Pre-Approval
Before you start seriously looking for a home, it helps to know exactly how much you qualify for and what you need to show for your down payment. Once you know your numbers, you can focus on homes in the right price range and avoid disappointment later.
You don’t want to be walking through $700,000 homes only to find out you’re approved for $500,000. That creates stress and anxiety you don’t need. A proper mortgage pre-approval helps make your home search exciting and enjoyable instead of stressful.
With a pre-approval, your rate can usually be held for up to 120–160 days. If rates go down during that time, you get the lower rate. If rates go up, you’re protected by the rate hold.
It’s important to know that a pre-approval is not a full guarantee of a mortgage. Lenders will still look at:
- Property qualification – if the appraisal comes in low, they may reduce the mortgage amount
- Condition of the home – it must make sense for the price
- Any major changes in your income, debt, or credit
How I can help
I’ll walk you through what lenders are really looking for, help you avoid surprises, and put you in the best position to get a full approval when you find the right home.
Next Steps:
Email me and include a call back number. audie@audiewynen.com
Don’t like email? No problem:
Call me at (519) 774-0982
Refinance
Life happens. Maybe debt has built up and the payments feel overwhelming. Maybe you’d like to finally renovate that kitchen or bathroom, finish the basement, or help with tuition or a major expense. A refinance can be a practical way to reset and move forward.
Refinancing means using the equity in your home to restructure your finances. That might be rolling high-interest debt into your mortgage at a lower rate, freeing up cash flow each month. It might be accessing funds for renovations that can improve your home’s value and your day-to-day life.
There are pros and cons to refinancing: you want to be sure the savings or benefits are greater than the costs, and that the new mortgage fits your long-term goals. This is where clear numbers and honest advice matter.
How I can help
I’ll review your current mortgage, your debts, and your goals. Then I’ll show you side-by-side scenarios: keep things as they are vs. refinance. We’ll look at monthly payments, total interest costs, and how quickly you can become debt-free, so you can decide with confidence.
Next Steps:
Email me and include a call back number. audie@audiewynen.com
Don’t like email? No problem:
Call me at (519) 774-0982
First Time Home Buyers
Buying your first home is a big step, and there are more options than many people realize. One common surprise for first-time buyers is that you may be able to use your RRSP toward your down payment through the Home Buyers’ Plan.
With this program, you can withdraw up to a certain amount from your RRSPs to help with your purchase. The key point: when it’s done properly, it’s not treated as taxable income. There’s a specific government form to complete and rules about how and when you must pay the money back over 15 years.
On top of that, there are minimum down payment rules, closing costs to plan for, and different ways to structure your mortgage (fixed vs. variable, term length, amortization). It can feel like a lot to keep track of.
How I can help
I’ll walk you through how to use your RRSPs correctly, help with the required forms, and build a plan to replenish those funds over time. We’ll also look at your budget, closing costs, and different mortgage options so you’re not guessing. The goal is simple: make buying your first home clear, manageable, and less stressful.
Next Steps:
Email me and include a call back number. audie@audiewynen.com
Don’t like email? No problem:
Call me at (519) 774-0982
Renewals
(and Why It Pays to Shop Around)
When your mortgage term is ending, your current lender will usually send a renewal offer in the mail or by email. Many people just sign it and send it back. It’s quick—but it may not be your best option.
A mortgage renewal is one of the easiest times to save money because you’re not buying or selling a home. You’re simply choosing what your next term will look like. Different lenders may offer different rates and features: prepayment options, portability, penalties, and more. Even a small difference in rate can add up to thousands of dollars over the term.
You are not required to stay with your current lender. Shopping around doesn’t mean more work for you—it just means you get to see what else is out there before you decide.
How I can help
I’ll compare your lender’s renewal offer with what’s available from other lenders. Then I’ll break down the numbers so you can see how much you could save over the next term and over the remaining life of your mortgage. We’ll also talk about strategies to pay off your mortgage faster, if that fits your situation.
Next Steps:
Email me and include a call back number. audie@audiewynen.com
Don’t like email? No problem:
Call me at (519) 774-0982
