Durham Region Mortgage Blog

Real mortgage solutions, not just rates.

Category: Financial and Mortgage Advice (73 posts)

Building Your Credit Score

Building Your Credit Score

April 6, 2023 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Building your credit score is essential for achieving financial success. It allows for opportunities to borrow money at lower interest rates and additionally qualify for larger loans. These are a few ... [read more]

Tips to Lower Household Expenses

Tips to Lower Household Expenses

March 17, 2023 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Oh, the dreaded payments of household expenses. These bills are necessary for everyday functioning within your home, yet always seem to add up so fast. There is no way to completely eliminate these ex ... [read more]

Sugar & Spice & Mortgage Advice - March Shut the Front Door contest

Sugar & Spice & Mortgage Advice - March Shut the Front Door contest

February 28, 2023 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Whether you are purchasing, renewing, and refinancing, I am happy to review your situation and give guidance on what may be best for your situation. There is no crystal ball, but the belief is that we ... [read more]

How to Pay Down Debt Faster

How to Pay Down Debt Faster

February 24, 2023 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

It can feel overwhelming to pay down large amounts of debt. However, with some planning, budgeting can be easy and attainable. These are a few tips to pay off debt faster: Tip 1: Develop a budget&n ... [read more]

How to Spend Less Money in 2023

How to Spend Less Money in 2023

January 2, 2023 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

For the new year, spending less money is one area that most of us will want to focus on. With how prices are skyrocketing, it may seem impossible to save. However, following the proper steps can help ... [read more]

Budgeting Planners You Should be Using in 2023

Budgeting Planners You Should be Using in 2023

December 19, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Are you ready for 2023? The exciting beginning of a new year brings the opportunity to create new goals and plans. Yet a new year also should include coming back to your budget. We should all be adjus ... [read more]

How Are You Creating Your 2023 Year Goals?

How Are You Creating Your 2023 Year Goals?

December 13, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Have you begun thinking about your goals for 2023? Creating these goals closer to the new year is common by simply writing them down and making a checklist. Yet by putting in such effort as this, you ... [read more]

How to Get a Month Ahead of Your Bills

How to Get a Month Ahead of Your Bills

December 1, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Costs are going up today in all areas of life. This includes housing, food, and necessities. Many are worried about how they can cope with such drastic increases in living. One of the best ways to man ... [read more]

Property Tax: What You Should Know

Property Tax: What You Should Know

November 17, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

As a homeowner, paying your property taxes is just one of the many responsibilities involved. Paying these taxes is a task which you need to come back to each year. Have you ever wondered what exactly ... [read more]

Personal Finance Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

Personal Finance Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

November 9, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

There are so many financial hacks which you may currently be incorporating into your day to day life. Yet there are always new hacks and tricks, which you may not know about. Consider some fantastic h ... [read more]

Nov Shut The Front Door giveaway!

Nov Shut The Front Door giveaway!

October 31, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

A debate I am being asked often is should you refinance when your current 1st mortgage is at an untouchable good rate. Instead of paying a penalty and losing a potential great rate, lots of lenders ... [read more]

How to Help Your Parents Before Their Retirement

How to Help Your Parents Before Their Retirement

October 27, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

While there is a tremendous amount of focus on ourselves when preparing for our retirement, you should also keep your parents in mind. Although finances are a personal aspect of everyone’s life, ... [read more]

5 Questions to Ask Before Taking on Debt

5 Questions to Ask Before Taking on Debt

September 29, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Debt is a financial aspect that most of us encounter in our life. Although it cannot always be avoided, you can limit how much you take on. Consider five questions to ask yourself before you decide to ... [read more]

Setting SMART Financial Goals

Setting SMART Financial Goals

September 8, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Having financial goals in place is good. However, setting smart goals can take your goals a step further. Within this blog, we will discuss what smart goals are, what type of smart goals you can set, ... [read more]

Financial Planning in September

Financial Planning in September

September 1, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

For many of us, September can feel like a 2nd new year with children returning to school and the season starting fresh. With new beginnings, it can be good to re-evaluate and create unique plans for y ... [read more]

6 Ways to Say No to Overspending

6 Ways to Say No to Overspending

August 25, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Spending money is a fundamental aspect of everyday life. Yet if you find it difficult to say no to unnecessary expenditures, you may have difficulty balancing your finances. Examining ways to say no t ... [read more]

How to Fix a Failing Budget

How to Fix a Failing Budget

August 19, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

There are many reasons why having a budget is vital in our financial life. Yet sometimes, these budgets, unfortunately, do not work out as successfully as we thought they would. They can even fail. Al ... [read more]

Investing Dos and Don'ts

Investing Dos and Don'ts

August 11, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Whether or not you are new to investing, you should be aware of some essential things to do and avoid. Consider a couple dos and don'ts when investing. Do: Educate Yourself on Investments before Inve ... [read more]

How to Avoid Financial Scams

How to Avoid Financial Scams

July 28, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

In our day-to-day life, scam occurrences have drastically increased. Sometimes you may not even be able to get through the day without a scammer constantly calling your phone. Although some scams ... [read more]

Easy Ways to Simplify Your Finances

Easy Ways to Simplify Your Finances

July 21, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

With how inflated prices are right now, it can be difficult to have balance with your finances. Dealing with financial aspects of life can certainly become stressful. Although it seems like there is n ... [read more]

Financial Goals You Should Set

Financial Goals You Should Set

June 1, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Most people want a stable financial life. To be able to have a stable financial life, it is essential to create goals to work towards. Sometimes creating financial goals can be tricky, especially if y ... [read more]

Your Personal Finance Resource List

Your Personal Finance Resource List

May 24, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Knowing how to manage your finances is an important life skill. Much of our financial knowledge will come from experience, yet there are many resources that can help improve your financial management ... [read more]

How to Keep Your Bank Accounts Protected

How to Keep Your Bank Accounts Protected

May 12, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

With how digitized everyday life is, banking has never been easier. Yet it also raises more alarm to fraud. Many scammers can and will break into your bank accounts if you are not careful. There are m ... [read more]

Credit Score: Habits to Incorporate in Your Life

Credit Score: Habits to Incorporate in Your Life

May 4, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

During our economy right now, everything in price has increased. This includes major financial purchases, such as houses and mortgages. As a result, the process has become more challenging for everyon ... [read more]

What is Your Net Worth?

What is Your Net Worth?

April 21, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Many Canadians today do not know what their net worth is. This could be from not staying up to date with their assets and liabilities, or it could even be from not knowing how to calculate your net wo ... [read more]

Tax Reminders 2022

Tax Reminders 2022

April 14, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Have you submitted your taxes yet? If not, then you may either be completing them or rushing to get them started. Either way, consider some of the following reminders, which can be helpful as you fini ... [read more]

Why do we Spend Money?

Why do we Spend Money?

March 24, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Money is a fundamental aspect of life, which allows us to buy food, a home, and everyday necessities. Yet there are other things outside of our essentials which we are prone to buy. Many people wonder ... [read more]

How Soon After Purchasing Can I Refinance

How Soon After Purchasing Can I Refinance

March 10, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

This is a common question that many homebuyers ask themselves. With the hot housing market right now, some who have just purchased may want to refinance as soon as possible. The following points will ... [read more]

Top Money Saving Apps in 2022

Top Money Saving Apps in 2022

February 24, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

As we are in a new year, you may be planning to create a saving plan. If so, you may be considering using different tools to help you stick to your plan. One of the best tools to use is a money saving ... [read more]

Why You Should be Making a Budget

Why You Should be Making a Budget

February 8, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Do you budget in your day-to-day life? Some people don’t and see no use for it. However, if you apply this statement, you may be surprised how much budgeting can make a difference in your life. ... [read more]

How to Save For Retirement

How to Save For Retirement

January 13, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

No matter how old you are, you may be thinking about retirement. You may wonder how you will have enough to live during your retired years. It can be scary to ponder; many people face this thought the ... [read more]

5 Pre-Approval Tips

5 Pre-Approval Tips

January 6, 2022 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

To get a mortgage, you have to first qualify for one. Getting a pre-approval can assist you in this process and make your buying experience much better. Of course, when you are getting a pre-approval, ... [read more]

Commonly Asked Documents For Lenders

Commonly Asked Documents For Lenders

December 29, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

After applying for your mortgage, there are a few documents that you need to provide before you can be approved. The documents that your lender requests ensure that you will be able to pay off this mo ... [read more]

How to Improve Your Money Management Skills

How to Improve Your Money Management Skills

December 21, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Handling money can be a struggle for many people. This does not just mean spending money on expenses and other items, yet feeling comfortable with your financial situation. If you are stressed about y ... [read more]

How to Wisely Use Your Credit Cards

How to Wisely Use Your Credit Cards

December 15, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Credit cards have often been seen in a negative light, based on the consequences that come with them. It is true that they certainly can lead to poor financial issues, based on the decisions you make ... [read more]

5 Ways to Be Mortgage Free Sooner

5 Ways to Be Mortgage Free Sooner

December 7, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Having a mortgage can certainly be overwhelming at times. Having to make regular payments and the thought of having to pay off your mortgage for years can also be very intimidating. If you are someone ... [read more]

Saving up For Your Down payment in 1 Year

Saving up For Your Down payment in 1 Year

November 25, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

To get approved for a mortgage, you need to put money down on your down payment. Depending on what type of lender you are with, you will need a down payment of 5% or up to 20% of the purchase price. T ... [read more]

Monoline Lenders Vs. The Bank: How are they Different?

Monoline Lenders Vs. The Bank: How are they Different?

November 23, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

If you are considering buying a house and need a mortgage, you will need to consider whom you will use to get one. To get a mortgage, the two primary avenues are using either a monoline lender or a ba ... [read more]

How to Re-Establish Your Credit Score For Free

How to Re-Establish Your Credit Score For Free

November 9, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Do not worry if you have low credit and need to bring it back up, whether for a loan or mortgage. Although regaining yourself from low credit, there are many steps to do to re-establish it. There are ... [read more]

Teaching Your Children Important Lessons on Money

Teaching Your Children Important Lessons on Money

October 28, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

If you are a parent, you certainly know how important it is to teach your children. One of the most vital lessons that you can teach them is money. Introducing the essential key points of money can he ... [read more]

Ways to Simplify Your Financial Life

Ways to Simplify Your Financial Life

October 26, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

For many, finances can take over a large majority of their life. It can also cause unnecessary problems, such as stress and anxiety. Many finances that people have though are can indeed be reduced or ... [read more]

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage in Less than Ten Years

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage in Less than Ten Years

September 28, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

The typical period for a mortgage amortization is thirty years. Yet if you are applying for a mortgage and are hoping to pay off your mortgage in less than ten years, do not feel discouraged. Although ... [read more]

Can You Get A Mortgage After Bankruptcy?

Can You Get A Mortgage After Bankruptcy?

September 14, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Have you just got out of bankruptcy recently? If so, you may wonder if you can get a mortgage loan. The simple answer is yes. It is possible, yet it may not be an option for some recently in bankruptc ... [read more]

Tips For Renting Out a House

Tips For Renting Out a House

September 8, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Are you considering renting out one of your homes? Renting out a house can be an excellent investment and can offer great profit. To rent out a house, though, you need first to evaluate the necessary ... [read more]

Mistakes to Avoid When Paying Off Your Debt

Mistakes to Avoid When Paying Off Your Debt

September 2, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Debt is an aspect of life that cannot be avoided. Whether it’s a mortgage, car, or credit card debt, it certainly is inevitable. Dealing with debt can be exhausting and difficult for numerous in ... [read more]

Budgeting Tips: Simple Ways to Save Money

Budgeting Tips: Simple Ways to Save Money

August 31, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Whether you have a higher or lower budget, it is always good to save when and where you can. You can save in small ways, which can save you a significant amount of money over time. Including such meth ... [read more]

Ways to Keep Your Home Protected

Ways to Keep Your Home Protected

July 21, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

There are many different methods to help protect and ensure the safety of your home. However, having precautions put into place can provide both the security of your home and your family. Install D ... [read more]

How to Tell If Your Rent is Too High

How to Tell If Your Rent is Too High

July 15, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Have you ever wondered why your rent seems so high? There is a possibility that you are paying too much for your rental. Whether you are new to renting or have been renting for a long time, it may be ... [read more]

Closing Costs

Closing Costs

July 13, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

With any home loan, there will be some closing costs involved. Of course, there may be fewer or more costs depending on what type of loan you have. Typically though, closing costs will be between 1-5% ... [read more]

Creating an Eco-Friendly Home

Creating an Eco-Friendly Home

June 30, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

There are various things that can make your house non-eco-friendly. Some of these things you may even not be aware of. Such aspects can affect the environment and cost more to pay for. Understanding w ... [read more]

How to Make Extra Money this Summer

How to Make Extra Money this Summer

June 9, 2021 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Are you looking for ways to make some extra money this summer? Although we are in Covid, there are many different options available to earn some cash. Uber This is a fantastic way to make a good amo ... [read more]

Why I Changed My Career in the Middle of a Global Pandemic

Why I Changed My Career in the Middle of a Global Pandemic

April 20, 2020 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

When you find your calling, there is always a catalyst, a reason you ended up where you did. This is mine. Looking back now, many of the events in my life over the past 13 years have steered me towar ... [read more]

Investing in Your Future

Investing in Your Future

April 14, 2020 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Whether you own a home or rent and want to buy an investment property, you have options! Owning an investment property can be a solid financial choice to build your wealth and increase passive income. ... [read more]

Why use a Mortgage Broker?

Why use a Mortgage Broker?

February 11, 2020 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

You may have seen me post about rates or finding you the best product for your needs, but what does that even mean? As a Mortgage Agent, I am licensed to broker mortgages. Meaning I represent you when ... [read more]

Should you renew your mortgage early for a better rate?

Should you renew your mortgage early for a better rate?

November 18, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

The first 3 Steps to do when deciding if an early renewal is worth it It can be an intelligent decision to explore a refinance in today's low-rate environment, even if your maturity date is not up ye ... [read more]

Good Credit Habit Tips #5: Credit History

Good Credit Habit Tips #5: Credit History

October 25, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

... [read more]

Good Credit Habit Tips #4: Store Cards

Good Credit Habit Tips #4: Store Cards

October 23, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

... [read more]

Good Credit Habit Tips #3

Good Credit Habit Tips #3

October 22, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

... [read more]

Good Credit Habit Tips #2: Credit Limits

Good Credit Habit Tips #2: Credit Limits

October 21, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

... [read more]

Good Credit Habit Tips #1: Never Let Bill Go Past Due

Good Credit Habit Tips #1: Never Let Bill Go Past Due

October 16, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

... [read more]

How Lenders Determine Your Affordability and What You Can Do

How Lenders Determine Your Affordability and What You Can Do

July 10, 2019 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

In the mortgage world, there is often talk about the debt to income ratio. It is essential that it can make or break your chances of getting a mortgage with an A or B lender. Qualifying for a loan d ... [read more]

Why a Prompt Financial Might be the Better Choice For You

Why a Prompt Financial Might be the Better Choice For You

December 17, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Sometimes you have to think outside the bank to get the best solution for you. A popular choice is a Prompt Loan for up to $40,000. They approve quickly, and usually, funds can be received within two ... [read more]

Tips on Improving Your Credit Score

Tips on Improving Your Credit Score

September 26, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

When you are shopping for a mortgage, there are many things that a lender will look at on your credit report other than what your credit score is. You don’t want to sabotage your chances of gett ... [read more]

Closing costs when purchasing a home

Closing costs when purchasing a home

September 24, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Besides the actual purchase price, you should budget for closing and post-closing costs when purchasing a home. Common Closing Costs: Land Transfer Tax All provinces charge this tax every time a ... [read more]

5 Things Under $200 for a $1000 facelift to the front of your home

5 Things Under $200 for a $1000 facelift to the front of your home

September 3, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Spending a little bit to boost your curbside appeal is straightforward. Here are five quick and affordable ideas: Planters/Urn Reuse the same urns but change up the seasonal look every couple of m ... [read more]

Refinancing: What is it and how can it benefit you?

Refinancing: What is it and how can it benefit you?

July 19, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

What is a refinance, and why should you care about it? Refinancing means renegotiating the terms of your mortgage, usually to access equity, and ideally should have lower borrowing costs (IE: lower in ... [read more]

Rates, Rates, Rates!

Rates, Rates, Rates!

July 18, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Posted By: Melissa Kuczepa Of course, we all know rates are incredibly low right now; and we also know that rates directly impact mortgage payments. So, why should rate not be your top concern? I kno ... [read more]

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

June 18, 2018 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Paying off a mortgage early is not easy. On the one hand, you could save yourself a lot of money on interest, and on the other, you could incur penalty charges for breaking your mortgage contract befo ... [read more]

Did you receive your Property Assessment Notice?

Did you receive your Property Assessment Notice?

November 6, 2017 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

In 2016, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) mailed a Property Assessment Notice to every property owner in the province. As a result, more than five million properties – reside ... [read more]

Freebie: Free Budgeting Ebook!

Freebie: Free Budgeting Ebook!

October 27, 2017 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Budgeting and Home Ownership go hand and hand You have to believe to achieve! Use this guide and learn budgeting tips, how lenders qualify mortgages, and what a credit score is. Take control of your ... [read more]

Say goodbye to debt with the Snow Ball method of debt repayment!

Say goodbye to debt with the Snow Ball method of debt repayment!

January 17, 2017 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Each month you sit down with the best of intentions to make a dent into your debts, but you end up frustrated at having too many loans and too many payments to make. Debt can be a sticky web that is h ... [read more]

Save Money By Turning Your Budget Into A Game

Save Money By Turning Your Budget Into A Game

August 4, 2016 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Do you have trouble budgeting? Maybe you do better with games or a little competition (even if it's with yourself). If you're struggling to budget, turning your budget into a game might help motivate ... [read more]

Are Canadians Saving Enough for Retirement?

Are Canadians Saving Enough for Retirement?

March 27, 2015 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt

Looking further than just tomorrow with a financial check-up today! As a self-employed person, I am the first to admit that thinking about my retirement is the last thing I think of when planning out ... [read more]

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Sherry Corbitt
Sherry Corbitt
Whitby, Mortgage Broker, Team Lead
Strategist of Awesome Mortgages
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