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.
CALCULATE
Whether you're just getting started, have a home in mind, or want to refinance or renew an existing mortgage, why not start by using my online calculator?
APPLY NOW
You've run some preliminary calculations, you've signed the consent form, the next step is to go through my online mortgage application.
Mortgage Services
MORTGAGE EDUCATION
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.
HOME PURCHASE
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?
RENEWAL OR REFINANCE
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.
Lenders
I have developed excellent relationships with lenders across the country, let’s figure out which one has the best products for you.
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Starting from Scratch: How to Build Credit the Smart Way If you're just beginning your personal finance journey and wondering how to build credit from the ground up, you're not alone. Many people find themselves stuck in the classic credit paradox: you need credit to build a credit history, but you can’t get credit without already having one. So, how do you break in? Let’s walk through the basics—step by step. Credit Building Isn’t Instant—Start Now First, understand this: building good credit is a marathon, not a sprint. For those planning to apply for a mortgage in the future, lenders typically want to see at least two active credit accounts (credit cards, personal loans, or lines of credit), each with a limit of $2,500 or more , and reporting positively for at least two years . If that sounds like a lot—it is. But everyone has to start somewhere, and the best time to begin is now. Step 1: Start with a Secured Credit Card When you're new to credit, traditional lenders often say “no” simply because there’s nothing in your file. That’s where a secured credit card comes in. Here’s how it works: You provide a deposit—say, $1,000—and that becomes your credit limit. Use the card for everyday purchases (groceries, phone bill, streaming services). Pay the balance off in full each month. Your activity is reported to the credit bureaus, and after a few months of on-time payments, you begin to establish a credit score. ✅ Pro tip: Before you apply, ask if the lender reports to both Equifax and TransUnion . If they don’t, your credit-building efforts won’t be reflected where it counts. Step 2: Move Toward an Unsecured Trade Line Once you’ve got a few months of solid payment history, you can apply for an unsecured credit card or a small personal loan. A car loan could also serve as a second trade line. Again, make sure the account reports to both credit bureaus, and always pay on time. At this point, your focus should be consistency and patience. Avoid maxing out your credit, and keep your utilization under 30% of your available limit. What If You Need a Mortgage Before Your Credit Is Ready? If homeownership is on the horizon but your credit history isn’t quite there yet, don’t panic. You still have a few options. One path is to apply with a co-signer —someone with strong credit and income who is willing to share the responsibility. The mortgage will be based on their credit profile, but your name will also be on the loan, helping you build a record of mortgage payments. Ideally, when the term is up and your credit has matured, you can refinance and qualify on your own. Start with a Plan—Stick to It Building credit may take a couple of years, but it all starts with a plan—and the right guidance. Whether you're figuring out your first steps or getting mortgage-ready, we’re here to help. Need advice on credit, mortgage options, or how to get started? Let’s talk.
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.
Chances are, buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your life. And as mortgage financing can be somewhat confusing at the best of times, to alleviate some of the stress and to ensure your home purchase goes as smoothly as possible, here are six very high-level steps you should follow. While it might seem like the best place to start the home buying process is to browse MLS on your phone and then contact a Realtor to go out and look at properties, it’s not. First, you’re going to want to work with a licensed independent mortgage professional. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, instead of working with a single bank, you’ll be working with someone who has your best interest in mind and can present you with mortgage options from several financial institutions. The second step in the home buying process is to put together a mortgage plan. Unless you have enough money in the bank to buy a home with cash, you’re going to need a mortgage. And as mortgage financing can be challenging and not so straightforward, the best time to start planning for a mortgage is right now. Don’t make another move until you discuss your financial situation with an independent mortgage professional. It’s never too early to start planning. As part of your mortgage plan, you’ll want to figure out what you can afford on paper, assess your credit score, run some financial scenarios, calculate mortgage payments, and have a clear picture of exactly how much money is required for a downpayment and closing costs. You’ll also be able to discuss which mortgage product is best for you, considering different mortgage terms, types, amortizations, and features. Now, what you qualify to borrow on paper doesn’t necessarily mean you can actually afford the payments in real life. You need to consider your lifestyle and what you spend your money on. Understanding your cash flow is the key. Make a budget to verify you can actually afford your proposed mortgage payments and that you have enough funds to close on the mortgage. No one wants to be house-poor or left scrambling to come up with funds to close at the last minute. If everything looks good at this point, the next step will be to get a preapproval in place. Now, a pre-approval is more than just typing some numbers into a form or online calculator; you need to complete a mortgage application and submit all the documents requested by your mortgage professional. Only proceed with looking at properties when you’ve been given the green light from your mortgage professional. When you’ve found a property to purchase, you’ll work very closely with your mortgage professional to arrange mortgage financing in a short period of time. This is where being prepared pays off. As you’ve already collected and submitted many documents upfront during the preapproval process, you should be set up for success. However, remain flexible and provide any additional documentation required by the lender to secure mortgage financing. Once you have firm lender approval and you’ve removed conditions on the purchase agreement, don’t change anything about your financial situation until you have the keys. Don’t quit your job, don’t take out a new loan, or don’t make a large withdrawal from your bank account. Put your life into a holding pattern until you take possession of your new home. So there you have it, six steps to ensuring a smooth home purchase: Work with an independent mortgage professional. Put together a mortgage plan. Figure out what you can actually afford. Get a pre-approval. Provide the necessary documentation. Don’t change anything about your financial situation until you take possession. If you’d like to discuss your personal financial situation and find the best mortgage product for you, let’s work together. We can figure out a plan to buy a home as stress-free as possible. Please connect anytime; it would be a pleasure to work with you.
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
