Lora Behm

Financial Advice from a Mom - Got a Raise? Here’s One Way to Put It to Work Here’s a little financial advice from a mom. If you recently received a raise at work and you were already comfortable living on your previous paycheque, don't increase your spending, consider...

Can You Lock a Variable Mortgage Into a Fixed Rate? If you have a variable-rate mortgage, you might be wondering: Can I lock into a fixed rate during my mortgage term? Absolutely. But there are a few things you should understand before deciding to make the switch. The...

Want to Renovate? Your Mortgage May Be Able to Help A lot of people know that when you’re buying a new home, there are mortgage programs that allow you to borrow additional funds to complete renovations after you move in. I love that option, especially when you find a...

What Does It Take to Purchase a $700,000 Home? Wondering what it takes to purchase a $700,000 home in today’s market? Let’s break down an example of what the numbers could look like when purchasing with the minimum down payment. For a $700,000 purchase price,...

Did You Know You Can Get Cash Back on Your Mortgage? Most people know about cash back credit cards, but did you know you can get cash back on your mortgage too? It’s an option that many homebuyers don’t realize exists. Some mortgage programs offer cash back when your...

Mortgage Myth: Breaking Your Mortgage Always Costs Three Months’ Interest A lot of people assume that if you break your mortgage early, the penalty will automatically be three months’ interest. That’s not always the case. The penalty can depend on the type of mortgage...

Could Your Cell Phone Bill Affect Your Mortgage Approval? Your cell phone bill could be affecting your mortgage approval… and many people don’t even realize it. When lenders review your mortgage application, they don’t just look at things like credit cards, car loans,...

Hate Budgeting? The Envelope System Might Be Worth a Try I’ll be honest… I hate budgets. I’ve never found them easy to stick to, especially when they involve writing down and tracking every single place you spend your money. An easier method I like is the Envelope...

First-Time Home Buyer? Here’s where I would start saving Are you a first-time home buyer wondering where you should start saving for your down payment? My first recommendation is usually a First Home Savings Account (FHSA). You can save up to $8,000 per year. Your...