Editorial Policy

Who Writes Our Content

Articles and guides are written by the Mortgage Squad Advisors Editorial Team — the brokerage's content desk. Drafts are prepared by licensed mortgage advisors who work client files day to day, so the content reflects how lenders actually assess applications, not just how the rules read on paper.

Articles are published under the Editorial Team byline. Where a named individual writes an article (for example, our Principal Broker on brokerage and career topics), it is published under that person's own name and author profile.

Who Reviews It

Before publication, articles are reviewed by our Principal Broker, Surrayya Afzal (FSRA licence #M14001433). Her review covers accuracy, currency, and compliance with FSRA conduct and disclosure rules, with particular attention to anything touching the mortgage stress test, default insurance, qualifying rules, taxes and regulatory requirements.

Her individual licence (#M14001433) and the brokerage licence (#13737) are different numbers. Both can be verified on the FSRA public register.

Sourcing Standards

We rely on primary sources wherever they exist: the Bank of Canada, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), FSRA, Canada.ca (including the Canada Revenue Agency), and lenders' and default insurers' own published product guidelines.

Where a figure depends on a provincial or municipal rule — such as land transfer tax or a first-time buyer rebate — we use the relevant government source. Where we cite market data such as benchmark prices, we name the publisher of that data.

We do not present estimates as facts. Where a figure is our own estimate or an illustrative example, the page says so.

How Rates and Figures Are Updated

Mortgage rates on this site come from our rate data and lender rate sheets, and each rate display shows when it was last updated. Rates change frequently and every rate is subject to lender approval; the rate you are offered depends on your own file.

When an underlying rule changes — for example a change to the stress test, default-insurance rules, amortization limits or a government program — we re-review the articles in the affected topic and update them. Articles show the date of their most recent review.

Calculators on this site use the published rules they describe. Their results are estimates, not approvals or offers.

Corrections Policy

If you believe something on this site is inaccurate or out of date, email info@mortgagesquad.ca with the page address and the details. We review every report.

When we correct a material error, we update the article and note the correction on the article itself.

Independence and How We Are Paid

Mortgage Squad Advisors is an independent brokerage. On a standard prime mortgage, the lender pays our brokerage a finder's fee once your mortgage funds, so the service is typically free to you. On certain private, alternative or complex files, a borrower-paid fee may apply instead — and it is always disclosed to you in writing before you commit.

Some lenders also pay trailer fees or volume bonuses. We are transparent that these exist, and as an FSRA-licensed brokerage we are legally required to disclose our compensation and any conflict of interest to you in writing. For the full explanation, see /how-do-mortgage-brokers-get-paid.

Not Personal Advice

Content on this site is general information for Canadian borrowers. It is not personal financial, legal or tax advice, and it cannot account for your specific circumstances. Mortgage approvals, rates and terms are subject to lender approval.

Before acting on anything you read here, speak with a licensed mortgage professional about your file — and, where relevant, a lawyer or tax professional.