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Own, Enjoy, and Earn: Mortgage + Airbnb Income Potential on Quirke Lake

Waterfront homes are already high on the dream list — but what if they could pay you back while you enjoy them? With the right mortgage structure and short-term rental plan, a home like this one on Quirke Lake offers both lifestyle and smart financial returns.

This listing is shared courtesy of Oak Realty Ltd. and with full permission from the Sellers. Below, we’ll walk through a sample mortgage scenario (based on a $1,000,000 purchase), and project realistic Airbnb income potential based on local market rates and occupancy trends.


Scenario: Buying at $1,000,000 with 20% Down

DescriptionValue
Purchase Price$1,000,000
Down Payment (20%)$200,000
Mortgage Amount$800,000
Interest Rate4.14% fixed
Estimated Monthly Payment~$4,252 (P&I)
Annual Mortgage Cost~$51,024

Add estimated taxes, insurance, maintenance = $65,000–$70,000/year carrying cost


Rental Income Possibilities

Using conservative rates for a high-end lakefront short-term rental in Elliot Lake:

SeasonNights BookedAvg RateEst. Gross Income
High Season (Summer)59 nights$525$30,975
Mid Season (Spring/Fall)84 nights$350$29,400
Low Season (Winter)70 nights$200$14,000
Total Gross Income$74,375

Assuming 30% operating costs (management, utilities, maintenance), you’d net around $52,000/year — more than covering the majority of annual ownership expenses.


Lifestyle + Financial Flexibility

Even if you only rent it out part-time, this property gives you options:

  • Use it as a family cottage and rent it during peak weeks

  • Run it full-time as an investment and block off time for personal use

  • Live in it seasonally while earning income the rest of the year

With 5 bedrooms, a sandy shoreline, a full walkout basement, and over 3,000 sf of usable space, this home ticks all the boxes for guests and owners.


Final Thoughts

Quirke Lake is a destination in every season. And with the right mortgage + short-term rental strategy, this home — shared with permission by Oak Realty Ltd. and the Sellers — could be a savvy move for your financial future and your lifestyle.

📩 Want to explore financing or Airbnb income strategies?
Reach out to us at athomewithchar.com or mortgagewithchar.com — we’ll help you crunch the numbers, explore local licensing, and decide if this is the lakefront opportunity for you.

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Live the Lake Life Every Day: Making Quirke Lake Your Home Base Year‑Round

Imagine waking up to mist rising off the lake, hearing loons call at dusk, and swapping congested commutes for forest trails, shoreline walks, and the quiet hum of nature. That’s life at Quirke Lake, in Elliot Lake — not just a summer escape, but a home for all seasons.

This exceptional lakefront property, listed courtesy of Oak Realty Ltd. and shared with permission from the Sellers, is a rare opportunity to live the waterfront lifestyle year-round. With over 3,000 sq ft of finished space, a custom builder’s touch, and direct access to pristine Quirke Lake, this home isn’t just a retreat — it’s a launchpad for your new everyday.


The Home That Works Every Day

Thoughtfully designed and built with comfort in mind, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath bungalow features:

  • 10 ft tray ceiling in the great room

  • Exquisite custom Europa kitchen cabinetry

  • A separated primary wing with ensuite and walk-in

  • Lower level with wood stove and rec space

  • 780 sq ft heated garage

  • Beautiful outdoor living with dock, patios, fire pit, and a sandy lake bottom

This property is more than picturesque — it’s purpose-built for full-time living, with energy efficiency and smart flow throughout.


Why Elliot Lake Works as a Year-Round Home

🌳 Four Seasons of Action

  • Winter: Elliot Lake is known for its incredible snowmobiling trails (270+ km groomed), plus ice fishing, skating, and cozy cabin vibes.

  • Spring/Fall: Transition seasons are gorgeous — perfect for hiking, photography, and tranquil time outdoors.

  • Summer: Quirke Lake is ideal for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming off the private dock.

🗺 Local Highlights

  • Winterfest, Uranium Heritage Days, and Lumberjack Days celebrate community spirit and small-town fun

  • Arts on the Trail showcases local creatives throughout the region

  • Don’t miss nearby gems like Mississagi Provincial Park, Miners Memorial Park, or Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

🛍 City Services Close By

  • 15 minutes to downtown Elliot Lake for shops, groceries, dining, and healthcare

  • Nearby schools, parks, and community programs round out the lifestyle


Final Word

With natural beauty in all directions, this Quirke Lake property — presented with permission by Oak Realty Ltd. and the Sellers — offers the opportunity to slow down and settle in. Whether you’re retiring in comfort, relocating from the city, or just saying yes to a new rhythm of life, this is the kind of home that turns every season into something special.

📩 Ready to schedule your private showing? Connect with Charlotte today.

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🍂 Is the Fall Real Estate Market Still Hot in Waterloo Region? Let’s Look at the Data.

🍂 Is the Fall Real Estate Market Still Hot in Waterloo Region? Let’s Look at the Data.

It’s a question we’re getting daily in our DMs, open houses, and coffee line chats:
👉 “Is the fall market still strong?”
👉 “Should I wait until spring to list or buy?”
👉 “Is now really a good time to make a move?”

Short answer? YES, but with a few key caveats.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening in the Waterloo Region real estate market this fall—and why it might be the sweet spot for savvy buyers and sellers.


📉 First—What’s Happening with Prices?

Across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, we’re seeing more price stabilization than sharp increases or dramatic drops. The market has cooled off from the chaos of 2021–2022, but that’s actually a good thing.

🏡 Average sale price (detached homes): Holding steady
🏙️ Condo market: More balanced with better buyer opportunities
📉 Days on market: Slightly higher than spring but still competitive

Translation: Buyers have a bit more breathing room. Sellers still have leverage—if they price strategically.


🔥 Inventory Is Up (But Not for Long)

Fall typically brings a flurry of motivated sellers who want to close before the holidays. That means:

  • More selection for buyers

  • More comparables for sellers to price confidently

  • A brief window before winter slowdown hits

💡 Pro tip: If you're buying, you’ll see less competition than in spring. If you're selling, the buyers out there are serious.


💰 Interest Rates & Mortgage Moves

While rates remain higher than the pandemic lows, they’ve held steady recently. Lenders are offering competitive fixed-rate terms—and many buyers are opting to get into the market now and refinance later when rates drop.

👀 Cue Charlotte over on @mortgagewithchar doing happy dances over 3-year term flexibility.


🚨 Why Waiting Might Cost You

Some buyers and sellers are still clinging to the idea that spring will bring a better market. But here’s what we’re seeing:

  • More listings in spring = more competition

  • More buyers = potential bidding wars

  • Winter prep = added costs (staging, snow removal, etc.)

If you’re ready now, fall is your friend. 🍁


🧠 Final Thoughts from Your Favourite REALTOR®

The fall market in Waterloo Region is smart, strategic, and underrated. Whether you're moving up, downsizing, or buying for the first time, this season could be your golden window.

We’ll bring the coffee, the comps, and probably a few dad jokes (I can’t help myself). You bring your questions—we’re ready when you are.

📲 Charlotte Ferguson – 519-575-1804

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🏡 Sold! But Wait—Where’s the Chandelier?

You found the perfect house, made an offer, and it was accepted—amazing! 🎉 But when closing day rolls around, there’s a surprise waiting for you… that jaw-dropping chandelier you fell in love with? Gone. Vanished. Replaced by a basic builder-grade light fixture from 2004. 😬

So what actually stays with the house when it sells in Ontario? And what’s fair game for the seller to take with them? Let’s break it down.


🧾 Fixtures vs. Chattels: What’s the Difference?

In Ontario real estate, the big distinction is between:

🔩 Fixtures – These are items that are physically attached to the home. Think:

  • Light fixtures

  • Built-in appliances

  • Wall-mounted shelves

  • Curtain rods
    Fixtures typically stay with the home.

📦 Chattels – These are movable items not attached to the property. Think:

  • Furniture

  • Area rugs

  • Freestanding appliances (like a portable AC or countertop microwave)

  • Curtains themselves (not rods)

Chattels usually leave with the seller—unless otherwise agreed in writing.


🛑 Gray Areas (AKA: Where Fights Happen)

Some items blur the line and lead to last-minute drama:

  • Mounted TVs (does the bracket stay or go?)

  • Smart home tech (like video doorbells or thermostats)

  • Outdoor sheds or playsets

  • Garage shelving units

  • Decorative mirrors that look built-in

That’s why your REALTOR® should always clarify what’s included in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If you love it, list it.


🛋 Pro Tip for Buyers:

If there's something you assume will stay, don’t assume—ASK.
We always include a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions so you’re not left with surprises (or suddenly shopping for a washer and dryer the day you move in).


📦 Pro Tip for Sellers:

Want to take something with you? Tell us upfront.
If you plan to keep that antique dining room chandelier or built-in espresso machine, we’ll flag it from day one. The clearer the listing, the smoother the sale.


🏁 The Bottom Line

Every sale is different—but your expectations shouldn’t be a mystery.
A strong, clear agreement = happy buyers and sellers. And that’s what we’re all about.

💬 Thinking about listing your home? Touring open houses? Let’s make sure the only surprise on closing day is how smooth it went.
We’ve got your back from “For Sale” to “Welcome Home.”

Charlotte Ferguson – 519-575-1804
@behomewithcharly @mortgagewithchar

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New property listed in 555 - Wellesley/Bamberg/Kingwood, 5 - Woolwich and Wellesley Township

I have listed a new property at 71 Galena Street in Wellesley. See details here

Welcome to 71 Galena Street, Wellesley — where small-town serenity meets modern-day style. This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers 2,125 sq ft of bright, open-concept living in one of the Region’s most charming communities. Step inside and you’re immediately greeted by oversized windows, clean lines, and contemporary finishes that create a light, airy vibe throughout. The heart of the home is a chef-inspired kitchen featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinetry, and an oversized island—ideal for casual breakfasts, homework help, or that perfect wine-and-cheese spread when friends drop by. Upstairs, you’ll find four generous bedrooms, including a private primary suite with His & Her closets and a sleek ensuite bath. The convenient upper-level laundry means no more hauling baskets up and down the stairs (because laundry day should be easy, right?). Outside, the fully fenced backyard offers the ultimate staycation setup—complete with a hot tub for starry-night soaks and plenty of room to play, relax, or entertain. The double garage adds even more function, while the stylish curb appeal seals the deal. Set on a quiet street in a family-friendly Wellesley neighbourhood, you’re just a short drive from Waterloo—but with all the peace, pride, and warmth of small-town living. Modern. Spacious. Move-in ready. This one checks all the boxes. Let’s book your private tour.

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Confidence Boost in Real Estate Markets Thanks to BoC Rate Cut This Week

BoC Cuts 0.25%: Confidence Boost Now, Careful Steps Ahead

The Bank of Canada trimmed its policy rate by 25 bps to 2.50%, but kept the guidance careful—no rush to declare a rapid easing cycle. Some forecasters see a pause in October, a cut in December, a hold in January, and another cut in March—but only if inflation and growth data cooperate. email.mpamag.com

What moves the market today is confidence. Industry voices say this cut is “more about psychology than math.” Rate math helps a bit (one example pegs savings near $84/month on a ~$624K mortgage), but the bigger shift is sentiment: it nudges sidelined buyers/sellers to re-engage. email.mpamag.com

The Bank also dropped its forward guidance—it’ll react to each data print. With recent job losses (~66,000) and cooler momentum, more cuts are possible, but not promised. Meanwhile, regional divides remain: Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa show more activity; Toronto is cooler. Condos may trail detached homes as inventories and investor dynamics bite. email.mpamag.com

What it means for you (Waterloo Region & Wellington County lens)

  • Buyers: Sentiment tailwind without a stampede—good window to shop with less frenzy while planning financing smartly.

  • Sellers: Well-priced, well-presented listings still win. A modest rate tailwind can improve showing traffic—marketing and pricing precision matter.

  • Renewals/Refis: Even small cuts can open options (blend-and-extend, term strategy, prepayment planning). The real wins come from structure, not headlines.

  • Investors: Watch rents, expenses, and debt structure. If you’re eyeing condos, underwrite conservatively; low-rise may recover faster in some pockets. email.mpamag.com

Want a hyper-local plan for your street or building? We’ll run the numbers and tailor the play.

Sources: Canadian Mortgage Professional interviews/coverage (BMO outlook, cautious BoC language; $84/month example; regional splits; jobs/inflation context), Sept 18, 2025.

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Canada’s Housing Starts

Canada’s Housing Starts: A Blip, a Trend, and What It Means for Buyers & Sellers

Canada’s homebuilding engine tapped the brakes in August—but don’t confuse a single month’s dip with a stall.

The quick stats: Housing starts fell 16% month-over-month to ~245,800 units in August. Yet the six-month moving average climbed 1.6% to ~267,300, which is the better gauge of momentum. In plain English: supply is still coming—just not in a straight line. email.mpamag.com

What’s holding things up? Rentals. Elevated market rents, paired with government financing and tax support, continue to prop up purpose-built rental construction. That’s important for affordability and for overall housing supply, even if ownership-side projects take longer to pencil. email.mpamag.com

Permits look steady. TD Economics expects a “healthy starts” trend to persist near-term, though 2026 could moderate as population growth eases and rents cool. Translation: 2025 still has legs; 2026 may be more level. email.mpamag.com

Policy tailwind: Ottawa’s Build Canada Homes plan includes using public lands for factory-built housing (first sites in Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton)—~4,000 homes to start, and capacity up to 45,000. If approvals and logistics stay on track, that’s real, scalable supply. email.mpamag.com

Regionally: August softness was broad-based—Ontario and Atlantic Canada led the declines, multi-family cooled after a sizzling July, and Manitoba bucked the trend with a gain. Month to month can be noisy; the six-month trend is still constructive. email.mpamag.com

What this means for you (Waterloo Region & Wellington County lens)

  • Buyers: More rental product helps pressure overall vacancy up over time—and that can stabilize rents while the resale market finds its footing. If you’ve been waiting for the “right” moment, focus less on timing the market and more on securing the right home with the right mortgage.

  • Sellers: Inventory remains patchy by neighbourhood and price band. The best-presented, well-priced homes still move—especially with smart marketing and data-driven strategy.

  • Investors: Rental fundamentals are still the strongest pillar. Underwrite conservatively (realistic rents, proper maintenance caps) and make sure your financing structure matches your plan.

Want a hyper-local read on your street or building? Let’s talk.

Sources: CMHC, TD Economics, Canadian Mortgage Professional reporting, Sept. 18, 2025.

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🏡 We All Deserve to Feel Safe at Home

It’s one of those things we take for granted… until we don’t.
Our homes are supposed to be our safe place—where we can exhale at the end of a long day, where our kids sleep soundly, where our dogs curl up without a care in the world.

But last winter, something shook that feeling for our family.

Not once—but twice—our vehicles were broken into, while we slept, parked right in our own driveway. The financial loss? Thankfully small. But the emotional impact? Bigger than we expected.

There’s something incredibly unsettling about realizing that someone was creeping around your property while your family was inside. It’s violating. And it’s not okay.

The truth is: we know we’re not alone. We’ve heard similar stories from friends, neighbours, and clients across the Waterloo Region and beyond. And the frustrating part is, these aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a growing concern.

💬 As a community, we need to speak up. And thankfully, there’s a way to do just that.


📢 Sign the Petition for a Stronger, Safer Canada

A new petition is calling on our elected officials to step up, recognize the real impact of property crime, and work toward better solutions that protect homeowners and renters alike.

➡️ You can sign the petition right here:
🔗 https://win.newmode.net/strongersafercanada/strongersafercanada

It only takes a few seconds—but your voice could help push for real change. Whether you’ve experienced this kind of violation personally or simply care about keeping your community safe, we encourage you to add your name.


✋ What Can You Do Right Now?

  • Sign the petition and share it with friends and neighbours

  • Install motion lights or cameras to help deter late-night prowlers

  • Report suspicious activity—even if it seems small

  • Support community watch programs where available

  • Keep speaking up—because silence won’t make it stop


Safety isn’t just about locks and alarms. It’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re not alone—and that your community has your back.

Let’s be louder together.

💛
Charlotte Ferguson
Realtor & Mortgage Agent | @behomewithcharly

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The Bank of Canada Cuts Rates - WooHoo!

🏦 The Bank of Canada Cut Rates—Here’s What It Means for KW Real Estate (and Why It Matters Right Now)

Well, it happened. As of this morning (Sept 17, 2025), the Bank of Canada officially cut the key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it down to 2.50%—and you bet we're talking about what that means for buyers and sellers in the Waterloo Region. 👇

Spoiler: if you’ve been sitting on the fence, this might be your sign to get moving—literally.


📉 So, What Exactly Happened?

The BoC cited slower economic growth, softened inflation pressure, and uncertainty in global markets as the driving forces behind the rate cut. In plain English?

👉 The cost of borrowing just went down.

That means mortgage lenders will likely follow, and we could see more competitive fixed and variable rates showing up very soon.


🏡 If You're a Buyer: This Is Your Window

  • Lower mortgage rates = more buying power. A 0.25% drop can make a big difference on monthly payments (especially on a $600K+ purchase).

  • You may qualify for a higher loan amount.

  • More listings = more choice. This fall market is giving buyers room to breathe compared to the frenzy of years past.

💡 Not sure what this means for your numbers? Reach out to Charlotte at www.charlottemortgages.ca for a quick pre-approval refresh.


🏘️ If You're a Seller: Your Buyer Pool Just Got Bigger

This rate drop means more buyers might re-enter the market who were previously priced out.

✨ And if your home is move-in ready, well-priced, and shows beautifully? You’re in a great position.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • List before the holidays for the most motivated buyer activity

  • Lean into fall staging + professional marketing (yes, we’ve got you covered)

  • Be strategic on price—buyers are smart, but they’re also watching closely


🔄 Thinking About Refinancing or Renewing?

If your mortgage is up for renewal—or you’ve got an adjustable-rate mortgage—this is the time to run the numbers again.

A lower rate could mean:

  • Reduced monthly payments

  • Better cash flow

  • New options for paying down debt or accessing equity

📞 Charlotte’s already running scenarios for clients—shoot her a message if you want her to take a look for you.


📲 Bottom Line: This Is the Moment to Talk Strategy

Whether you're buying your first home, selling your family home, or just mortgage-curious, this change matters.

The market just shifted again. We’re here to help you move smart, not scared.

Call or text us:
📞 Charlotte: 519-575-1804

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What’s Really Happening in the Waterloo Region Market Right Now? (Fall 2025 Update)

📊 What’s Really Happening in the Waterloo Region Market Right Now? (Fall 2025 Update)

Let’s cut to the chase: the Waterloo Region real estate market isn’t “crashing,” “booming,” or stuck in some weird holding pattern. It’s just shifting—and smart buyers and sellers are adapting.

Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just curious about where things stand, here’s your no-fluff, crystal-clear market update for September 2025—straight from two REALTORS® who live and breathe this stuff (hi, that’s us 👋).


🏡 What’s the Vibe Right Now in Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate?

The TL;DR? We’re in a balanced market, with more listings than this time last year and buyers being a bit more selective.

That means:

  • Homes aren’t flying off the market in 24 hours anymore (and honestly? That’s a good thing).

  • Buyers are asking more questions, doing their due diligence, and looking for value.

  • Sellers are having to get a bit more strategic—no more pricing sky-high and hoping for a bidding war.

It’s not slow. It’s just… smarter.
And in our world, smart = opportunity.


🔥 Market Snapshot: September 2025

Here’s what we’re seeing across Waterloo Region right now:

  • Average Days on Market: 18–28 (depending on price point and location)

  • Average Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 97.5%

  • Inventory: Up slightly from August, with more detached homes and townhouses hitting the market

  • Buyer Demand: Still strong, especially under $850K and in family-friendly neighbourhoods

  • Interest Rates: Holding steady (for now), with some whispers of cuts on the horizon

💡 Translation: Buyers are active, but they’re not in a rush. Sellers need to prep, price, and present like pros to stand out.


🏘️ Which Neighbourhoods Are Still Hot?

Here’s where we’re seeing a lot of movement this fall:

1. Doon South (Kitchener)

Great for families, commuters, and people who love trails. Detached homes are moving quickly if priced right.

2. Uptown Waterloo

Condos and semis are picking up steam again, especially with younger buyers and downsizers.

3. Eastbridge (Waterloo)

Still one of the most in-demand neighbourhoods in the region. Excellent schools, walkability, and parks = quick sales.

4. Hespeler (Cambridge)

An underrated gem right now—lots of value for buyers, and inventory is getting snapped up under $900K.


🤔 Should You Sell This Fall or Wait Until Spring?

We get this question a LOT. Here’s the deal:

Sell This Fall If:

  • You’re already planning a move and want to beat the spring competition

  • You have a family-friendly home under $1M (tons of buyer interest!)

  • You want to take advantage of motivated fall buyers looking to close before year-end

Consider Waiting If:

  • Your property needs major updates and you’re not ready to list

  • You’re only casually thinking about moving and don’t want to rush the prep process

  • Your ideal next home isn’t on the market yet (let us help you monitor!)

We’re not here to pressure you—we’re here to guide you based on your real goals and real timelines.


💰 What About Buyers—Is Now a Good Time to Jump In?

Short answer: YES.

Longer answer: If you’re financially ready, fall 2025 offers a rare window of opportunity:

  • More choice (inventory is higher than earlier this year)

  • Less competition (fewer bidding wars)

  • More leverage (conditions are back on the table—hallelujah)

And if rates drop in early 2026? You can refinance. But locking in a home now, before prices rise again, could be your smartest move.

Not sure how to time it? Charlotte can help you run the numbers with today’s rates and your budget—no pressure, just clarity.


🛠️ Smart Moves for Fall Sellers & Buyers

Whether you’re listing, buying, or just browsing, here’s what we recommend:

For Sellers:

  • Stage your home for cozy fall vibes 🍂

  • Price strategically—based on recent sales, not wishful thinking

  • Invest in professional photos + video (and yes, we include that for you)

  • Make showings easy—buyers are busy!

For Buyers:

  • Get pre-approved before you fall in love with a home

  • Be ready to act when the right property pops up

  • Don’t ghost your REALTOR® (it hurts our feelings 😂)

  • Bring your A-game, but don’t be afraid to negotiate


💬 Final Thoughts: This Market Rewards the Prepared

In a market like this, it’s not about being first—it’s about being ready.
Ready to move when the timing is right.
Ready to present your home like a pro.
Ready to take action on a great deal.

And ready to have a REALTOR® in your corner who actually gives a 💩 about your goals.


📲 Let’s Talk Strategy—No Pressure, Just Straight Talk.

Buying? Selling? Still figuring it out over coffee and spreadsheets?

Call or text us anytime—we’re here to help you move smarter, not just faster.

📞 Charlotte: 519-575-1804

We’ll help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.

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Can You Get a Mortgage If You're Self-Employed?

(Yes—Here's How)

If you’re self-employed, run your own biz, or freelance like a boss—first of all, hats off to you. 👏

Second of all, YES, you can absolutely get a mortgage.

But... it might look a little different than it does for someone with a traditional 9-to-5. That doesn’t mean it’s harder (okay, maybe a bit), but it does mean you’ll want a mortgage pro who knows the ins and outs of self-employed lending.

Let’s break it down, shall we?


🧾 Why is it different for self-employed borrowers?

Lenders just want to make sure you can afford the mortgage—plain and simple.

The catch? When you're self-employed, your income isn't always consistent, and it might not show up as clearly on paper (especially if you write off expenses—shoutout to good accountants everywhere 🧮).

So instead of just checking a few pay stubs, lenders might look at:

  • Your last 2 years of tax returns

  • Business financials or incorporation docs

  • Proof of income (invoices, contracts, etc.)

  • Your credit score and existing debts


✅ What do you need to qualify?

Here’s what will help strengthen your mortgage application:

1. Two years of tax returns

Showing stable or growing income helps. Some lenders will average the two years, while others may consider your most recent year if it’s higher.

2. Strong credit score

You don’t need to be perfect—but a score of 680+ gives you more options.

3. Lower debt ratios

If you carry a lot of debt (think car loans, lines of credit), that can affect your max affordability. Let’s do the math together!

4. Larger down payment (optional)

Some self-employed clients choose to put down 10–20% to strengthen their file and reduce insurance costs.


🧠 What if your income isn’t “traditional”?

Good news: Some lenders offer stated income programs for self-employed borrowers. That means they accept reasonable, provable income even if your taxes show something different.

You’ll usually need:

  • Good credit

  • 10%+ down payment

  • Proof that your business is legit and operating (website, invoices, business license, etc.)


📝 Charlotte’s quick checklist for self-employed mortgages:

  • 2 years of personal tax returns

  • 2 years of NOAs (Notice of Assessment)

  • Business license or articles of incorporation

  • Invoices, contracts, or statements of business activity

  • Personal credit report

  • Budget for closing costs + down payment

🎯 Final thought: You can be your own boss and own your home

Just because your income doesn’t come with a T4 doesn’t mean you can’t qualify. You just need someone who knows how to tell your financial story the right way (👋 hi, that’s me!).

Whether you’re a full-time entrepreneur, a part-time side hustler, or somewhere in between—I’ll help you prep, plan, and feel confident every step of the way.


👉 Thinking about your next move? Let’s chat mortgages + MLS® today.


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Should You Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting?

Should You Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting?

You’re scrolling MLS® listings, saving dream kitchens and front porches to your “someday” folder… but wait—should you talk to a mortgage person first?

Yep. And I promise I’m not just saying that because I am one. 😄

Getting pre-approved isn’t just a formality—it’s your best friend when you're house hunting. Here’s why it matters and what to expect when you do it.


🏡 What does “pre-approved” actually mean?

A mortgage pre-approval is a written estimate from a lender (or mortgage agent like yours truly 💁‍♀️) that outlines how much you could borrow based on your financial situation.

It’s not a final commitment, but it shows:

  • The maximum purchase price you can afford

  • The estimated monthly payments

  • Your interest rate, often locked in for 90–120 days

🔗 tinyurl.com/CharlotteFergusonMortgages


💡 Why get pre-approved before you shop?

Think of it like grocery shopping with a budget—you make smarter choices, faster, and avoid awkward surprises at the checkout.

Benefits of pre-approval:

  • Know your price range (goodbye heartbreak over homes you can’t afford 💔)

  • Be taken seriously by REALTORS® and sellers

  • Lock in a rate while you shop (rates change, people!)

  • Spot red flags early (like credit issues or missing documents)


🧾 What do I need to get pre-approved?

It's easier than you think. Most lenders (and I) will ask for:

  • Government ID

  • Proof of income (pay stubs or self-employed docs)

  • Employment details

  • Recent bank statements

  • Info on debts (credit cards, car loans, etc.)

🔗 tinyurl.com/CharlotteFergusonMortgages


👀 Does pre-approval guarantee I’ll get the mortgage?

Not quite. It’s a strong starting point, but the lender still has to:

  • Review your chosen property

  • Confirm your income and documents

  • Do a full credit check at application

That’s why working with a mortgage agent matters—we help keep your file strong all the way through.


⏱️ When should I get pre-approved?

As soon as you’re thinking about buying. You don’t have to be “ready-ready.” In fact, a pre-approval can help you get ready by showing you what to focus on—whether that’s saving more, paying down debt, or tweaking your timeline.


👉 Thinking about your next move? Let’s chat mortgages + MLS® today.

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