Ben Choe, Mortgage Broker

06/08/2026

Last week was a great one on the golf course. ⛳

I had the opportunity to attend two fantastic events: the Sagen Golf Tournament and the Fun in the Sun Golf Tournament hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade

A big thank you to from  and from Scotiabank for the invitations.

Beyond enjoying a couple of great rounds of golf, I had the chance to connect with many talented professionals, build new relationships, and share ideas with people from a wide range of industries.

One of the things I enjoy most about being a mortgage broker is the opportunity to meet incredible people and be part of such a supportive business community.

Looking forward to the next event!

04/30/2026

You bought your first home. What is next?

Congratulations on your first home! Now that you have settled in, it is time to turn your home equity into long-term wealth.

Once the boxes are unpacked, here is how to level up your finances:

• Audit your budget: Adjust for new costs like property taxes and strata fees to ensure you have a positive cash flow.

• Choose your path: Use your surplus to either pay down your mortgage faster or start investing.

• Smart options: Consider contributing to an RESP for education, a TFSA for mid-term goals, or an RRSP for retirement.

• Scale up: Once you have built enough equity, you may even be ready to consider an investment property.

Building a strong foundation now sets the stage for future financial freedom.
If you have questions about your next steps, feel free to reach out. Let’s discuss a solution based on your individual situation.

04/29/2026

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark rate at 2.25%, as inflation remains near target and is expected to ease after a short-term rise, while economic growth stays modest amid ongoing global trade uncertainty. With policy now seen as “at the right level,” the Bank is shifting toward a data-dependent approach heading into 2026.

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

Honoured to have been part of the 2026 A Better Way Mortgages Winners Circle at Grouse Mountain Resort!
Celebrating 2025 achievements alongside such an incredible group of people made for a truly unforgettable evening.
Congratulations to all the winners — here's to continued success in the year ahead! Ben Choe

04/07/2026

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Today I want to talk about a question many homeowners have: how can you pay off your mortgage faster?

The most obvious answer is to increase your payments. While that works in theory, it is often not practical. Many people are already stretching to meet their regular payments, and life comes with many other expenses and priorities.

Instead, I want to share a couple of strategies I have learned from colleagues that take a different approach.

1. Use Your TFSA Strategically
This idea comes from Vy Tri Truong. Rather than focusing only on paying down your mortgage, consider investing through your TFSA.

Mortgage debt is typically one of the cheapest forms of borrowing. For example, if your mortgage rate is around 4 percent, and your investments in a TFSA earn a higher long-term return (such as through index funds), you may come out ahead financially.

Over time, the growth in your TFSA can be used to accelerate mortgage repayment or improve your overall net worth. This approach requires discipline and a long-term mindset, but it can be very effective.

2. Borrow to Invest
Another strategy is borrowing to invest, often used as part of a broader plan like the Smith Manoeuvre.

Instead of focusing solely on paying down your mortgage, you gradually convert your non-deductible mortgage into potentially tax-deductible investment debt. As you pay down your mortgage, you reborrow through a line of credit and invest those funds.

This strategy can help build wealth while still making progress on your mortgage, but it requires proper structure and guidance to ensure it is done correctly.

Final Thoughts
Paying off your mortgage faster is not always about putting more money directly toward it. Sometimes, it is about using your money more efficiently and taking advantage of strategies that build wealth alongside debt repayment.

Every situation is different, so it is important to choose an approach that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and cash flow.

If you are curious about how these strategies could apply to your situation, feel free to reach out. My next newsletter will discuss a strategy called Rental Cash Damming.

Ben Choe
Licensed mortgage broker and Certified Financial Planner
778-552-6142

03/18/2026

The Bank of Canada maintained its rate at 2.25%, as inflation stabilizes near target, growth remains soft, external risks persist, and previous rate cuts continue to take effect.

Markets now expect a pause, with attention turning to inflation and economic data.

03/03/2026

Part 2 of the Professional Guide to Reverse Mortgages

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about one of the biggest differences — how payments work.

With a reverse mortgage in Canada, no monthly mortgage payments are required. Instead, interest accrues over time, and repayment typically happens when the home is sold.

Most importantly, all Canadian providers offer a No Negative Equity Guarantee. You will never owe more than the fair market value of your home, even if the loan balance grows.

Let's look at how a reverse mortgage can improve your monthly cash flow.
For example, adding a $2,000 monthly draw from a reverse mortgage can improve a senior’s monthly cash flow by approximately $3,000.

A reverse mortgage is not for everyone, but for seniors with limited cash flow, it can provide stability, flexibility, and peace of mind in retirement.

If you have questions about whether a reverse mortgage fits your situation, feel free to reach out.

www.reversemortgageshop.ca

02/26/2026

Had a great time attending the Strike Out Cancer bowling fundraiser alongside many amazing people from our mortgage industry.

Proud to support initiatives that bring our community together for a cause that touches so many lives. Funds raised will support groundbreaking cancer research through the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Terry Fox Foundation.

Grateful to be part of an industry that continues to give back in such a meaningful way.

MortgageCommunity IndustryForGood

02/23/2026

Reverse Mortgages Part 1: Basics & Qualification

Reverse mortgages have been getting more attention lately, especially as more Canadians approach retirement with most of their net worth tied up in their home. This is a quick overview of what a reverse mortgage is and what it is not.

In Canada, if you are age 55 or older, you may qualify for a reverse mortgage. It allows homeowners to access a portion of their home equity without having to make mandatory monthly mortgage payments.

The qualifying amount depends largely on age. As a general guideline, age 55 to 60 may qualify for around 35 percent of the home's value, while those age 80 may qualify for around 55 percent.

That covers the basics of qualification. Join us in Part 2 where we'll dive into payment options, safety guarantees, and a real-world cash flow example.

Ben Choe
Mortgage Broker and Certified Financial Planner®
778-552-6142
www.reversemortgageshop.ca