XEVA Mortgage - Kari Gares

01/27/2026

“Looking beyond this week, most economists expect the Bank of Canada to remain on hold for much of 2026, unless the data shift materially or trade tensions escalate more sharply.”

With rates widely expected to remain unchanged, attention shifts to updated forecasts, inflation signals and how trade uncertainty is shaping the Bank’s outlook.

12/11/2025

There are still a few lenders offering under 4% for high ratio (insured) mortgages while conventional mortgages are primarily in the mid-4’s. If you have a conventional mortgage (non-CMHC insured) and don’t require a 30 year amortization, then I’m still able to obtain 4.04% but rates are subject to change at any given moment.

If you have a renewal coming up in the New Year, then I’d highly recommend locking in a rate now to protect yourself against the variability of the market.

A sharp rise in bond yields has pushed fixed mortgage rates higher, undoing weeks of declines and signalling a stubborn pricing floor for borrowers.

10/29/2025

BREAKING: The Bank of Canada has lowered its policy rate by 25 bps to 2.25%, as expected. This marks the ninth cut since last year’s 5% peak.

https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2025/10/fad-press-release-2025-10-29/

06/16/2025

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the annual pace of housing starts in May edged down 0.2% compared with April.

06/08/2025

The biggest challenge, outside of regulatory lending guidelines, is the magnitude of debt that many are holding. Car loans, credit lines and credit card usage can stifle ones chance of home ownership.

If your goal is to become a homeowner but your credit has you worried, there are things you can do to get yourself back on track.

We are here to give you guidance so that homeownership doesn’t feel so out of reach.

Canada’s consumer debt climbed to a record $2.5 trillion in the first quarter, with Gen Z, newcomers and subprime borrowers driving the surge, according to TransUnion’s latest Credit Industry Insights Report.

06/04/2025

As anticipated, the BoC holds their key interest rate at 4.75%.

Should key data change in the coming months, they may be pressed to cut rates to counterbalance recessionary pressures to stimulate economic growth.

🚨 BREAKING: As expected, the Bank of Canada holds its key interest rate at 2.75%, citing "uncertainty about US tariffs still high, the Canadian economy softer but not sharply weaker, and some unexpected firmness in recent inflation data..."

06/03/2025

Gathering documents in a timely manner can be a challenge - both for brokers and for clients. It can slow down the process which can cause delays in obtaining financing.

ALEX has been a game changer for me and for my clients. ALEX does the chasing so I don’t have to.

If you are looking to manage your business in a different way then ALEX may be what you’re looking for.

DM me if you’d like more info.

05/30/2025

🚨 It’s finally time… Meet ALEX! 🚨

What started as a personal project to bring balance to my chaotic work life has officially evolved into something incredible.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve been quietly building, testing, and refining ALEX — a powerful new system designed with one goal in mind:
✨ Make my business more efficient AND create a better, more personalized experience for my clients. ✨

We’ve completed 2 phases, with one final phase in the works — and I can’t wait to show you how this next evolution will transform how we connect, communicate, and collaborate.

ALEX isn’t just a tool. It’s a game-changer.
Stay tuned — because this is just the beginning. 💥

Get back on top of doing what needs to be done, and spend less time on chasing paperwork! With your personal assistant, ALEX, I'll manage the scheduling and documentation gathering while you focus on the important tasks.

05/17/2025

📣 Thinking of Using a Mortgage Broker? Here’s What You Should Know! 🏡

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or investing, working with a licensed Mortgage Broker can open doors (literally!) to options and savings you might not find on your own. But not all advertising is created equal, and that matters more than you might think.

🔍 In BC, Mortgage Brokers are regulated by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) to ensure consumer protection, transparency, and ethical standards. That includes how we advertise our services.

Here’s what you should be looking for when you see an ad or social media post from a mortgage professional:
✅ Their full legal name
✅ Their brokerage name
✅ Licensing information (you can even verify it through BCFSA’s website)

🚫 Why does this matter?
If a broker doesn’t include their brokerage name or is operating without proper disclosure, it’s a red flag. Misleading or incomplete advertising can:

Confuse borrowers about who they’re actually working with

Limit your ability to verify their credentials or file a complaint if needed

Lead to unlicensed individuals offering advice or products they legally shouldn’t

✅ A trustworthy Mortgage Broker follows BCFSA regulations because your financial future depends on it. We’re here to help you make informed decisions, not just to “sell” you a mortgage.

If you’re working with someone who isn’t clearly showing their brokerage affiliation, ask why. Transparency isn’t optional in this industry.

🏡 Questions about mortgages or working with a broker in BC? Let’s chat. I'm always here to help you navigate the process safely, ethically, and confidently.



BCFSA & BCFSA #143791

04/29/2025

All major Banks, except Sotiabank, see the BoC cutting rates further for 2025 while Scotia see 3 possible rates cuts in 2026.

Scotiabank has revised its interest rate forecast, now predicting the Bank of Canada will deliver three cuts in 2026 as the global economy feels the strain of escalating U.S. trade policies.

04/23/2025

Weaker global demand, trade war uncertainty and job losses expected to drag economy into contraction through 2026.

04/16/2025