Jesse Lombardo-Bottema - Sunlite Mortgage

10/28/2026

Well, after nearly a year of holding steady, the Bank of Canada has raised its key interest rate to 2.50%.

What does that mean for your mortgage?

If you have a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC, your borrowing costs will likely increase as lenders adjust their prime rates. Depending on your mortgage, that could mean a either higher monthly payment or more of your existing payment going toward interest.

If you're locked into a fixed rate, today's announcement won't change your current mortgage payment. However, fixed rates have already been facing upward pressure from bond yields.

The bigger takeaway? With inflation proving more stubborn than expected, there's another concern worth watching. CMHC's latest mortgage industry report shows that more mortgage holders are falling behind on other debts, including credit cards, vehicle loans and lines of credit.

These can be early warning signs of financial stress, even before homeowners start missing mortgage payments. Higher borrowing costs could add further pressure, making it increasingly important to understand your mortgage options rather than simply assuming rates will come back down.

If your mortgage renewal is approaching, now's a good time to start reviewing your options.

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%, with the Bank Rate at 2.75% and the deposit rate at 2.45%.

10/15/2026

Could variable-rate mortgages be the better move over the next few years?

Fixed mortgage rates have been facing upward pressure from rising bond yields, while Canada's major banks are divided on where the Bank of Canada is heading next.

TD expects the policy rate to remain at 2.25% through 2028, while several other banks are forecasting increases.

So what should we be watching?

U.S. inflation recently came in at 3.7%. If inflation remains stubborn and bond yields continue climbing, Canadian fixed mortgage rates could rise further, even without a Bank of Canada rate hike. If TD's forecast proves correct, a competitively priced variable mortgage could be an attractive alternative to locking into today's fixed rates.

But what if things go the other way? If inflation cools and bond yields retreat, fixed mortgage rates could become more attractive. And if economic conditions eventually lead the Bank of Canada to cut its policy rate, variable borrowers could benefit from that too.

When even the major banks can't agree on where rates are heading, I'm not particularly interested in making bold predictions just for the sake of having an opinion.

What I am happy to do is help you compare different mortgage and payment scenarios and weigh those options against your budget, goals and comfort with risk.

Interesting breakdown from Canadian Mortgage Trends 👇

RATE WATCH: TD sees the Bank of Canada holding at 2.25% through 2028, while BMO expects no changes through 2027. The other big banks forecast hikes. See how their calls compare in our updated chart...

https://okt.to/sLe9AQ

10/08/2026

Mortgages are serious business, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way. 🕵️‍♂️

Meet Detective Dealsgood, my mortgage-investigating alter ego, as he tackles the question: Are new homebuyers actually better off today than five years ago?

Read the latest blog 👇

Let's run the numbers. If you've been watching the housing market over the last few years, you've probably heard two competing arguments: “Hey, homes are cheaper now” and “Ugh, rates are destroying my dreams of affording a home” Two things can be true at the same time. So instead of debating...

09/18/2026

I’ll admit, it’s been slim pickings lately when I’m looking for good mortgage news to share. 🫠

I think a lot of us have had some version of the same thought: “Rates have got to come back down eventually... right?”

But lately, fixed mortgage rates have been moving in the other direction.

Why? Fixed mortgage rates are heavily influenced by bond yields, while variable rates are much more directly tied to the Bank of Canada’s policy rate. They’re different mechanisms, but both can ultimately be influenced by inflation and expectations about where inflation is headed.

That’s one reason the ongoing conflict in the Middle East matters here at home. Higher oil and energy prices have added to inflation concerns, bond yields have risen, and the Bank of Canada is now openly discussing the possibility that persistent energy inflation could require a monetary policy response if it starts spreading more broadly through the economy.

In english: fixed rates have already been feeling some pressure, and the outlook for variable rates isn’t exactly a sure thing either.

As much as none of us want to hear it, we also have to remember that mortgage rates have been much higher before. The ultra-low rates we got used to for years weren't necessarily normal, and there's no guarantee we're heading straight back there.

So... rather than trying to predict what happens next, here’s something practical:

If you’re buying a home or coming up for renewal within the next 120 days, look at your options now and consider locking in a rate.

If rates rise while you’re waiting, you have some protection. If rates come back down, many lenders and mortgage products allow you to request a rate adjustment before the mortgage actually closes.

You don’t necessarily have to bet on which way rates are going.

If you’re within that 120-day window and want to see what your options look like, feel free to reach out.

The Bank of Canada’s governing council warned that it may need to hike interest rates, saying the longer gasoline prices remain elevated, the more likely that would pass through to other goods and services.

08/31/2026

“Reverse mortgage” might not be as dirty a phrase as you think. 😅

They’re definitely not for everyone, but they can be a pretty interesting tool in the right situation.

If you, a friend, or a family member have ever wondered how they actually work (and what the catch is), check this out 👇

How does a reverse mortgage work in Canada? Learn about home equity, monthly payments, qualification, costs and the trade-offs to consider.

08/25/2026

Average home prices have come down in Ontario over the last few years. Does that mean refinancing is off the table?

I put together a quick article explaining how a lower home value can affect your options, and what alternatives may still be available.

Check it out 👇

Home values have fallen, but refinancing may still be possible. Learn how equity, LTV, income and debt can affect your mortgage refinance options.

08/10/2026

If you’ve been considering refinancing to pay off debt, check this out first.

Thinking about refinancing your mortgage to pay off debt? Learn how it can improve cash flow, the potential trade-offs, and when it may make sense.

07/07/2026

This is an interesting read from Better Dwelling.

If the numbers are accurate, Canada is now experiencing the largest housing correction in its recorded history.

For some homeowners, that's understandably concerning. Especially those who purchased near the peak and are now looking to refinance or switch lenders. Lower home values can make those options more challenging.

At the same time, every market creates opportunities. For many first-time buyers, lower home prices can mean smaller down payment requirements, less competition, and more negotiating power than we saw just a few years ago.

I'm certainly not celebrating falling home prices, and I don't think anyone should. There are real people on both sides of the equation. But if there's a silver lining, it may be that some first-time buyers are finally getting a fighting chance. Let's be honest though... even with prices down, getting into the market is still far from easy.

Curious to hear everyone's thoughts. Do you agree with the numbers in the article? And where do you think the housing market is headed?

Canadian home prices are falling faster than ever—then inflation wiped out a little more. Inflation-adjusted prices are now back to 2016.

06/26/2026

Think buying your first home is still out of reach?

It might be worth taking another look.

I put together a short article on why some first-time buyers may be closer than they think, despite today's higher interest rates.

Check it out and feel free to share your thoughts!

Many first-time home buyers assume homeownership is further away than ever. Learn why lower home prices, buyer incentives, and today's market conditions may mean you're closer than you think.

05/26/2026

After a lot of work behind the scenes, I’m excited to officially launch my new website for Team JLB Mortgage Solutions, my personal mortgage brand operating through Sunlite Mortgage.

It was important to me throughout the process to create something that felt personal and reflected how I approach helping people. The goal was to make the site educational and reflective of an easy-going, strategic approach rather than just spamming words and rates.

I’m still proud to be backed by the same team and resources at Sunlite Mortgage, which gives me access to a wide range of lenders and solutions to help clients across Ontario.

Whether you're buying a home, renewing, refinancing, accessing equity, or just trying to better understand your options, the goal is simple: help make the process feel more straightforward and less overwhelming.

Feel free to take a look around:

www.teamjlb.ca

Feedback is always welcome, and thank you again to everyone who’s supported me so far.