Ready to Move? We’ll Handle the Mortgage

Whether you’re upgrading to more space, downsizing for retirement, or relocating between Alberta and BC — we coordinate the mortgage side so you can focus on finding your next home.

– LIFE CHANGES, HOMES CHANGE

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Moving is stressful enough without mortgage complications. We specialize in the unique challenges of buying and selling at the same time — coordinating timelines, managing bridge financing, and making sure your financing is rock-solid before you make an offer.

Common scenarios we help with:

✅ Growing family— need more bedrooms, bigger yard, better schools

✅ Empty nesters— kids have moved out, time to downsize

✅ Retirement transition— moving from house to condo or closer to family

✅ Job relocation— new job in a different city or province

✅ Calgary to Kootenays— we made this move ourselves (Andy is based in Nelson)

✅ Investment to primary— converting a rental or cottage to your main home

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Bridge Financing

Found your dream home but haven’t sold yet? Bridge financing covers the gap. We’ll arrange short-term financing so you can close on your new home before your current one sells.

Typically 1-6 month terms
Based on equity in your current home
Interest-only payments
Repaid when your home sells

📋

Port Your Mortgage

Have a great rate you don’t want to lose? Many mortgages are “portable” — meaning you can transfer your existing rate and terms to your new property.

Keep your current rate
Avoid prepayment penalties
Blend-and-extend for additional funds
Not all mortgages are portable — we’ll check yours

– YOUR TIMELINE

Planning Your Buy-Sell Sequence

The order of operations matters. Here’s how we help you navigate the timing.

Option A: Sell First, Then Buy

Pros:

Know exactly how much you have to spend
No need for bridge financing
Stronger offer — no “subject to sale” condition
Less financial stress

Cons:

May need temporary housing
Two moves instead of one
Pressure to find something quickly

Best for: Buyers in hot markets where homes sell quickly, or those who want certainty.

Option B: Buy First, Then Sell

Pros:

Move directly from old home to new home
No temporary housing needed
Can take your time finding the right place
Time to renovate new home before moving in

Cons:

Carrying costs for two properties
Need bridge financing or sufficient savings
Risk if your home takes longer to sell

Best for: Buyers with strong equity, stable income, and confidence their home will sell.

💡 Strategic Tip

Align your closing dates. If possible, negotiate your purchase closing date to match (or come shortly after) your sale closing date. This minimizes bridge financing costs and often lets you move directly from one home to the next. We’ll work with your realtor to coordinate.

– COMMON QUESTIONS

Moving & Mortgage FAQ

How much can I afford for my next home?

This depends on your current equity, income, debts, and how much you’ll net from selling your current home. We’ll run the numbers before you start house hunting so you know exactly what you can offer. Getting pre-approved early is essential — it gives you confidence and makes your offer stronger.

Can I use my equity as a down payment before my home sells?

Yes, through bridge financing. If you have an accepted offer on your current home (or strong confidence it will sell), lenders can provide short-term financing based on your equity. This lets you close on your new home before receiving proceeds from your sale. Bridge financing typically costs 1-2% of the amount borrowed for the bridging period.

What if my new home costs more than my current one?

No problem — this is a “move-up” scenario and very common. Your new mortgage will be larger, but you’ll apply your equity from the sale as a down payment. We’ll calculate your new payment and make sure you’re comfortable with it before you start looking. If your income has increased since your last mortgage, you may qualify for more than you expect.

Can I port my existing mortgage to my new home?

Many mortgages are portable, meaning you can transfer your existing rate and balance to a new property. This is especially valuable if you have a low rate locked in. Some conditions apply — you typically need to port within 30-120 days and may need to increase the mortgage amount. We’ll review your current mortgage terms and advise whether porting makes sense.

What about moving from Alberta to BC (or vice versa)?

This is our specialty. Julie is based in Calgary, Andy is in Nelson — we’ve lived this transition ourselves. We’re licensed in both provinces and can coordinate your sale in one province with your purchase in another. Land transfer taxes, property assessments, and some lending rules differ between provinces, but we’ll guide you through all of it.

Should I break my mortgage early or wait until renewal?

It depends on your penalty and how urgently you need to move. We’ll calculate your prepayment penalty (either 3 months’ interest or Interest Rate Differential, whichever is higher for fixed-rate mortgages) and compare it to the cost of waiting. Sometimes the right opportunity is worth paying the penalty; other times, waiting a few months saves thousands.

Buying & Selling Blogs

Upgrading to More Space: Financial Planning Tips

Move Up / Downsize

Upgrading to More Space: Financial Planning TipsYour family is growing, or you're working from home and need more space. Moving up to a larger home is exciting, but it requires careful financial planning. Here's how to prepare for your upgrade.Assessing Your Move-Up...

Coordinating Your Sale and Purchase

Move Up / Downsize

Coordinating Your Sale and PurchaseYou've found your dream home, but you haven't sold your current one yet. Or maybe you have a buyer but haven't secured your next place. Coordinating a simultaneous sale and purchase is one of the trickiest parts of moving — here's...

Downsizing in Retirement: Mortgage Considerations

Move Up / Downsize

Downsizing in Retirement: Mortgage ConsiderationsSelling the family home and moving to something smaller is a common retirement strategy. Whether you're leaving Calgary for a quiet life in the Kootenays, or simply want less maintenance, here's what to consider from a...

Porting Your Mortgage to a New Property

Move Up / Downsize

Porting Your Mortgage to a New PropertyYou have a great mortgage rate and you're ready to move. Do you have to give it up? Not necessarily. Many mortgages in Canada are "portable," meaning you can transfer them to your new property. Here's how it works.What Is...

Bridge Financing: Buying Before You Sell

Move Up / Downsize

Bridge Financing Buying Before You SellFound your dream home but haven't sold your current one yet? Bridge financing can help. This short-term financing solution bridges the gap between buying your new home and selling your existing one — eliminating the stress of...

View All Mortgage Blogs

🏠 READY FOR YOUR NEXT HOME?