Mortgages Explained - Latest Posts
Alex Lavender helps Nova Scotians get the best mortgage for your dream home. Whether you need a self employed mortgage or are looking to do construction with a mortgage plus improvements program, Alex can help. Or if you’re just looking for more information on mortgages checkout these blog posts for helpful tips. Alex is one of Halifax and Dartmouth's top rated mortgage brokers. Known for his kindness and flexibility he provides you with all the info you need to get the best rates!
Featured Article
Should You Renew Your Mortgage Early?
Mortgages in Canada are commonly issued on five-year fixed terms. ...
Getting to Know the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit: A Perk for First-Time Buyers in Canada
Stepping into your very first home is a moment full of excitement and a bit of nervous energy. To help ease the transition, the Canadian government offers the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC). While it’s often called a “drop in the bucket” compared to the total cost of a house in Halifax, it’s a one-off ...
GST/HST New Housing Rebate for First-Time Homebuyers in Canada
Buying or building a new construction home in Canada is a big milestone, but it often comes with an equally big tax bill. Fortunately, there’s a little-known rebate that could help put thousands of dollars back in your pocket: the GST/HST New Housing Rebate. If you’re wondering how much you can save, who qualifies, or ...
A Guide to Credit Scores for A Mortgage Approval
Navigating the world of mortgages can often feel like decoding a secret language, especially when it comes to understanding credit scores. If you’ve been wondering about the intricacies of credit scores and how they impact your mortgage approval, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive deep into the world of credit scores and how they ...
Nova Scotia First-Time Home Buyers: New 2% Down Payment Pilot
There’s positive news for first-time home buyers in Nova Scotia. The provincial government has announced a new First-Time Homebuyers Pilot Program that reduces the minimum down payment required to purchase a home to as low as 2%. For many buyers, saving a down payment has been the single biggest barrier to homeownership. This new pilot ...
10 Ways For How To Build Credit Score in Canada
If you want a better credit score to qualify for a mortgage and secure the lowest possible interest rate, you need to understand how lenders actually evaluate credit. As a mortgage broker in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I have helped hundreds of clients improve their credit scores, sometimes in just a few weeks, by focusing on ...
5 Critical Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Home in Halifax (2026)
Buying a home in Halifax is still a smart move, but the landscape in 2026 is different than it was just a few years ago. Rising interest rates, shifting demand, and changing lender rules mean buyers need to be more informed than ever. This guide will help you avoid the most common and costly mistakes. ...
Navigating Mortgage Portability in Canada: Pros and Cons
When it comes to mortgages, flexibility can be just as important as the interest rate or payment terms. One feature that offers flexibility for homeowners is mortgage portability. This option allows you to transfer your existing mortgage from one property to another, which can be a significant advantage if you’re considering moving before your mortgage ...
Deciding Between a Fixed or Variable Mortgage: What You Need to Know
Choosing between a fixed or variable mortgage is a very important decision you’ll need to make when buying a home. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your financial situation and goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between fixed ...
Reverse Mortgages in Canada: What You Need to Know Before You Decide
If you’re 55 or older and thinking about tapping into the equity in your home during retirement, you’ve likely come across the idea of a reverse mortgage. But how do reverse mortgages work in Canada? Are they a good idea, or a financial trap? This guide breaks it all down in plain language, using insights ...
What Does it Mean to Refinance a Mortgage?
Many Canadians wonder what it means to refinance a mortgage. Alex Lavender – Mortgage Broker will tell you exactly what a mortgage refinance means, the penalties involved, and the pros and cons. What is a Mortgage Refinance? A refinance is when you obtain a new mortgage for a higher amount to pay off your existing ...