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CORY VANCE

Partner & Mortgage Broker at A Better Way Mortgages

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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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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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How to Get a Mortgage for a Second Property

By Cory Vance • July 21, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Second Property? Here’s What to Know Buying a second property is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a big financial decision that deserves thoughtful planning. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation retreat, building a rental portfolio, or looking to support a family member with a place to live, there are plenty of reasons to consider a second home. But before you jump in, it's important to understand the strategy and steps involved. Start with “Why” The best place to begin? Clarify your motivation. Ask yourself: Why do I want to buy a second property? What role will it play in my life or finances? How does this fit into my long-term goals? Whether your focus is lifestyle, income, or legacy planning, knowing your “why” will help you make smarter decisions from the start. Talk to a Mortgage Expert Early Once you’ve nailed down your goals, the next step is to sit down with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because buying a second property isn't quite the same as buying your first. Even if you’ve qualified before, financing a second home has unique considerations—especially when it comes to down payments, debt ratios, and how lenders assess risk. How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment? Here’s where the purpose of the property really matters: Owner-occupied or family use: You may qualify with as little as 5–10% down, depending on the property and lender. Income property: Expect to put down 20–35%, especially for short-term rentals or if it won’t be occupied by you or a family member. Your down payment amount can be one of the biggest hurdles—but with strategic planning, it’s often manageable. Ways to Fund the Down Payment If you don’t have the full amount in cash, you might be able to tap into your current home’s equity to help fund the purchase. Here are a few ways to do that: ✅ Refinance your existing mortgage to access additional funds ✅ Secure a second mortgage behind your current one ✅ Open a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) ✅ Use a reverse mortgage (in certain age-qualified scenarios) ✅ Take out a new mortgage if your current home is mortgage-free These options depend on your income, credit, home value, and overall financial picture—another reason why having a pro in your corner matters. Second Property Strategy: It’s More Than Just Numbers This purchase should be part of a bigger financial plan—one that balances risk and reward. It’s about: Assessing your full financial health Maximizing your existing assets Minimizing your cost of borrowing Aligning your purchase with your long-term goals Ready to Take the Next Step? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a second property. That’s why it helps to talk things through with someone who understands both the big picture and the small details. If you’re ready to explore your options and build a plan to make that second property dream a reality, let’s connect. I’d love to help you take the next step with confidence.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — July 15, 2026

By Cory Vance • July 15, 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%. The tone of today's announcement is notably more optimistic than previous months. Here's what's changed and what it means for you.

Breaking Down the Real Costs of Homeownership

By Cory Vance • July 7, 2026
Don’t Forget About Closing Costs When planning to buy a home, most people focus on saving for the down payment. But the truth is, that’s only part of the equation. To actually finalize the purchase, you’ll also need to budget for closing costs —the out-of-pocket expenses that come up before you get the keys. Closing costs can add up quickly, which is why they should be part of your pre-approval conversation right from the start. Lenders will even require proof that you’ve got enough funds set aside. For example, if you’re getting an insured (high-ratio) mortgage, you’ll need at least 1.5% of the purchase price available in addition to your down payment. That means a 10% down payment actually requires 11.5% of the purchase price in cash to make everything work. Let’s break down some of the most common expenses you should prepare for: 1. Home Inspection & Appraisal Inspection : Paid by you, this gives peace of mind that the property is in good shape and doesn’t have hidden problems. Appraisal : Required by the lender to confirm value. Sometimes this is covered by mortgage insurance, sometimes by you. 2. Legal Fees A lawyer or notary is required to handle the title transfer and make sure the mortgage is properly registered. Legal fees are often one of the larger closing costs—unless you’re also responsible for property transfer tax. 3. Taxes Many provinces charge a property or land transfer tax based on the home’s purchase price. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, so you’ll want to factor them in early. 4. Insurance Property insurance is mandatory—lenders won’t release funds without proof that the home is insured on closing day. Optional coverage like mortgage life, disability, or critical illness insurance may also be worth considering depending on your financial plan. 5. Moving Costs Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring movers, or bribing friends with pizza and gas money, moving comes with expenses. Cross-country moves especially can be surprisingly pricey. 6. Utilities & Deposits Setting up new services (electricity, water, internet) can involve connection fees or deposits, particularly if you don’t already have a payment history with the utility provider. Plan Ahead, Stress Less This list covers the big-ticket items, but every purchase is unique. That’s why it pays to have an accurate estimate of your personal closing costs before you make an offer. If you’d like help planning ahead—or want a breakdown tailored to your situation—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through the numbers and make sure you’re fully prepared.
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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