# The Mortgage Builder - Colin Ballantyne

> Mortgage strategy from a 25+ year Canadian real estate investor and licensed mortgage agent (FSRA M22000539) based in Oakville, Ontario. Strategy-first advice for Canadians who want more than a rate quote.

## Services

- [First-Time Home Buyers](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/first-time-buyer): How first-time buyers in Canada structure a mortgage around their actual goals, not just what they qualify for at a bank.
- [Rental Income Mortgage](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/rental-income-mortgage): How to use rental income from a property to qualify for a purchase, including strategies where a rental suite covers a significant portion of the monthly mortgage payment.
- [Self-Employed Mortgages](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/self-employed): Mortgage options for incorporated professionals, commissioned earners, and business owners whose income does not fit a T4 model.
- [Mortgage Renewal](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/renewal): How to evaluate a mortgage renewal offer and whether the structure still fits your life before accepting.
- [Mortgage Refinancing](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/refinancing): When and how to refinance a Canadian mortgage to access equity or restructure debt.
- [Investment Property Mortgage](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/investment-property-mortgage): Financing options for Canadian real estate investors purchasing rental properties.
- [Downsizing Mortgage Strategy](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/downsizing): Mortgage strategy for Canadians approaching retirement who are selling a family home and transitioning to a smaller property.
- [Divorce & Spousal Buyout](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/divorce-spousal-buyout): How to qualify for a mortgage after separation, including spousal buyout financing.
- [Mortgage Pre-Approval](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/mortgages/pre-approval): What a Canadian mortgage pre-approval covers and how to use it as a strategy tool before shopping for a home.

## About

- [About Colin](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/about): Background and philosophy of Colin Ballantyne, a 25+ year real estate investor and licensed mortgage agent in Oakville, Ontario.
- [Why BRX](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/why-brx): Why licensed mortgage agents in Canada choose BRX Mortgage as their brokerage, including the platform model and compensation structure.

## Blog

- [Mortgage Insights](https://themortgagebuilder.ca/insights/): Mortgage education and strategy for Canadians — covering renewals, refinancing, self-employed income, and real estate investing.