Blog

The Rahul Bedi Journal

Plain-language guides on Canadian mortgages — written for real people in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, and PEI, not for other brokers. Every post is based on files we actually close, not generic rate-aggregator filler.

We cover the questions clients ask most: how rates are moving, when to renew, what changed in the mortgage rules this quarter, and the small details (penalty math, qualifying rate, gifted down payments) that decide whether a deal works.

Latest articles

Rate strategy6 min read

5-Year vs 3-Year Fixed Mortgages in 2026

With the Bank of Canada finally easing, the spread between 3- and 5-year fixed terms has narrowed to historic lows. We break down which term wins in three rate scenarios — and why the answer is rarely the cheapest sticker rate.

Read more
Qualifying7 min read

The Mortgage Stress Test, Explained Plainly

Why a $600K pre-approval becomes a $520K approval the moment you walk into a bank. We cover the qualifying rate math (contract + 2% vs 5.25%), which lenders escape it, and how to plan around it.

Read more
First-time buyers5 min read

FHSA vs RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: Which Comes First?

Tax deduction on the way in, tax-free on the way out, no repayment — the FHSA is the most powerful first-home savings vehicle Canada has ever had. Here's how to stack it with the $60K RRSP HBP for a bigger down payment.

Read more
Refinance8 min read

Refinancing to Pay Off Debt: When the Math Actually Works

Trading 22% credit card debt for a 4.5% mortgage looks like a no-brainer — until you factor in penalties, longer amortization, and the risk of running the cards back up. We walk through three real client scenarios where it worked, and one where it didn't.

Read more
Renewal6 min read

Five Mortgage Renewal Mistakes That Cost Atlantic Canadians Thousands

Auto-signing the bank's letter is the obvious one. But the four other mistakes — waiting too long to shop, ignoring collateral charges, picking the wrong term, and rolling new debt into a switch — quietly cost just as much. Avoid all five.

Read more
First-time buyers10 min read

The First-Time Home Buyer Playbook: Step by Step

From the first FHSA deposit to the day the keys are in your hand — a complete walkthrough of pre-approval, house hunting, offer, conditions, lawyers, insurance, and closing costs. Written for buyers in NS, NB, and PEI.

Read more

Topics we cover

More articles publish regularly on these topics:

  • Mortgage renewals
  • First-time buyers
  • Stress test explained
  • Self-employed mortgages
  • Refinancing
  • FHSA & RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
  • Rate comparisons

Can't find what you're looking for?

New posts go up regularly. In the meantime, if you have a specific question, the fastest answer is usually a 15-minute call — text Rahul at 902-223-8003 or book a free consultation.