Mortgage guides
One question per guide, answered in the first sentence. Written for people in the middle of it.
Last updated 2026-08-12
Purchase
How much can I actually borrow?
No fixed multiple. Lenders work back from what you can carry monthly.
Read this →What does the mortgage stress test actually test?
Whether you could still pay if rates were higher. Not what you pay.
Read this →Renewal
How early can you lock a rate before renewal?
Most lenders let you lock a rate about 120 days before maturity.
Read this →Why is the renewal letter your bank mails you usually not their best offer?
That letter is priced on the assumption you won't shop it.
Read this →Self-employed
How a self-employed borrower proves income
The documents self-employed buyers need, and what to do when net income reads low.
Read this →You write your income down at tax time — can you still buy?
How lenders read reported income, what it caps, and which routes stay open.
Read this →New to Canada
✓Got it — the comparison is on its way
The rest is optional. Skipping it is completely fine.