Mark Norman - Better Mortgage Solutions

Mark Norman - Better Mortgage Solutions Mark Norman is one of Canada's Top Mortgage Brokers, serving Newfoundland/Ontario markets since 2004.

I'm Mark Norman, an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) who has been catering to the Newfoundland & Ontario markets since 2004. My objective is to offer a hassle-free and uncomplicated mortgage experience, something I wish I had when I purchased my first home. My approach is transparent and straightforward, and I'm flexible enough to accommodate your preferred mode of communication, be it a pho

ne call, zoom meeting, in-person meeting, or text message. With the aid of cutting-edge technology, much of the mortgage process can even be completed through your smartphone.

08/20/2026

**Mortgage renewal coming up? Don't just sign the first offer.**

When your lender sends a renewal offer, it's easy to assume it's your best option—but that isn't always the case.

Your financial situation may have changed. Interest rates have changed. And there may be mortgage products that better fit your goals today than the one you signed years ago.

Before you renew, take the time to compare your options.

A quick conversation with a mortgage broker could help you secure a better rate, improve your mortgage terms, or create a plan that saves you money over the life of your mortgage.

🏡 Your renewal isn't just paperwork—it's an opportunity.

💬 Reach out before you sign. Let's make sure your next term is the right one.
https://app.scarlettnetwork.com/MarkNormanMortgageApplication/home

08/17/2026

Locked into a mortgage rate... but wondering if you're stuck until the end of your term?

The good news is—you may not be.

Depending on your mortgage, it may be possible to break your term early to refinance, renew, switch lenders, or take advantage of lower interest rates. Just keep in mind that there can be penalties, and every situation is different.

The key isn't asking, "Can I get out of my mortgage?"

It's asking, **"Does it make financial sense to?"**

A quick conversation with a mortgage broker can help you understand your options, calculate the costs, and determine whether making a change now could actually save you money in the long run.

💬 Thinking about breaking your mortgage early? Let's explore your options before you make a decision.

https://app.scarlettnetwork.com/MarkNormanMortgageApplication/home

08/14/2026

Should you pay off your mortgage as fast as possible?

The answer might surprise you... it depends.

For some people, paying down their mortgage early can save thousands in interest. For others, it may make more sense to invest, pay off higher-interest debt, build an emergency fund, or use their home's equity to reach other financial goals.

A mortgage isn't just a loan—it's part of your overall financial plan.

Before making extra payments, make sure they're helping you reach your long-term goals, not just checking a box.

💬 Wondering what makes the most sense for your situation? Let's have a conversation and build a plan that works for you.

Start the conversation with the link below:
https://app.scarlettnetwork.com/MarkNormanMortgageApplication/home

08/11/2026

Not all mortgage conversations are created equal.

The right questions can uncover better rates, more flexible terms, lower monthly payments, and a mortgage that actually fits your future—not just today.

If you're not sure what to ask, we've made it easy.

🔗 Check out the link in our bio to access our free guide with the questions every homebuyer should ask before signing a mortgage.

The more informed you are, the more confident your decisions will be.

💬 Have a question that isn't in the guide? Send us a message—we're always happy to help.

https://app.scarlettnetwork.com/MarkNormanMortgageApplication/home

08/06/2026

Buying a new vehicle before buying a home could cost you more than you think.

That monthly car payment doesn't just affect your budget—it can also reduce how much you qualify for on a mortgage, or in some cases, delay your plans altogether.

Before you sign on the dotted line for your next vehicle, have a conversation with a mortgage professional. A little planning today could make all the difference when it's time to get the keys to your new home.

🏡 Your future self will thank you.

📩 Have questions about how a vehicle loan could affect your mortgage? Reach out—it's always better to know before you buy.

https://app.scarlettnetwork.com/MarkNormanMortgageApplication/home

Many clients reached out over the past 2 weeks asking whether they should lock into a fixed mortgage rate or remain with...
03/16/2026

Many clients reached out over the past 2 weeks asking whether they should lock into a fixed mortgage rate or remain with a variable strategy.

The honest answer right now is that the outlook is unusually uncertain.

The conflict in the Middle East is very recent, and markets are still reacting to what it could mean for oil prices, inflation, and interest rates. When geopolitical events occur, financial markets tend to move quickly in the short term as investors adjust their expectations.

Bond yields — which influence fixed mortgage rates — can move during these periods as markets price in potential inflation pressures, particularly if energy prices rise. We’ve already seen some volatility in bond markets as investors react to these developments.

At the same time, Canadian inflation data released this morning came in close to the Bank of Canada’s 2% target range, which is encouraging. The challenge is that geopolitical events can quickly change inflation expectations, especially if fuel costs rise and ripple through the broader economy.

Because inflation takes time to work its way through the system, it would not be surprising to see the Bank of Canada hold rates in the near term while they assess the impact of these global developments. Beyond that, the direction of rates becomes much harder to predict.

For borrowers who value stability and want certainty in their payments, locking into a fixed rate can provide peace of mind. Others are comfortable remaining variable and taking a longer-term view, accepting short-term volatility in exchange for the possibility that rates may move lower again in the future.

Another factor that is becoming increasingly important for many households is unsecured debt. For a large number of borrowers today, the level of credit card balances, lines of credit, and other unsecured debt poses a greater immediate risk to monthly cash flow than a potential 1% increase in mortgage rates. The inflationary pressures over the past three to four years have caused many homeowners to lean on credit to keep up with rising costs, and those balances are now putting a strain on household budgets.

If this is a situation you’ve been putting off addressing, now is a good time to take a closer look. Often there are strategies available to restructure debt and improve monthly cash flow.

Because markets are moving quickly right now, this is one of those moments where it can be worth reviewing your mortgage strategy. If you’re currently in a variable rate or approaching renewal, a quick review can help determine whether locking in or staying variable makes the most sense based on your situation.

If you'd like a quick rate review, a scenario comparison, or to discuss ways to improve cash flow, feel free to reply to book a session on my calendar here: MarkCanHelp.ca

I’d like to thank caffeine, calendar reminders, and the people who answer my calls. Huge thank you to the people who mak...
02/13/2026

I’d like to thank caffeine, calendar reminders, and the people who answer my calls. Huge thank you to the people who make this possible — especially those who’ve patiently endured my “follow-up” emails.

In all seriousness, I’m grateful for the trust and support from my clients and community.

It's been a while since I've checked in, but I wanted to share a quick update for borrowers. I ran some numbers recently...
10/31/2025

It's been a while since I've checked in, but I wanted to share a quick update for borrowers. I ran some numbers recently for a client, and it was a pretty typical scenario where a borrower took out a $350k mortgage in July 2023, when rates were at their peak, choosing the fixed-rate option may have seemed like the best choice back then, especially since the variable rate was actually higher than fixed offerings at the time (around 5.89% vs 6.30% for the variable). So, for those of you who followed my advice (I know it wasn’t easy at the time), I want to show you just how much the prime rate has fallen since then and how much you will now benefit from this strategy.

(keep in mind the variable product for purchases was Prime -.90% for most of 2023)

July 13, 2023: Prime 7.20%,

June 5, 2024: Prime 6.95%

July 24, 2024: Prime 6.70%

September 4, 2024: Prime 6.45%

October 22, 2024: Prime 5.95%

December 11, 2024: Prime 5.45%

January 29, 2025: Prime 5.20%,

March 12, 2025: Prime 4.95%

April 16, 2025: Prime 4.95%

September 17, 2025: Prime 4.70%

October 29, 2025: Prime 4.45%

These drops mean the prime rate has fallen by 2.75% from its peak in the last 17 months.

So, instead of being locked at 5.89% for the last 2.5 years, you followed the prime rate down to where it is today, which has already saved you about $8,000 over the fixed option. Your borrowing costs are now back in the 3.55% range. So, what does this mean for your payment? Well, it has dropped by approximately $400 per month from where it was in July 2023. Even if rates don’t drop further between now and your maturity date in 2028 (though they likely will), just staying at today's prime rate would save you an additional $10,000, bringing your total savings to $18,000 in after-tax dollars! If you’d have gone with conventional thinking back then, there would be no savings to be had, so I just wanted to say thank you again for your confidence and trust in me to help guide you through the ups and downs of mortgage lending.

To recap: The 'lowest' rate of the day back then would have cost a borrower in this situation $18,000 more than the best strategy would have. Which brings me to the questions borrowers really need to stop asking, which is: 'What’s the lowest rate available?' and start asking, 'What’s the best strategy to save me more over time?' There are far more borrowers who chose the 'cheapest' rate of the day and have missed out on significant savings than there are those who took advantage of the better strategy. I can’t think of any product or service where the 'cheapest' option is the best one. Until we start seeking real solutions instead of just focusing on three numbers and a decimal point, more people will end up paying that extra $18,000 (or more) to their lenders without even realizing they could have saved it. Borrowers beware on this spookiest of Fridays!

09/24/2025

Another year, and another Consumer Choice Award win! My wife definitely seems to enjoy this the spinny picture contraption tomfoolery much more than I do!

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55 Elizabeth Avenue
St. John's, NL
A1A2C5

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