We're Just Starting a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Will your credit be checked?

I recommend signing your mortgage approval as early as possible.

Signing the commitment does not bind you to the mortgage. You can still make changes or walk away if needed. However, once you sign, the lender is committed to lending to you — provided all conditions are met (income, down payment, credit, etc.).

Signing promptly helps avoid delays that could impact your closing date.

Will I/we require an appraisal?

Most purchases with less than 20% down do not require an appraisal.

In some cases, the default insurer (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) may order one. These appraisals are arranged directly by the insurer and often happen behind the scenes, so you may not be notified.

If you are purchasing a home with a down payment of more than 20%, or refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal, you may require an appraisal.

If the lender requests an appraisal not covered by the insurer, or you're refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal:

👉 You may be asked to pay for it upfront (typical cost ranges from $300 - $600)

👉 Send me a copy of your invoice.

👉 The cost (up to one appraisal) will be rebated in full after closing if your mortgage is completed through my office

👉 Rebates may take up to 30 days after closing.

👉 Rebates do not apply to alternative or private mortgage lenders (speak with me for more details)

‼️ Important: Appraisal Copies

Please note that you will not receive a copy of the appraisal, regardless of who pays for it.

The appraisal is ordered for the lender (or insurer) and is considered the lender's (or insurer's) property. Most appraisal firms prohibit brokers from distributing copies to borrowers due to liability and regulatory concerns.

That said, I will always review the report and share the confirmed valuation along with any details that may impact your purchase or mortgage approval.

Do I/we require a life insurance policy?

Life insurance is not required to obtain a mortgage.

However, I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance professional to plan for unexpected events.

Ask yourself: If one or both incomes were to stop for 2+ months, how would the mortgage be paid?

If you'd like an introduction to my trusted insurance advisor, I’m happy to arrange one.

What is the difference between MPP and Life Insurance?

Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP):

👉 Covers only your mortgage balance

👉 Coverage declines as your mortgage decreases

👉 Premium stays the same

👉 Typically post-underwritten (claims reviewed at time of claim)

Life Insurance:

👉 Covers a fixed amount you choose

👉 Coverage does not decline

👉 Fully underwritten upfront (may require health review)

👉 The claim is guaranteed if approved during the application

I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance advisor to determine what’s best for your situation.

Once I’ve/we’ve signed the mortgage approval, what happens next?

1️⃣ Outstanding documentation (Please complete within 3 days):
👉 We’ll gather any remaining documents needed to satisfy lender conditions. This may include updated income or down payment documents.
👉 Please continue uploading all items through the document portal.

2️⃣ Employment verification (if applicable):
👉 The lender may verify your employment with your employer or HR department.

👉 If they cannot reach anyone directly, I may ask you to help coordinate a quick introduction.

This step is simple and usually takes only a few minutes for the lender to complete.

3️⃣ Broker Complete:
Once all documents and verifications are finished, your file becomes “Broker Complete” (or “File Complete”).


This means:

👉 All income, down payment, and credit conditions are satisfied

👉 Mortgage instructions are sent to your lawyer

👉 Your file is ready for closing

‼️ Important:
Do not change jobs, take on new debt, or miss payments before closing.
Lenders may re-check employment and credit prior to funding.

4️⃣ Arranging Homeowner’s Insurance:
👉 Lenders require fire/home insurance before closing.

👉 If you are buying a condo, this may not be required (depending on the building coverage).

👉 You may obtain insurance through any provider. Provide them with the Mortgage Loss Payee details I sent you in the “Mortgage Approval: Next Steps” email.

👉 Our partners at Simplinsur can provide a no-obligation quote in about 10 minutes or less. Let me know if you would like me to connect you with them.

👉 Please note: If you choose Simplinsur, they may pay us a referral commission.

5️⃣ Lawyer’s Office
Once your lawyer receives mortgage instructions, they will:

👉 Open your file

👉 Contact you for information

👉 Schedule your signing appointment

👉 Provide a final closing cost breakdown

Funds required for closing may include:

👉 Remaining down payment

👉 Legal fees

👉 Land transfer tax

👉 Adjustments from seller

👉 Any previously discussed fees

We're Pre-Approved and Searching for a Home

How long do I/we have to sign the mortgage approval?

I recommend signing your mortgage approval as early as possible.

Signing the commitment does not bind you to the mortgage. You can still make changes or walk away if needed. However, once you sign, the lender is committed to lending to you — provided all conditions are met (income, down payment, credit, etc.).

Signing promptly helps avoid delays that could impact your closing date.

Will I/we require an appraisal?

Most purchases with less than 20% down do not require an appraisal.

In some cases, the default insurer (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) may order one. These appraisals are arranged directly by the insurer and often happen behind the scenes, so you may not be notified.

If you are purchasing a home with a down payment of more than 20%, or refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal, you may require an appraisal.

If the lender requests an appraisal not covered by the insurer, or you're refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal:

👉 You may be asked to pay for it upfront (typical cost ranges from $300 - $600)

👉 Send me a copy of your invoice.

👉 The cost (up to one appraisal) will be rebated in full after closing if your mortgage is completed through my office

👉 Rebates may take up to 30 days after closing.

👉 Rebates do not apply to alternative or private mortgage lenders (speak with me for more details)

‼️ Important: Appraisal Copies

Please note that you will not receive a copy of the appraisal, regardless of who pays for it.

The appraisal is ordered for the lender (or insurer) and is considered the lender's (or insurer's) property. Most appraisal firms prohibit brokers from distributing copies to borrowers due to liability and regulatory concerns.

That said, I will always review the report and share the confirmed valuation along with any details that may impact your purchase or mortgage approval.

Do I/we require a life insurance policy?

Life insurance is not required to obtain a mortgage.

However, I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance professional to plan for unexpected events.

Ask yourself: If one or both incomes were to stop for 2+ months, how would the mortgage be paid?

If you'd like an introduction to my trusted insurance advisor, I’m happy to arrange one.

What is the difference between MPP and Life Insurance?

Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP):

👉 Covers only your mortgage balance

👉 Coverage declines as your mortgage decreases

👉 Premium stays the same

👉 Typically post-underwritten (claims reviewed at time of claim)

Life Insurance:

👉 Covers a fixed amount you choose

👉 Coverage does not decline

👉 Fully underwritten upfront (may require health review)

👉 The claim is guaranteed if approved during the application

I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance advisor to determine what’s best for your situation.

Once I’ve/we’ve signed the mortgage approval, what happens next?

1️⃣ Outstanding documentation (Please complete within 3 days):
👉 We’ll gather any remaining documents needed to satisfy lender conditions. This may include updated income or down payment documents.
👉 Please continue uploading all items through the document portal.

2️⃣ Employment verification (if applicable):
👉 The lender may verify your employment with your employer or HR department.

👉 If they cannot reach anyone directly, I may ask you to help coordinate a quick introduction.

This step is simple and usually takes only a few minutes for the lender to complete.

3️⃣ Broker Complete:
Once all documents and verifications are finished, your file becomes “Broker Complete” (or “File Complete”).


This means:

👉 All income, down payment, and credit conditions are satisfied

👉 Mortgage instructions are sent to your lawyer

👉 Your file is ready for closing

‼️ Important:
Do not change jobs, take on new debt, or miss payments before closing.
Lenders may re-check employment and credit prior to funding.

4️⃣ Arranging Homeowner’s Insurance:
👉 Lenders require fire/home insurance before closing.

👉 If you are buying a condo, this may not be required (depending on the building coverage).

👉 You may obtain insurance through any provider. Provide them with the Mortgage Loss Payee details I sent you in the “Mortgage Approval: Next Steps” email.

👉 Our partners at Simplinsur can provide a no-obligation quote in about 10 minutes or less. Let me know if you would like me to connect you with them.

👉 Please note: If you choose Simplinsur, they may pay us a referral commission.

5️⃣ Lawyer’s Office
Once your lawyer receives mortgage instructions, they will:

👉 Open your file

👉 Contact you for information

👉 Schedule your signing appointment

👉 Provide a final closing cost breakdown

Funds required for closing may include:

👉 Remaining down payment

👉 Legal fees

👉 Land transfer tax

👉 Adjustments from seller

👉 Any previously discussed fees

Our Offer to Purchase Has Been Accepted

How long do I/we have to sign the mortgage approval?

I recommend signing your mortgage approval as early as possible.

Signing the commitment does not bind you to the mortgage. You can still make changes or walk away if needed. However, once you sign, the lender is committed to lending to you — provided all conditions are met (income, down payment, credit, etc.).

Signing promptly helps avoid delays that could impact your closing date.

Will I/we require an appraisal?

Most purchases with less than 20% down do not require an appraisal.

In some cases, the default insurer (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) may order one. These appraisals are arranged directly by the insurer and often happen behind the scenes, so you may not be notified.

If you are purchasing a home with a down payment of more than 20%, or refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal, you may require an appraisal.

If the lender requests an appraisal not covered by the insurer, or you're refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal:

👉 You may be asked to pay for it upfront (typical cost ranges from $300 - $600)

👉 Send me a copy of your invoice.

👉 The cost (up to one appraisal) will be rebated in full after closing if your mortgage is completed through my office

👉 Rebates may take up to 30 days after closing.

👉 Rebates do not apply to alternative or private mortgage lenders (speak with me for more details)

‼️ Important: Appraisal Copies

Please note that you will not receive a copy of the appraisal, regardless of who pays for it.

The appraisal is ordered for the lender (or insurer) and is considered the lender's (or insurer's) property. Most appraisal firms prohibit brokers from distributing copies to borrowers due to liability and regulatory concerns.

That said, I will always review the report and share the confirmed valuation along with any details that may impact your purchase or mortgage approval.

Do I/we require a life insurance policy?

Life insurance is not required to obtain a mortgage.

However, I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance professional to plan for unexpected events.

Ask yourself: If one or both incomes were to stop for 2+ months, how would the mortgage be paid?

If you'd like an introduction to my trusted insurance advisor, I’m happy to arrange one.

What is the difference between MPP and Life Insurance?

Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP):

👉 Covers only your mortgage balance

👉 Coverage declines as your mortgage decreases

👉 Premium stays the same

👉 Typically post-underwritten (claims reviewed at time of claim)

Life Insurance:

👉 Covers a fixed amount you choose

👉 Coverage does not decline

👉 Fully underwritten upfront (may require health review)

👉 The claim is guaranteed if approved during the application

I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance advisor to determine what’s best for your situation.

Once I’ve/we’ve signed the mortgage approval, what happens next?

1️⃣ Outstanding documentation (Please complete within 3 days):
👉 We’ll gather any remaining documents needed to satisfy lender conditions. This may include updated income or down payment documents.
👉 Please continue uploading all items through the document portal.

2️⃣ Employment verification (if applicable):
👉 The lender may verify your employment with your employer or HR department.

👉 If they cannot reach anyone directly, I may ask you to help coordinate a quick introduction.

This step is simple and usually takes only a few minutes for the lender to complete.

3️⃣ Broker Complete:
Once all documents and verifications are finished, your file becomes “Broker Complete” (or “File Complete”).


This means:

👉 All income, down payment, and credit conditions are satisfied

👉 Mortgage instructions are sent to your lawyer

👉 Your file is ready for closing

‼️ Important:
Do not change jobs, take on new debt, or miss payments before closing.
Lenders may re-check employment and credit prior to funding.

4️⃣ Arranging Homeowner’s Insurance:
👉 Lenders require fire/home insurance before closing.

👉 If you are buying a condo, this may not be required (depending on the building coverage).

👉 You may obtain insurance through any provider. Provide them with the Mortgage Loss Payee details I sent you in the “Mortgage Approval: Next Steps” email.

👉 Our partners at Simplinsur can provide a no-obligation quote in about 10 minutes or less. Let me know if you would like me to connect you with them.

👉 Please note: If you choose Simplinsur, they may pay us a referral commission.

5️⃣ Lawyer’s Office
Once your lawyer receives mortgage instructions, they will:

👉 Open your file

👉 Contact you for information

👉 Schedule your signing appointment

👉 Provide a final closing cost breakdown

Funds required for closing may include:

👉 Remaining down payment

👉 Legal fees

👉 Land transfer tax

👉 Adjustments from seller

👉 Any previously discussed fees

Our mortgage has been approved

How long do I/we have to sign the mortgage approval?

I recommend signing your mortgage approval as early as possible.

Signing the commitment does not bind you to the mortgage. You can still make changes or walk away if needed. However, once you sign, the lender is committed to lending to you — provided all conditions are met (income, down payment, credit, etc.).

Signing promptly helps avoid delays that could impact your closing date.

Will I/we require an appraisal?

Most purchases with less than 20% down do not require an appraisal.

In some cases, the default insurer (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) may order one. These appraisals are arranged directly by the insurer and often happen behind the scenes, so you may not be notified.

If you are purchasing a home with a down payment of more than 20%, or refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal, you may require an appraisal.

If the lender requests an appraisal not covered by the insurer, or you're refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal:

👉 You may be asked to pay for it upfront (typical cost ranges from $300 - $600)

👉 Send me a copy of your invoice.

👉 The cost (up to one appraisal) will be rebated in full after closing if your mortgage is completed through my office

👉 Rebates may take up to 30 days after closing.

👉 Rebates do not apply to alternative or private mortgage lenders (speak with me for more details)

‼️ Important: Appraisal Copies

Please note that you will not receive a copy of the appraisal, regardless of who pays for it.

The appraisal is ordered for the lender (or insurer) and is considered the lender's (or insurer's) property. Most appraisal firms prohibit brokers from distributing copies to borrowers due to liability and regulatory concerns.

That said, I will always review the report and share the confirmed valuation along with any details that may impact your purchase or mortgage approval.

Do I/we require a life insurance policy?

Life insurance is not required to obtain a mortgage.

However, I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance professional to plan for unexpected events.

Ask yourself: If one or both incomes were to stop for 2+ months, how would the mortgage be paid?

If you'd like an introduction to my trusted insurance advisor, I’m happy to arrange one.

What is the difference between MPP and Life Insurance?

Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP):

👉 Covers only your mortgage balance

👉 Coverage declines as your mortgage decreases

👉 Premium stays the same

👉 Typically post-underwritten (claims reviewed at time of claim)

Life Insurance:

👉 Covers a fixed amount you choose

👉 Coverage does not decline

👉 Fully underwritten upfront (may require health review)

👉 The claim is guaranteed if approved during the application

I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance advisor to determine what’s best for your situation.

Once I’ve/we’ve signed the mortgage approval, what happens next?

1️⃣ Outstanding documentation (Please complete within 3 days):
👉 We’ll gather any remaining documents needed to satisfy lender conditions. This may include updated income or down payment documents.
👉 Please continue uploading all items through the document portal.

2️⃣ Employment verification (if applicable):
👉 The lender may verify your employment with your employer or HR department.

👉 If they cannot reach anyone directly, I may ask you to help coordinate a quick introduction.

This step is simple and usually takes only a few minutes for the lender to complete.

3️⃣ Broker Complete:
Once all documents and verifications are finished, your file becomes “Broker Complete” (or “File Complete”).


This means:

👉 All income, down payment, and credit conditions are satisfied

👉 Mortgage instructions are sent to your lawyer

👉 Your file is ready for closing

‼️ Important:
Do not change jobs, take on new debt, or miss payments before closing.
Lenders may re-check employment and credit prior to funding.

4️⃣ Arranging Homeowner’s Insurance:
👉 Lenders require fire/home insurance before closing.

👉 If you are buying a condo, this may not be required (depending on the building coverage).

👉 You may obtain insurance through any provider. Provide them with the Mortgage Loss Payee details I sent you in the “Mortgage Approval: Next Steps” email.

👉 Our partners at Simplinsur can provide a no-obligation quote in about 10 minutes or less. Let me know if you would like me to connect you with them.

👉 Please note: If you choose Simplinsur, they may pay us a referral commission.

5️⃣ Lawyer’s Office
Once your lawyer receives mortgage instructions, they will:

👉 Open your file

👉 Contact you for information

👉 Schedule your signing appointment

👉 Provide a final closing cost breakdown

Funds required for closing may include:

👉 Remaining down payment

👉 Legal fees

👉 Land transfer tax

👉 Adjustments from seller

👉 Any previously discussed fees

Our mortgage renewal is less than 1 year away

How long do I/we have to sign the mortgage approval?

I recommend signing your mortgage approval as early as possible.

Signing the commitment does not bind you to the mortgage. You can still make changes or walk away if needed. However, once you sign, the lender is committed to lending to you — provided all conditions are met (income, down payment, credit, etc.).

Signing promptly helps avoid delays that could impact your closing date.

Will I/we require an appraisal?

Most purchases with less than 20% down do not require an appraisal.

In some cases, the default insurer (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) may order one. These appraisals are arranged directly by the insurer and often happen behind the scenes, so you may not be notified.

If you are purchasing a home with a down payment of more than 20%, or refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal, you may require an appraisal.

If the lender requests an appraisal not covered by the insurer, or you're refinancing/switching your mortgage at renewal:

👉 You may be asked to pay for it upfront (typical cost ranges from $300 - $600)

👉 Send me a copy of your invoice.

👉 The cost (up to one appraisal) will be rebated in full after closing if your mortgage is completed through my office

👉 Rebates may take up to 30 days after closing.

👉 Rebates do not apply to alternative or private mortgage lenders (speak with me for more details)

‼️ Important: Appraisal Copies

Please note that you will not receive a copy of the appraisal, regardless of who pays for it.

The appraisal is ordered for the lender (or insurer) and is considered the lender's (or insurer's) property. Most appraisal firms prohibit brokers from distributing copies to borrowers due to liability and regulatory concerns.

That said, I will always review the report and share the confirmed valuation along with any details that may impact your purchase or mortgage approval.

Do I/we require a life insurance policy?

Life insurance is not required to obtain a mortgage.

However, I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance professional to plan for unexpected events.

Ask yourself: If one or both incomes were to stop for 2+ months, how would the mortgage be paid?

If you'd like an introduction to my trusted insurance advisor, I’m happy to arrange one.

What is the difference between MPP and Life Insurance?

Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP):

👉 Covers only your mortgage balance

👉 Coverage declines as your mortgage decreases

👉 Premium stays the same

👉 Typically post-underwritten (claims reviewed at time of claim)

Life Insurance:

👉 Covers a fixed amount you choose

👉 Coverage does not decline

👉 Fully underwritten upfront (may require health review)

👉 The claim is guaranteed if approved during the application

I strongly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance advisor to determine what’s best for your situation.

Once I’ve/we’ve signed the mortgage approval, what happens next?

1️⃣ Outstanding documentation (Please complete within 3 days):
👉 We’ll gather any remaining documents needed to satisfy lender conditions. This may include updated income or down payment documents.
👉 Please continue uploading all items through the document portal.

2️⃣ Employment verification (if applicable):
👉 The lender may verify your employment with your employer or HR department.

👉 If they cannot reach anyone directly, I may ask you to help coordinate a quick introduction.

This step is simple and usually takes only a few minutes for the lender to complete.

3️⃣ Broker Complete:
Once all documents and verifications are finished, your file becomes “Broker Complete” (or “File Complete”).


This means:

👉 All income, down payment, and credit conditions are satisfied

👉 Mortgage instructions are sent to your lawyer

👉 Your file is ready for closing

‼️ Important:
Do not change jobs, take on new debt, or miss payments before closing.
Lenders may re-check employment and credit prior to funding.

4️⃣ Arranging Homeowner’s Insurance:
👉 Lenders require fire/home insurance before closing.

👉 If you are buying a condo, this may not be required (depending on the building coverage).

👉 You may obtain insurance through any provider. Provide them with the Mortgage Loss Payee details I sent you in the “Mortgage Approval: Next Steps” email.

👉 Our partners at Simplinsur can provide a no-obligation quote in about 10 minutes or less. Let me know if you would like me to connect you with them.

👉 Please note: If you choose Simplinsur, they may pay us a referral commission.

5️⃣ Lawyer’s Office
Once your lawyer receives mortgage instructions, they will:

👉 Open your file

👉 Contact you for information

👉 Schedule your signing appointment

👉 Provide a final closing cost breakdown

Funds required for closing may include:

👉 Remaining down payment

👉 Legal fees

👉 Land transfer tax

👉 Adjustments from seller

👉 Any previously discussed fees

Adam Stapley | Mortgage Broker

Integrity Tree Financial (Lic #12963)

[email protected] | 416.435.7210