Shopping your mortgage at renewal could be the most valuable hour you spend this year. Your bank sends a number, and it looks reasonable. But the broker you call has access to lenders and specials that never show up at the branch, and half the people renewing this year intend to shop around. The question is whether you're one of them.

The subprime lending market in Canada has nearly doubled, from 8% to 16% of all mortgages, and it's not because people are less creditworthy. Bank regulators have tightened the rules for traditional lenders, pushing otherwise qualified buyers into a space that used to be reserved for higher-risk borrowers. Meanwhile, if you bought at the 2021 or 2022 peak, selling your house to escape an underwater mortgage might mean writing a check to the buyer to cover the gap.

The renewal cliff everyone feared in 2024 turned out less steep than predicted. But most people still don't know what a broker can access that their bank won't offer. That gap, between what you're quoted and what's actually available, is worth closing before you sign anything.

Topics: mortgage renewal Canada, mortgage broker, subprime lending, housing market 2025, underwater mortgage

GUEST: Dan Eisner | https://www.truenorthmortgage.ca | @‌truenorthmortgage

Originally aired on 2026-02-18

Shopping your mortgage at renewal could be the most valuable hour you spend this year. Your bank sends a number, and it looks reasonable. But the broker you call has access to lenders and specials that never show up at the branch, and half the people renewing this year intend to shop around. The question is whether you're one of them.
The subprime lending market in Canada has nearly doubled, from 8% to 16% of all mortgages, and it's not because people are less creditworthy. Bank regulators have tightened the rules for traditional lenders, pushing otherwise qualified buyers into a space that used to be reserved for higher-risk borrowers. Meanwhile, if you bought at the 2021 or 2022 peak, selling your house to escape an underwater mortgage might mean writing a check to the buyer to cover the gap.
The renewal cliff everyone feared in 2024 turned out less steep than predicted. But most people still don't know what a broker can access that their bank won't offer. That gap, between what you're quoted and what's actually available, is worth closing before you sign anything.
Topics: mortgage renewal Canada, mortgage broker, subprime lending, housing market 2025, underwater mortgage
GUEST: Dan Eisner |<a href="https://www.truenorthmortgage.ca"> https://www.truenorthmortgage.ca</a> | @&zwnj;truenorthmortgage
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-18

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.