3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Listing Your Home!

Josh Perez • May 29, 2024

Deciding to list your home for sale is a big decision. And while there are many reasons you might want/need to sell, here are 3 questions you should ask yourself; and have answers to, before taking that step. 


What is my plan to get my property ready for sale?


Assessing the value of your home is an important first step. Talking with a real estate professional will help accomplish that. They will be able to tell you what comparable properties in your area have sold for and what you can expect to sell your property for. They will also know specific market conditions and be able to help you put a plan together. 


But as you’re putting together that plan, here are a few discussion points to work through. A little time/money upfront might increase the final sale price. 


  • Declutter and depersonalize
  • Minor repairs
  • A fresh coat of interior/exterior paint
  • New fixtures
  • Hire a home stager or designer
  • Exterior maintenance
  • Professional pictures and/or virtual tour


But then again, these are all just considerations; selling real estate isn’t an exact science. Current housing market conditions will shape this conversation. The best plan of action is to find a real estate professional you trust, ask a lot of questions, and listen to their advice. 


What are the costs associated with selling? 


Oftentimes it’s the simple math that can betray you. In your head, you do quick calculations; you take what you think your property will sell for and then subtract what you owe on your mortgage; the rest is profit! Well, not so fast. Costs add up when selling a home. Here is a list of costs you’ll want to consider. 


  • Real estate commissions (plus tax)
  • Mortgage discharge fees and penalties
  • Lawyer’s fees
  • Utilities and property tax account settlements
  • Hiring movers and/or storage fees


Having the exact figures ahead of time allows you to make a better decision. Now, the real wildcard here is the potential mortgage penalty you might pay if you break your existing mortgage. If you need help figuring this number out, get in touch! 


What is my plan going forward?


If you’re already considering selling your home, it would be fair to guess that you have your reasons. But as you move forward, make sure you have a plan that is free of assumptions. 


If you plan to move from your existing property to another property that you will be purchasing, make sure you have worked through mortgage financing ahead of time. 


Just because you’ve qualified for a mortgage in the past doesn’t mean you’ll qualify for a mortgage in the future. Depending on when you got your last mortgage, a lot could have changed. You’ll want to know exactly what you can qualify for before you sell your existing property. 


If you’d like to talk through all your options, connect anytime! It would be a pleasure to work with you and provide you with professional, unbiased advice. 

Josh Perez
GET STARTED
By Josh Perez December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.
By Josh Perez December 18, 2025
Most people assume a bigger paycheck leads to a bigger mortgage approval. But here’s the truth that surprises almost everyone: “It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about how much of your income is already spoken for.” — Josh Perez I’ve sat across from clients earning six figures who qualified for less than someone making half as much. The problem wasn’t their income. It was their monthly obligations . Lenders Don’t Just Look at Income — They Look at What’s Left Over You can make $200,000 a year, but if $80,000 of it is tied up in payments, lenders see very little room for a mortgage. Here’s what typically eats up that space: Big car loans Multiple credit cards Buy-now-pay-later plans Personal loans Lines of credit Old debts that still report monthly payments These commitments matter because lenders are focused on one main calculation: Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) This tells lenders how much of your income is already locked into payments — and how much is available for a mortgage. A high DTI = lower mortgage approval A low DTI = stronger approval and better options It’s that simple. Want to Qualify for More? Do This First Most people think they need to increase their income. The truth? Reducing debt often has a bigger impact — and works faster. 1. Pay down or eliminate high monthly payments Even paying off a single loan can shift your approval dramatically. 2. Avoid taking on new credit before applying Every new payment reduces your borrowing room. 3. Keep your spending stable for 90 days Lenders review recent bank history. Stability helps. 4. Work with a mortgage broker, not just one bank This is one of the biggest ways people leave money on the table. Every lender calculates affordability differently. Some are far more flexible with DTI. If you only go to your bank, you’re only getting one version of your potential approval. Let’s Make Your Approval Work for You If you want to qualify for more, reduce debt strategically, or understand where you stand right now, I can help you build the right plan. Let’s give you access to more options — not just one.