Laurie Kotak - Castle Mortgage Group

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Winnipeg, MB
Laurie Kotak - Castle Mortgage Group

Working for you to find your best mortgage solution!

10/28/2026

🏦 Bank of Canada Rate Announcement – What Does It Mean for Your Mortgage?

The Bank of Canada announced a 0.25% increase to its overnight lending rate today.

🏠 Have a FIXED-rate mortgage?
Relax! Your existing mortgage rate and regular principal-and-interest payment are NOT affected by today's announcement. Your rate remains locked in for the remainder of your term.

📈 Have a VARIABLE-rate mortgage?
Changes to your lender's prime rate may affect your interest costs and, depending on your mortgage, your payments.

🔑 Renewing soon?
Fixed mortgage rates are influenced primarily by bond yields, not directly by changes to the Bank of Canada's overnight rate.

The bottom line: A Bank of Canada rate increase does NOT mean everyone's mortgage payment is going up!

10/12/2026

My assistant Ember and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We're grateful for the wonderful people in our lives, the trust of our clients, and all the little things that make life special.

Wishing you a day filled with family, laughter, good food and plenty of reasons to be thankful! ❤️ 🐾 🦃

10/09/2026

🏡 Variable Rate Mortgages – Not as Scary as You Think!

When I mention a variable rate mortgage, I sometimes get that look. 😳

But here's something many homeowners don't realize!

✅ Variable rates are currently considerably lower than fixed rates. That can mean some pretty significant savings!

✅ You're not necessarily stuck with a variable rate! Most lenders allow you to convert to a fixed rate during your mortgage term if you decide you'd rather have that certainty.

✅ You don't have to predict the future. Nobody knows exactly where interest rates are heading, but understanding your options can help you make a more confident decision.

Now, here's the important part: If you decide to lock into a fixed rate later, you'll get the fixed rate available at that time, not necessarily today's rate.

And variable rates can go up as well as down!

The best mortgage isn't always the one with the lowest rate. It's the one that works best for YOU.

Have questions about fixed versus variable? Let's chat! I'm always happy to explain your options in plain English. 😊

09/30/2026

🏡 Retired homeowner and finding your monthly cash flow is tighter than you expected?

You’ve spent years paying down your mortgage and building equity in your home, but unfortunately, you can’t use that equity to pay the grocery bill!

For homeowners 55+, a reverse mortgage may be one way to access some of the equity you’ve built up in your home, while continuing to live there AND without having to make regular mortgage payments.

The funds can be used in whatever way makes sense for you, paying off existing debt, helping with monthly expenses, making home repairs, or simply giving yourself a little more breathing room.

A reverse mortgage isn’t the right fit for everyone, and that’s an important part of the conversation too.

If retirement cash flow has become a concern for you, or for a parent or family member, reach out. I’m happy to explain how it works, answer your questions, and help you determine whether it’s an option worth considering.

No pressure. Just good information so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

09/01/2026

🏡 Not buying a home yet? You may still want to open an FHSA this year.

I’ve talked to quite a few future first-time buyers who think they should wait until they’re ready to purchase before opening a First Home Savings Account (FHSA).

You may actually be better off opening one sooner.

Here’s why:

✅ You can contribute up to $8,000 per year
✅ Your contributions can give you a tax deduction
✅ Your money can grow tax-free
✅ When you’re ready to buy, qualifying withdrawals are tax-free
✅ Once you open an FHSA, you can carry forward up to $8,000 of unused contribution room to the following year

That last one is important.

If buying your first home is even a possibility in the next few years, opening an FHSA before the end of the year could give you more flexibility later — even if you aren't ready to put the full $8,000 into it right now.

And remember: an FHSA is different from the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan because you don't have to repay the money you withdraw from your FHSA.

Not sure how an FHSA fits into your future home-buying plans? Send me a message. I’m always happy to help you understand the mortgage side of the equation.

07/01/2026

Hoping that everyone is having a great Canada Day even though Mother Nature just does not want to cooperate with us at all this year it seems!!

01/09/2026

Happy New Year!
After the 12 Days of Morty and a very full year, I took a short break to recharge.

I’m back and looking forward to helping clients navigate renewals, refinancing, and home plans in 2026.

12/26/2025

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Christmas! All the best in the new year from my family to yours!!

12/24/2025

Morty is signing off. Thanks for following along and we both with you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2026!!!

12/24/2025

Morty is back after an unauthorized absence. Who knows what sort of trouble he got into this time! Only 2 more days to Christmas!!!

Address

100-1345 Waverley Street
Winnipeg, MB
R3T5Y7

Website

http://lauriekotak.ca/

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