Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Alexandra Leclerc St-Germain is a certified mortgage broker authorized by Quebec's Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Your protection is our priority.

We proudly serve all of Montreal's South Shore, including Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Lambert, La Prairie, Sainte-Julie, and Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

Yes, the initial consultation is completely free and without obligation. Call us at (514) 463-0486 to book an appointment.

The mortgage broker is compensated by the financial institution that grants the loan. Our services are therefore free for you in the vast majority of cases.

A broker compares offers from over 20 lenders to get you the best conditions. Your bank will only offer its own products. With AS Hypothèque, you have access to the entire market.

In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% for properties under $500,000, and 10% between $500,000 and $1,500,000. The HBP (Home Buyers' Plan) and the FHSA can help you accumulate this amount. Contact us for a personalized analysis.

The HBP allows you to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSPs for the purchase of your first home, tax-free. You must repay the amount over 15 years. We guide you through the optimal use of this program.

Yes — if you have enough equity in your property, mortgage refinancing lets you group credit cards, lines of credit, and other debts into a single monthly payment at a mortgage rate, typically far lower than consumer debt rates. We analyze your situation at no cost.

Savings vary depending on your debt amounts and current rates, but it is not uncommon to reduce monthly payments by several hundred dollars. We prepare a personalized breakdown during the consultation.

Refinancing can be very beneficial if current rates are lower than your current rate, if you need cash, or if you want to consolidate high-interest debts. We calculate the potential savings for your specific situation.

Generally, a mortgage pre-approval is valid for 90 to 120 days. During this period, the rate offered to you is guaranteed*, protecting you against potential rate increases. *Certain conditions apply.

Ideally, 4 to 6 months before your term expires. This gives you time to compare offers from multiple lenders and negotiate the best conditions. Contact us well before your renewal date.

For an owner-occupied Duplex, the minimum down payment is 5%. For an owner-occupied property with 3 to 4 units, the minimum down payment is 10% (with CMHC insurance). For a purely rental property or 5+ units, it rises to 20%. We analyze your situation to find the best approach.

Yes. Rental income can be included in your borrowing capacity calculation, which may allow you to access a higher mortgage amount. The rules vary by property type and lender — this is where a specialized broker makes all the difference.

Absolutely! While the process is slightly different, many lenders offer specific programs for self-employed workers. Having been an entrepreneur myself, I understand your challenges and know how to build a strong file.