Vianny Guerrero

Q: I’m self-employed and write off a lot of expenses. Can I still qualify for a mortgage?

Yes, being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you can't qualify for a mortgage.

It comes down to how the lenders calculate your income. Some lenders look mainly at your line 150 income, while others offer more flexibility and may allow eligible add-backs or potentially a permitted gross-up of certain business income, depending on their guidelines.

So, it's worth looking at how your income can be documented before assuming you won't qualify.

Answered October 2026

Q: When does it make sense to refinance my mortgage before renewal?

Refinancing before renewal can make sense when your financial situation or goals have changed. For example, you may want to pay off higher-interest debt, access equity, improve cash flow, change the mortgage structure, or remove a borrower from the mortgage and/or title.
But refinancing before renewal can come with penalties, fees, and other costs, so it's important to consider the full picture, benefits and costs, before deciding whether it makes sense.

Answered October 2026