Beyond the Bank: Why Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Should Be More Than Just a Number

Josh Perez • September 4, 2025

When most people start their homebuying journey, their first stop is often the bank—or in some cases, a mortgage broker. The conversation usually ends with a single number: your maximum mortgage amount and the interest rate. While this information is important, it leaves out so many critical pieces of the puzzle.


The truth is, buying a home is about more than just how much you can spend. It’s about finding a property that aligns with your lifestyle, your long-term goals, and your financial comfort zone. That’s where working with an experienced mortgage broker and a dedicated team makes all the difference.


More Than Just a Rate

When you sit down with us, the conversation isn’t limited to dollars and percentages. We dig deeper. We ask questions like:

  • What neighborhood do you want to live in?
  • What size of home are you looking for—does it include a backyard or a basement?
  • What quality of finishes are important to you?
  • What monthly payment are you actually comfortable with—not just on your mortgage, but your overall housing costs?
  • What down payment resources are available to you, and what closing costs should you be prepared for?


These aren’t just small details—they’re the foundation of a smart homebuying plan.


Options That Fit You

The goal isn’t to hand you a single “maximum approval” and send you on your way. Our role is to illustrate different scenarios, provide clear numbers, and show you multiple paths forward. With options in front of you, you can make decisions with confidence instead of walking into one of the biggest purchases of your life with blinders on.


Eyes Wide Open

The difference between simply being told what you qualify for and truly understanding your options is the difference between stress and confidence in your homebuying journey. Our mission is to ensure you walk into the process with your eyes wide open and fully prepared.



If you’re ready to explore your options—not just your maximum—schedule a call with me through the link in my bio. Let’s put a real plan in place for your next purchase.

"I'm blown away at the lack of options that people receive when they go directly to the bank and some mortgage brokers. Often the conversation just simply consists of, 'Hi, I'm looking to get pre-approved,' and in turn, what's provided to them is simply a pre-approval mortgage amount and max purchase price and an interest rate."

Josh Perez
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Divorce and Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know

By Josh Perez • November 12, 2025
Going Through a Separation? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Separation or divorce can be one of life’s most stressful transitions—and when real estate is involved, the financial side of things can get complicated fast. If you and your partner own a home together, figuring out what happens next with your mortgage is a critical step in moving forward. Here’s what you need to know: You’re Still Responsible for Mortgage Payments Even if your relationship changes, your obligation to your mortgage lender doesn’t. If your name is on the mortgage, you’re fully responsible for making sure payments continue. Missed payments can lead to penalties, damage your credit, or even put your home at risk of foreclosure. If you relied on your partner to handle payments during the relationship, now is the time to take a proactive role. Contact your lender directly to confirm everything is on track. Breaking or Changing Your Mortgage Comes With Costs Dividing your finances might mean refinancing, removing someone from the title, or selling the home. All of these options come with potential legal fees, appraisal costs, and mortgage penalties—especially if you’re mid-term with a fixed-rate mortgage. Before making any decisions, speak with your lender to get a clear picture of the potential costs. This info can be helpful when finalizing your separation agreement. Legal Status Affects Financing If you're applying for a new mortgage after a separation, lenders will want to see official documentation—like a signed separation agreement or divorce decree. These documents help the lender assess any ongoing financial obligations like child or spousal support, which may impact your ability to qualify. No paperwork yet? Expect delays and added scrutiny in the mortgage process until everything is finalized. Qualifying on One Income Can Be Tougher Many couples qualify for mortgages based on combined income. After a separation, your borrowing power may decrease if you're now applying solo. This can affect your ability to buy a new home or stay in the one you currently own. A mortgage professional can help you reassess your financial picture and identify options that make sense for your situation—whether that means buying on your own, co-signing with a family member, or exploring government programs. Buying Out Your Partner? You May Have Extra Flexibility In cases where one person wants to stay in the home, lenders may offer special flexibility. Unlike traditional refinancing, which typically caps borrowing at 80% of the home’s value, a “spousal buyout” may allow you to access up to 95%—making it easier to compensate your former partner and retain the home. This option is especially useful for families looking to minimize disruption for children or maintain community ties. You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone Separation is never simple—but with the right support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re keeping the home, selling, or starting fresh, working with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and create a strategy that aligns with your new goals. Let’s talk through your situation and explore the best path forward. I’m here to help.

The Strategy Beats the Rate: Why Smart Mortgage Planning Matters More Than Falling Rates

By Josh Perez • November 5, 2025
Mortgage rates in Canada have been falling for most of the past year—and while that sounds like great news, I always encourage clients to pause and look deeper. A quarter-point rate drop might sound huge in the headlines, but in reality, it only saves the average buyer less than $100 a month . Don’t get me wrong—every bit helps—but that small difference isn’t what’s going to change your financial future. “The strategy beats the rate every single time.” — Josh Perez What really matters is how your mortgage is structured—because that’s where the long-term wins happen. Here’s how I approach it with my clients: Focus on Affordability Don’t just chase the lowest rate on paper. The real goal is a monthly payment that fits your lifestyle today while still leaving room for savings, investments, and emergencies. That’s what keeps you comfortable, not stressed. Think Beyond the Mortgage Your mortgage can be more than a payment—it can be a wealth-building tool . Smart amortization choices, extra payments, or using equity strategically later on can make a massive impact on your financial growth. “The right mortgage choice depends on your long-term plan, not just today’s rate.” — Josh Perez Plan for Flexibility If you choose a fixed term, understand the penalties that come with breaking it early. If you prefer variable, be sure you’re comfortable with the payment swings and how they impact your principal over time. The truth is, the “best” mortgage isn’t the one with the lowest rate—it’s the one that’s aligned with your goals, timeline, and flexibility needs . So yes—let’s enjoy the benefits of lower rates, but don’t let the headlines distract you from the bigger picture. The structure of your mortgage—and how it fits into your overall financial plan—is what really moves the needle. If you want to see how this looks with your actual numbers, let’s build a custom strategy together. Schedule a call with me today and I’ll show you exactly how to make your mortgage work smarter for you.