By Leanne Mollica
Mortgage Broker | Mortgage Architects – Team Borle
Founder, My Mortgage Strategy
Serving Salmon Arm, the Shuswap, and British Columbia
Most homeowners only think about their mortgage when a renewal letter shows up from the bank.
By that point, decisions feel rushed, options can be limited, and many people default to the easiest path — auto‑renewing.
Here’s the truth: your mortgage is not a set‑it‑and‑forget‑it product.
And the best mortgage decisions are almost always made between renewals — not at them.
Why waiting until renewal can cost you
A lot can change over a typical 3‑ to 5‑year mortgage term:
- Interest rate environments shift
- Home values rise (or sometimes soften)
- Equity builds quietly in the background
- Income, family size, and life goals evolve
Even if your monthly payment hasn’t changed, your mortgage strategy might be outdated.
When you wait until the renewal notice arrives, you’re often reacting instead of planning — and planning is where flexibility lives.
Awareness matters more than timing
Many people assume the goal is simply to catch the lowest rate.
In reality, the better question is:
Does my mortgage still fit my life?
The right strategy depends on much more than the headline rate:
- What happens if you need to sell early?
- Can you make extra payments without penalty?
- Is your mortgage portable if you move?
- Could restructuring improve cash flow or flexibility?
These are conversations worth having before a deadline forces your hand.
Introducing the Mortgage Monitor
To help homeowners stay proactive, I’ve created the Mortgage Monitor — a simple system designed to keep an eye on your mortgage between renewals.
Once enrolled, your mortgage is monitored quietly in the background so important opportunities or timing considerations don’t get missed as life and market conditions change.
This is not a promise of lower rates or guaranteed savings.
It’s a planning and awareness tool — built around education, timing, and long‑term strategy.
What the Mortgage Monitor keeps an eye on
Depending on your situation, monitoring may include:
- Upcoming renewal timelines (before your lender reaches out)
- Rate trends worth paying attention to
- Changes in available equity
- Product features like prepayment options, penalties, and portability
- Strategic check‑ins when something changes on your end
Not every change requires action.
But knowing your options early puts you in control.
Who this is for — and who it isn’t
The Mortgage Monitor is a good fit if you:
- Own a home and don’t want to auto‑renew blindly
- Like understanding your options before you need them
- Expect changes in income, family, or housing plans
- Value strategy over last‑minute decisions
If you prefer a completely hands‑off, set‑and‑forget approach, this service may not be the right fit — and that’s okay.
A calmer way to manage your mortgage
I don’t believe good mortgage advice happens once every few years.
The Mortgage Monitor exists because proactive, informed decisions tend to reduce stress, preserve flexibility, and create better long‑term outcomes.
If you’re a homeowner and want a smarter way to stay informed — without pressure or spam — you can learn more here:
All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of rates, approvals, or savings. Mortgage options are subject to lender policies, market conditions, and individual qualification.