Welcome to the October edition of our monthly blog — where mortgages meet real life.
Pumpkin spice season is officially here, and whether you’re a devoted PSL fan or just rolling your eyes at the hype, you can’t deny it: it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Starbucks alone sells around 20 million pumpkin spice lattes every year, and that cozy fall flavour is now a billion-dollar industry all on its own. Honestly, if there were a PSL mortgage, we’d be selling it.
So whether you’re sipping one while house hunting, shopping for a new appliance, or just enjoying the changing leaves — know you’re in good company.
But let’s get serious for a second.
🏡 Buying Your First Home? Here’s How to Keep It Low-Stress
No matter your age or background, buying your first home is a big deal. It comes with a mix of excitement, stress, and a whole lot of decisions. The good news? With a little planning, the process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are our top tips to keep your stress levels in check and avoid common hiccups:
- Set Time Limits
House hunting can become a full-time job if you let it. Limit how much time you spend each day scrolling through listings or social media. Information overload can cloud your judgment.
- Build a Rockstar Team
You’ll need:
- A knowledgeable mortgage broker (hi 👋)
- A real estate agent you trust
- A lawyer to handle contracts and closing
- A home inspector to help you avoid costly surprises
Take your time finding people who fit your style — and ask for referrals.
- Get Pre-Qualified & Pre-Approved
Use a mortgage calculator or mobile app to estimate your budget, then talk to a broker (that’s us!) to get pre-approved. This gives you a realistic look at what you can afford — and shows sellers you’re serious.
- Create (and Stick to) a Budget
Beyond your down payment and mortgage, don’t forget:
- Home inspection costs
- Legal and closing fees
- Moving expenses
- Utility setup and deposits
And please — no big purchases right before closing!
- Spend Time in Neighbourhoods
Before committing to an area, spend some time there. Walk the streets, visit local coffee shops, note traffic patterns, and check out nearby schools or parks. You’ll learn a lot just by being there.
- Adjust Your Expectations
Perfection doesn’t exist. Be clear on your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves,” and be prepared to compromise.
- Monotask (Seriously)
Buying a home is a lot. Avoid burnout by focusing on one task at a time. Don’t try to declutter, pick a house, hire a mover, and compare interest rates all in one afternoon.
- Use a Daily Affirmation
Try something like:
- “I’m making smart financial decisions.”
- “I trust my real estate team.”
- “The right home is waiting for me.”
It might feel cheesy, but it works.
- Lean on Your Support System
Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out. Ask your mortgage broker questions (that’s what we’re here for). Vent to a friend. Go for a walk with someone who’s been through it. You’re not alone.
⚡ Saving Energy (and Money) in Your New or Existing Home
Did you know appliances and electronics can make up 23% of your electricity bill? The biggest culprits:
- Fridge: ~4% of your bill
- Washer/Dryer: ~3.5%
Here’s how to cut those costs without unplugging your life.
🔌 Option 1: Smarter Use of Existing Appliances
- Air dry clothes in warmer months
- Clean appliance parts like fridge coils and lint traps for better efficiency
- Turn off electronics (don’t just close the laptop!)
- Use smart power bars and dim screen brightness
🆕 Option 2: Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
Thinking of replacing old appliances? Now’s a great time. Energy Star-certified models can use 10–65% less energy depending on the product — and can boost resale value too. The ROI on appliance upgrades can be 60–80% when selling your home.
Look for the Energy Star logo — a blue or black box with a white star and “energy” in cursive — to ensure your appliance meets federal efficiency standards.
🏠 Bonus: Other Energy-Saving Improvements
If you’re ready to go bigger:
- Upgrade your HVAC system
- Install energy-efficient windows and doors
- Improve insulation
These upgrades often save more than appliance swaps, since heating typically makes up the largest portion of your energy bill.
💡 Did you get a CMHC-insured mortgage in the past 2 years?
If you’ve upgraded to energy-efficient appliances, you might be eligible for a partial refund (up to 25%) of your mortgage insurance premium through CMHC. Want help applying? Reach out and we’ll walk you through it.
🎃 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping pumpkin spice, prepping for a home purchase, or just trying to save on your power bill, we’ve got your back this season.
If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share them with a friend or family member who’s house-hunting or looking to improve their home.
Ready to take the next step toward homeownership or refinancing?
Contact us today — we’re here to help you every step of the way.