"I Would Recommend Sabeena Without Hesitation"

Sabeena Bubber • December 18, 2014

FROM A RECENT CUSTOMER SURVEY

As a way to make sure I am always paying attention to the service I provide my clients, I use a survey after a mortgage funds. It’s a simple question and answer format and provides me with tremendous insight.


I wanted to share one of my most recent testimonials (with his permission of course) with you as it highlights that the mortgage process isn’t always straight forward. Often times lenders products aren’t always what we want them to be (or need them to be)… and in this case, it meant changing lenders completely to get the right product.


I believe this is one of the biggest benefits of working with me as your mortgage professional, I work for you and not the lenders. It sounds so cliche, but it’s the truth. My goal is to make sure you find the right product, regardless of how many lenders that means working with.


From Glen April of 2014,

Would you recommend your Broker to a friend or Relative?

YES. Without Hesitation.


What aspect of our service did you value the most?

We appreciated Sabeena’s professional and creative approach to our financing needs despite our somewhat unconventional banking history of 3 countries in 5 years and was able to provide timely solutions as well as several options for both the builder’s loan and finally our mortgage.


Do you have any suggestions on how we could improve our service to you and to other clients in the future?


The only surprise along the way was with the initial builder’s loan provider. Their initial offering letter made it seem as if we would receive the loan proceeds in 2 sums; initial advance to proceed and at 80% completion we would receive the balance to get the house to completion. The actual loan contract had different language and while there were some tense moments Sabeena was able to quickly provide a second mortgage option. I still feel that was a slight of hand trick by the first lender.


Will you recommend us to your friends/family/colleagues? and if so, what would you tell them about us?


As stated above I would recommend Sabeena -and have done so already- without hesitation and when I have been asked about Sabeena I have described her professionalism and that she genuinely cares about her clients and takes an interest in their needs that is far too often lacking from loan departments in major banks. If you don’t fit their mould they don’t seem to care too much about your needs. Sabeena understands and appreciates that flexibility and creatively addressing financing needs can be a very good business on both sides of the relationship.


SHARE THIS ARTICLE

RECENT POSTS

Bank of Canada Raises Rate to 2.5% — October 28, 2026

By Sabeena Bubber • October 28, 2026
On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 2.5%. If you have a mortgage, are shopping for a home, or have a renewal coming up, this decision matters. Here is a plain-language look at what changed, why it happened, and what it could mean for you.
Sabeena and family at Canadian Mortgage Hall Of Fame

A Night I’ll Always Carry With Me

By Sabeena Bubber • October 24, 2026
Sabeena Bubber reflects on her Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame induction, the journey behind it, and the people who made this meaningful milestone possible.

How Property Type and Condition Influence Mortgage Financing

By Sabeena Bubber • October 21, 2026
Why the Property Matters When You’re Qualifying for a Mortgage When qualifying for a mortgage, lenders typically look at four core areas: Income Credit Down payment or equity The property itself Most buyers focus heavily on income, credit, and savings—and for good reason. But even if those boxes are checked, the property can still determine whether a mortgage is approved. Why Lenders Care About the Property From a lender’s perspective, the property is the collateral for the mortgage. In the unlikely event of default, they need to know the home can be sold quickly and at fair market value to recover their funds. Because of this, lenders are careful about the condition, value, and marketability of any property they finance. Homes that are in poor repair, unconventional, or overpriced can raise red flags—even when the borrower is well qualified. Appraisals Are Always Part of the Process Every mortgage requires an appraisal to confirm value. Insured mortgages (through CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) often use an automated valuation model completed online. Conventional mortgages typically require a full, on-site appraisal by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not optional and happens after an offer is accepted—not at the pre-approval stage. Why Pre-Approvals Aren’t a Guarantee A pre-approval is a great first step, but it only assesses you, not the property. Once you’ve made an offer, the lender must approve the specific home you’re buying. Understanding this upfront helps avoid surprises and confusion later in the process. The Risk of Buying Without a Financing Condition In competitive markets, buyers sometimes remove financing conditions to strengthen their offer. However, this comes with risk. If the appraisal comes back low—or the lender is concerned about the property’s condition—you could be denied financing after the offer is firm. In that scenario, your deposit may be at risk. Buying a Home That Needs Work If you’re considering a property that isn’t in perfect condition, there are solutions. A purchase plus improvements program allows you to buy a home and include renovation costs in your mortgage. The process is structured and requires planning, but it can be an excellent way to turn a fixer-upper into a great long-term investment. Final Thoughts Mortgage approval isn’t based solely on your finances—the property matters just as much. Knowing this ahead of time helps you make smarter offers, reduce risk, and plan more effectively. If you’re buying a property that needs work or want clarity on how a lender may view a specific home, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.