Mortgages To Fit Your Life Plan

Professional advice for working professionals

So you can live your best life with a strategy to achieve your real estate and financial goals

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Achieve long term savings beyond just rate.

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Take advantage of opportunities to enhance your financial future with real estate investing.

Getting a mortgage on your own with a traditional bank can COST you!

Frustration

with paying more overall costs for your mortgage beyond rate

Overwhelmed

with spending excessive time researching for options

Struggle

with making the right decision without a mortgage professional whose interest is aligned with you

Miss out

on options and expertise that the banks do not offer

We believe you deserve

You deserve a mortgage that works for you.  Finding and financing your home is a huge investment in time and money.  For most, it is the biggest financial investment they’d ever make in their lifetime.

Therefore, your mortgage should fit into your overall financial strategy.  Unfortunately, the mortgage industry isn’t set up that way.  Most banks and mortgage providers are very transactional, and rate focused.  We want to provide you with much more to ensure you are empowered in the process, get clarity on where you are going and be confident that your mortgage fits into your overall financial life plan.


Let us be your strategic mortgage partners

Matthew Chan
CPA, CA
Mortgage Consultant
MEET THE TEAM

Matt still remembers clearly when he bought his first home.  At the time, he was still raising a very young family and just started his new mortgage career.  The prospect of buying his first home was overwhelming and downright terrifying.


Matt also remembered the feeling when he bought his first investment property.  There was a lot of anxiety he had no idea what it meant to be a landlord, whether or not it was the right decision and time to buy and even if it was affordable.


Because of this experience and his love of real estate, Matt is dedicated to supporting others to achieve their dream of home ownership.  Whether you are buying your first home or aspire to build a real estate empire, Matt is committed to providing a sound strategy to achieve your goals.


After starting his career as a professional accountant and achieving his CPA (CA) designation in Vancouver, Matthew moved to Toronto to pursue an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto.  In 2004, Matthew moved back to Vancouver to raise his family and start his mortgage career.


Since starting his career, Matthew has served as a board member for the Canadian Mortgage Broker Association of BC and achieved Elite Hall of Fame status with Dominion Lending Centres. Matthew is also an avid Real Estate Investor and loves to share his knowledge and passion of real estate investing with others.


With his professional qualifications, educational background, industry experience as both a mortgage professional and as a real estate investor, Matthew has the skillset to advise you on your mortgage and real estate goals. 


When not in his office, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, training Gracie Jiu Jitsu and pursuing personal and professional development.

Here are some nice things clients say about working with us

Let us help you find a mortgage that best fits your life plan   
Budget
Proposal

We review both the costs to complete and the regular recurring costs of home ownership with you so you feel secure and confident to move forward every step of the way.

Mortgage
Options

We listen to you and provide advice and financial education.  With access to multiple lenders and products, we can review and present options that fit with your plan.

Support You Throughout the Process

We keep you regularly updated from the start to completion.  Once you complete, we continue with regular updates to ensure we are still moving towards your goals.

We'll guide you to a solution with these 3 simple steps

Schedule A

Discovery Call

We get to know each other a bit better and learn more about what your short term and long term real estate and financial goals are. We get a high level view of what your options could look like. 

Build a Custom Mortgage Proposal and Review Strategy with You

After we review your application in more depth, we propose options and help you evaluate the pros and cons of each, You get more clarity on your strategy for your long term goals.


We Implement

The Plan

With more insight, you choose the option that best fits your life. We handle the rest. You feel confident and empowered knowing you made a great decision.

Download My Mortgage Toolbox using my personal install buttons below so you can get exclusive access to all premium features.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH MY APP:

 

  • Calculate your total cost of owning a home
  • Estimate the minimum down payment you need
  • Calculate Land transfer taxes and the available rebates
  • Calculate the maximum loan you can borrow
  • Stress test your mortgage
  • Estimate your Closing costs
  • Compare your options side by side
  • Search for the best mortgage rates
  • Email Summary reports (PDF)
  • Use my app in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese

 

ARTICLES

Is Alternative Lending the Right Choice for Your Mortgage Needs?

By Matthew Chan • May 27, 2026
Alternative Lending in Canada: What It Is and When It Makes Sense Not everyone fits into the traditional lending box—and that’s where alternative mortgage lenders come in. Alternative lending refers to any mortgage solution that falls outside of the typical big bank offerings. These lenders are flexible, creative, and focused on helping Canadians who may not qualify for traditional financing still access the real estate market. Let’s explore when alternative lending might be the right fit for you. 1. You Have Damaged Credit Bad credit doesn’t have to mean your homeownership dreams are over. Many alternative lenders take a big-picture approach . While credit scores matter, they’ll also look at: Stable employment Consistent income Size of your down payment or existing equity If your credit has taken a hit but you can demonstrate strong income and savings—or have a solid explanation for past credit issues— an alternative lender may approve your mortgage when a bank won’t. Pro tip: Use an alternative mortgage as a short-term solution while you rebuild your credit, then refinance into a traditional mortgage with better terms down the line. 2. You're Self-Employed Being your own boss has its perks—but mortgage approval isn’t usually one of them. Traditional lenders require verifiable, consistent income—often two years’ worth. But self-employed Canadians typically write off significant expenses, reducing their declared income. Alternative lenders are more flexible and understanding of self-employed income structures. If your business is profitable and your personal finances are healthy, you may qualify even with lower stated income. Even if interest rates are slightly higher, this option is often worth it—especially when balanced against tax planning and business deductions . 3. You Earn Non-Traditional Income Today’s income sources aren’t always conventional. If you earn through: Airbnb rentals Tips and gratuities Rideshare or delivery apps (like Uber or Uber Eats) Commissions or contracts You might face challenges with traditional lenders. Alternative lenders are often more willing to work with these non-standard income streams , especially if the rest of your mortgage application is strong. Some will consider a shorter income history or evaluate your average earnings in a more flexible way. 4. You Need Expanded Debt-Service Ratios Canada’s mortgage stress test has made it harder for many borrowers to qualify with big banks. Alternative lenders can offer more generous debt-service ratio limits —meaning you might be able to qualify for a larger mortgage or a more suitable home, especially in competitive markets. While traditional GDS/TDS limits typically sit at 35/42 or 39/44 (depending on your credit), some alternative lenders will go higher, especially if: You have a larger down payment Your loan-to-value ratio is lower Your overall financial profile is strong It’s not a free-for-all—but it’s more flexible than bank lending. So, Is Alternative Lending Right for You? Alternative lending is designed to offer solutions when life doesn’t fit the traditional mold . Whether you're rebuilding credit, running your own business, or earning income in new ways, this path could help you get into a home sooner—or keep your current one. And here’s the key: You can only access alternative lenders through the mortgage broker channel . Let’s Explore Your Options Not sure where you fit? That’s okay. Every mortgage story is unique—and I’m here to help you write yours. If you’re curious about alternative mortgage products, want a second opinion, or need help getting approved, let’s talk . I’d be happy to help you explore the best solution for your situation. Reach out anytime. It would be a pleasure to work with you.

Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Matthew Chan • May 20, 2026
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.

Getting a Mortgage Shouldn’t Be Stressful—We Can Help

By Matthew Chan • May 13, 2026
Buying a Home? Follow These 6 Key Steps for a Smooth Experience Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how mortgage financing works. To help make the process smoother (and far less stressful), here are six essential steps every homebuyer should follow: 1. Start With a Mortgage Professional—Not MLS It’s tempting to start your home search by scrolling through listings and booking showings—but the real first step should be speaking with an independent mortgage professional . Unlike a bank that offers only one set of products, an independent mortgage expert has access to multiple lenders and options . That means better advice, better rates, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs. 2. Build a Personalized Mortgage Plan Unless you’re buying your home with cash, you’ll need a solid financing strategy. That means: Reviewing your credit score Running affordability calculations Exploring different mortgage types, terms, and features Understanding down payments and closing costs The sooner you start planning, the more confident you’ll feel. Don’t wait until you’ve found the “perfect” property— get ahead of the process now . 3. Figure Out What You Can Actually Afford What a lender says you can borrow doesn’t always match what you can comfortably pay each month. Take a close look at your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits. Think about how your mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other costs will fit into your everyday cash flow. Avoid the stress of being house-poor by knowing your real-life affordability , not just your paper pre-approval. 4. Get Pre-Approved the Right Way A true mortgage pre-approval isn’t just entering numbers into an online calculator. It means: Completing a mortgage application Submitting all your required documentation Having a mortgage professional fully assess your file When you’re officially pre-approved, you’ll shop for homes with confidence , knowing what you qualify for and that you’re financially ready. 5. Submit Your Documents Promptly and Stay Flexible Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, time is of the essence. That’s when all the upfront work you’ve done really pays off. Be ready to: Provide additional documentation if requested Respond to your mortgage professional quickly Stay flexible and proactive throughout the approval process Your lender needs to verify everything before finalizing the loan, so staying organized is key. 6. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing Once you’ve secured financing and waived your conditions, freeze your finances until after you get the keys. Seriously—don’t: Change jobs Apply for new credit Take out a loan Make a large withdrawal Even small changes can throw off your approval. Keep everything status quo until you officially take possession. Recap: 6 Steps to a Smooth Home Purchase Connect with an independent mortgage professional Create a mortgage plan early Know what you can afford (not just what you qualify for) Get fully pre-approved Stay on top of documentation Avoid major financial changes before possession Ready to Buy with Confidence? If you’re thinking about buying a home—or just want to know what’s possible—let’s talk. I’ll help you map out a personalized plan that makes your homebuying journey feel simple, strategic, and stress-free. Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you get started.

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