Procrastination

Tracy Head • April 19, 2024

This morning I was up with the birds (literally) and really wanted to sleep a bit longer. I decided to listen to a podcast rather than get up. The podcast, ironically, was about procrastination.



Her general message was that procrastinating often makes us feel bad. There are things we want to accomplish or feel we should do but we choose the immediate gratification / dopamine hit of time in front of the TV or mindless scrolling (or more time in bed) rather than the satisfaction that comes with achieving our larger goals and dreams. 

She talked about procrastinating with both our actions and making decisions.


The irony that I was listening to the podcast rather than getting up and tackling my day was not lost on me. There were a few comments the podcaster made that struck home. 


Making a decision, any decision, is better than no decision. 


Human nature (for many of us) is that when facing a tough decision we freeze. We over-analyze the “what-ifs” and potential outcomes. We worry about what others may think of our choices. We may not even know what our options are. 

While procrastinating opportunities are lost or we dig ourselves in a bit deeper.


The last year in particular has been challenging with higher interest rates and a steadily increasing cost of living. Many families are struggling to cover their bills and put food on the table. 


I’ve written columns before about how if you have equity in your home it might be wise to consider a consolidation of your consumer debt to free up cash flow. Making lifestyle changes can be easier said than done.


I believe that staying the course and getting your mortgage paid off as soon as possible is always the best plan, but there comes a time when you also need to look at how your finances are affecting your physical and mental health.


When we get behind with our bills or are teetering on the edge of not being able to cover everything this month we are also concerned about what people might think. We are worried about a call from our creditors asking for a payment. We project a certain lifestyle and feel the pressure to maintain this even though we can’t actually afford it right now.


We lose sleep at night thinking about the “what-ifs”.


If you are in this situation and have equity in your home, I encourage you to take action to explore your options sooner rather than later. 


I have worked with clients who have never missed a payment ever but their credit scores were in the 500 range (not good) because they are over-extended and maxed out on multiple loans, credit cards and / or credit lines. 


Had they reached out sooner we would have had more options to help them with a fresh start. This doesn’t mean we can’t find options, but there are certainly more available when credit scores are higher. 


As a rule I don’t get into the discussion of why you would work with a mortgage broker versus a bank but this is one of those times. I do place many of my clients with chartered banks when that is the right fit.


When you approach your bank your situation might not be a fit for their lending guidelines. They may tell you they are not able to help you and that you will have to sell your home or look at a consumer proposal or bankruptcy.

Selling your home may be the right answer, but before you jump to that place take a look at other options. Pick up the phone. Don’t procrastinate.


If you are working with a mortgage broker they are able to explore multiple lenders and programs to help you try to find a solution to put you on the right track sooner rather than later. 

Tracy Head

Mortgage Broker

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Reverse Mortgages

By Tracy Head • February 6, 2026
Reverse Mortgages: A Tool More Canadians Should Understand After years in the mortgage business, I’ve learned that few financial tools are as misunderstood as the reverse mortgage. I’ll admit it upfront: for a long time, even mentioning the words made people tense up. I’d see shoulders tighten, brows furrow, and someone would inevitably say, “Isn’t that how you lose your house?” Let’s clear the air. A reverse mortgage is simply a way for Canadian homeowners aged 55 and over to access some of the equity they’ve built up in their home—without having to sell it or make monthly mortgage payments. For many retirees, that alone is a game changer. Many Canadians I work with are “house rich and cash poor.” They may own a home worth a significant amount, but their retirement income hasn’t kept pace with the rising cost of groceries, utilities, property taxes, or helping adult kids and grandkids. A reverse mortgage can help bridge that gap by turning part of that home equity into tax-free cash. That money can be taken as a lump sum, regular payments, or a combination of both. Some homeowners use it to top up their retirement income. Others use it to pay off an existing mortgage or line of credit, eliminate monthly debt payments, or fund renovations that let them age comfortably in place. I’ve even seen clients use it to cover medical expenses or make their home safer with mobility upgrades. One of the biggest benefits—and one that surprises people—is that you don’t have to make monthly payments. Interest is added to the balance, and the loan is typically repaid when the home is sold or the owner moves out permanently. As long as you keep the home maintained, insured, and pay your property taxes, you remain the owner of your home. Another common concern is inheritance. It’s a fair question. What happens to the house? The reality is this: when the home is eventually sold, the reverse mortgage is paid off, and any remaining equity goes to the homeowner or their estate. These products in Canada are regulated and include safeguards so you’ll never owe more than the fair market value of your home. Are reverse mortgages right for everyone? Absolutely not. They tend to work best for homeowners who plan to stay in their home long term and need access to equity but don’t want the pressure of monthly payments. They’re also something that should be discussed openly with family and reviewed with a qualified professional who understands the fine print. What I always encourage is education—not fear. Too many homeowners dismiss reverse mortgages based on outdated information or horror stories that don’t reflect today’s Canadian market. Like any financial tool, they have pros and cons, but when used appropriately, they can provide flexibility, dignity, and peace of mind in retirement. At the end of the day, retirement isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about choices. Staying in the home you love. Reducing financial stress. Enjoying the life you worked so hard to build. For many Canadian homeowners, a reverse mortgage can be one of the tools that helps make that possible. And that’s worth a second look.

Trying to Buy a Home in a Competitive Market

By Tracy Head • January 23, 2026
Trying to Buy a Home in a Competitive Market? You’re Not Imagining Things After years as a mortgage broker, I can tell you this with confidence: buying a home in a competitive market isn’t just hard. It’s emotionally exhausting. I talk to buyers every day who feel like they’re doing everything right. They’ve saved a down payment, checked their credit, talked to a lender, and started house hunting with realistic expectations. And yet, they’re still losing out. Multiple offers. Bidding wars. Homes selling in days — or hours. It can make even the most level-headed buyer question whether homeownership is still within reach. One of the biggest challenges I see is speed . In competitive markets, hesitation can cost you the house. Buyers are often expected to make quick decisions on the largest purchase of their lives, sometimes with limited conditions and tight timelines. That’s a lot of pressure, especially for first-time buyers who are still learning the process as they go. Then there’s the financing side. In a hot market, a strong offer isn’t just about price. It’s about certainty . Sellers want to know the deal will close. That’s why buyers with solid pre-approvals, flexible closing dates, and fewer conditions tend to stand out. Unfortunately, many buyers don’t realize how important this is until they’ve already lost a few bidding wars. Another challenge is expectations versus reality . Online listings and headline prices don’t always tell the full story. I often see buyers fall in love with homes that are priced low to attract attention, only to sell well above asking. That can be discouraging, especially when it happens repeatedly. It’s not that you’re doing something wrong. It’s that the market is playing a different game. Appraisals can also throw a wrench into things. Even if you’re willing to pay more, the lender still needs the property to appraise at or near the purchase price. When prices are rising quickly, appraisals sometimes lag behind the market. That can mean buyers need to come up with extra cash or renegotiate. That’s not a conversation anyone wants after winning a bidding war. And let’s not forget the emotional toll. I’ve seen buyers go from excited to deflated more times than I can count. Losing out on a home — especially one you pictured yourself living in — hurts. Do it three or four times, and it’s easy to feel burnt out or start second-guessing your plans entirely. So what helps? Preparation. Flexibility. And a good team. Getting your financing sorted early — ideally before you start house hunting — gives you clarity and confidence. Understanding your true budget (not just the maximum you qualify for) helps you move decisively when the right home appears. Being open on location, property type, or timing can also make a big difference. Most importantly, remind yourself of this: This market is not a reflection of your worth or your effort. It’s competitive because demand is high and supply is tight. Not because you’re failing. I’ve seen many buyers feel like they’d never catch a break, only to end up in a home they love — sometimes one they hadn’t even considered at first. The path may be longer and bumpier than expected, but with the right guidance and a bit of resilience, it’s still very possible. If there’s one thing I want buyers to know, it’s this: You’re not alone. And you’re not crazy.  This market is tough — but tough doesn’t mean impossible.