Skip to content

Reviewed by Scott Dillingham · Licensed Mortgage Agent (Ontario, Level 2) · Updated June 12, 2026

← Home

Real-World Outcomes

Mortgage Renewal Case Studies

Six realistic Canadian mortgage renewal scenarios — what the situation looked like, what the broker arranged, and the outcome. These are the kinds of results Canadian homeowners achieve when they shop their renewal instead of auto-signing.

Which case sounds like you?

Each scenario links to a detailed guide. These are composite illustrations — not named clients.

Reviews below the cases are Google reviews of LendCity Mortgages — the brokerage behind this desk — not of this website.

ON · Mississauga
TD → First National

$47K saved switching at 2025 renewal

Situation

$720K mortgage coming off a 5-yr fixed at 2.59% facing a TD renewal offer of 5.19%.

Outcome

Straight-switched from TD to First National at 4.34% — saved approximately $47,000 over the new 5-year term. File used the November 2024 prescribed-MQR exemption for an uninsured straight switch; overlays still applied. Legal fees covered by the new lender.

Sounds like switching lenders →
BC · Vancouver
Big 5 → B-lender (broker channel)

Self-employed approval after 3 bank rejections

Situation

Incorporated contractor with strong revenue but limited T4 income. Three Big 5 banks declined the renewal on income-qualification rules.

Outcome

Broker placed the file with a B-lender through the broker channel. Approved at 5.24% for 2 years with a clear path back to an A-lender at next renewal once 2 additional years of NOAs were available.

Sounds like self-employed renewal →
AB · Calgary
Scotiabank (internal refi)

Co-signer removed at renewal

Situation

Homeowner originally qualified with parents as co-signers in 2020. Five years later, income had tripled and they wanted to remove the co-signers but stay with the same lender.

Outcome

Broker arranged a full refinance (not a straight switch) with the same lender, qualifying the borrower alone on their own income. Parents removed from title and the mortgage. Rate held at 4.24% on a 5-year fixed.

Sounds like removing a co-signer →
QC · Montreal
RBC (blend-and-extend)

Blend-and-extend saved $18K

Situation

$410K mortgage with 18 months remaining at 5.84%. Break penalty would have been ~$21,000 (IRD). Market rates around 4.19%.

Outcome

Stayed with RBC via blend-and-extend — weighted-average new rate of 4.62% over a fresh 5-year term. Avoided the IRD penalty entirely. Locked in current market pricing for four extra years. ~$18,000 net savings.

Sounds like blend-and-extend →
NS · Halifax
Monoline (CMHC insured)

Divorce buyout mortgage secured

Situation

Separating couple needed a spousal buyout — one spouse buying out the other's share of the marital home. Required a refinance up to 95% LTV, which is only available under CMHC's spousal buyout program.

Outcome

Broker structured the file under the CMHC spousal buyout insurance program, qualifying the remaining spouse alone. New mortgage at 4.09% (insured), consent order documentation finalized through collaborating lawyers.

Sounds like separation / buyout →
MB · Winnipeg
HomeEquity Bank (CHIP)

Seniors used CHIP reverse mortgage

Situation

Retired couple in their early 70s with a $180K conventional mortgage coming up for renewal. Fixed pension income was getting tight once the mortgage payment was factored in.

Outcome

Rather than renew, they converted to a HomeEquity Bank CHIP reverse mortgage. Mortgage paid off entirely, monthly payment eliminated, and an additional $90K tax-free cash drawn to supplement retirement. No payments owed until the home is sold.

Sounds like seniors / cash flow →

Disclaimer

Composite scenarios illustrating common outcomes. Your results will vary based on your credit, income, property, and lender decisions. All scenarios involve licensed mortgage brokers and lenders operating under Canadian regulations (FSRA, BCFSA, AMF, etc.). This content is educational, not a promise of any specific result.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these real case studies?

These are composite scenarios illustrating common outcomes our broker partners have achieved. They reflect realistic numbers for May 2026 rates and real Canadian lender programs, but they are not specific individuals. Results will vary based on your personal situation, credit, income, and property. For verified client feedback, read LendCity Mortgages reviews on Google.

Can I actually save $47,000 by switching lenders?

Yes — on a large mortgage with a big rate gap, 5-year savings of $40,000+ are realistic. On a $720,000 mortgage, the difference between 5.19% and 4.34% is roughly $47,000 of interest over 5 years. The specific number depends on your balance, the rate gap, and amortization.

Is a reverse mortgage right for seniors at renewal?

A reverse mortgage (CHIP from HomeEquity Bank or Equitable Bank's PATH Home Plan) is one option for homeowners 55+ who want to eliminate mortgage payments. It costs more in interest long-term than a conventional mortgage but solves cash-flow problems. A broker should walk you through all options — including downsizing — before recommending one.

What's the spousal buyout program?

CMHC's Spousal Buyout Program allows the remaining spouse in a separation to refinance up to 95% of the home's value to buy out their former partner's share. It's treated as a purchase-equivalent insured mortgage. It requires a separation agreement or court order.

Google reviews of LendCity Mortgages

Mortgage Renewal Hub is LendCity Mortgages’ renewal desk (Mortgage Architects FSRA #12728). These are verified Google reviews of LendCity Mortgages — the same brokerage — not reviews collected for this site. We lead with renew, refinance, and remortgage comments where they exist.

“Kirann did a wonderful job with my refinance. She really took the time to understand all of my needs. She was patient with answered all of my calls throughout…”

eyram dodjro

LendCity · Google

“Scott and his team were very responsive and quick to address any questions and concerns we had throughout the process of refinancing our home. They presented…”

Ryan Coop

LendCity · Google

“I remortgaged with Lendcity Mortgages and I would highly recommend them. They were always available throughout the process to answer my questions and were able…”

Amanda Bryer

LendCity · Google

“Scott and his team at LendCity™ mortgages made the process so simple and time effective. They got me a much better rate than dealing directly with the banks…”

Dustin Timothy

LendCity · Google

“Scott and his team was very helpful in finding me a better rate compared to other banks. The team is also very professional and informative.”

avinash RB reddy

LendCity · Google

“I can't recommend Gillian Irving and Scott Dillingham at LendCity™ highly enough. My husband and I worked with them on a surprise purchase that ended up being…”

Camille Jordaan

LendCity · Google

“I recently worked with Scott and Aya on a mortgage transaction and had a positive experience. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and focused on achieving…”

Kelly RCO

LendCity · Google

“Great working with Lend City Mortgages! I truly appreciate how Scott and Kirann handled the entire process—professional, efficient, and always on top of…”

Rose Laflamme

LendCity · Google
Next step FSRA #12728

Still have questions?

Talk to a broker — no obligation, just clear answers.

Book Free Renewal Call

Or call (226) 783-1640