A Quick Q&A With Mortgage Expert Alex McFayden from Flow Mortgage
Letās be honestāmortgages arenāt exactly thrilling. But if your mortgage is coming up for renewal, itās more than just paperworkāitās an opportunity.
Whether youāre looking to lower your payments, access home equity, or plan your next move in the Kelowna real estate market, the renewal process is the perfect time to hit āresetā and make sure your mortgage aligns with your financial goals.
This month, I sat down with mortgage pro Alex McFayden from Flow Mortgage Co. to answer the most common mortgage renewal questions we hear from clients across the Okanagan.
If you own a home in Kelowna or are thinking about refinancing, this quick guide is for you:
Ā Should I just accept the mortgage renewal offer my bank sends me?
Alex: Definitely not. Banks rarely offer their best rates up front. Shopping around could save you thousands, and a mortgage broker can help you compare lenders and structure a plan thatās based on your goalsānot just what benefits your lender.
Ā Is mortgage renewal a good time to access equity for renovations or investments?
Alex: Yes! Renewal is the ideal time to tap into your homeās equityāwhether for home renovations, investment opportunities, or debt consolidation. Itās often the most cost-effective way to borrow.
Ā How can I lower my monthly payments when I renew?
Alex: A few smart strategies:
The right approach depends on your financial goalsāand we can help you map it out.
Ā Can I renew early to avoid rising interest rates?
Alex: Absolutely. Many lenders allow early renewals, so if rates are climbing, locking in now can offer serious peace of mind. Just make sure to talk with a mortgage advisor before committing, to ensure it fits your long-term plan.
Ā Is renewal a good time to consider buying or selling a home?
Alex: Itās a great time. Whether youāre upsizing, downsizing, or investing in another property, renewal lets you explore options without penalty. Itās an opportunity to rethink your real estate strategy and make your equity work harder.
Ā What if I want to refinance or consolidate debt?
Alex: Renewal is the perfect time to do that. Refinancing during renewal can simplify your finances and lower your interest costsāsometimes by thousands per month. Itās one of the smartest moves many homeowners overlook.
Ā Do I have to re-qualify when renewing?
Alex: Not necessarily. If youāre sticking with your current lender, re-qualification usually isnāt required. But if youāre switching lenders or refinancing, youāll need to re-qualifyāsomething we can walk you through step-by-step.
Final Thoughts from Shannon and Tamara
If youāre a Kelowna homeowner with a mortgage renewal coming up, donāt just sign and send. Use this moment to review your options and set yourself up for the futureāwhether that means upgrading your home, starting a renovation, or freeing up monthly cash flow.
Have questions about your home or your next move?
Letās chat! At Stone Sisters, we work closely with trusted mortgage professionals like Alex McFayden to help you make confident, informed decisions in every stage of your real estate journey.
Ā Contact us atĀ StoneSisters.com
Ā Your local experts in Kelowna real estate