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Your 2026 Mortgage Game Plan Starts in January — Here’s Why
How to Set the Right Mortgage Strategy at the Start of 2026 January isn’t just a fresh start for personal goals — it’s one of the most strategic moments of the year to review your mortgage. While many Canadians wait until spring to think about buying, renewing, or refinancing, the homeowners who plan early often secure better rates, stronger terms, and more financial flexibility throughout the year. If 2026 is on your radar for a renewal, refinance, or home purchase, the smar

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
5 days ago2 min read


Why 2026 Might Be the Year of Rising Rates & What That Means for Your Mortgage
How to Prepare for a Possible Shift in Interest Rates Heading Into 2026 After a year of gradual easing, whispers across Canada’s financial sector suggest that the rate-cut cycle may be coming to an end . Many economists now expect interest rates to stabilize — and potentially rise again — as early as mid-2026. For homeowners, this means it’s time to start planning ahead. Why Rates Could Rise Again in 2026 Recent forecasts from Canada’s major banks and financial analysts point

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jan 62 min read


Bank of Canada Holds Key Interest Rate - Dec 10, 2025
This morning, the Bank of Canada announced that they will be holding the key interest rate. The prime rate remains at 4.45%. As a result, there are no payment changes for variable-rate mortgage holders. Major economies around the world are still doing fairly well, even with the U.S. putting up more trade barriers. Still, there’s a lot of uncertainty. In the United States, the economy is growing because people are spending a lot and companies are investing heavily in artific

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Dec 10, 20252 min read


Beyond Rate Cuts – What the Lower Interest Rate Environment Means for First-Time Buyers in Canada
How First-Time Buyers Can Benefit from Lower Interest Rates in Late 2025 With the Bank of Canada cutting its key rate to 2.25% on October 29, 2025 , Canadians are entering a new phase of the housing market — one where borrowing costs are easing after years of steady increases. For first-time homebuyers, this shift could finally open the door to homeownership — but only if you know how to make the most of it. Why Lower Rates Matter for First-Time Buyers Interest rates directly

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Dec 10, 20252 min read


Riding the Renewals Wave: Why Late 2025 Is Critical for Mortgage-Renewing Homeowners
How to Navigate Canada’s Mortgage Renewal Wave in Late 2025 If your mortgage is coming up for renewal soon, you’re not alone. Canada is entering what experts are calling a renewal wave . It’s a period where a record number of homeowners will face new mortgage terms and interest rates. According to Reuters , millions of Canadians are approaching renewal in the next year, making late 2025 one of the most pivotal moments for borrowers in over a decade. Why This Renewal Season Ma

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Mortgage Fraud in Canada: What Homebuyers Need to Watch Out For
How to Protect Yourself from Mortgage Fraud Mortgage fraud might not make headlines every day, but it remains one of the most serious risks facing Canadian homebuyers. While Equifax Canada’s Q3 report shows that overall mortgage fraud is down , cases of financial misrepresentation—such as falsified income, bank statements, or employment letters—are still rampant (source: Canadian Mortgage Trends). As the housing market softens and lenders tighten verification, now is the tim

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Oct 31, 20252 min read


Bank of Canada reduces key interest rate - Oct 29, 2025
This morning, the Bank of Canada announced a decrease in its key interest rate by 0.25%. The prime rate has decreased from 4.70% to 4.45%. As a result, variable-rate mortgage holders will see a decrease of approximately $15.34 per month for every $100,000 of mortgage. Now that the effects of U.S. trade actions are clearer, the Bank released new forecasts for the world and Canadian economies in its Monetary Policy Report (MPR), though uncertainty about U.S. trade policy still

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Oct 29, 20252 min read


What the BoC’s October Rate Decision Could Mean for Your Mortgage
How to Prepare for the Bank of Canada’s October 29, 2025 Rate Announcement The next Bank of Canada (BoC) interest rate announcement is set for October 29, 2025 , and all eyes are on what comes next. With trade tensions simmering, economic growth slowing, and inflation trends in flux, this decision could shape how Canadians borrow, renew, or refinance their mortgages through the end of the year. Why This Decision Matters for Canadian Homeowners Markets are already pricing in a

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Oct 16, 20252 min read


Surviving Mortgage Renewal Shock: What Borrowers Need to Know in Late 2025
How to Prepare for Mortgage Renewal Shock in Canada If your mortgage is coming up for renewal soon, you may have heard about “payment...
Arise Mortgage
Sep 27, 20252 min read


Bank of Canada reduces key interest rate - Sep 17, 2025
This morning, the Bank of Canada announced a decrease in its key interest rate by 0.25%. The prime rate has decreased from 4.95% to...
Arise Mortgage
Sep 17, 20252 min read


The Smith Maneuver: How Canadians Can Turn Their Mortgage Into a Wealth-Building Tool
If you own a home in Canada, you might be sitting on a wealth-building opportunity without realizing it. One powerful (and often...
Arise Mortgage
Sep 3, 20253 min read


What $1 Million Buys You in Vancouver’s Evolving Housing Market
The Vancouver real estate market has been one of Canada’s most talked-about housing stories for years. In August 2025, we’re seeing a...
Arise Mortgage
Aug 15, 20252 min read


Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate - Jul 30, 2025
This morning, the Bank of Canada announced that it is holding its key interest rate. The prime rate remains at 4.95%. As a result, there...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jul 30, 20253 min read


Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification in Canada
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know in 2025 One of the most confusing parts of buying a home in...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jul 24, 20251 min read


First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
How to Avoid Costly Mistakes as a First-Time Home Buyer in Canada (2025 Guide) Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jul 10, 20251 min read


How Much Mortgage Can I Afford in 2025? Budgeting Beyond the Stress Test
Mortgage Affordability in 2025: How Much Can You Really Afford in Canada? Thinking of buying a home this year? One of the most important...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jun 27, 20252 min read


Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage: What’s the Right Choice?
Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage in 2025: What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know If you're thinking of buying a home or renewing your mortgage,...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jun 17, 20252 min read


Bank of Canada Holds Key interest Rate
This morning, the Bank of Canada announced that it is holding its key interest rate steady. The prime rate remains at 4.95%. As a result,...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
Jun 4, 20253 min read


How Your Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Approval and Interest Rates
When you're applying for a mortgage, one of the most critical factors lenders consider is your credit score . This three-digit number can...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
May 30, 20253 min read


Know Your Credit Score: Unlock Better Mortgage Rates Today
When you're planning to buy a home, one of the most important numbers you need to pay attention to is your credit score. This three-digit...

John Lee - Arise Mortgage
May 23, 20252 min read
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