The Mortgage Renewal Story That Changed How This Family Will Shop Forever

The Mortgage Renewal Story That Changed How This Family Will Shop Forever

When it comes to mortgage renewals, a lot of clients wonder:“Do I really need a broker? Isn’t it just about finding the best rate?”

A client shared their recent renewal journey with me, and it’s one that every homeowner should hear — especially if you're approaching your own renewal.

“I Thought I’d Try It Myself...”

“Our mortgage is up for renewal in a couple of months. I know plenty of brokers — and I did speak with one — but I figured I’d also shop around on my own. You know, see what the ‘other side’ looks like.”

So they started calling lenders directly. Not just one or two — but everyone they could think of with competitive rates. TD, CIBC, BMO, RBC, VanCity, Coast Capital, First West Credit Union, Scotia, Prospera... even online tools like RateHub.

What followed was a full month of exhausting conversations.

“I spent hours on the phone. I felt like I was in a constant battle. I was brushed off, spoken to rudely, and told things like, ‘No one would ever offer you that rate’ — even though I had proof another lender did. I was ghosted, told my file wasn’t worth their time, and asked to go shop around first before they’d consider matching anything.”

Eventually, the best offer they received was a 5-year fixed at 3.84%. Not bad on paper. But the cost to get there?

“Honestly? It wasn’t worth it.”

Then They Called Their Broker

“When I turned back to my broker, everything shifted. The conversation was calm. They respected my time. They offered clear options, were upfront about risks, and were still incredibly competitive on rate.”

The difference in cost between the broker’s offer and the lowest direct-to-bank offer? About $50–$70/month. But the difference in experience? Massive.

“I don’t know exactly where we’ll land yet with our renewal, but I do know this: I’m never shopping around on my own again.”

Here’s What This Story Tells Us

You can absolutely try to handle your mortgage renewal on your own. But is it worth the stress, the guesswork, and the risk of missing something important?

As mortgage brokers, we do more than chase rates. We look at your whole picture. We advocate for you. We have access to lenders that the average borrower doesn’t. And most importantly, we protect your time and peace of mind.

So if you’re renewing your mortgage in the next 6–12 months, now is the time to start the conversation — before the stress kicks in.

Ready to chat about your goals?Visit www.emilycallme.comEmily MiszkMortgage BrokerBRX MortgageFSRA #13463