Barbara/Basia Essaunce Mortgage Professional, South Surrey, BC (2026)

05/04/2026

💡 BC Parents - don’t miss out on FREE money for your child’s future!
The BC Training & Education Savings Grant (BCTESG) gives you $1,200 toward your child’s education and many families don’t even realize they qualify.

✅ Ages 6–9
✅ BC resident
✅ RESP + SIN required

💰 No personal contribution needed
⏳ You only have a limited window to apply once it’s gone, it’s gone.

As a local BC mortgage broker, I always remind families: smart planning isn’t just about your home it’s about your kids’ future too.

👉 Apply here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/scholarships/bc-training-and-education-savings-grant

Have questions about RESPs or planning ahead? Send me a DM, happy to help.

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

04/29/2026

🏠 The Bank of Canada holds interest rate at 2.25%

So, what does that mean for you?

If You Have a Mortgage:

Variable-rate mortgage? Your rate will stay the same.

HELOC? Your prime rate will remain at 4.45%. Check with your lender on what prime rate they use, as this can vary.

Fixed-rate mortgage? No immediate change if you’re locked in.

Why the Rate Hold?

The Bank held rates as it continues to balance ongoing inflation pressures with a slowing economy. While inflation has eased overall, recent increases particularly from energy mean it could move closer to 3% in the near term.

At the same time, economic growth is modest and the labour market is softening. Because of this, the Bank isn’t ready to cut rates yet, but also doesn’t want to risk making borrowing more difficult.

For now, they’re taking a cautious, wait-and-see approach, looking for clearer signs that inflation is sustainably returning to target before starting to lower rates.

📅 Next rate announcement: June 10th, 2026

If you’re wondering what this means for your mortgage, a future home purchase, or just your financial well-being, I’m here. Let’s talk about your goals, your options, and how to navigate all this with confidence.

Let’s Connect

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

04/20/2026

Thinking about buying a home with someone else? 🏡 Here’s why a co-signer agreement matters and its limits.

When you purchase a home with another person (partner, friend, family member), a **co-signer agreement** (or co-ownership agreement) is a private contract that outlines how you’ll handle things like:
• Ownership percentages
• Mortgage payments
• Property expenses (repairs, taxes, utilities)
• What happens if one person wants to sell or can’t pay

✅ **Why it’s helpful:**
A co-signer agreement protects everyone involved by setting clear expectations upfront. It can prevent misunderstandings, reduce conflict, and provide a plan if circumstances change. Think of it as your “house rules” in writing.

⚠️ **But here’s the important part:**
This agreement is **NOT** what the lender relies on.

Your **mortgage contract with the lender** is the legally binding document that determines responsibility for the loan. That means:

• All borrowers are typically **jointly and fully responsible** for the entire mortgage
• If one person doesn’t pay, the lender can pursue the other(s) for the full amount
• Your private agreement doesn’t limit the lender’s rights

💡 **Bottom line:**
A co-signer agreement is a smart tool for clarity and protection between co-owners but it doesn’t override your mortgage obligations. Always understand both documents before signing.

📌 Tip: Work with a real estate lawyer to draft an agreement tailored to your situation.

Have questions about co-owning a home? Drop them below 👇

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W. BarbaraEssaunce.ca

04/16/2026

Fixed vs. Variable in 2026: It’s Not About Rates. It’s About Strategy

We’re in a split market right now:

• Variable rates = relatively stable (Bank of Canada holding steady)
• Fixed rates = moving around more (bond market + global news)

Translation:

• Fixed = stability + peace of mind
• Variable = flexibility + potential savings
• It really comes down to your comfort with risk

One of my favourite questions for more cautious clients:
Would you pay a bit extra for peace of mind?
I call that “sleep insurance” 💤

There’s no universal “best” option just the one that fits you.

Better question to ask:
👉 “Which option helps me sleep at night AND move forward confidently?”

If you’re stuck in the fixed vs. variable debate, let’s run the numbers and build a plan not just pick a rate.

Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
Barbara Essaunce
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

04/06/2026

✨ Calendar Update ✨

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a quick update 💛

My online booking calendar will be blocked off for the next few months as I step into one of life’s most exciting new chapters… motherhood! 🍼✨

While I’ll be soaking up those precious early moments, I’m still here for you because let’s be real… mortgages and finances don’t take time off 🏡💼

If you’d like to connect, ask questions, or book some time with me, please feel free to:

📞 Call or text me directly at 778.889.9734
📧 Email me at [email protected]

I’ll be checking in regularly and would be more than happy to support you in between all the special moments 💕

Thank you so much for your patience, kindness, and continued support! It truly means the world, especially as I navigate this new journey as a new mama 💛

Looking forward to connecting with you soon! ✨

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

04/03/2026

Tax season is here and as your mortgage broker, here is a quick reminder to keep you on track:

🗓️ When are taxes due in Canada?

For most individuals:
Your 2025 personal income tax return is due April 30, 2026
Any balance owing is also due April 30, 2026
If you are self-employed or have a self-employed spouse or common-law partner:
Your filing deadline is June 15, 2026
But any taxes owed are still due April 30, 2026

That means even if you file later, you will want to plan ahead and pay by April 30 to avoid interest.

💡 Mortgage tip for self-employed individuals:
If 2025 was a strong income year for you, it may be worth filing your taxes sooner rather than later. Updated income can strengthen your mortgage application and help you qualify for more favorable options.

Haven’t filed yet? No problem. There are still lenders who offer stated income programs that may help you get approved while you get everything up to date.

As always, if you are planning to buy, refinance, or renew, I am here to help you navigate your options.

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

03/28/2026

Cherry blossom season in Vancouver is officially here 🌸

There is something so special about seeing the city come alive in soft pink blooms, even if it only lasts for a short time. It is a beautiful reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment, and take it all in.

Did you know that Vancouver’s original 500 cherry trees were a gift from the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama in the 1930s? It was a thank you to the city for honouring Japanese Canadians who served in WWI. Since then, tens of thousands of cherry trees have been planted across the city, creating those stunning canopies we all look forward to each year. These blossoms symbolize impermanence, hope, and renewal.
If you are looking for a fun way to experience the magic, Blossoms After Dark is such a unique event to check out. ✨ https://vcbf.ca/event/blossoms-after-dark/

As your local mortgage broker, I always love this time of year. It feels like a fresh start, whether you are thinking about a new home, a renewal, or just exploring your options.

If buying, refinancing, or planning your next move is on your mind this spring, I am always here to help 🌸

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

03/18/2026

🏠 The Bank of Canada holds interest rate at 2.25%

So, what does that mean for you?

If You Have a Mortgage:

Variable-rate mortgage? Your rate will stay the same.

HELOC? Your prime rate will remain at 4.45%. Check with your lender on what prime rate is used as this can vary lender to lender!

Fixed-rate mortgage? No immediate change if you’re locked in.

Why the Rate Hold?

The Bank of Canada held rates because people are already feeling the pressure from high borrowing costs, and raising them further would make things even tougher. Inflation is finally behaving and sitting close to target, so there’s no strong reason to hike again. At the same time, the economy is slowing down, which usually means rate cuts could be coming but they’re not quite ready yet. They’re essentially waiting to be sure inflation stays under control before giving borrowers some relief.

Next rate announcement: April 29th 2026

If you’re wondering what this means for your mortgage, a future home purchase, or just your financial well-being, I’m here. Let’s talk about your goals, your options, and how to navigate all this with confidence.

Let’s Connect

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

03/17/2026

🏡 Reminder for First-Time Home Buyers!

If you bought your first home in 2025, don’t forget to claim the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit when filing your taxes this year. 💰

This credit can help reduce the amount of tax you owe and put a little money back in your pocket after your big purchase. Buying your first home is a huge milestone. Make sure you take advantage of the benefits that come with it!

✔️ Purchased your first home in 2025
✔️ Filing your 2025 taxes in 2026
✔️ Eligible to claim the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit

If you’re unsure whether you qualify or how to claim it, your accountant or tax professional can help guide you.

Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

02/23/2026

📅 Heads Up! The deadline to complete your 2025 RRSP contribution is March 2, 2026!

Why it matters for homeowners & future buyers:
• 💰 Bigger tax refund = more for your down payment
• 🏡 Use the Home Buyers’ Plan to access up to $60,000 (per person) from your RRSP
• 📊 Smart contributions can help strengthen your mortgage strategy

Not sure whether to contribute, save, or pay down debt? Let’s run the numbers and build a plan that supports both your retirement and your home goals.

Let’s Connect
Barbara Essaunce - Your Trusted Mortgage Professional
P.778.889.9734
[email protected]
W.BarbaraEssaunce.ca

Barbara/Basia Essaunce Mortgage Professional

05/04/2026

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