Brightside Mortgage
Book Now

Resources

Mortgage guides in plain language

Practical answers for buyers, owners and investors in BC and Alberta. Prefer to talk it through? Book a consultation.

  • Bank of Canada rate hikeprime rate 2026variable mortgage paymentmortgage rates October 2026HELOC raterate hold

    What the Bank of Canada’s Rate Hike Means for Your Mortgage

    The Bank of Canada raised its rate to 2.5%. Here’s what it means for variable, fixed and HELOC borrowers, with real payment examples.

    by Erin Williamson

  • down paymentminimum down payment CanadaCMHC insuranceFHSAHome Buyers’ Planfirst-time home buyer

    How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment in Canada?

    Canada’s minimum down payment explained: the 5% and 10% tiers, the $1.5M cap, mortgage insurance costs, and using your FHSA and RRSP.

    by Erin Williamson

  • first-time home buyerFHSAHome Buyers’ Planfirst-time home buyer tax creditGST rebate new homeBC property transfer taxAlberta closing costs

    First-Time Home Buyer Programs in BC and Alberta

    FHSA, Home Buyers’ Plan, the $1,500 tax credit, the new $50,000 GST rebate, and BC’s transfer tax exemption explained, with real numbers for 2026.

    by Erin Williamson

  • mortgage pre-approvalrate holdmortgage stress testGDS TDSmortgage documentsfirst-time home buyer

    What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

    How a mortgage pre-approval works in Canada: 90 to 120 day rate holds, the stress test, debt ratios, and the documents you’ll need.

    by Erin Williamson

  • self-employed mortgagestated income mortgagebusiness for self mortgagecontractor mortgagemortgage gross-upself-employed home buyer

    Getting a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed

    How lenders calculate self-employed income, income gross-ups, stated income programs, and what to prepare. A clear guide for business owners and contractors.

    by Erin Williamson

  • fixed vs variable mortgagevariable rate mortgagemortgage penaltyinterest rate differentialtrigger rateadjustable rate mortgage

    Fixed or Variable Mortgage Rate: Which Is Right for You?

    How fixed and variable mortgages work in Canada, the real penalty difference, trigger rates, and the questions that help you decide.

    by Erin Williamson

  • closing costs BCclosing costs Albertaproperty transfer tax BCAlberta land titles feeshome buying costsfirst-time home buyer

    Closing Costs in BC vs. Alberta: What to Budget For

    BC property transfer tax rates and exemptions, Alberta Land Titles fees, legal and inspection costs, and real-number examples for both provinces.

    by Erin Williamson

  • rental income mortgagerental offsetlegal suite mortgageinvestment property mortgagerental property down paymentsecondary suite refinance

    Using Rental Income to Qualify for a Mortgage

    How lenders count rental income, why offset vs. add-back changes your approval, down payment rules for rentals, and how a legal suite can help you qualify.

    by Erin Williamson

  • mortgage refinancehome equitydebt consolidation mortgageblend and extendHELOC vs refinancerefinance costs Canada

    Should You Refinance Your Mortgage? What to Know First

    How much equity you can access, what refinancing really costs, blend and extend, HELOCs, and a checklist to decide if refinancing makes sense for you.

    by Erin Williamson

  • mortgage renewalswitch mortgage lenderrenewal stress testmortgage renewal letterautomatic renewalmortgage renewal tips

    Mortgage Renewal Tips: How to Get the Best Deal

    When to start your renewal, how to avoid automatic renewal, switching lenders without the stress test, and what to compare beyond the rate.

    by Erin Williamson

  • how much house can I affordmortgage affordability CanadaGDS TDSmortgage stress testhome buying budgetfirst-time home buyer

    How Much Home Can You Afford?

    How lenders calculate what you can borrow, a real example with the stress test, and how to find a budget that’s comfortable, not just approved.

    by Erin Williamson