THE JOURNAL

Honest reads on mortgages, money, and real life

No fear-mongering. No jargon dumps. Just the kinds of conversations I would have with you over a cup of tea, written down so you can come back to them whenever you need.

The First-Time Buyer's Guide to Buying a Home in Ontario

Every program that can help you buy your first home in Ontario, in one place: the FHSA, the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, land transfer refunds, the new GST rebate, and down payment help, with a step-by-step checklist to follow.

First-Time Buyers

London & Middlesex Down Payment Assistance: Up to $25,000

Renting in London or Middlesex? You could get up to $25,000 toward your first home interest-free and forgivable. Here's who qualifies and how to apply.

First-Time Buyers

Cash Damming, Explained Simply

Cash damming is a debt conversion mortgage strategy six-figure Ontario families use to pay off their mortgage in around 6 years instead of 25. Here is how it works in plain English, from a Kitchener-Waterloo mortgage agent.

Mortgage Strategies

Ontario's $130,000 HST Rebate: What's Law in 2026 and What's Still Coming

There are actually two HST rebates floating around right now and buyers are mixing them up. Here's what's law today, what's still being sorted, and what it means if you're buying a new home in Ontario.

Regulatory Updates & Changes

Mortgage Renewal Shock in Ontario

If your renewal letter just landed and the new payment made you feel sick, this one is for you.

Renewals

Heart & Soul Mortgages

With Tiphereth Straker, Licensed Mortgage Agent Level 2, serving Kitchener–Waterloo and clients across Ontario.

Your story matters. Your mortgage should honour it.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (226) 270-7272

Location: Kitchener–Waterloo, Ontario

© 2026 BRX Heart & Soul Mortgages – All Rights Reserved. | Tiphereth Straker · Licensed Mortgage Agent Level 2 · Lic. M21004493 · BRX Mortgage · FSRA #13463 | Heart & Soul Mortgages is a trade name used by Tiphereth Straker, Licensed Mortgage Agent Level 2, operating under BRX Mortgage, FSRA #13463, a licensed mortgage brokerage in the Province of Ontario. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to lend or extend credit. All applications are subject to lender approval and underwriting guidelines. | Privacy Policy