"Find clear answers to the most common mortgage questions — so you can make smarter, more confident financial decisions."
A mortgage broker like Kinetix Mortgages works independently and has access to 30+ lenders — including banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders. Unlike a bank that only offers its own products, we shop the entire market to find the best rate and terms specifically for you. In most cases, our service is completely free to you because the lender pays our fee.
We aim to deliver a full mortgage pre-approval within minutes of receiving your completed application and supporting documents. In many cases we can provide a same-day response. The speed depends on the lender and the complexity of your financial profile, but we always move as fast as possible for our clients.
Typically you will need: proof of income (pay stubs, T4s or NOAs), proof of employment (letter from employer), recent bank statements, government-issued photo ID, and details of any existing debts or assets. Self-employed applicants will need the last 2 years of Notices of Assessment and business financials. We provide you with a full personalized checklist on your first call.
The amount you can borrow depends on your gross income, existing debts, credit score, down payment and the purchase price. In Canada, the maximum is generally up to 4.5x your gross annual income, subject to stress test qualification. We calculate your exact borrowing power in your free consultation — with no obligation.
Yes — having a lower credit score does not automatically disqualify you. We work with a range of B-lenders, alternative lenders, and private mortgage options designed for clients with past credit challenges. We assess your full financial picture, not just your credit score, and find the most suitable path forward for your situation.
Refinancing means replacing your existing mortgage with a new one — typically to access home equity, lower your interest rate, or consolidate debt. It makes most sense when the long-term savings outweigh any prepayment penalties. We always run a full cost-benefit analysis before recommending refinancing so you can make a fully informed decision.
The Canadian mortgage stress test requires you to qualify at either 5.25% or your contract rate plus 2% — whichever is higher. This applies to all insured mortgages (under 20% down) and most conventional mortgages at federally regulated lenders. Some credit unions and private lenders may have different rules. We guide you through exactly how this affects your qualification.
For homes priced under $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5%. For homes between $500,000 and $999,999, it is 5% on the first $500K and 10% on the remainder. For homes $1 million and over, the minimum is 20%. We help you understand all down payment options including gifted funds, RRSPs and the First Home Savings Account (FHSA).
A fixed rate stays the same for the entire mortgage term, giving you predictable monthly payments. A variable rate fluctuates with the lender’s prime rate, which can mean lower payments when rates drop but higher payments when they rise. The right choice depends on your financial situation, risk tolerance and market outlook — we help you decide what makes most sense for you.
We recommend beginning your renewal review at least 120 days (4 months) before your maturity date. This gives us maximum time to shop the market, negotiate competitive offers, and complete any lender switch without rushing. Starting early also protects you from being forced into a last-minute decision with your current lender.
Absolutely. Self-employed Canadians have multiple mortgage options available to them, including stated income programs, business-for-self (BFS) products, and alternative lender options. We work with lenders who specialize in self-employed borrowers and understand how to present your income in the most favourable way to secure approval.
Yes. Many lenders offer New to Canada mortgage programs for permanent residents and some work permit holders. Requirements typically include a minimum down payment of 5–10%, proof of employment in Canada, a Canadian credit history (or international credit references), and a valid visa or PR card. We help newcomers navigate the specific requirements for their situation.
