Joel Olson

Mortgage Team

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Finding the best mortgage can be frustrating. It doesn't have to be when you follow my 3 step plan.

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The best place to start is to connect with me directly. My commitment is to listen to your needs, assess your financial situation, provide professional mortgage advice, and guide you through the mortgage process.

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Sorting through all the different mortgage lenders, rates, terms, and features can be overwhelming. Let me cut through the noise. I'll outline the best mortgage products available with your needs in mind.

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My goal is to make sure you know exactly where you stand at all times. From your initial application through your mortgage renewal, I'm available to answer any questions for as long as you need a mortgage. I've got you covered.

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Joel Olson

Hello, I’m Joel Olson, I have been helping clients arrange mortgage financing since 2008. For me, I love helping people achieve their dreams and I have found Mortgage Brokering to be a very rewarding way of doing this.


My clients and colleagues have described me as tenacious, hard working and intuitive. These traits are displayed by the great effort I put in to ensure my clients get the best mortgage product available to suit their individual needs.


When I am not busy with clients, you can find me spending time with my family and celebrating life!


I am proud to serve clients from the Lower Mainland, through the Fraser Valley, the Thompson-Okanagan, Shuswap, and Kootenay regions, and on into Northern BC. If you live in British Columbia, I can help you with mortgage financing.

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Exciting times! Let's find out how much you'll be able to afford once you decide to buy.

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Great! Let's find out whether you'll be able to afford to buy it!

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Mortgage articles to keep you informed.

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How to Raise Your Credit Score and Unlock Better Rates

By Joel Olson • May 12, 2026
Want a Better Credit Score? Here’s What Actually Works Your credit score plays a major role in your ability to qualify for a mortgage—and it directly affects the interest rates and products you’ll be offered. If your goal is to access the best mortgage options on the market, improving your credit is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Here’s a breakdown of what truly matters—and what you can start doing today to build and maintain a strong credit profile. 1. Always Pay On Time Late payments are the fastest way to damage your credit score—and on-time payments are the most powerful way to boost it. When you borrow money, whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or mortgage, you agree to repay it on a schedule. If you stick to that agreement, lenders reward you with good credit. But if you fall behind, missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and your score takes a hit. A single missed payment over 30 days late can hurt your score. Missed payments beyond 120 days may go to collections—and collections stay on your report for up to six years . Quick tip: Lenders typically report missed payments only if they’re more than 30 days overdue. So if you miss a Friday payment and make it up on Monday, you're probably in the clear—but don't make it a habit. 2. Avoid Taking On Unnecessary Credit Once you have at least two active credit accounts (like a credit card and a car loan), it’s best to pause on applying for more—unless you truly need it. Every time a lender checks your credit, a “hard inquiry” appears on your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can bring your score down slightly. Better idea? If your current lender offers a credit limit increase , take it. Higher available credit (when used responsibly) actually improves your credit utilization ratio, which we’ll get into next. 3. Keep Credit Usage Low How much of your available credit you actually use—also known as credit utilization —is another major factor in your score. Here’s the sweet spot: Aim to use 15–25% of your limit if possible. Never exceed 60% , especially if you plan to apply for a mortgage soon. So, if your credit card limit is $5,000, try to keep your balance under $1,250—and pay it off in full each month. Maxing out your cards or carrying high balances (even if you make the minimum payment) can tank your score. 4. Monitor Your Credit Report About 1 in 5 credit reports contain errors. That’s not a small number—and even a minor mistake could cost you when it’s time to get approved for a mortgage. Check your report at least once a year (or sign up for a monitoring service). Look for: Incorrect balances Accounts you don’t recognize Missed payments you know were paid You can request reports directly from Equifax and TransUnion , Canada’s two national credit bureaus. If something looks off, dispute it right away. 5. Deal with Collections Fast If you spot an account in collections—don’t ignore it. Even small unpaid bills (a leftover phone bill, a missed utility payment) can drag down your score for years. Reach out to the creditor or collection agency and arrange payment as quickly as possible . Once settled, ask for written confirmation and ensure it’s updated on your credit report. 6. Use Your Credit—Don’t Just Hold It Credit cards won’t help your score if you’re not using them. Inactive cards may not report consistently to the credit bureaus—or worse, may be closed due to inactivity. Use your cards at least once every three months. Many people put routine expenses like groceries or gas on their cards and pay them off right away. It’s a simple way to show regular, responsible use. In Summary: Improving your credit score isn’t complicated, but it does take consistency: Pay everything on time Keep balances low Limit new credit applications Monitor your report and handle issues quickly Use your credit regularly Following these principles will steadily increase your creditworthiness—and bring you closer to qualifying for the best mortgage rates available. Ready to review your credit in more detail or start prepping for a mortgage? I’m here to help—reach out anytime!

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Joel Olson • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Your Guide to Real Estate Investment in Canada

By Joel Olson • April 28, 2026
Your Guide to Real Estate Investment in Canada Real estate has long been one of the most popular ways Canadians build wealth. Whether you’re purchasing your first rental property or expanding an existing portfolio, understanding how real estate investment works in Canada—and how it’s financed—is key to making smart decisions. This guide walks through the fundamentals you need to know before getting started. Why Canadians Invest in Real Estate Real estate offers several potential benefits as an investment: Long-term appreciation of property value Rental income that can support cash flow Leverage , allowing you to invest using borrowed funds Tangible asset with intrinsic value Portfolio diversification beyond stocks and bonds When structured properly, real estate can support both income and long-term net worth growth. Types of Real Estate Investments Investors typically focus on one or more of the following: Long-term residential rentals Short-term or vacation rentals (subject to local regulations) Multi-unit residential properties Pre-construction or assignment purchases Value-add properties that require renovations Each type comes with different financing rules, risks, and return profiles. Down Payment Requirements for Investment Properties In Canada, investment properties generally require higher down payments than owner-occupied homes. Typical minimums include: 20% down payment for most rental properties Higher down payments may be required depending on: Number of units Property type Borrower profile Lender guidelines Down payment source, income stability, and credit history all play a role in approval. How Rental Income Is Used to Qualify Lenders don’t always count 100% of rental income. Depending on the lender and mortgage product, they may: Use a rental income offset , or Include a percentage of rental income toward qualification Understanding how income is treated can significantly impact borrowing power. Financing Options for Investors Investment financing can include: Conventional mortgages Insured or insurable options (in limited scenarios) Alternative or broker-only lenders Refinancing equity from existing properties Purchase plus improvements for value-add projects Access to multiple lenders is often crucial for investors as portfolios grow. Key Costs Investors Should Plan For Beyond the purchase price, investors should budget for: Property taxes Insurance Maintenance and repairs Vacancy periods Property management fees (if applicable) Legal and closing costs A realistic cash-flow analysis is essential before buying. Risk Considerations Like any investment, real estate carries risk. Key factors to consider include: Interest rate changes Market fluctuations Tenant turnover Regulatory changes Liquidity (real estate is not easily sold quickly) A strong financing structure can help manage many of these risks. The Role of a Mortgage Professional Investment mortgages are rarely “one-size-fits-all.” Lender policies vary widely, especially as you acquire more properties. Working with an independent mortgage professional allows you to: Compare multiple lender strategies Structure financing for long-term growth Preserve flexibility as your portfolio evolves Avoid costly mistakes early on Final Thoughts Real estate investment in Canada can be a powerful wealth-building tool when approached with a clear strategy and proper financing. Whether you’re exploring your first rental property or planning your next acquisition, understanding the numbers—and the lending landscape—matters. If you’d like to discuss investment property financing, run the numbers, or explore your options, feel free to connect. A well-planned mortgage strategy can make all the difference in long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a mortgage broker do, and why work with one instead of going straight to my bank?

    Your bank offers one set of products. I work independently, which means I have access to dozens of lenders — banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies — and I shop on your behalf to find the right fit for your situation. You get more options, unbiased advice, and in most cases, no cost to you. My fee is paid by the lender once your mortgage closes.

  • How long have you been doing this, and who do you work with?

    I've been arranging mortgage financing since 2008, so I've helped clients through every kind of market — rising rates, falling rates, and everything in between. I'm part of Indi Mortgage, The Independent Mortgage Company, which gives me access to a wide range of lenders and products. My team and I work with clients across British Columbia, from Kamloops and the Thompson-Okanagan to the Fraser Valley, Shuswap, Kootenays, and Northern BC.

  • Do you charge fees for your services?

    In most cases, no. My services are typically provided at no cost to you — the lender compensates me directly when your mortgage is arranged. In situations that require private lending or more complex financing, I'll always explain any fees clearly before we move forward. No surprises — that's how I operate.

  • What types of mortgages do you handle?

    Pretty much everything. Whether you're buying your first home, purchasing an investment property, refinancing to access equity, consolidating debt, renewing your mortgage, or navigating a divorce or separation — I can help. I also work with self-employed borrowers, newcomers to Canada, seniors, clients with credit challenges, and those who need private lending solutions. If a mortgage is involved, let's talk.

  • I have some credit issues. Can I still get a mortgage?

    Yes, credit challenges don't automatically close the door. The options available to you depend on your specific situation — the nature of the credit issue, your income, your down payment, and how long ago the issue occurred. I work with lenders who specialize in non-traditional credit profiles, and I'll give you an honest picture of where you stand and what the path forward looks like.

  • What is private lending, and when does it make sense?

    Private lending is mortgage financing provided by private investors rather than traditional banks or institutional lenders. It typically comes with higher rates and shorter terms, but it can be a practical solution when someone doesn't qualify conventionally — due to credit issues, income structure, or a time-sensitive purchase. I treat it as a bridge, not a long-term strategy. If it's the right tool for your situation, I'll explain exactly how it works and what it costs.

  • Can I use my mortgage to consolidate my debts?

    Yes, and for many homeowners it's one of the smartest financial moves available. If you've built up equity in your home, you may be able to roll high-interest debts — credit cards, car loans, lines of credit — into your mortgage at a much lower rate. That means one manageable payment instead of several, and often significant savings over time. We'd look at your full picture together to see if the numbers make sense.

  • I'm self-employed. Can I qualify for a mortgage?

    Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers can and do qualify — the key is working with a broker who understands how to present your income properly and which lenders have the right programs. I've helped plenty of business owners, contractors, and freelancers secure strong mortgage solutions. The process is a bit different, but it's very doable.

  • What happens when my mortgage comes up for renewal?

    Renewal is one of the most overlooked opportunities in the mortgage process. Most people just sign what their current lender sends them — but you don't have to. At renewal, you're free to shop the market with no penalty, and that's exactly what I'll do for you. I'll compare what your lender is offering against what else is available and make sure you're walking into your next term with the best possible deal.

  • How do I get started, and what does the process look like?

    The first step is connecting — either through the application on my site or by reaching out directly. From there, I'll learn about your situation, pull together your options, and give you a clear plan. My goal is to make sure you know exactly where you stand at every stage. You'll never feel like you're in the dark.

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