Stephanie Barritt - Barritt Mortgage Architects

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Surrey, BC
Stephanie Barritt - Barritt Mortgage Architects

My goal is to design the right mortgage solution for your unique needs, so you can achieve your fina

Your mortgage is a big decision and powerful financial tool. With so many mortgage choices and ongoing decisions, the right advice can positively affect your long-term financial situation. My goal is to design the right mortgage solution for your unique needs, so you can achieve your financial and homeownership goals. Money-saving options, privileges and rates for Surrey, Langley, Cloverdale, Whit

e Rock, New Westminster, Burnaby and surrounding areas. Reach out with your questions anytime! 604-575-2710 or [email protected]

08/31/2026

August is a wrap ☀️➡️🍂

Summer is officially winding down, and you can already feel the shift, more listings starting to pop up, more buyers re-entering the market, and things slowly picking up again heading into fall.

This month was really about getting ahead of that shift, talking about preparation, credit, budgeting, and what it looks like to get mortgage-ready before things get busy again in September.

Because once the fall market fully kicks in, things tend to move a bit faster.

If you used August to get organized, you’re in a great spot heading into the next season. And if not, there’s still time to get ahead before the pace changes again.

September is where planning turns into action.

08/28/2026

Fall has that “fresh start” energy 🍂

Even though it’s not the beginning of the year, it still feels like a reset, routines come back, homes feel cozier, and a lot of people start thinking about what they want to change or improve before winter.

For some, that’s finally getting serious about buying a home. For others, it’s upgrading, downsizing, or getting their mortgage in better shape. And sometimes it’s just getting organized and feeling more in control financially.

There’s no right version of a “fall goal,” it just depends on where you’re at right now.

So I’m curious… what’s your biggest home goal for this season?

08/27/2026

Your maximum mortgage isn’t just a simple income x rule, it’s a combination of a few key factors that lenders use to assess affordability.

They start with your gross income, then factor in your housing costs (like mortgage payments, property taxes, and heating), as well as any other debts you carry.

From there, they apply debt ratio guidelines (GDS and TDS) to make sure your monthly payments stay within a manageable range.

Interest rates also play a role in the calculation, which means your maximum approval can shift depending on market conditions.

That’s why two people earning the same income can end up with very different approval amounts, because it’s not just about income, it’s about the full financial picture.

If you’re curious what your actual maximum purchase price looks like, it’s always worth getting a personalized breakdown.

08/26/2026

If you’re thinking about applying for a mortgage this fall, your credit is one of the most important things to review ahead of time.

Lenders use it to help assess risk and determine what you qualify for, so even small details can make a difference.

This doesn’t mean your credit has to be perfect, but it does mean it should be accurate, stable, and in a good place before you apply.

Things like credit card balances, payment history, and even small reporting errors can all impact your overall profile.

The goal over the next few weeks isn’t to overhaul everything, it’s to clean things up, reduce surprises, and give yourself the strongest position possible going into a mortgage application.

A bit of preparation now can make the approval process a lot smoother later.

08/25/2026

Mortgage refinancing is when you replace your current mortgage with a new one.

That new mortgage can come with different terms, like a new interest rate, payment structure, or amortization period, depending on your goals.

People usually refinance for a few main reasons. Sometimes it’s to secure a better rate. Other times it’s to access home equity for renovations or larger expenses. It can also be used to consolidate higher-interest debt into one payment.

But it’s not something to do automatically.

There can be costs involved, like penalties for breaking your current mortgage early, so the timing and numbers need to make sense overall.

When used strategically, refinancing can improve your financial situation, but it should always be based on your specific goals, not just what’s available.

08/24/2026

A good example of why timing can matter 👀

This client had been watching the market earlier in the year but didn’t feel rushed to make a move in the spring or summer. Instead, they decided to wait and revisit things in the fall when they felt more ready.

By the time fall listings picked up, they were in a stronger position, more clarity on budget, pre-approval in place, and a better understanding of what they actually wanted in a home.

That combination made a big difference.

Instead of trying to figure everything out in a fast-moving market, they were able to move with intention when the right property came up.

And in the end, the timing lined up well with both their readiness and the opportunities available.

It’s not always about rushing in, it’s about being ready when the right moment shows up.

08/21/2026

September always has that “reset” feeling 🍂

Back-to-school routines return, work schedules feel a bit more structured again, and the housing market usually starts to pick up as people shift out of summer mode.

It’s often when plans that were on pause start moving again, whether that’s buying, selling, renewing, or just getting finances in order for the months ahead.

For some people, it’s back to actively house hunting.
For others, it’s back to focusing on savings or credit goals.
And for many, it’s just back to getting organized after a slower summer.

So I’m curious… what are you going back to this September?

08/20/2026

When people talk about insured and uninsured mortgages, they’re not talking about whether your house has insurance.

They’re talking about your down payment.

In Canada, if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, your mortgage is typically considered insured. That means mortgage default insurance is required, which protects the lender if a borrower is unable to make their payments.

If your down payment is 20% or more, your mortgage is generally considered uninsured, meaning mortgage default insurance isn’t required.

Why does this matter?

📌 Insured mortgages usually have smaller down payments
📌 Uninsured mortgages require at least 20% down
📌 Rates can sometimes differ between the two
📌 Qualification requirements may vary depending on the lender and mortgage type

A lot of buyers assume a bigger down payment is the only thing that changes, but the type of mortgage you qualify for can affect your options as well.

Understanding the difference can help you plan ahead and make more informed decisions when you're preparing to buy.

08/19/2026

When the Bank of Canada announces a rate decision, it often gets a lot of attention, but what it actually means for your mortgage depends on the type of mortgage you have.

The Bank of Canada sets the overnight rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money. That, in turn, affects the rates they offer to consumers.

If you have a variable-rate mortgage, changes in the overnight rate can have a more direct impact on your payments.

If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your rate won’t change right away, but it can still be indirectly affected over time because fixed rates are tied to bond markets and broader economic expectations.

The key thing to understand is that the Bank of Canada doesn’t set your mortgage rate directly, it sets the direction that rates tend to follow.

If you’re unsure how a recent or upcoming rate change affects your situation, it’s worth reviewing it based on your specific mortgage type.

08/18/2026

Your job history plays a bigger role in mortgage approval than most people expect.

It’s not just about how much you earn, it’s also about how stable your income looks over time.

Lenders typically want to see consistency. That can mean steady employment in the same role or industry, or at least a clear pattern of reliable income.

If you’ve changed jobs recently, it doesn’t automatically hurt your chances. What matters is the type of change:

📌 Moving to a similar role or higher income can be viewed positively
📌 Gaps in employment may need explanation
📌 Frequent changes in different industries can require more review

Self-employed income is looked at differently again, usually focusing on longer-term consistency through tax returns.

The key takeaway is this: stability matters as much as income.

If your job situation has changed recently and you’re thinking about buying, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the running, it just means timing and structure matter more.

Address

250/2411 160 Street
Surrey, BC
V3S0C8

Telephone

+16045752710

Website

http://www.asksteph.ca/

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