Mortgage advice you can trust

Let me navigate you through the process of successfully achieving your mortgage goals

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MICHAEL HALLETT 
Passionate about Mortgages, Mountain Biking and Craft Beer

Mortgage financing can be frustrating. It doesn't have to be when you follow this 3 step plan.

Get started right away

The best place to start is to connect with me directly. The mortgage process is personal. My commitment is to listen to all your needs, assess your financial situation, and provide you with a clear plan forward.

Get a clear plan

Sorting through all the different mortgage lenders, rates, terms, and features can be overwhelming. Let me cut through the noise, I'll outline the best mortgage products available, with your needs in mind.

I'll handle the details

When it comes time to arranging your mortgage, I have the experience to bring it together. I'll make sure you know exactly where you stand at all times. No surprises. I've got you covered.

MICHAEL HALLETT

Mortgage Broker

Thank you for coming to check my website. If you only have time to read one paragraph, I can summarize everything below in one sentence. I’m a 13-year veteran mortgage broker, addicted mountain biker for over 26 years, passionate big mountain skier for even longer, rookie dirt biker, outdoor enthusiast for over 45 years and lover of craft beer.

 

As a BC boy born and bred, I can proudly say I’ve lived my entire life in BC. Growing up on the north end of Vancouver Island in a small logging town (Holberg), it helped cement my love for the outdoors. From there we moved to the Coquitlam area when I was 10 years old where my dad opened a business with my uncle.

 

After graduating high school, I moved to Victoria for 1 year where I enrolled in an Outdoor Eco-tourism Program. From there my then girlfriend and I, now my wife Kirstin, moved to Whistler to pursue a lifestyle of playing and working outside. It was there that my entrepreneurial spirit had started to take shape. Over the next couple of years, I self-started two small businesses in the tourism industry including a guided mountain bike adventure company.

 

It was around this time in Whistler that Kirstin and I bought our first home and I started to become interested in the mortgage financing space. Our son Aidan was born in 2007 and a year later we decided to move back to Coquitlam to pursue different careers. After purchasing our second home in 2008, I knew that I wanted to make a career out of being a Mortgage Broker, so I did. I have been assisting clients achieve their goals of real estate ownership since August 2009. Currently I am ranked in the top 5% of brokers at Dominion Lending across Canada. In 2021 I received the DIAMOND award for my mortgage practice.

 

When we are not working or Aidan’s not in school you can usually find us being active somehow; hiking, mountain biking, skiing, camping, boating, playing hockey, golfing, traveling or on the road headed out on our next adventure. We love being busy and we would not have it any other way!

On a more personal note...

BEERS, BIKES & MORTGAGES

I am passionate about mortgage brokering, mountain biking and craft beer.


My commitment is to navigate you through the entire mortgage process, guiding you every step of the way. I have the ability and experience to help you achieve your mortgage goals.


Mountain biking is a true lifestyle and I absolutely love it. I also enjoy good tasting beer and Parkside Brewery is one of my favorite places.


Watch my 'Beers, Bikes & Mortgages' video here.

Obviously there are a lot more services I can offer and a lot more information I can share with you. Consider this my invitation to contact me with your questions, I would love to work with you and help you figure out a plan not only to get you a mortgage, but to help you get rid of it.

BURKE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENTS

If you are looking to purchase a home in the new Burke Mountain Development, I know the project very well and would love to help you arrange mortgage financing. I live in Coquitlam and spend most of my free time in Pinecone Burke Mountain Provincial Park. If you are looking for an inside man to help you navigate the area, you’ve found him.

Okay, so maybe a calculator really isn’t a service, but if you click through this link, it will take you to a page with a some really fun options to run some calculations on your own. When you have things somewhat figured out, give me a shout and we can see exactly where you stand.

DOWNLOAD MY MORTGAGE TOOLBOX

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH MY APP:

 

  • Calculate your total cost of owning a home
  • Estimate the minimum down payment you need
  • Calculate Land transfer taxes and the available rebates
  • Calculate the maximum loan you can borrow
  • Stress test your mortgage
  • Estimate your Closing costs
  • Compare your options side by side
  • Search for the best mortgage rates
  • Email Summary reports (PDF)
  • Use my app in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese

 

TESTIMONIALS

It was definitely a pleasure working with Michael. From day one he was upfront and honest about my unique credit situation, however he was also the positive reinforcement I needed to keep going and give it a try. Even when the banks wouldn’t give me the time of day, he was certain we would find someone who would give me a chance. He was very patient with my questions (I am sure they seemed to be never-ending at times), and helped to guide me through the many different stages of purchasing a home.

Thanks to Michael and his dedication, he found a lender that would work with my situation and I now own my first home. He also has coached me on how to fix my credit rating, and I am pleased to say that my credit score is already considerably higher than when we began this process. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for a mortgage!

Jillian

As first time home buyers, we had many questions and concerns. Even if not directly related to the mortgage, Michael was always readily available to provide answers or direct us to them. Despite some unforeseen changes on our end including shifting our purchase to a different home, he provided us with everything we needed and made the mortgage process nearly free of any stress.

Would highly recommend him to friends and family!

Ryleigh & Jeff

John Doe's Image
I was connected with Michael through my realtor. Michael found me the type of mortgage I was looking, for which helped me purchase my home. The experience was seamless. Michael was always available, customer focused and kept in constant communication with me.

The whole experience working with Michael was perfect.

Boky

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FROM MY INSTAGRAM

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF MICHAEL HALLETT

Deposit Lending And Bridge Financing

By Michael Hallett • July 9, 2025
Let’s say you have a home that you’ve outgrown; it’s time to make a move to something better suited to your needs and lifestyle. You have no desire to keep two properties, so selling your existing home and moving into something new (to you) is the best idea. Ideally, when planning out how that looks, most people want to take possession of the new house before moving out of the old one. Not only does this make moving your stuff more manageable, but it also allows you to make the new home a little more “you” by painting or completing some minor renovations before moving in. But what if you need the money from the sale of your existing home to come up with the downpayment for your next home? This situation is where bridge financing comes in. Bridge financing allows you to bridge the financial gap between the firm sale of your current home and the purchase of your new home. Bridge financing allows you to access some of the equity in your existing property and use it for the downpayment on the property you are buying. So now let’s also say that it’s a very competitive housing market where you’re looking to buy. Chances are you’ll want to make the best offer you can and include a significant deposit. If you don’t have immediate access to the cash in your bank account, but you do have equity in your home, a deposit loan allows you to make a very strong offer when negotiating the terms of purchasing your new home. Now, to secure bridge financing and/or a deposit loan, you must have a firm sale on your existing home. If you don’t have a firm sale on your home, you won’t get the bridge financing or deposit loan because there is no concrete way for a lender to calculate how much equity you have available. A firm sale is the key to securing bridge financing and a deposit loan. So if you’d like to know more about bridge financing, deposit loans, or anything else mortgage-related, please connect anytime! It would be a pleasure to work with you.

Make the Most of Summer: Outdoor Project Ideas for Every Space

By Michael Hallett • July 8, 2025
Summer in Canada is short—but sweet. With warm weather and long evenings, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy your outdoor space, no matter how big (or small) it is. Whether you have a tiny patio or a sprawling backyard, a few creative upgrades can go a long way toward turning your space into your personal summer oasis. Below are ideas for every type of outdoor space, from cozy balconies to large backyards! For Patio-Only Spaces Limited to a balcony or concrete patio? No problem! Small spaces can still offer big enjoyment. 1. Upgrade the Flooring Add interlocking tiles to give your concrete floor a more polished look—wood grain, grass panels, or composite styles are all popular, easy-to-install options. 2. Create an Outdoor Movie Zone Hang a pull-down screen or grab a portable stand, pair it with a mini projector, and voilà—your very own outdoor movie theatre under the stars! 3. Start an Herb Garden Railing planters are perfect for growing basil, mint, parsley, and more. Fresh herbs at your fingertips—and they smell amazing too! 4. Add Some Twinkle Wrap fairy lights around your railing or overhead beams to bring cozy vibes and nighttime charm. 5. Grill Like a Pro Maximize your BBQ season with a compact baby-que. Weber’s Q Series is a great option for small spaces without compromising grilling power. For Small Yards A little yard can still pack a lot of personality. Here are ways to make the most of every square foot: 1. Game Time! Add a mini putting green or an axe-throwing target (just be safe!) for quick bursts of backyard fun that don’t take up much space. 2. Warm Up Your Nights Add a heating lamp or portable fire bowl to keep your evenings cozy well into the fall. 3. Grow Your Own Produce Build or buy a raised garden box to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, or other easy vegetables. Gardening is relaxing—and delicious! 4. DIY Bird Bath Make a pedestal bird bath using an old vase, a platter, and strong glue. You likely have everything you need already at home—and the local birds will thank you! For Big Yards If space isn’t an issue, the sky’s the limit! Here are some larger-scale projects to take your yard to the next level: 1. Build a Catio Yep, it’s a “cat patio”! Give your feline friends a safe way to enjoy the outdoors with a screened-in enclosure attached to your home. 2. Create a Permanent Fire Pit Use stones and a fire ring to build a beautiful, safe fire pit. You can even add airflow cutouts to reduce smoke—perfect for those marshmallow roasts! 3. Tile a Dining Area Install paving stones or tiles to define an outdoor dining space. Add a table, some string lights, and enjoy al fresco meals all summer long. Need More Inspiration? If none of these projects quite fit your vision, check out Home Depot’s DIY backyard ideas—complete with step-by-step instructions and material lists to help you bring your outdoor dreams to life. Soak It Up While It Lasts No matter the size of your space, there’s always something you can do to enhance your outdoor experience. So get out there, get creative, and make the most of these sunny summer days. See you back here in August—with more tips, tricks, and homeowner insights!

Buying a Vacation Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Michael Hallett • July 3, 2025
The idea of owning a vacation home—your own cozy escape from everyday life—is a dream many Canadians share. Whether it’s a lakeside cabin, a ski chalet, or a beachside bungalow, a second property can add lifestyle value, rental income, and long-term wealth. But before you jump into vacation home ownership, it’s important to think through the details—both financial and practical. Start With Your 5- and 10-Year Plan Before you get swept away by the perfect view or your dream destination, take a step back and ask yourself: Will you use it enough to justify the cost? Are there other financial goals that take priority right now? What’s the opportunity cost of tying up your money in a second home? Owning a vacation home can be incredibly rewarding, but it should fit comfortably within your long-term financial goals—not compete with them. Financing a Vacation Property: What to Consider If you don’t plan to pay cash, then financing your vacation home will be your next major step. Mortgage rules for second properties are more complex than those for your primary residence, so here’s what to think about: 1. Do You Have Enough for a Down Payment? Depending on the type of property and how you plan to use it, down payment requirements typically range from 5% to 20%+ . Factors like whether the property is winterized, the purchase price, and its location all come into play. 2. Can You Afford the Additional Debt? Lenders will calculate your Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to assess whether you can take on a second mortgage. GDS: Should not exceed 39% of your income TDS: Should not exceed 44% If you’re not sure how to calculate these, that’s where I can help! 3. Is the Property Mortgage-Eligible? Remote or non-winterized properties, or those located outside of Canada, may not qualify for traditional mortgage financing. In these cases, we may need to look at creative lending solutions . 4. Owner-Occupied or Investment Property? Whether you’ll live in the home occasionally, rent it out, or use it strictly as an investment affects what type of financing you’ll need and what your tax implications might be. Location, Location… Logistics Choosing the right vacation property is more than just finding a beautiful setting. Consider: Current and future development in the area Available municipal services (sewer, water, road maintenance) Transportation access – how easy is it to get to your vacation home in all seasons? Resale value and long-term potential Seasonal access or weather challenges What Happens When You’re Not There? Unless you plan to live there full-time, you'll need to consider: Will you rent it out for extra income? Will you hire a property manager or rely on family/friends? What’s required to maintain valid home insurance while it’s vacant? Planning ahead will protect your investment and give you peace of mind while you’re away. Not Sure Where to Start? I’ve Got You Covered. Buying a vacation home is exciting—but it can also be complicated. As a mortgage broker, I can help you: Understand your financial readiness Calculate your GDS/TDS ratios Review down payment and lending requirements Explore creative solutions like second mortgages , reverse mortgages , or alternative lenders Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to take action, let’s build a plan that gets you one step closer to your ideal getaway. Reach out today—it would be a pleasure to work with you.
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