eye out for:

• Land Transfer Tax: This is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price of your home, with the amount varying in each province. Some cities, such as Toronto, also have a municipal LTT.
• Legal Fees and Disbursements: You can expect to incur a minimum of $500 (plus GST/HST) on legal fees for the preparation and recording of official documents around your purchase.
• Title Insurance: Most lenders require title insurance to protect against losses in the event of a property ownership dispute. This is purchased through your lawyer/notary and is typically $300 or more.
• PST on CMHC Insurance: Though CMHC insurance itself is financed through the mortgage, PST on the insurance is typically paid at the lawyers and sometimes deducted from your advance.
• Home Inspection Fee: A home inspection is highly recommended as a condition of your Offer to Purchase to prevent any future surprises. This can cost around $500.
• Appraisal Fee: An appraisal is performed to certify the lender of the resale value of the home in the case you default on the mortgage. The cost is usually $400 – $600 but is typically covered by the lender.
• Property Insurance: Property insurance covers the cost of replacing your home and its contents, and must be in place on closing day. This is paid in monthly or annual premiums.
• Prepaid Utility Bills: You may need to reimburse the previous owner of your property for prepaid costs such as property taxes, utilities, and so forth.
• Property Taxes: Property taxes are due on an annual basis and are calculated as a percentage of the home value and vary by municipality. You also may need to reimburse the previous property owner if he/she has already paid property taxes for the full year.

Knowledge is power and understanding the hidden costs associated with purchasing a home can help you create a realistic budget and ensure you remain within your financial means. Contact a DLC Mortgage Expert if you have any questions about your current purchase process or if you are looking to buy a new home now or in the future!

written by DLC Chief Economist Dr. Sherry Cooper.

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:

1. 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 avoid opening multiple new credit accounts to improve your credit score.
2. Negotiate with Your Current Lender: If you have a good payment history with your current lender, they may be willing to lower your interest rate rather than lose you as a customer. Contact them and inquire about any available rate reduction programs.
3. Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first offer you receive. Compare interest rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal. You can do this by obtaining quotes online or visiting different financial institutions in person. If you’re shopping for a mortgage, your DLC Mortgage Expert can help determine the best options for you!
4. Consider Refinancing: If you have a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing to secure a lower rate. Keep in mind that refinancing often comes with fees, so be sure to calculate whether the potential savings outweigh the costs. Talk to your DLC Mortgage Expert about this today!
5. Increase Your Down Payment: When purchasing a home or car, a larger down payment can often result in a lower interest rate. Lenders see a higher down payment as a sign of financial stability, reducing the risk associated with lending to you.
6. Choose a Shorter Loan Term: Opting for a shorter loan term can sometimes result in a lower interest rate. While your monthly payments may be higher, you’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan.
7. Consider a Balance Transfer: If you have high-interest credit card debt, transferring the balance to a card with a lower interest rate can save you money. Look for credit card offers with introductory 0% APR periods on balance transfers.
8. Demonstrate Stability: Lenders often consider factors such as employment history and income stability when determining interest rates. A steady job and consistent income can help you secure a lower rate.
9. Automatic Payments: Some lenders offer a small interest rate reduction if you sign up for automatic payments. This reduces the risk of missed payments, making you a more attractive borrower.

By implementing these strategies, you can potentially lower your interest rate and save money in the long run. Don’t forget to check with your DLC Mortgage Expert also about how to make your money work for you when it comes to your mortgage!

written by DLC Chief Economist Dr. Sherry Cooper.

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 institutional lenders that are regulated both provincially and federally but have products that may speak to consumers who require broader qualifying criteria to obtain a mortgage.
• MICs (Mortgage Investment Companies) are much like Alt A lenders but are organized following the Income Tax Act with an incorporated lending company consisting of a group of individual shareholder investors that pool money together to lend out on mortgages. These lenders follow individual qualifying lending criteria but tend to operate with an even broader qualifying regime.
• Private Lenders are typically individual investors who lend their funds but can sometimes also be a company formed specifically to lend money for mortgages that carry a higher risk of default relative to a borrower’s situation.  These types of lenders are generally unregulated and tend to cater to those with a higher risk profile.

Managing mortgage affordability in the alternative lending landscape requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure financial stability and avoid potential risks. Here are some strategies to help:

• Assess Your Financial Situation: Evaluate your income, expenses, debts, and savings to determine how much you can afford to borrow. Consider your credit score and history, as alternative lenders may have different requirements than traditional lenders.
• Research Alternative Lenders: Review the abovealternative lending options with help from your Dominion Lending Centres mortgage expert. Compare interest rates, fees, terms, and eligibility criteria to find the best fit for your financial needs and situation.
• Understand Loan Products and Terms: Familiarize yourself with different types of mortgage products offered by alternative lenders, such as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), interest-only loans, and balloon mortgages. Pay attention to the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, loan duration, prepayment penalties, and any potential changes to the monthly payment.
• Calculate Affordability: Discuss with your mortgage broker to estimate your monthly mortgage payment based on the loan amount, interest rate, and term. Consider other homeownership costs, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI), and maintenance expenses, when calculating affordability to ensure you do not over-extend.
• Budget and Plan for the Future: Create a budget that accounts for your mortgage payment and other housing-related expenses while leaving room for savings and unexpected costs. Plan for potential changes in your financial situation, such as job loss, salary changes, or interest rate increases, by building an emergency fund and having a contingency plan.
• Get Pre-Approved: Obtain pre-approval through your mortgage broker to determine how much you can borrow and demonstrate your seriousness as a buyer. Be prepared to provide documentation of your income, assets, debts, and credit history during the pre-approval process.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Expert who can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the alternative lending landscape.

By carefully managing mortgage affordability, whether within alternative lending or traditional, you can make informed decisions that support your homeownership goals while mitigating financial risks.

written by DLC Chief Economist Dr. Sherry Cooper.

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!

• Embrace Sustainable Landscaping: Incorporating native plants, drought-resistant foliage, and xeriscaping techniques not only reduces water consumption but also creates an eco-friendly landscape. Consider installing a rain garden or a drip irrigation system to conserve water and enhance the natural beauty of your yard.
• Install Outdoor Structures: Adding functional outdoor structures like pergolas, arbors, or gazebos can provide shade, define spaces, and add architectural interest to your yard. These structures can serve as focal points and create inviting outdoor living areas for entertaining or relaxation.
• Upgrade Your Lawn: A lush, well-maintained lawn instantly elevates the appearance of your yard. Invest in professional lawn care services, aerate and overseed to fill in bare patches, and regularly fertilize and water your lawn to keep it healthy and green. Consider alternatives like artificial turf for low-maintenance options.
• Incorporate Water Features: Incorporating a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or waterfall adds visual interest, tranquility, and a sense of luxury to your yard. The soothing sound of running water can create a serene ambiance and attract wildlife, enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space.
• Enhance Privacy: Increase the comfort and enjoyment of your yard by enhancing privacy with strategic landscaping, fencing, or screening options. Planting tall hedges, installing lattice panels, or adding trellises with climbing plants can create secluded areas and block unsightly views while adding beauty and greenery to your yard.

By implementing these additional ideas alongside the ones you’ve already outlined, you can transform your yard into a welcoming oasis that not only enhances your enjoyment but also offers a significant return on investment

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:

1. Prioritize What You Can Control: It can be easy to feel like you have no control over your financial situation, especially with the economy in flux. However, dwelling on things you cannot fix will only cause more stress. Instead, we recommend focusing on what you CAN control within your situation. For instance, take a looking at your phone bill and services to see if you can reduce the cost (even temporarily), reviewing your grocery bill and looking for places to switch to cheaper brands or alternatives, perhaps buying in bulk. You’ll not only save money, but you will feel like you have more control and help reduce stress.
2. Pay Essential Bills: If you are struggling to pay your monthly bills, prioritizing them can help you gain some control. Knowing which bills are most important to pay first can help reduce anxiety as you’re not scrambling to decide what to do. In some cases, prioritizing your bills can also help you uncover unnecessary spending and you may find something that can be eliminated entirely (even temporarily).
   
3. Automate Payments and Savings: If you’re struggling to keep up with your bills and payments, or are finding that you keep saying you’ll save money, but aren’t, considering automation for your finances can be a step in the right direction. Ensuring that your bills are paid on time will help reduce stress and protect you from wasting money on penalties for missed payments. Alternatively, you can also set up automatic money transfers on the days you are paid to move funds into a separate, savings account before you even see it. Thereby, reducing the likelihood that you’ll skip on adding to your savings that month or use that money elsewhere.
   
4. Find Ways to Earn More Money: When cashflow is a problem and you are feeling the strain of trying to afford your current lifestyle, looking for ways to earn additional money can be a lifesaver! Consider part-time work for the weekends, consulting in your area of expertise or picking up extra hours at your current place of work. Now is also a great time to discuss with your manager if you are due for a raise.
   
5. Talk to Your Mortgage Professional: For most people, their mortgage is their largest monthly bill. If you are feeling the financial crunch, now is a great time to talk to your mortgage broker about potentially changing your payment schedule or even looking for a different mortgage product with better rates (ideally if you are at the end of your term). Do not hesitate to be honest about your situation and ask what your options are.

Regardless of where you find yourself financially, there are often many solutions to help reduce and resolve your stress and ensure that you have healthy monthly cashflow.

written by DLC Chief Economist Dr. Sherry Cooper.