BBQ Season Has Arrived! Five Delicious Recipes for the Meat (And Veggie) Lover in All of Us

Marci • August 2, 2014

The warm, sunny days of have finally arrived, and that means it’s time to bring out the grill. As you get ready for your backyard parties and meals out on the deck, you’re sure to want some new recipes that will tantalize the tongue and bring everyone back for more. Here are five delicious recipes for meat and veggie lovers to enjoy on the barbecue this summer.

Try a Grilled Pizza, Margherita Style!

There’s nothing like pizza cooked on the grill. While this can be modified to become a meat lover’s recipe, Grilled Pizza Margherita is intended for the vegetarian or the person who simply enjoys a refreshing meal that leaves the meat out. You’ll need pizza dough that should be placed in a bowl to rise before grilling. Let it sit for an hour while you preheat the grill, and then split the dough into two pieces. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin, flouring the surface first, and put it on the grill. Let it cook up to five minutes and remove the crusts from the grill to flip them on a plate or work surface. You should brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle two ounces of Asiago cheese on each crust. Add four ounces of mozzarella cheese to each crust, a half cup of basil leaves on each, and then toss on some sliced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper as a final touch. With your grill turned down to medium, return your crusts to the grill and let them cook for ten minutes.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: A Fun Veggie Dish

Portobello mushrooms are another grilled favourite that can be added to a sandwich, served on the side with your meat of choice, or serve as the main dish. They are also very easy to prepare. Gather up your washed Portobello mushrooms. Remove the stems and place clean caps in a bowl. Cover them with a mixture of canola oil, balsamic vinegar, onion, and garlic cloves. After they have stood for an hour to absorb the flavour, toss them on the grill for about ten minutes.

Corn On The Cob On The Grill: The Classic Summer Dish

Corn on the cob is a summer favourite that is very tasty when cooked on the grill. Leave the corn in the husks and soak it in a bowl of water for at least an hour before grilling. Next, place the corn, husks and all, on the grill. Keep turning as the leaves become blackened on the outside, checking from time to time to make sure the corn does not burn. The grill brings out the sweetness of the corn and makes it extra juicy.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Steak

Steak is a great choice for your main course. Rib Eye and Porterhouse are excellent cuts of meat that generally have the best flavour. You can prepare your steak however you like, whether that’s with salt and pepper, Montreal steak spice, or a great marinade like garlic and chilli. Watch your steak carefully as you cook. Flip it often and don’t let it dry out. You can test how done your steak is by pressing your finger against it. Here’s a handy reference for how your steak is coming along: On one hand, touch your index finger to your thumb. Then, using your other hand, put pressure on the meaty part of your hand just below your thumb. That’s how your steak should feel when it’s rare. Touch your thumb to your other fingers, moving from index to pinky, and you’ll feel a progressively tougher sensation. When your thumb and ring finger are touching, your hand should feel the way that a medium steak feels.

Stuffed Burgers: A New Spin on an Old Favourite

While burgers are an old standby, you can spice them up with extras added to your ground beef. Toss onions, bits of bacon, and shredded cheese into the mix as you make your hamburger patties. You can add any other ingredients that work for you, making this an easy dish to personalize.

As you plan your next gathering, you may be looking for the perfect backyard to enjoy your summers even more, or you may like to take advantage of the equity in your home. An experienced mortgage lender can help. If you’d like to discuss your existing mortgage or you plan to move soon and you want a new mortgage, feel free to email me today.

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Home Reno Dreams? Let’s Talk Mortgage Financing

By Marci Deane • May 27, 2026
How to Use Your Mortgage to Finance Home Renovations Home renovations can be exciting—but they can also be expensive. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, finishing the basement, or tackling a much-needed repair, the cost of materials and labour adds up quickly. If you don’t have all the cash on hand, don’t worry. There are smart ways to use mortgage financing to fund your renovation plans without derailing your financial stability. Here are three mortgage-related strategies that can help: 1. Refinancing Your Mortgage If you're already a homeowner, one of the most straightforward ways to access funds for renovations is through a mortgage refinance. This involves breaking your current mortgage and replacing it with a new one that includes the amount you need for your renovations. Key benefits: You can access up to 80% of your home’s appraised value , assuming you qualify. It may be possible to lower your interest rate or reduce your monthly payments. Timing tip: If your mortgage is up for renewal soon, refinancing at that time can help you avoid prepayment penalties. Even mid-term refinancing could make financial sense, depending on your existing rate and your renovation goals. 2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) If you have significant equity in your home, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can offer flexible funding for renovations. A HELOC is a revolving credit line secured against your home, typically at a lower interest rate than unsecured borrowing. Why consider a HELOC? You only pay interest on the amount you use. You can access funds as needed, which is ideal for staged or ongoing renovations. You maintain the terms of your existing mortgage if you don’t want to refinance. Unlike a traditional loan, a HELOC allows you to borrow, repay, and borrow again—similar to how a credit card works, but with much lower rates. 3. Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage If you're in the market for a new home and find a property that needs some work, a "Purchase Plus Improvements" mortgage could be a great option. This allows you to include renovation costs in your initial mortgage. How it works: The renovation funds are advanced based on a quote and are held in trust until the work is complete. The renovations must add value to the property and meet lender requirements. This type of mortgage lets you start with a home that might be more affordable upfront and customize it to your taste—all while building equity from day one. Final Thoughts Your home is likely your biggest investment, and upgrading it wisely can enhance both your comfort and its value. Mortgage financing can be a powerful tool to fund renovations without tapping into high-interest debt. The right solution depends on your unique financial situation, goals, and timing. Let’s chat about your options, run the numbers, and create a plan that works for you. 📞 Ready to renovate? Connect anytime to get started!

Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates in Canada

By Marci Deane • May 20, 2026
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which One Fits Your Life? Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing your current mortgage, or approaching renewal, one big decision stands in your way: fixed or variable rate? It’s a question many homeowners wrestle with—and the right answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the key differences so you can move forward with confidence. Fixed Rate: Stability & Predictability A fixed-rate mortgage offers one major advantage: peace of mind . Your interest rate stays the same for the entire term—usually five years—regardless of what happens in the broader economy. Pros: Your monthly payment never changes during the term. Ideal if you value budgeting certainty. Shields you from rate increases. Cons: Fixed rates are usually higher than variable rates at the outset. Penalties for breaking your mortgage early can be steep , thanks to something called the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) —a complex and often costly formula used by lenders. In fact, IRD penalties have been known to reach up to 4.5% of your mortgage balance in some cases. That’s a lot to pay if you need to move, refinance, or restructure your mortgage before the end of your term. Variable Rate: Flexibility & Potential Savings With a variable-rate mortgage , your interest rate moves with the market—specifically, it adjusts based on changes to the lender’s prime rate. For example, if your mortgage is set at Prime minus 0.50% and prime is 6.00% , your rate would be 5.50% . If prime increases or decreases, your mortgage rate will change too. Pros: Typically starts out lower than a fixed rate. Penalties are simpler and smaller —usually just three months’ interest (often 2–2.5 mortgage payments). Historically, many Canadians have paid less overall interest with a variable mortgage. Cons: Your payment could increase if rates rise. Not ideal if rate fluctuations keep you up at night. The Penalty Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is the cost of breaking a mortgage early —something nearly 6 out of 10 Canadians do before their term ends. Fixed Rate = Unpredictable, potentially high penalty (IRD) Variable Rate = Predictable, usually lower penalty (3 months’ interest) Even if you don’t plan to break your mortgage, life happens—career changes, family needs, or new opportunities could shift your path. So, Which One is Best? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A fixed rate might be perfect for someone who wants stable budgeting and plans to stay put for years. A variable rate might work better for someone who’s financially flexible and open to market changes—or who may need to exit their mortgage early. Ultimately, the best mortgage is the one that fits your goals and your reality —not just what the bank recommends. Let's Find the Right Fit Choosing between fixed and variable isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding your needs, your future plans, and how much financial flexibility you want. Let’s sit down and walk through your options together. I’ll help you make an informed, confident choice—no guesswork required.

Divorce and Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know

By Marci Deane • May 13, 2026
Going Through a Separation? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Separation or divorce can be one of life’s most stressful transitions—and when real estate is involved, the financial side of things can get complicated fast. If you and your partner own a home together, figuring out what happens next with your mortgage is a critical step in moving forward. Here’s what you need to know: You’re Still Responsible for Mortgage Payments Even if your relationship changes, your obligation to your mortgage lender doesn’t. If your name is on the mortgage, you’re fully responsible for making sure payments continue. Missed payments can lead to penalties, damage your credit, or even put your home at risk of foreclosure. If you relied on your partner to handle payments during the relationship, now is the time to take a proactive role. Contact your lender directly to confirm everything is on track. Breaking or Changing Your Mortgage Comes With Costs Dividing your finances might mean refinancing, removing someone from the title, or selling the home. All of these options come with potential legal fees, appraisal costs, and mortgage penalties—especially if you’re mid-term with a fixed-rate mortgage. Before making any decisions, speak with your lender to get a clear picture of the potential costs. This info can be helpful when finalizing your separation agreement. Legal Status Affects Financing If you're applying for a new mortgage after a separation, lenders will want to see official documentation—like a signed separation agreement or divorce decree. These documents help the lender assess any ongoing financial obligations like child or spousal support, which may impact your ability to qualify. No paperwork yet? Expect delays and added scrutiny in the mortgage process until everything is finalized. Qualifying on One Income Can Be Tougher Many couples qualify for mortgages based on combined income. After a separation, your borrowing power may decrease if you're now applying solo. This can affect your ability to buy a new home or stay in the one you currently own. A mortgage professional can help you reassess your financial picture and identify options that make sense for your situation—whether that means buying on your own, co-signing with a family member, or exploring government programs. Buying Out Your Partner? You May Have Extra Flexibility In cases where one person wants to stay in the home, lenders may offer special flexibility. Unlike traditional refinancing, which typically caps borrowing at 80% of the home’s value, a “spousal buyout” may allow you to access up to 95%—making it easier to compensate your former partner and retain the home. This option is especially useful for families looking to minimize disruption for children or maintain community ties. You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone Separation is never simple—but with the right support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re keeping the home, selling, or starting fresh, working with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and create a strategy that aligns with your new goals. Let’s talk through your situation and explore the best path forward. I’m here to help.