Before you start a search for a new home, you need to know what you can afford. With the introduction of the mortgage stress test rules in January 2018, qualifying for a mortgage is more challenging than it used to be.  You may believe you have a good credit rating and a solid employment history, but only a lender or mortgage broker can confirm, based on your current expenses and debt level, what mortgage amount you can be pre-qualified for. Most pre-approvals are valid for 120 days,... [read more]