Act Now to Save Thousands on Your Mortgage: Expert Advice from Josh Perez

Josh Perez • September 19, 2023

Are you in the market for a new home, thinking about renewing your mortgage, or considering refinancing in the next six to twelve months? If so, there's a crucial piece of advice that could save you tens of thousands of dollars: Act now! This invaluable insight comes from none other than mortgage expert Josh Perez, who emphasizes the importance of getting your mortgage application and documents in order as soon as possible.

You can save tens of thousands of dollars by doing this right now, and that is you need to hurry up and get your mortgage application and documents in now if you're looking at buying a home, renewing a mortgage, or refinancing a mortgage in the next six to

12 months.

The Current Mortgage Landscape

In today's ever-changing financial landscape, interest rates are more volatile than ever before. This volatility can have a significant impact on your mortgage options and costs. Josh Perez's advice revolves around securing and holding rate options for as long as possible, a strategy that can only be accomplished with a well-prepared mortgage application and updated documents in hand.


The Benefits of Early Action

So, why is early action so crucial? Here's how it works: when you submit your mortgage application early, you essentially "lock in" the current interest rates. This means that if interest rates rise during the next six to twelve months, you'll still enjoy the lower rate you secured. On the other hand, if rates happen to decrease, you'll have the flexibility to take advantage of the lower rates, thanks to your prepared application.


The High Cost of Procrastination

Josh Perez warns that leaving these crucial steps to the last minute can have serious financial consequences. Waiting too long before applying for a mortgage can result in hundreds of dollars in payment increases, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars in extra interest payments over the term of your mortgage. Moreover, procrastination can even impact your qualification status, potentially reducing your borrowing power when you need it the most.


The Bottom Line

In a market where interest rates can change rapidly, timing is everything. Josh Perez's advice is clear: if you're planning to buy a home, renew your mortgage, or refinance in the near future, don't wait. Take action now to secure your financial future. By getting your mortgage application and documents in order promptly, you'll not only save money but also gain peace of mind knowing that you've made a smart financial move.

Remember, it's not just about the home you want to buy; it's about the thousands of dollars you can save by acting decisively today. Don't let market volatility catch you off guard. Follow Josh Perez's expert advice and start your mortgage journey on the right foot. Your future self will thank you for it.



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Deposit vs. Down Payment: Key Differences for Homebuyers

By Josh Perez • February 18, 2026
When you’re buying a home, two terms often cause confusion: deposit and down payment . While they’re related, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process. Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Deposit? A deposit is the money you provide when you make an offer on a property. Think of it as a show of good faith that proves you’re serious about purchasing. How it works : Typically, you provide a certified cheque or bank draft that your real estate brokerage holds in trust. If your offer is accepted, the deposit remains in trust until the deal moves forward. If negotiations fall through, the deposit is refunded. Connection to your down payment : Once the sale is finalized, your deposit becomes part of your total down payment. Why it matters : The amount is negotiable, but a larger deposit can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market. Keep in mind, however, that if you back out after conditions are removed, you risk losing your deposit. What Is a Down Payment? Your down payment is the amount you contribute toward the purchase price of your home when securing a mortgage. Minimum requirement : In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home’s purchase price. Anything less than 20% requires mortgage default insurance. Sources : Down payments can come from your savings, the sale of another property, RRSP withdrawals (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), a gift from family, or even borrowed funds. Example: How They Work Together Imagine you’re buying a $400,000 home with a 10% down payment ($40,000). When you make your offer, you provide a $10,000 deposit . Once conditions are met, that deposit is transferred to your lawyer’s trust account. At closing, you add the remaining $30,000 to complete your full down payment. The lender provides the rest—$360,000—through your mortgage. The Bottom Line Your deposit shows commitment and secures your offer, while your down payment is what makes the mortgage possible. Together, they work hand in hand to get you into your new home. 📞 If you’d like clarity on deposits, down payments, or any other part of the mortgage process, let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through it step by step.
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Is a 5% Down Payment a Mistake? Here’s the Unpopular Truth.

By Josh Perez • February 15, 2026
Discover why a 5% down payment isn’t always irresponsible. Learn when a low down payment is a smart financial move for Ontario homebuyers and when it’s a risk.