An Introduction to “Smart” Technology | Smart Home Series

Marci • March 4, 2016

Welcome to the introduction article of a 3 part series focusing on smart technology with a focus on smart homes. Expect part 2 in a week and part 3 a week after that. 3 parts, 3 weeks, simple as that. 

We all need some sort of “down time” in our lives; time to unwind and reflect. And though most of us are required to put in a hard day’s work, when the clock signals the end of the work day, the vast majority of us are looking for any and all ways to work less, think less, and relax more. Enter “smart” technology; that which is designed to do much of the working and thinking for us, so that we don’t have to spend our valuable personal time trudging through unnecessary exertion hoops.

The term “smart” has popped up in a few different places over the last number of years. Let’s look, very briefly, at four such examples:

The “Smart” Phone

Perhaps the greatest innovation of the last thirty years, these handheld devices have completely transformed the way that our world communicates, shrinking our once endless land and seascape into a global playground. Not to mention, they’re great for browsing Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. What’s crazy is the kids of the future will never know life without one!

The “Smart” Car

Not to be confused with the (tiny) vehicle of the same name, smart car technology has progressed rather slowly. Yes, many current models include such features as: voice activated climate control, touch screen GPS, park assist, and backing cameras, but it’s been less “Back To The Future” style advancements, and more gimmicky overpriced gadgets. Truthfully, we’re all still waiting for the electric/self-driving Google or Apple car, both of which may or may not be very far off.

“Smart” Internet Monitoring Technology

Yes, internet monitoring is a big topic (too big for this post), but if you want to talk about “smart” then look no further than the tracking/analytics programs utilized by any and all of the top online brass. Ever wonder how targeted ads show up on your Facebook wall? Well, to put it in layman’s terms, your computer is learning (or perhaps more aptly, people inside of your computer are tracking you). Is this incredibly convenient, or is this incredibly terrifying? Most definitely, both. There is no doubt that Amazon knows more about you than you do!

The “Smart” Television

Smart TV’s are essentially a hybrid of television and computer/internet technology. So, in addition to spending hours channel surfing, you can stream content “on demand”, you can go down the YouTube rabbit trail, or you can binge on the latest Netflix offering. So there’s that.

Enter the most recent trend on the “smart” block:

The “Smart” Home

It should be mentioned, at this point, that when we say “smart” home, we’re not talking about artificial intelligence (although this sort of Terminator style technology is, no doubt, being developed within the hallowed halls of Google, Apple and Samsung). Rather, what we’re talking about is automation. We’re talking about a home that’s wired to respond to your commands through various means, including simple voice controls, as well as easily downloaded applications (the second of which will be our main focus, here).

The end result?
*Advanced security/ease of mind
*Energy savings,
*Convenience
*Fun!

Advanced Security/Ease of Mind

Home automation allows for doors and windows to be locked remotely. It allows for security systems to be activated from outside the home. And it allows for “up to the minute” monitoring from any connected device. These functions (and more) help to provide ease of mind to the consumer.

Energy Savings

How often have you left your home, only to get twenty minutes down the road before thinking, “Did I leave the hall lights on?” In a previous age, you would either turn around, making a thirty minute trip into a seventy-five minute trip, or continue on, trying to forget about the possibility that you left the lights on, or the heater, or the television, or the coffee maker. With smart home technology however, this worry is needless; an artifact from the not so distant past. Control all of your lights, dimmers, switches, appliances and amenities with the simplicity of the touch screen on your smart phone. It’s truly that easy.

Convenience

All of this is downright convenient! Need proof? See the above paragraph.

Fun!

This technology is also fun! Who wouldn’t want to be able to control their home remotely, with the touch of a digital button?! The future is here, people!

We’ll get into some of the wildly interesting, room by room specifics in the next blog post. For now, keep in mind that: first comes home ownership, then comes home customizing! So, if you’re considering the purchase of a new (or a new to you) home, contact me anytime!

Let me walk you through the process with you. You won’t be disappointed!

Share

Getting a Mortgage Shouldn’t Be Stressful—We Can Help

By Marci Deane • December 31, 2025
Buying a Home? Follow These 6 Key Steps for a Smooth Experience Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how mortgage financing works. To help make the process smoother (and far less stressful), here are six essential steps every homebuyer should follow: 1. Start With a Mortgage Professional—Not MLS It’s tempting to start your home search by scrolling through listings and booking showings—but the real first step should be speaking with an independent mortgage professional . Unlike a bank that offers only one set of products, an independent mortgage expert has access to multiple lenders and options . That means better advice, better rates, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs. 2. Build a Personalized Mortgage Plan Unless you’re buying your home with cash, you’ll need a solid financing strategy. That means: Reviewing your credit score Running affordability calculations Exploring different mortgage types, terms, and features Understanding down payments and closing costs The sooner you start planning, the more confident you’ll feel. Don’t wait until you’ve found the “perfect” property— get ahead of the process now . 3. Figure Out What You Can Actually Afford What a lender says you can borrow doesn’t always match what you can comfortably pay each month. Take a close look at your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits. Think about how your mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other costs will fit into your everyday cash flow. Avoid the stress of being house-poor by knowing your real-life affordability , not just your paper pre-approval. 4. Get Pre-Approved the Right Way A true mortgage pre-approval isn’t just entering numbers into an online calculator. It means: Completing a mortgage application Submitting all your required documentation Having a mortgage professional fully assess your file When you’re officially pre-approved, you’ll shop for homes with confidence , knowing what you qualify for and that you’re financially ready. 5. Submit Your Documents Promptly and Stay Flexible Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, time is of the essence. That’s when all the upfront work you’ve done really pays off. Be ready to: Provide additional documentation if requested Respond to your mortgage professional quickly Stay flexible and proactive throughout the approval process Your lender needs to verify everything before finalizing the loan, so staying organized is key. 6. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing Once you’ve secured financing and waived your conditions, freeze your finances until after you get the keys. Seriously—don’t: Change jobs Apply for new credit Take out a loan Make a large withdrawal Even small changes can throw off your approval. Keep everything status quo until you officially take possession. Recap: 6 Steps to a Smooth Home Purchase Connect with an independent mortgage professional Create a mortgage plan early Know what you can afford (not just what you qualify for) Get fully pre-approved Stay on top of documentation Avoid major financial changes before possession Ready to Buy with Confidence? If you’re thinking about buying a home—or just want to know what’s possible—let’s talk. I’ll help you map out a personalized plan that makes your homebuying journey feel simple, strategic, and stress-free. Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you get started.

Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Marci Deane • December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.

Is Alternative Lending the Right Choice for Your Mortgage Needs?

By Marci Deane • December 17, 2025
Alternative Lending in Canada: What It Is and When It Makes Sense Not everyone fits into the traditional lending box—and that’s where alternative mortgage lenders come in. Alternative lending refers to any mortgage solution that falls outside of the typical big bank offerings. These lenders are flexible, creative, and focused on helping Canadians who may not qualify for traditional financing still access the real estate market. Let’s explore when alternative lending might be the right fit for you. 1. You Have Damaged Credit Bad credit doesn’t have to mean your homeownership dreams are over. Many alternative lenders take a big-picture approach . While credit scores matter, they’ll also look at: Stable employment Consistent income Size of your down payment or existing equity If your credit has taken a hit but you can demonstrate strong income and savings—or have a solid explanation for past credit issues— an alternative lender may approve your mortgage when a bank won’t. Pro tip: Use an alternative mortgage as a short-term solution while you rebuild your credit, then refinance into a traditional mortgage with better terms down the line. 2. You're Self-Employed Being your own boss has its perks—but mortgage approval isn’t usually one of them. Traditional lenders require verifiable, consistent income—often two years’ worth. But self-employed Canadians typically write off significant expenses, reducing their declared income. Alternative lenders are more flexible and understanding of self-employed income structures. If your business is profitable and your personal finances are healthy, you may qualify even with lower stated income. Even if interest rates are slightly higher, this option is often worth it—especially when balanced against tax planning and business deductions . 3. You Earn Non-Traditional Income Today’s income sources aren’t always conventional. If you earn through: Airbnb rentals Tips and gratuities Rideshare or delivery apps (like Uber or Uber Eats) Commissions or contracts You might face challenges with traditional lenders. Alternative lenders are often more willing to work with these non-standard income streams , especially if the rest of your mortgage application is strong. Some will consider a shorter income history or evaluate your average earnings in a more flexible way. 4. You Need Expanded Debt-Service Ratios Canada’s mortgage stress test has made it harder for many borrowers to qualify with big banks. Alternative lenders can offer more generous debt-service ratio limits —meaning you might be able to qualify for a larger mortgage or a more suitable home, especially in competitive markets. While traditional GDS/TDS limits typically sit at 35/42 or 39/44 (depending on your credit), some alternative lenders will go higher, especially if: You have a larger down payment Your loan-to-value ratio is lower Your overall financial profile is strong It’s not a free-for-all—but it’s more flexible than bank lending. So, Is Alternative Lending Right for You? Alternative lending is designed to offer solutions when life doesn’t fit the traditional mold . Whether you're rebuilding credit, running your own business, or earning income in new ways, this path could help you get into a home sooner—or keep your current one. And here’s the key: You can only access alternative lenders through the mortgage broker channel . Let’s Explore Your Options Not sure where you fit? That’s okay. Every mortgage story is unique—and I’m here to help you write yours. If you’re curious about alternative mortgage products, want a second opinion, or need help getting approved, let’s talk . I’d be happy to help you explore the best solution for your situation. Reach out anytime. It would be a pleasure to work with you.