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

Fallen in love with a home that almost checks all the boxes? Maybe the kitchen needs an update or the flooring could use an upgrade—this is where a Purchase Plus Improvements mortgage can help!

This mortgage option allows you to roll the cost of certain renovations into your mortgage at the time of purchase. That means you don’t need to drain your savings or take out a high-interest loan to make your new house feel like home.

From updating bathrooms to finishing the basement, this solution is ideal for buyers who have a vision for a home that needs a little love. The key is to plan your improvements ahead of time and provide quotes to your mortgage professional during the application process.

Pair this mortgage option with the guidance of an interior designer, and you can truly turn a dated property into a dream home—all while building equity from day one.

Want to learn more about whether Purchase Plus Improvements is right for you? Our team is here to walk you through the process.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

When your mortgage comes up for renewal, it might seem easiest to sign the lender’s offer and move on. But that convenience could cost you.

Your renewal is a perfect opportunity to reassess your financial goals and explore better options. With interest rates, home equity, and life circumstances constantly changing, the mortgage you needed five years ago might not be the one that suits you today.

This is your chance to:
✅ Negotiate a better rate
✅ Tap into your home equity for renovations or investments
✅ Consolidate high-interest debt
✅ Adjust your term or payment schedule

You’re not locked in with your current lender—you have options. Working with a mortgage professional means we’ll shop the market for you, compare offers, and build a strategy that fits your goals.

Before you renew, reach out for a quick, no-obligation review. It could save you thousands—and bring peace of mind for your next term.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

Choosing the right mortgage broker can make a huge difference in your homebuying experience—and your long-term financial health. A good broker doesn’t just shop rates—they become your trusted guide through the entire mortgage process.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Experience & Knowledge:
   Look for someone who understands your local market and has a solid track record. Ask how long they’ve been in the industry and what types of mortgages they specialize in.
2. Transparent Communication:
   You want a broker who explains things clearly, answers your questions honestly, and keeps you updated every step of the way. You should never feel rushed or confused.
3. Access to Multiple Lenders:
   The right broker works with a wide range of lenders—not just one bank—so they can find a solution that fits your needs, not the lender’s.
4. Personalized Advice:
   Every client’s situation is unique. Your broker should take the time to understand your goals, finances, and future plans to recommend the best mortgage options.
5. Strong Support Team:
   Behind every great broker is a strong team. Ask if they offer support for paperwork, renewals, and follow-ups even after your mortgage is funded.

Your mortgage is likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make—so choosing the right broker matters. When in doubt, ask for referrals and read reviews. The right fit should feel professional, approachable, and fully in your corner.

– Michele McGarvey Team, Dominion Lending Centres

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