Question 1

Fixed vs variable: which is better right now?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your risk tolerance, how long you expect to keep the mortgage, and how sensitive your budget is to payment changes. I’ll compare scenarios so you understand the trade-offs—payment stability, flexibility, penalties, and what happens if rates move.

Question 2

How much should I put down—and how much cash should I keep?

Accepted Answer

Putting more down can reduce your mortgage, but it can also leave you tight on cash after closing. I help you balance down payment, closing costs, emergency reserves, and near-term plans (renovations, family changes, business needs) so you’re not house-rich and cash-poor.

Question 3

Can rental income or a secondary suite help me qualify?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but it depends on whether the suite is legal/registered, what rent is supportable, and how the specific lender or insurer treats rental income. I’ll confirm what can be used and structure the application accordingly.

Question 4

What changes can hurt my approval after I’ve started shopping?

Accepted Answer

Small changes can create big underwriting questions—new car payments, job changes, higher credit balances, moving money between accounts, or large unexplained deposits. Once you’re actively shopping, the goal is to keep your financial profile “boring” until closing.

Question 5

What happens between approval and possession?

Accepted Answer

Approval is not the finish line. There are conditions to satisfy, documents to provide, and property details to confirm (appraisal, condo docs, taxes, suite status, and more). I manage the timeline and coordinate with the lender and your other professionals so you’re set up for a smooth closing.

Mortgages by Arch

Mortgages
by Arch

Vancouver

Specialized Mortgage Strategies Across Vancouver Communities

First-Time Buyers & YVR Condos

Move-Up Buyers & Single-Family Homes

Refinancing & High-Equity Portfolios

Laneway Homes & Multiplex Development

Frequently asked questions

Fixed vs variable: which is better right now?

How much should I put down—and how much cash should I keep?

Can rental income or a secondary suite help me qualify?

What changes can hurt my approval after I’ve started shopping?

What happens between approval and possession?