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CORY VANCE

Partner & Mortgage Broker at A Better Way Mortgages

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About Me

Relationships matter, I demonstrate this daily by assuring every step of your journey is clearly understood and that the solutions we arrive at fit your unique needs. As a licensed Mortgage Broker I offer unbiased advice via access and understanding of several top banks, credit unions, and national mortgage lender policies and programs. I distill the dozens of options available into a shortlist of the very best for you to decide upon. Twelve of my twenty years of financial services experience were spent working on the inside of one of our country’s largest banks which gives me a unique perspective on what the market offers


As Managing Partner of A Better Way Mortgages, I’ve developed my expertise in financial services working with hundreds of clients. A Better Way Mortgages is a top Dominion Lending Centres franchise with more than 80 Mortgage Brokers serving Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.


Born and raised in Regina and a long time Riders fan, our family moved to Calgary in 2000 and we’ve never looked back…except to cheer for the Riders. When I’m not in my office building spreadsheets and analyzing ways to make finances fun (for real), I’m spending time with my wife and our two active kids.


I can also be found working with Between Friends an organization providing social and self-development opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow and feel a greater sense of belonging.


My passion is in tailoring a strategy that meets your needs. If you are looking to buy, build, renew, refinance or simply want an unbiased second opinion please give me a call.

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I believe that in order for clients to feel confident about the mortgage process they need to be educated on all available options. My goal is to guide you through the process so you can make an informed decision.

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If you are looking to buy or build a property, chances are you will need to get a mortgage. With so many options and mortgage products available it is hard to know where to start. I am here to guide you through the process. Why be tied to a single lender when you can have options from several at no cost to you?

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If you’re looking to access some of the equity in your home or you have a mortgage that is up for renewal in the next six months, you have options. Often a quick phone call can result in huge savings.

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Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Cory Vance • January 6, 2026
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.

Protect Yourself with a Pre-Approval

By Cory Vance • December 30, 2025
There is no doubt about it, buying a home can be an emotional experience. Especially in a competitive housing market where you feel compelled to bid over the asking price to have a shot at getting into the market. Buying a home is a game of balancing needs and wants while being honest with yourself about those very needs and wants. It’s hard to get it right, figuring out what’s negotiable and what isn’t, what you can live with and what you can’t live without. Finding that balance between what makes sense in your head and what feels right in your heart is challenging. And the further you are in the process, the more desperate you may feel. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when shopping for a property is to fall in love with something you can’t afford. Doing this almost certainly guarantees that nothing else will compare, and you will inevitably find yourself “settling” for something that is actually quite nice. Something that would have been perfect had you not already fallen in love with something out of your price range. So before you ever look at a property, you should know exactly what you can qualify for so that you can shop within a set price range and you won’t be disappointed. Protect yourself with a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval does a few things It will outline your buying power. You will be able to shop with confidence, knowing exactly how much you can spend. It will uncover any issues that might arise in qualifying for a mortgage, for example, mistakes on your credit bureau. It will outline the necessary supporting documentation required to get a mortgage so you can be prepared. It will secure a rate for 30 to 120 days, depending on your mortgage product. It will save your heart from the pain of falling in love with something you can’t afford. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with looking at all types of property and getting a good handle on the market; however, a pre-approval will protect you from believing you can qualify for more than you can actually afford. Get a pre-approval before you start shopping; your heart will thank you. If you’d like to walk through your financial situation and get pre-approved for a mortgage, let’s talk. It would be a pleasure to work with you!

How to Access Your Home Equity Wisely

By Cory Vance • December 23, 2025
Need to Free Up Some Cash? Your Home Equity Could Help If you've owned your home for a while, chances are it’s gone up in value. That increase—paired with what you’ve already paid down—is called home equity, and it’s one of the biggest financial advantages of owning property. Still, many Canadians don’t realize they can tap into that equity to improve their financial flexibility, fund major expenses, or support life goals—all without selling their home. Let’s break down what home equity is and how you might be able to use it to your advantage. First, What Is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on it. Example: If your home is valued at $700,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $500,000 in equity . That’s real financial power—and depending on your situation, there are a few smart ways to access it. Option 1: Refinance Your Mortgage A traditional mortgage refinance is one of the most common ways to tap into your home’s equity. If you qualify, you can borrow up to 80% of your home’s appraised value , minus what you still owe. Example: Your home is worth $600,000 You owe $350,000 You can refinance up to $480,000 (80% of $600K) That gives you access to $130,000 in equity You’ll pay off your existing mortgage and take the difference as a lump sum, which you can use however you choose—renovations, investments, debt consolidation, or even a well-earned vacation. Even if your mortgage is fully paid off, you can still refinance and borrow against your home’s value. Option 2: Consider a Reverse Mortgage (Ages 55+) If you're 55 or older, a reverse mortgage could be a flexible way to access tax-free cash from your home—without needing to make monthly payments. You keep full ownership of your home, and the loan only becomes repayable when you sell, move out, or pass away. While you won’t be able to borrow as much as a conventional refinance (the exact amount depends on your age and property value), this option offers freedom and peace of mind—especially for retirees who are equity-rich but cash-flow tight. Reverse mortgage rates are typically a bit higher than traditional mortgages, but you won’t need to pass income or credit checks to qualify. Option 3: Open a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Think of a HELOC as a reusable credit line backed by your home. You get approved for a set amount, and only pay interest on what you actually use. Need $10,000 for a new roof? Use the line. Don’t need anything for six months? No payments required. HELOCs offer flexibility and low interest rates compared to personal loans or credit cards. But they can be harder to qualify for and typically require strong credit, stable income, and a solid debt ratio. Option 4: Get a Second Mortgage Let’s say you’re mid-term on your current mortgage and breaking it would mean hefty penalties. A second mortgage could be a temporary solution. It allows you to borrow a lump sum against your home’s equity, without touching your existing mortgage. Second mortgages usually come with higher interest rates and shorter terms, so they’re best suited for short-term needs like bridging a gap, paying off urgent debt, or funding a one-time project. So, What’s Right for You? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right option depends on your financial goals, your current mortgage, your credit, and how much equity you have available. We’re here to walk you through your choices and help you find a strategy that works best for your situation. Ready to explore your options? Let’s talk about how your home’s equity could be working harder for you. No pressure, no obligation—just solid advice.
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Cory has been providing mortgage advice to me and my family as well as my clients for many years. What has always impressed me is his prompt personal service, “get it done attitude”, and he not only meets but often exceeds tight timelines facilitating a worry-free experience.
Cory is a well-respected industry leader and demonstrates this when providing valuable knowledge from his long background in financial services. He takes a personal interest in every client and is a great communicator with all parties involved creating a smooth transaction for all.

ROD B (REALTOR)

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In a word, our experience with Cory was outstanding. Considerations were explained clearly with progress communicated consistently and honestly right through to closing. We were extremely pleased with the end result and would not hesitate to recommend both Cory and his team at Dominion Lending Centres – A Better Way.

ANDREW G

John Doe's Image
We have worked with Cory Vance and Nicole deBoer for four mortgages that have included primary residences, as well as, rental properties. Cory and Nicole’s advice is excellent, they have many contacts with different banks and credit unions and have consistently secured interest rates from lenders that were lower than we were able to ourselves. When you are a client of Cory and Nicole’s, the process of applying for and obtaining a mortgage is very straightforward. They know exactly what documents you need and the right questions to ask to make sure you obtain the best mortgage product for your needs. They are also super helpful in the application process making sure forms are filled out correctly and advocating if necessary.
We expected Cory and Nicole to be excellent and they surpassed that expectation. We are grateful for both the mortgages and the properties they have secured us and we cannot recommend them enough and know we will be working with them again in the future.

ADELE