This is a formal letter from a lender stating how much money they are generally willing to lend you based on a review of your finances. Getting pre-approved is a crucial first step because it sets your budget and shows sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer. 

A first-time buyer is generally defined as someone who has not owned a primary residence for a specific period, typically the last three to five years. Special government programs and incentives are often available to these buyers to help make the down payment and closing costs more manageable. 

A mortgage renewal occurs when the initial term of your existing mortgage contract expires, and you must agree to a new term and interest rate with your current lender or a new one. It is important to shop around during this process to ensure you secure the best possible rate and conditions for the next phase of your loan. 

Refinancing involves replacing your existing mortgage with a completely new one, often done to secure a lower interest rate, change the amortization period, or pull out cash equity. This process usually requires paying fees and involves closing the old loan and opening the new loan, which might impact your monthly budget significantly. 

A loan secured by real estate that is funded by a non-institutional lender (like a private investor or mortgage fund) rather than a traditional bank, credit union, or trust company. 

A HELOC is a revolving credit line secured by the equity you have built up in your home, allowing you to borrow money as needed up to a certain limit. Unlike a traditional mortgage, you only make payments on the amount you actually use, similar to a credit card, but the interest rate is variable. 

Commercial mortgages are loans used to finance income-producing properties, such as apartment buildings, office spaces, retail centers, or warehouses, instead of personal residences. These mortgages often involve different lending criteria, shorter loan terms, and higher scrutiny of the business's projected cash flow compared to standard residential loans. 

These specialized programs are designed to help recent immigrants purchase a home even if they do not have a lengthy Canadian credit history or established income documentation. Lenders often rely on international credit reports or verified employment contracts to approve financing for newcomers starting their lives here.

A debt consolidation mortgage involves rolling high-interest debts, such as credit card balances or personal loans, into your primary mortgage loan to achieve a single, lower monthly payment. By utilizing the lower interest rate of your mortgage, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of servicing your debts, though it extends the repayment term. 

A short term mortgage refers to a loan contract with a commitment period, or term, typically ranging from six months to five years, rather than the standard 25 or 30-year amortization. These options are often chosen when borrowers anticipate changes in interest rates or plan to sell or pay off the home quickly. 

A second mortgage is an additional loan taken out against your property, ranking behind your primary mortgage, meaning the first lender gets paid back fully before the second in case of default. Because the second lender takes on greater risk, these loans usually carry higher interest rates than your primary mortgage. 

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners, typically those aged 55 or older, to convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free cash payments without having to sell the house or make regular mortgage payments. The loan only becomes due when the homeowner sells the home, moves out, or passes away, and the amount owed increases over time. 

An investment property is real estate purchased with the intent of earning income, either through rental payments or future resale profit, rather than serving as your primary residence. Since these properties carry higher risk for the lender, they typically require larger down payments and may have slightly higher interest rates than residential mortgages.