Advice from a Broker Who Cares
As a mortgage expert and advocate for smart homeownership, I’m here to provide you with the insights, tools, and guidance you need. Buying a home, investing in real estate, or refinancing your mortgage all come with important decisions, and this resource hub is packed with expert advice, real stories, and market updates to help you move forward with confidence.
I’m here to help you make the best financial decisions for your future.
Associate Mortgage Broker
License #3000601
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Don’t navigate construction financing alone. Our comprehensive guide walks you through.
Understanding construction loan types and how they work
The step-by-step loan process from pre-approval to completion
Budget planning with cost breakdowns
Timeline expectations for your construction project
Choosing between a mortgage broker and bank
Selecting the right builder and avoiding common pitfalls
Things to ask a mortgage broker
Unlike banks with one-size-fits-all programs, we offer customized mortgage solutions based on real experience. Helen combines financial expertise with hands-on construction and real estate investment experience, having flipped five properties herself. We fight persistently for approvals, structure applications creatively, and provide advice based on practical, in-the-field knowledge that comes from actively investing in properties and managing construction projects ourselves - not just reading about it in textbooks.
Yes, our primary specialty is construction loans for both individual homeowners and small builders. We also excel in purchase plus improvement mortgages over $40K, investment property financing, newcomer mortgages, and self-employed mortgage solutions. With our connections to multiple specialized lenders, we can often secure approvals that banks would deny.
It depends on your situation. If you already own your land, you may be able to start building with no additional down payment by using your land equity to fund the project. For turn-key construction, expect a down payment of around 5%. We'll explore all options to minimize your upfront costs.
The entire process typically takes 6-12 months: 3-6 months for pre-construction (land acquisition, permits, planning) and 6-12 months for construction itself. Our clients usually receive pre-approval within 24 hours, allowing you to start planning with confidence right away.
A construction loan provides funding in stages (draws) as your build progresses, with interest-only payments on disbursed amounts during construction. Once your home is complete and you receive an occupancy permit, the construction loan converts to a standard mortgage with regular principal and interest payments.
Absolutely. We work with specialized lenders who understand self-employed individuals and their unique income situations. We'll help structure your application to highlight your financial strengths and ensure lenders see the complete picture of your financial stability.
Yes, we have specific expertise helping newcomers navigate the Canadian mortgage system. As an immigrant herself, Helen understands the challenges you're facing. We offer bilingual services in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, and work with lenders who have programs designed for new Canadians.
Definitely. We specialize in Purchase Plus Improvements mortgages with no $40K cap like most lenders impose. Whether you're buying a fixer-upper or wanting to renovate your current home, we can help you access funding that covers both the purchase price and renovation costs in one mortgage.
For an initial consultation, we'll need information about your income, assets, debts, and credit history. For a formal pre-approval, you'll need to provide documentation including identification, proof of income (T4s, NOAs, pay stubs), proof of down payment, and details about the property or construction project. We'll guide you through exactly what's needed.
Construction loans typically involve 4 draws (though this can vary based on your project and lender). Each draw represents a stage of home completion—such as foundation, lock-up, drywall completion, and final completion. Funds are released after each stage is inspected and approved. We'll help you understand the draw schedule and plan your cash flow accordingly.
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, reach out today, I’m here to help with expert advice and personalized solutions!
Everything you need to get pre-approved quickly.
Simple explanations of key mortgage terms.
a Home
A breakdown of closing costs, fees, and expenses.
Know your options before signing your renewal.
See how much you can save by consolidating debt into your mortgage.
Strategies for building wealth through property.
What you need to know about financing commercial properties.
Estimate your rental income and expenses.
Tips to get approved as a business owner.
Steps to boost your score for better rates.
Stay organized before, during, and after your move.
We’ve Got You Covered!