Helping people in Ontario make confident mortgage decisions.

No. The lender pays the broker when a mortgage closes, not you. That fee is built into how lenders price their mortgages and does not affect the rate you receive. You pay nothing for the advice.

Often yes, sometimes no. A broker has access to over 50 lenders including banks, credit unions, and monoline lenders your bank will never mention. In most cases, that competition produces a better rate. But if your bank genuinely has the best deal for your situation, Jesse will tell you that and explain why.

At least 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the part between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Homes priced at $1.5 million or more need 20% down. For example, a $700,000 home needs at least $45,000: $25,000 on the first $500,000 and $20,000 on the next $200,000. With less than 20% down, you also pay mortgage default insurance, which is added to your mortgage.

The main ones are the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan and the land transfer tax refund. The FHSA lets you save up to $40,000 with tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals. The Home Buyers' Plan lets you take up to $60,000 from your RRSP and pay it back over time. First-time buyers can get up to $4,000 back on Ontario land transfer tax, plus up to $4,475 on Toronto's. Which ones you qualify for depends on your situation, and Jesse walks through that with you.

Complicated income is where a broker adds the most value. Lenders treat contract income, self-employment, commission, and bonuses differently, and some lenders are significantly better than others for specific income types. Before asking for a single document, Jesse will tell you honestly whether and how you qualify.

Land transfer tax is usually the biggest one, and in Toronto you pay it twice: once to the province and once to the city. On top of that, plan for legal fees, title insurance, a home inspection and adjustments like prepaid property tax. The closing cost calculator on this site works it out for your price.

You book a call. Jesse asks about your situation, your timeline, and what you are trying to accomplish. No documents yet, just a conversation. From there, he tells you honestly where you stand, what your options look like, and what the next step is. Most people leave that first call with more clarity than they expected.

120 days before your term ends. That is when lenders will issue rate holds and when you have real negotiating leverage. Most banks do not send renewal offers until 21 days out, which leaves almost no time to compare. Starting early is not about rushing a decision. It is about having enough time to make a good one.

You always get the better rate. A rate hold locks in today's rate, but if rates drop before your closing date, the lender gives you the lower rate instead. If rates go up, you keep the original hold. Either way, you end up with the best available number.