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Glossary · Buying and financing

Mortgage stress test

The mortgage stress test requires you to qualify at the higher of 5.25% or your contract rate plus two percentage points, even though you'll pay the contract rate.

It limits how much a lender will approve, which is why a pre-approval matters before you write an offer. Your mortgage broker or bank runs the numbers; your realtor uses the approved amount to set a realistic search range.

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General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm the current figures with the province or your notary or lawyer before relying on them.

Alex Mackenzie

Alex Mackenzie, REALTOR®

Royal LePage Sussex

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Alex Mackenzie

Alex Mackenzie

Royal LePage Sussex

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