Videos: Lora Explains

Cottage financing in Ontario: how I got back to the lake (Parts 1 and 2)

Watch Lora Fenn, a Barrie mortgage agent, tell how her family lost the cottage and found a way back to an Ontario lake using the home they already owned.

Self-employed or child support income? Buying a home in Ontario

Self-employed, commission, child support or disability income? Watch Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explain why different income doesn't mean no.

Separating in Barrie? How one mom kept the house for her kids

The banks said no, but this separating Barrie mom kept the house for her kids. Watch Lora Fenn explain how support income and equity were looked at.

Separating in Ontario? You may not have to sell the house

Separating in Ontario? Before you sell, look at the numbers. Watch Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explain what decides whether you can keep the house.

Self-employed in Barrie? Low income on paper doesn't mean no

Self-employed in Barrie with low income on paper? Watch how one contracting family moved to Springwater, and why your tax return isn't the whole story.

Self-employed mortgage in Barrie: how to actually qualify (full video)

Self-employed in Barrie and the bank said no? Watch Lora Fenn explain what lenders look for, what documents to gather and how write-offs affect qualifying.

Self-employed with T4A income? How to get a mortgage in Ontario

Self-employed or paid on T4As and writing everything off? Lora Fenn, a Barrie mortgage agent, explains why low income on paper doesn't have to mean no.

Mortgage file went silent on the last day of conditions? An Ontario cottage purchase rescue

A realtor called on a Friday: buyers were days from losing their cottage and the mortgage file had gone quiet. How Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, stepped in.

Declined for a refinance in Barrie? You may still have debt consolidation options

Turned down by two mortgage agents for a refinance to consolidate debt? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains why one decline doesn't always mean no options.

Missed mortgage payments in Ontario: why it's usually not about the mortgage

Feeling squeezed before your Ontario mortgage renewal? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains why missed payments are usually about the other debt, not the rate.

Prefab, modular or tiny home mortgage in Ontario: CMHC's 5% down change

Dreaming of a prefab, modular or tiny home in Simcoe County? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, on CMHC's change allowing as little as 5% down for eligible buyers.

Can you get a mortgage on maternity leave in Ontario?

On maternity leave and wondering if you can buy, upsize or refinance? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains why mat leave doesn't automatically mean wait.

Not enough saved or not enough credit? A Barrie first-time buyer story

She thought owning a home wasn't realistic: too little saved, not enough credit. Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, shares how $35K down got her into her first home.

22% credit card vs your mortgage rate: where Ontario homeowners really lose money

Chasing a mortgage rate 0.10% lower while a 22% credit card costs you hundreds? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, on where the biggest win usually hides.

Self-employed in Ontario? Your CRA tax savings could be cutting your mortgage interest

Self-employed with money set aside for the CRA? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains how parked tax money could save mortgage interest while staying accessible.

Surviving a tight month on credit cards? How a HELOC can help with debt in Barrie

Cancelled the subscriptions, paying the minimum, waiting for the raise? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains how a HELOC may help with credit card debt.

Paying 22% on credit cards? Using home equity to consolidate debt in Barrie

Minimum payments keeping you treading water? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains how home equity can carry 22% credit card debt for a fraction of the cost.

Low credit score in Ontario? Why bad credit doesn't mean no mortgage options

Bad credit, a bank you've stayed loyal to, or one decline? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, explains why there are more Ontario mortgage options than you think.

Avoiding your debt? You're not lazy: a no-judgment look at consolidating debt in Ontario

Checking the balance again, moving money card to card, waiting for rates to drop? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, on facing the number with one honest chat.

Debt shame is real: what nobody teaches you about credit, interest and debt

Struggling with debt doesn't mean you did something wrong. Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, on why nobody taught us credit and interest, and why talking helps.

Things that give me the ick as a mortgage agent: sitting on equity and never running the numbers

Built real equity but convinced the cottage, the bigger house or a debt-free month is out of reach? Lora Fenn, Barrie mortgage agent, has thoughts. Lovingly.