Mortgage Brokers Ottawa

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa Mortgage Brokers Ottawa License #11759
Ottawa's largest mortgage brokerage. Choosing the right mortgage solution can be an overwhelming task.

At Mortgage Brokers Ottawa we take the time to learn about your unique situation and future financial goals. Each one of our professionally trained Mortgage Agents makes getting to know you and your requirements their top priority in order to tailor a mortgage solution which fits your specific needs.

Most people think about extending their amortization at renewal to keep payments manageable. And honestly? That makes se...
08/26/2026

Most people think about extending their amortization at renewal to keep payments manageable. And honestly? That makes sense for a lot of people right now. About 60% of mortgage holders renewing in 2025 and 2026 are expected to see some kind of payment increase, and roughly half of those borrowers could actually eliminate that increase just by extending their amortization by five years.

But here's the flip side that doesn't get talked about nearly enough. If your income has grown since you took out your mortgage, or you just want to build equity faster and pay less interest over the long run, renewal is actually the perfect time to go the other direction and shorten your amortization instead. Shorter terms mean you're building equity faster, which can matter a lot when it comes time to refinance or sell. The tradeoff is a higher monthly payment, but if your cash flow can handle it, the long-term savings are real.

One thing worth knowing: if you're thinking about switching lenders at renewal AND changing your amortization period, you may need to re-qualify under the stress test. As of November 21, 2024, the stress test exemption at renewal only applies when your mortgage size and amortization period stay the same. It's a detail that catches people off guard, so it's always worth having a conversation before you sign anything.

If you're renewing in the next year or so and want to think through what amortization length actually makes sense for your situation, reach out to us. We're happy to walk through it with no pressure.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Thinking about buying an investment property in Ottawa? There are a few things you really need to understand before you ...
08/24/2026

Thinking about buying an investment property in Ottawa? There are a few things you really need to understand before you sign anything.

Here are five rules we're seeing matter most right now:

**1. 20% down is the floor, not a suggestion.** Investment properties don't qualify for CMHC insurance, so there's no getting around it. And if you can stretch to 25% down, you'll likely see a noticeably better rate.

**2. Your debt service ratios will be scrutinized.** Lenders need your GDS below 39% and TDS below 44%. Most will count somewhere between 50% and 100% of your rental income toward qualification, and many will shave off 10% or more for vacancy. Know your numbers going in.

**3. The stress test still applies.** You'll need to qualify at your contract rate plus 2%, or 5.25%, whichever is higher. With the Bank of Canada holding steady at 2.25% right now, rates have settled into a more comfortable range, but the stress test math still matters.

**4. A new OSFI rule changes the game for multi-property owners.** This is a big one. Lenders can no longer stack rental income across multiple properties to qualify you. Each property has to stand on its own. If you're planning to build a portfolio, your financing strategy needs to reflect this new reality.

**5. The foreign buyers ban is still in effect.** The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act remains extended, so eligibility matters depending on your situation.

Investment property financing has more moving parts than a standard purchase, and the rules keep evolving. If you're serious about getting into Ottawa's rental market, let's talk through what actually makes sense for your situation.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Is Ottawa's market actually balanced right now — or does that word mean something different depending on which side of t...
08/21/2026

Is Ottawa's market actually balanced right now — or does that word mean something different depending on which side of the table you're sitting on? Let's talk about it.

As of June 2026, Ottawa is sitting at 4,982 active listings with a months of supply of 3.3, which technically keeps us in balanced territory. And the sales-to-new-listings ratio climbed to 48.2% in May, up from 41% the month before — so momentum is improving. But here's what those headline numbers can hide: sales are still down 10.6% compared to May 2025, inventory is elevated across most segments, and the condo market in particular is the softest it's been in some time. So "balanced" doesn't mean easy for everyone.

For sellers, the honest takeaway is this — steady demand and a June average sale price of $733,648 (up 1.5% year over year) are genuinely good signs. But buyers have more options than they did a year or two ago, and pricing your home strategically matters more than ever right now. If you're thinking about listing or just want to understand what this market means for your situation, we're here to help you cut through the noise.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa — License #11759

Rental income can actually help you qualify for a mortgage — but only if it's being counted the right way. 🏘️Here's what...
08/19/2026

Rental income can actually help you qualify for a mortgage — but only if it's being counted the right way. 🏘️

Here's what a lot of people don't realize: OSFI confirmed back in November 2025 that rental income is still absolutely on the table for mortgage qualification. What changed is how lenders handle it across multiple properties. As of 2026, each property's income has to stand on its own — you can't use the same rental income stream to qualify across two or three different purchases. For most investors, this really only affects the second, third, or fourth property, not the first. So if you're just getting started with an investment property, you're in a better position than you might think.

How much of your rental income actually counts? It depends on the property. If you're living in a home with a legal rental unit, lenders can factor in anywhere from 50% to 100% of that rent. For a property you won't be living in, it's generally around 50% of gross rental income. And if you're renting short-term, worth knowing: non-compliant short-term rentals no longer get favorable tax treatment, and that can affect how lenders look at that income for qualification too.

If you own rental property or you're thinking about adding one to the mix, let's talk through how your income picture looks and what options make sense for you. We're here to help you make the most of what you've built. 💬

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Renewal season is here, and if your mortgage is coming up for renewal this year or next, you're not alone — about 60% of...
08/17/2026

Renewal season is here, and if your mortgage is coming up for renewal this year or next, you're not alone — about 60% of all outstanding mortgages in Canada are renewing in 2025 or 2026. That's a massive wave, and for a lot of homeowners it's coming with some sticker shock.

Here's the reality: Canadians who locked into a five-year fixed rate back when rates were at historic lows could be looking at an average payment increase of around 15% to 20% compared to what they were paying in late 2024. That works out to roughly $425 more every month, or about $5,100 more per year. If you're on a variable rate though, the picture actually looks a bit different — variable payment holders could see an average payment decrease of around 5% to 7%. Every situation is different, and that's exactly why it matters to talk through your options before your renewal just auto-renews.

The good news? Ottawa tends to weather these shifts better than most cities, and there are real strategies that can help — whether it's timing your renewal, exploring a different product type, or simply knowing what questions to ask your lender before you sign anything. We work with dozens of lenders and we're here to help you figure out what actually makes sense for your specific mortgage. Reach out to us before your renewal date and let's make a plan.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Most Ottawa homeowners over 55 are sitting on serious home equity — and have no idea what they can actually do with it. ...
08/14/2026

Most Ottawa homeowners over 55 are sitting on serious home equity — and have no idea what they can actually do with it. 🏡

More than 90% of Canadians say aging in place is the goal. But roughly 3 in 10 people retiring this year or last are still carrying a mortgage, and only 35% of Canadians 50+ who plan to retire actually feel financially ready to do so. That gap is real, and it's something we talk to Ottawa homeowners about all the time. Two options that often get overlooked: a reverse mortgage (which lets Canadians 55+ access up to 59% of their home's appraised value with no monthly payments, no income requirement, no credit score needed) and a HELOC, which works differently but can be a strong fit depending on your situation and financial picture. Neither one is a perfect fit for everyone, but most people don't even know they're on the table.

If you or someone you know is thinking about retirement, carrying an existing mortgage, or just wondering what options exist as a homeowner in Ottawa, we'd love to have that conversation. No pressure, just real information from people who do this every day.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa — License #11759

Getting pre-approved is a big milestone, and it genuinely does matter. But there are a few things it does NOT lock in, a...
08/12/2026

Getting pre-approved is a big milestone, and it genuinely does matter. But there are a few things it does NOT lock in, and we see confusion around this all the time.

Here are three things a mortgage pre-approval does not guarantee:

1️⃣ **Your final approved amount.** A pre-approval is based on a snapshot of your finances at that moment. If your income changes, you take on new debt, or your credit shifts before closing, your final approval can look different.

2️⃣ **The rate will hold forever.** Most rate holds through a pre-approval last 90 to 120 days. If your purchase takes longer than that window, you may need to revisit things.

3️⃣ **The property will qualify.** Lenders approve you AND the property. A condo with high fees, a rural home, or a property with title issues can still create hurdles even after you personally qualify.

None of this is meant to discourage you. Pre-approval is still one of the smartest first steps you can take. It just helps to go in with clear expectations so nothing catches you off guard later.

Got questions about where you stand? Our team at Mortgage Brokers Ottawa is always happy to walk you through it.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Six consecutive holds. That's where we are. The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 2.25% on July 15th, and while tha...
08/10/2026

Six consecutive holds. That's where we are. The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 2.25% on July 15th, and while that might sound like good news on the surface, a hold is not the same as relief — especially if you're carrying a variable-rate mortgage.

Here's the thing: the Big 6 prime rate sits at 4.45% and hasn't moved since October 2025. Your variable rate is tied to that number, not the policy rate headlines you keep seeing. And fixed rates? Those move with bond yields, not the Bank of Canada's announcements, so they can shift up or down regardless of what happens on September 2nd — which is the next scheduled rate decision.

Governor Tiff Macklem has been pretty clear that the next move could go either way. A cut is on the table if U.S. tariffs hit harder. A hike is possible if energy-driven inflation from the Middle East conflict digs in. Two quarters of economic contraction on one side, above-target inflation on the other — this is not a simple picture. If you're making mortgage decisions right now, waiting for "clarity" is its own kind of risk. Let's talk about what the current environment actually means for your situation.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Thinking about selling your home and buying another one this year? Before you do anything, check your mortgage agreement...
08/07/2026

Thinking about selling your home and buying another one this year? Before you do anything, check your mortgage agreement — because you might be sitting on something really valuable that most people don't even think about.

It's called mortgage portability, and it lets you transfer your existing mortgage (with your current rate and terms) to your new property instead of breaking it. With five-year fixed rates in Canada currently averaging between 3.8% and 4.6%, anyone who locked in below that has a serious reason to look at this option. Breaking your mortgage early could mean prepayment penalties anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on the Interest Rate Differential — and that adds up fast.

A few things worth knowing: most fixed-rate mortgages are portable, but variable-rate and collateral-charge mortgages usually aren't. You also still need to re-qualify on the new property, and lenders typically give you a 30 to 120 day window between your sale and purchase closing dates. If you're upsizing and need a larger mortgage, your lender will blend the two amounts into a single rate — which is worth understanding before you sign anything. We work through these details with clients all the time, and it genuinely makes a difference. If you're planning a move, let's talk about what your current mortgage actually allows.

Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
License #11759

Here's something worth paying attention to if you're watching the Ottawa market right now.Ottawa's average home sale pri...
08/05/2026

Here's something worth paying attention to if you're watching the Ottawa market right now.

Ottawa's average home sale price came in at $733,648 in June 2026, up 1.5% year-over-year. Compare that to the national average of $696,078, and Ontario's provincial average sitting at $831,595 (which actually dropped 2.4% from last year), and you start to see something interesting: Ottawa is holding its ground in a way most other markets aren't. The benchmark price nationally fell 3.6% year-over-year. Ontario's benchmark dropped 4.6%. Ottawa's local numbers tell a different story.

That stability isn't a coincidence. Government-driven employment, steady population growth, and a constrained supply pipeline (over 17,000 units currently under construction across the region, with rental vacancy for condos sitting at just 0.6%) are all doing their part to keep Ottawa's market grounded. With 3.3 months of supply, we're sitting in balanced territory right now, which means less chaos, more predictability. That matters a lot whether you're buying your first home, weighing a second property, or just keeping tabs on where things are headed.

If you have questions about what this means for your specific situation, we're always happy to talk it through. Reach out to our team at Mortgage Brokers Ottawa, License #11759.

Address

Ottawa, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16137981973

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