Ontario Mortgage Decision Centre

Start with what is making the mortgage difficult.

Choose the concern closest to yours. The useful answer may depend on the documents, property, timing and lender policy—not simply whether one lender said yes or no.

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Find the answer from your problem

Which situation sounds closest to yours?

How the answer is built

Understand the obstacle before comparing solutions.

  1. 01Identify the pain pointWhat changed, what was declined and what deadline applies?
  2. 02Separate facts from assumptionsWhich documents, calculations and property facts were actually reviewed?
  3. 03Compare executable routesWhich suitable A, alternative/B, MIC or private options may exist—and at what cost?

Buying, selling or investing?

The mortgage plan and property plan should meet before the offer.

Property type, legal use, insurance, appraisal, taxes, condo information and closing dates can change the mortgage answer. Connect both sides before the transaction becomes difficult to reverse.

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A definition cannot see your income, credit, property or deadline.

Tell Rajiv what you are trying to accomplish and what the lender has already said. He can help identify the questions and responsible options worth exploring next.

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Published mortgage guidance

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Answer

Can I keep my parent’s home after they die if there is still a mortgage?

Separate the emotional value of the home from the monthly cost of owning it after the estate is settled. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

I inherited a home with a mortgage. What should I do first?

Do not promise a beneficiary that the home can be kept until the ownership, payout, repair costs and borrower qualification have all been tested. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Can an estate borrow temporarily to avoid a rushed property sale?

Use temporary estate financing only when the time purchased is worth more than its full cost and the exit does not depend on an optimistic sale price. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

I inherited a rental property. Can I keep its mortgage and rental income?

Underwrite the property as a business and the beneficiary as a borrower before choosing to keep it. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Does joint tenancy or tenants-in-common change what happens to the mortgage after death?

Order the title and obtain legal interpretation before planning a refinance, transfer or sale. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Can I get a mortgage to buy out my sibling’s share of an inherited home?

Agree on the legal settlement and valuation method before relying on a mortgage amount. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Can an executor get a mortgage on an estate property?

Confirm legal authority first; lender shopping cannot repair a signing or title problem. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Can a probate delay affect a mortgage renewal or property closing?

Put the probate timeline beside the mortgage maturity and proposed closing date before committing to a firm transaction. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Can I use an inheritance as the down payment for a mortgage?

Build the paper trail before writing an offer, especially when the money arrived within the most recent 90 days. Estate and inheritance transactions can involve a mortgage, but the lawyer must first confirm who owns the property, who may sign and whether probate or an estate certificate is required. Once that foundation is clear, Rajiv can compare the existing lender, A and alternative lenders, and a temporary MIC or private solution where timing creates the problem.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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Answer

Should I downsize or borrow against my home in retirement?

Downsizing can release equity and reduce maintenance, but moving costs, land transfer tax on the next purchase, condo fees and lifestyle changes may reduce the benefit. Borrowing preserves the current home and community but adds payments or accumulating interest. Compare both choices over several years using realistic sale proceeds, moving costs, new housing expenses, borrowing costs and future care needs. The better decision is the one that supports cash flow and daily life.

Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 2, 2026

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