Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

The Bank of Canada announces its next rate decision tomorrow, and most economists currently expect rates to hold steady. However, what matters most is not just the headline—it’s how today’s market conditions affect your mortgage, buying power, and long-term financial plan.  Here is the link to see tomorrow’s announcement Bank of Canada or follow our social media accounts @angelacallamortgageteam. Right now, buyers are negotiating strong opportunities, and many homeowners are surprised to learn they may not need to wait until renewal to improve their situation. Most recently, we helped a family in Pitt Meadows restructure their mortgage early, improve cash flow by $1,000 per month, and position themselves to potentially retire 5 years sooner through better planning. Whether you are: • Buying a home • Renewing soon • Wondering if you should refinance early • Reviewing life insurance • Wanting a second opinion on your financial plan Now is the time to act. For mortgage consultations, use our booking link If you’d like a broader financial review outside the mortgage, simply reply with 3 days/times that work for you. We have direct access to our independent financial planning partners’ calendar and can coordinate an introduction for you. Don’t wait for the next announcement schedule for June 10th to wonder what you should have done today.

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

 

The Canadian Jobs Report Was Much Weaker Than Expected In February  Today’s Labour Force Survey showed considerable weakness last month, even before the Gulf War took hold of the global economy. Employment fell by 83,400 jobs after edging down in January (-25,000; -0.1%). This is the largest decline in employment in more than four years. On a year-over-year basis, employment was little changed in February 2026. In February, the employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed—fell by 0.2 percentage points to 60.6%, marking the second consecutive monthly decline. The employment rate in February was just above the recent low of 60.5% observed in August 2025 and was down 0.4 percentage points year over year. The number of people working full-time declined by 108,000 (-0.6%), offsetting growth recorded over the previous two months. At the same time, there was little variation in the number of people working part-time in February. The number of employees in the private sector fell by 73,000 (-0.5%) in February, the second consecutive monthly decline. These declines offset gains observed in October and November 2025. Compared with 12 months earlier, the number of private sector employees was virtually unchanged in February. The number of public sector employees and the number of self-employed workers were both little changed last month. The unemployment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 6.7% in February, as employment fell and more people searched for work. The unemployment rate was virtually unchanged from 12 months earlier (6.6%) and remained below the recent high of 7.1% reached in August and September 2025. The participation rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who were employed or looking for work—fell by 0.1 percentage points to 64.9% in February. It was down 0.4 percentage points year over year. The employment decline in February was spread across services-producing industries (-56,000; -0.3%) and goods-producing industries (-28,000; -0.7%). In services-producing industries, the largest decline was in wholesale and retail trade (-18,000; -0.6%). Employment in this industry has trended down since October 2025, with a cumulative decline of 52,000 (-1.7%) over this period. In goods-producing industries, employment edged down in February in construction (-12,000; -0.7%) and manufacturing (-9,200; -0.5%). On a year-over-year basis, employment was little changed in construction, while it was down by 52,000 (-2.8%) in manufacturing. Bottom Line Today’s employment report is stale news as the war in Iran, which began on February 28 with coordinated strikes by the US and Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, has had profound effects on the global economy. Owing to the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, oil flows are down by roughly 20 million barrels. Even with the largest release ever from strategic petroleum reserves, oil prices remain near $100 a barrel, a dramatic uptick from just two weeks ago. Ordinarily, such economic weakness would trigger central bank easing, but the surge in energy prices will add to inflation, at least temporarily. Labour markets remain soft as the economy bears the weight of US tariffs and an upcoming CUSMA review looms over business. This is likely to complicate the Bank of Canada’s future monetary policy path. While the Bank might otherwise consider a rate cut to return growth and labour markets to healthier levels, the surge in oil prices is inflationary. The Bank of Canada’s sole mandate is to return inflation to its 2% target, while the Fed’s mandate is to control inflation while maximizing noninflationary growth. The energy shock, if persistent, could justify a rate hike. The BoC meets again next Wednesday, March 18, and markets and economists expect officials to hold the policy rate steady at 2.25%. The February CPI report for Canada will be released on Monday, but the February data are now ancient history, given the war. Meanwhile, hourly wages for full-time permanent employees rose 4.2% from a year ago, compared with 3.3% in January. Economists surveyed were expecting a 3.2% increase. Much depends upon how long the war will last. According to today’s Wall St. Journal, oil markets are “waking up to a new reality: Disruption to the Gulf’s prodigious energy supplies isn’t ending anytime soon.” Many analysts aver that crude could hit new multiyear highs if the conflict drags on. “Goldman Sachs this week raised its oil price forecasts, citing longer-than-expected disruption. Brent crude could average $145 in March and April in a more extreme scenario, it said. The bank now expects disruption to flows through the strait to last 21 days, up from its previous forecast of 10 days. Macquarie Group is now predicting that crude prices could top $150 if the strait remains closed for a few weeks. Others say oil prices could go even higher.” “One reason for the changing outlook is a surge in attacks on tankers near the strait. Over the past 24 hours, at least seven vessels were hit in waters off the coast of Dubai and Iraq. One of the ships, a foreign tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil, was ablaze in Iraqi waters. US officials said that Iran has also started to litter the strait with sea mines that could give the country outsized power to wreak havoc with the global economy. “The war in the Middle East is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market,” the International Energy Agency said Thursday as it slashed its forecast for oil-supply growth this year.

Article courtesy of Dr. Sherry Cooper, Chief Economist, DLC

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

 

What a night! On March 7, IMAGINE 2026 went out with a bang. We’re so proud to announce that we raised a record-breaking $280,000! These vital funds will support the Food Bank, our Early Years programming and the Foundry Tri-Cities—all graciously funded by you. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Wesbild, our fabulous MCs, all our sponsors, culinary partners, silent auction prize donors, street vendors, musicians, and you—our IMAGINE supporters. We also want to celebrate our SHARE staff and volunteers for their creativity, hours and dedication to a night to remember. A big congrats to our culinary award winners—Float 30, Matteo’s Gelato and Pasta Polo—and Joan C. of Port Moody for winning the 50/50 raffle. To learn more about this year’s Gala, click here.We’re deeply grateful for your generosity and spirit in making IMAGINE 2026 such a success. We hope you will join us at our 2027 IMAGINE on Saturday, March 6, 2027, as we continue this important work together. Why evenings like IMAGINE matters… Share Forward Click to see more photos from IMAGINE 2026.

 

 

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

Great news – the GST Rebate for First-Time Homebuyers has finally come into effect!! Announced last spring by the federal government, the bill received Royal Assent last week and eliminates “the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.”  The Canada Revenue Agency will now be able to start processing rebate claims. Please note that the rebate will generally apply to agreements of purchase and sale entered into on or after March 20, 2025, and before 2031. If you have clients that were first time home buyers and purchased a new home under $1,500,000 between March 20, 2025, and today you should reach out and make sure they apply for the rebate.  We are combing through our files so that our clients are notified, but you should do the same, in particular if they did not use us. We will soon update our website to incorporate these latest changes and will notify you when done.  Stay tuned for further emails and as always, thanks for the support.   Article courtesy of Tony Spagnuolo of Spagnuolo LLP

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

March is peak maple syrup time here in Canada – when the sap starts to flow from tapped trees into sugar houses across Quebec (where 90% of Canada’s liquid gold is produced). Maple syrup not only tastes great but also has zinc, magnesium, B2, calcium, potassium and even antioxidants. It’s unrefined and unprocessed and offers a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars. So head on out to a sugar shack (or grocery store) and indulge in a piece of healthy Canadian heritage! Fraud Awareness: Essential Info for Today’s Digital World March is fraud awareness month, a great reminder that no matter who you are, scams are lurking right around the corner (or in the next email, call or post!). 2026 will undoubtably throw more sneaky, compelling, and downright dastardly scams than ever. So, we’re going to look at how and why fraud scams work, spotlight the techniques scammers use, give you tips on how to recognize a scam, and teach you what you can do to protect yourself. Why do scams work?  Here are my 4 E’s of an effective scam: Ego: Some people think they are too smart to fall prey. Their overconfidence says they don’t need to be cautious and that exposes them to unnecessary risk. Evolution: Scams are diverse and sophisticated – it’s not a Nigerian Prince asking you to share his millions anymore! The constant changing and diversification of scams is fuelled by new technology, making it harder to spot a fake. Education: A lack of awareness means you’re a step behind a fraudster, and you’re unlikely to recognize the newest and greatest plots. Exposure: We’re online a LOT, constantly seeing fake ads, sharing our email addresses to get discount codes, commenting on social media posts – you name it. We constantly expose ourselves to predators. Techniques Scammers Rely On The first strategy scammers use is emotional manipulation. They’ll create uncomfortable feelings like fear or urgency to get you to act quickly. They’ll also go the sympathy and goodwill route to appeal to your good nature and empathetic side so you help them. The second strategy scammers use is cognitive bias. It’s our predisposition to a certain mindset that would make you more willing to comply. A few examples: Optimism Bias: You don’t automatically suspect a scam Truth Bias: You assume people are telling the truth Authority Bias: You trust and comply with authority figures (like police or government) The third strategy scammers use is influence. They’ll compliment you or pretend to have similar likes so they build a relationship with you. They’ll act as experts or authorities so that you trust them. And, they’ll commit to it, starting slow and building over time and increasing their requests. How Did Scammers Get So Good? They practice. They aren’t afraid to fail. They don’t take no as an answer. And, perhaps most importantly, they embrace technology. It catches victims unaware and drastically improves their reach and persuasiveness. Here are their fanciest tools. AI: AI makes it easy for scammers to create professional-looking websites, social media content, online ads, fake photos, persuasive emails and texts, and so much more. The Dark Web: Scammers can buy nearly any data they want, plus fake identities, malware tools, stolen credit card numbers, ransomware, a fake escrow service or even hire hackers. Deepfakes: Fake videos that clone real people and real voices are easy to create with free or cheap specialized software. These fake videos can promote products, laud fake charities or causes needing donations, even endorse ponzi schemes and pump-and-dump investments. Spoofing software: Fraudsters can mimic legitimate phone numbers, emails, or websites and even trick you into thinking you’re dealing with a real person you know. Red Flags  Scammers aren’t just straight up asking for your SIN and banking info anymore. Here are some common themes to watch for: Urgency, including limited time offers or requests to act now Threats, like an account will be closed, you’ll be arrested, or a fine is forthcoming Uncommon payment forms, like wanting gift cards, cryptocurrency, or Venmo transfers Secrecy, warning you not to tell friends or family or alert law enforcement Poor quality, like spelling errors, weird links, or other telltale signs AI has been hard at work Reciprocity, as in you get hired but you pay for your own training, or you won a prize but you have to pay to receive it How to Avoid Falling for Scams  If you don’t want to be blindsided by a scam, the first step is to know that scams exist. Staying current on the latest schemes will go a long way. Be skeptical about almost everything online! Installing ScamShield, call blocking or anti-virus software can help prevent a scam artist from contacting you. Multi-factor authentication is a great way to stop scammers from accessing your online accounts. If you get faced with a scam, take a step back and think about the legitimacy of the situation. Call a trusted friend or loved one and run the situation by them. Just hearing it out loud might make you come to your senses! Practice saying no. Disconnect from the situation and reach out to the company independently (like the CRA, bank, cell phone company or store) to confirm the request or offer is real. Finally, monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity if you think you might have given away too much information. Conclusion If you’d like to learn more, the FCT fraud insights centre is a great place to start. Or, get your information in video form in Mastercard’s Anatomy of a Scam docuseries. Hopefully shining a spotlight on these tactics keeps your safety top of mind. Or as Bert and Gert would say, “Stay Alert, Stay Safe”!

Home Décor Trends to Elevate Your Space Minimalism is dead. In 2026 we’ve moved on, adding colour, vibrancy, new features and personality galore into our homes. Here are the biggest trends you can keep your eyes (and budget) set on this year: Grandma Chic: If your birth year starts with 19, you’ll probably feel nostalgic about this trend. Things like florals, ruffles and pleated skirts are back on couches and chairs. Lamp shades, antique clocks, China cabinets and anything else you saw in your grandma’s house in the 80’s is back in style. Your entire house doesn’t need grandma’s approval, but it’s time to proudly and stylishly display any heirlooms she passed down. Dark Design: Terracotta, dark green, chocolate brown, darker woods… the stylish home has plenty of these colours in 2026. If you want to try it, consider painting your existing cabinetry, adding a chair or couch in a moody shade, or even choosing an area rug that does double duty in style and function while it hides the fact you haven’t vacuumed this week (or month). Feeling Blue: Blue may not be the Pantone colour of 2026 – but it’s everything in fashion, design, social media content, makeup, even dining. Any shade will do, from icy to electric. It’s super easy to add to your home with things like furniture, dishes, artwork, rugs, or even knickknacks (those are back too… keep reading). Bidets: Thanks to the explosion in bidet popularity, it’s easy to find an attachment, toilet seat, sprayer or entirely new toilet to bring the bidet lifestyle into your home. Plus, they reduce toilet paper use, saving your home plumbing and the environment! They’re fairly easy to install yourself so if you’re keen on trying one, a trip to your local hardware store is probably all you need. Walls Are the Art: Wallpaper is back, baby! There are infinite cool patterns and colours to choose from, including some really interesting and personal choices. And don’t forget the fifth wall to every room – the ceiling! Paint it or wallpaper it too, adding drama, interest, and even heights to the space. Personal Storytelling: This unique approach is about telling your own story, piece by piece. Any room can feel welcoming because nothing is too precious or perfectly styled. It won’t happen overnight though. It’s a rebellion against fast fashion and staged decorating, as you collect everything over your lifetime rather than in one trip to Pottery Barn. Display your travel souvenirs, favourite knickknacks, unique furniture and thrifted gems and enjoy sharing a memory or telling an origin story of your favourite treasures to your guests. What’s Out If you’re looking to thoughtfully declutter as you modernize or redecorate your home, here are the top three things to part with. Fake plants. And its cousin, the 2000’s oversized vase with dried wheat. Mass produced wall art. That print of le chat noir or Campbell soup are heading for retirement (or the attic for when they come back in style). Word art. We don’t live laugh or love this look anymore. I’d love to hear what interior decorating styles and trends you have going on – and if you’re looking at any of these trends to update your existing style. If your home needs a bigger upgrade than just some new design elements, I can always help you sort through the financing options. Call text or email me anytime! Economic Insights from Dr. Sherry Cooper Last month, the US Supreme Court issued a verdict on the tariff lawsuit. The ruling invalidates a large portion of the tariffs that Trump implemented in 2025. However, there are other ways that he can introduce import taxes. Here’s a chart showing some of the other means these tariffs could be put back on the table: Realistically, most affected tariffs will likely be reinstated by other means – and a temporary blanket 10% tariff already has. Trump has already ordered a raft of trade investigations that should allow him to enact more permanent tariffs, too. While this could be good news for Canada, in the immediate future, it only increases uncertainty, further dampening consumer and business confidence and increasing the likelihood that spending decisions, whether for housing or business fixed investment, will be postponed. This Sunday, March 8 is International Women’s Day! It’s the 115th anniversary of the celebration of women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and furthering gender parity. It’s an inclusive day to celebrate all the women in your life. My parting words for this month are “think green”! March is the month for all things green; from the dye in your St Patrick’s Day beer to the sprouts you’re hoping to see in your garden soon enough. Plus, who doesn’t want the calming effects, reduced stress, and increased creativity that the colour brings! Have a great month and I look forward to seeing you back here in April.

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

If rising payments, credit card balances, or multiple loan obligations are eating into your monthly cash flow, you are not alone — and you do have options.

For many homeowners, restructuring debt through a strategic mortgage review can create immediate relief and long-term financial momentum. Just this week, we helped a local family improve their monthly cash flow by $2,677.32 — money that is now going toward their retirement plan instead of servicing high-interest debt.

Here’s what that can look like:

Replace high-interest debt with one lower-interest mortgage payment

Simplify your finances with one manageable monthly obligation

Free up monthly cash flow for retirement savings, RESP contributions, or simply breathing room

Strengthen your credit profile by reducing utilization and late-payment risk

Reduce financial stress with a clear, structured plan forward

Legacy Planning- to move up the property ladder or purchase a second home/investment property

Imagine starting the next month saving hundreds or thousands of dollars a month in cashflow and what that can do for your life!

Debt consolidation isn’t about “borrowing more.”

It’s about organizing your finances strategically so your money works for you — not against you.

If you own a home and feel like your payments are working harder than you are, let’s review your options.

Reply to this email and we will reach out to let you know what we need to get started, or book a private one on one phone consult call HERE

A simple review could bring clarity, savings, and peace of mind.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

FULL ARTICLE

Big news out of Nova Scotia today: the Government of Nova Scotia has launched a new First-Time Homebuyers Program that cuts the minimum down payment to just 2% of the purchase price — less than half of what it usually is.

This four-year pilot initiative is designed to help people who are financially ready to buy a home but can’t save up the larger down payment that’s often a barrier to entering the market. It’s being delivered through a partnership between the provincial government, Atlantic Central and participating credit unions.

Here’s what this means for eligible buyers:

What the Program Does

• Lower Down Payment: Eligible first-time buyers can purchase with a 2% down payment instead of the standard 5% minimum.
• Government Guarantee: The Province acts as a guarantor on these mortgages, so buyers don’t have to buy separate mortgage insurance — saving even more up front.
• Credit Union Delivery: Mortgages are available through local credit unions that participate in the program.

Eligibility Highlights

To qualify, buyers must:

• Have a household income of $200,000 or less
• Pass the CMHC mortgage stress test
• Have a credit score of at least 630
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or certain sponsored immigrants
• Buy a home priced up to $570,000 in Halifax/East Hants or $500,000 elsewhere in Nova Scotia

Previous homeowners who haven’t owned a home in four or more years may also be eligible under the program’s rules.

Why This Matters

This program addresses one of the most common hurdles first-time buyers face: saving enough cash for a down payment. With rental costs and wages out of sync in many markets, actually putting money aside for a down payment is often the hardest step for would-be buyers — even when they’re otherwise financially prepared.

In fact, we used to have zero down payment options available years ago — a time when many more people could start building equity sooner and lay down roots in their communities. Reducing or removing upfront barriers like down payments can make a real difference, especially for younger buyers and essential workers who have the ability to pay but lack the savings hurdle.

What This Means for Canada

While Nova Scotia’s program is a positive local step, it underscores a critical point I’ve raised many times:

Interest rates alone will not solve housing affordability.

Lowering borrowing costs helps with monthly payments — but people still need to get into the market first. Policies that reduce upfront barriers, encourage responsible lending, and expand access to capital are essential. We need similar creative solutions at the federal level so that first-time buyers from coast-to-coast can benefit.

There are already some federal supports — like the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan and GST rebates on new homes — but more is needed to address the savings gap and ensure meaningful access to homeownership.

Let’s Talk About What’s Possible

Housing affordability isn’t just about rates — it’s about policy, support, and giving people real pathways to achieve their goals. As someone immersed in the financial and mortgage space, I’ve seen firsthand how these barriers impact real families and real futures.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, or want to explore how innovative program could help you today,  Let’s work through your options together.

Angela Calla is a mortgage renewal and debt elimination expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She is also a multi-award-winning mortgage professional. Since beginning as a mortgage broker in 2004, Angela has helped thousands of Canadians optimize their mortgage strategies, eliminate debt, and build wealth through real estate.

She is the best-selling author of The Mortgage Code, which equips readers with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, she is the host of Canada’s longest-running finance radio show on CKNW, where she simplifies mortgage advice and empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures.

Angela has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year (2020) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) by the City of Port Coquitlam. She is also a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering accredited training for real estate boards across Greater Vancouver.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

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