Mortgages by Carrie Bokser

11/05/2025

If you have popped onto my business page, thank you!
I am not very active on my FB business page but if you want to learn more about me, mortgages and great tips head on over to my personal FB space Carrie Bokser or hit me up on Instagram !! Send me a friend request and a hello.

Can't wait to see you there ☺️

04/07/2025

If you’ve been diving into mortgage talk, you’ve probably heard about GDS (Gross Debt Service) and TDS (Total Debt Service). But what do they actually mean?

🔹 GDS (Gross Debt Service Ratio) – This is the percentage of your gross income that goes toward housing costs (mortgage payments, property taxes, heating, and 50% of condo fees). Ideally, lenders like to see this at 39% or lower.

🔹 TDS (Total Debt Service Ratio) – This one includes all your debt—credit cards, car loans, student loans, etc., along with your housing costs. The magic number here? 44% or lower.

👉 Why do these matter? Because lenders use them to decide how much mortgage you can afford!

Need help figuring out where you stand? Let’s chat and crunch some numbers together!

03/10/2025

What’s your non-negotiable when it comes to your dream home?

✨ Is it a spacious kitchen, a backyard oasis, or being close to your favourite coffee shop? Everyone has that one thing they simply can't compromise on…

For me, it’s all about a big kitchen and enough storage space. What about you?

Let me know in the comments, let’s talk about your must-haves!
What’s your non-negotiable when it comes to your dream home?

✨ Is it a spacious kitchen, a backyard oasis, or being close to your favourite coffee shop? Everyone has that one thing they simply can't compromise on…

For me, it’s all about a big kitchen and enough storage space. What about you?

Let me know in the comments, let’s talk about your must-haves!

02/27/2025

Meet the family member who's definitely wishing for a bigger yard: your pup!

If you’re starting to think the same, maybe it’s time to consider a home with that extra outdoor space you’ve been wanting.

More room for the whole family to stretch out, both inside and out!

Let’s talk about finding your perfect home with a yard your dog (and family) will love!

02/11/2025

Good news for first-time homebuyers and new-build buyers!

The rules have changed, and now you can extend your insured mortgage to 30 years, up from the standard 25 years.

So, what does this mean for you?

🏡 By extending the amortization period, your payments become more manageable, freeing up cash flow for other priorities.

🏡 You get an extra 5 years to pay off your mortgage, giving you more flexibility in your budget.

🏡 While it can reduce payments, keep in mind the total interest paid over the life of the loan will increase.

Want to learn more about how this new option could benefit you? Let’s chat and discuss your home-buying options!

02/07/2025

The key to buying your dream home in 2025? Setting yourself up for success before you even start house hunting.

Here’s how you can prepare for home buying like a pro:

✅ Check your credit score – A healthy score can lead to better mortgage rates.

✅ Save for a down payment – The more you save, the more flexible you’ll be when making an offer.

✅ Get pre-approved – This shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget.

✅ Work with a trusted mortgage broker – We’ll help you navigate the options and find the best deal.

✅ Stay informed on the market – Knowing current trends and prices can help you make smarter decisions.

Let’s set you up for success in 2025. Ready to start your journey? Let’s chat!

02/03/2025

Pre-approval, fixed-rate, amortization… What do these words even mean 🧐

Mortgage terms can feel like an entirely different language, but they don’t have to be confusing.

Let’s simplify some common mortgage jargon:

🗝️ Pre-approval: A lender’s estimate of how much you can borrow based on your finances. Think of it as your home-buying permission slip!

🗝️ Amortization: The length of time you’ll take to pay off your mortgage in full. Commonly 25 or 30 years in Canada.

🗝️ Fixed vs. Variable Rate: Fixed stays the same, variable can change with market interest rates.

Understanding these terms is the first step to making confident mortgage decisions.

Got a term you’re stuck on? Drop it in the comments, and I’ll break it down for you! 👇

Send a message to learn more

01/29/2025

Are you shopping for a new home AND a new car this year?

Then don’t make this mistake.

It’s common if you’re looking for a place in the suburbs, or farther out from transit, that you might need to look for a first, or second vehicle.

If you need to finance your new vehicle, ideally you don’t want to do this while you’re also trying to secure financing for your new home.

Last minute changes to your financial situation can cause a lender to pull the approval, or result in extra delays to update your paperwork.

01/27/2025

Purchasing, investing, refinancing or upcoming renewal..?

Securing a great mortgage rate can save you thousands, but how do you make sure you’re getting the best deal?

Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track:

1️⃣ Check your credit score: The higher your score, the better your chances of getting a low rate. So, take a look at your credit before applying!

2️⃣ Shop around: Don’t settle for the first offer you get! Compare rates from different lenders to find the best fit.

3️⃣ Think about your mortgage type: Fixed-rate vs. variable-rate – which one works best for you? Do some research to make sure you pick the right one.

4️⃣ Save for a larger down payment: The bigger your down payment, the better your rate can be — plus, you’ll lower your monthly payments!

5️⃣ Lock in your rate: If rates are on the rise, locking in a rate can help you avoid paying more down the road.

It’s all about taking the time to shop around and make sure you’re making the best choice for you. Remember, working with a broker comes at no cost to you, and will help you get the best deal! 🙌

Send a message to learn more

01/07/2025

Your mortgage should work for you, not against you.

Here’s what’s trending for mortgages in 2025 👀

IN:
✅ Getting a plan in place early for the best rate
✅ Shopping around with a trusted advisor
✅ Having a system in place for approval
✅ Interest rates holding steady or even dropping (fingers crossed!)

OUT:
🚫 Waiting until the last minute to renew
🚫 Going to your bank for the first available rate
🚫 Stressing over paperwork
🚫 Rising interest rates

Ready to get ahead in 2025? Let’s connect!

12/18/2024

What's your favourite part of the holidays?

Is it the putting up all your decorations and lights, the family time, or the food?

For me, it's all about the cozy moments and reflecting on the year with loved ones. There’s something special about this time of year, and I’m soaking it all in! ✨

What’s one holiday tradition you look forward to every year?