Renew or Refinance Your Mortgage

Val Thibault | Your Cranbook Mortgage Broker

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When your mortgage is coming up for renewal — or you’re thinking about refinancing — it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next.

Should you just sign the renewal offer your lender sent?
Is refinancing worth it?
Could you be saving money… or creating more stress than it’s worth?

As a mortgage broker in Cranbrook, my role is to help you understand your options clearly so you can make a decision that supports your current life, not just your lender’s default offer.

Mortgage Renewal vs. Refinance — What’s the Difference?

These two terms get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.

Mortgage Renewal

A renewal happens when your current mortgage term ends and you choose a new term — often with the same lender.

At renewal, you can:

  • Accept your lender’s offer

  • Negotiate different terms

  • Switch lenders if a better option exists

Many people don’t realize they have options here — and that’s where I can help.

Mortgage Refinance

Refinancing means changing your mortgage before the end of the term, or restructuring it to better fit your needs.

People refinance to:

  • Access equity for renovations or other goals

  • Consolidate debt

  • Lower monthly payments

  • Adjust their mortgage as life changes

We’ll look at whether refinancing actually makes sense for you — including any penalties or costs — before moving forward.

The Mortgage Affordability Guide

How to understand what you can afford without maxing yourself out.

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When Should You Review Your Mortgage?

You don’t need to wait until the last minute to start the conversation.

It’s a good idea to review your mortgage if:

  • Your renewal is coming up in the next 6–12 months

  • Your income or family situation has changed

  • You’re carrying higher-interest debt

  • You’re planning renovations or a major purchase

  • You’re simply unsure if your current mortgage still fits

Even a quick review can bring clarity — and sometimes savings.

How I Help as Your Mortgage Broker in Cranbrook

When you work with me, I help you:

  • Understand your current mortgage terms

  • Review renewal offers before you sign

  • Compare options across multiple lenders

  • Decide if refinancing is worth it (or not)

  • Make a choice that fits your goals and comfort level

My approach is always honest and no-pressure. If staying exactly where you are makes the most sense, I’ll tell you that too.

Should You Just Sign Your Renewal Letter?

Not necessarily.

While renewals can feel simple, they’re also a missed opportunity for many homeowners. Lenders often send out renewal offers that are convenient — but not always competitive or flexible.

Before signing anything, it’s worth asking:

  • Is this rate competitive?

  • Are the terms still right for me?

  • Would switching lenders improve my situation?

  • Am I missing an opportunity to save or restructure?

A quick conversation can help you answer those questions with confidence.

Refinancing: Is It the Right Move?

Refinancing can be a powerful tool — when it’s used intentionally.

Together, we’ll look at:

  • Your goals

  • Your current mortgage

  • Any costs or penalties involved

  • The short- and long-term impact

The goal isn’t to refinance just because you can — it’s to refinance only if it genuinely supports where you’re headed.

FAQs About Renewing or Refinancing

Your questions about renewing or refinancing your mortgage in Cranbrook

When should I start thinking about renewal?


Ideally 6–12 months before your term ends. That gives us time to explore options without pressure.

Will refinancing cost me money?


Sometimes there are penalties or fees involved. I’ll walk you through those upfront so there are no surprises.

Can I refinance if my income has changed?


Yes — and it’s more common than you might think. We’ll look at options that fit your current situation.

Do I have to switch lenders to get a better deal?


Not always. Sometimes staying put makes sense. Sometimes it doesn’t. We’ll look at both.