FROM SEA TO SKY, ALL YOUR MORTGAGE FINANCING NEEDS

WELCOME TO TEAM DE VUYST

What sets us apart from others in the industry is the dedicated team that we have handling every aspect of your mortgage. After our initial consultation we will start the mortgage process by gathering your information and assembling a package based on our mortgage plan.

Our dedicated Underwriter will work with a wide range of lenders suited to your needs and handle all correspondence between yourself and the lender. This separates us as you have the utmost responsiveness and first-class service throughout the mortgage process.

Throughout the course of your mortgage term we stand dedicated and ready to assist with any questions, concerns, or changes you need applied to your mortgage. We’re only a phone call away!

OUR PROCESS

START THE CONVERSATION

The best place to start is to connect with us directly. The mortgage process is personal, and it can be daunting. Our commitment to you is that we'll listen to all your needs, assess your financial situation, and provide you with a plan to move forward.

CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION

Once we’ve had a look at your financial situation, we’ll consider a variety of mortgage options, we'll outline what documents are necessary to qualify for a mortgage, negotiate with the lenders on your behalf, and arrange the mortgage that best suits your needs.

SIT BACK AND REST EASY

Once we’ve arranged the mortgage product that best suits your needs, you’re not alone. We're your mortgage professionals for life. If you’ve got questions in the years to come, we're always available to make sure that your mortgage is working for you, and not the other way around!

APPLY NOW

SERVICES

HOME PURCHASE

The largest investment in your life needs the utmost care and attention, that’s where we come in! From purchase to completion our dedicated team will handle every aspect, so you can breathe easy and feel confident with your new home purchase.

RENEWAL

At Team De Vuyst we handle this for you prior to your term coming due. With our systems in place we will notify you months ahead to get in touch and go over your new mortgage plan. We will handle booking rates and completing your new mortgage well ahead of your renewal date.

EXPANSION

With your real estate investment typically growing every year we at Team De Vuyst have an in-depth knowledge of how to use that value to obtain a growing real estate portfolio. We work with clients to grow their dreams and retirement in ways they never thought possible!

JAMES DE VUYST
YOUR PRIVATE MORTGAGE BROKER

PROVIDING AWARD-WINNING SERVICE AND TAKING CARE OF ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS IN ONE PLACE, ASK ME FOR MORE DETAILS!

James commenced his career as a mortgage broker in 2010, following the completion of his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a dual major in Finance and Marketing. During his tenure, he collaborated with a highly esteemed broker before transitioning to the Verico network in 2014. Within a relatively short period, he garnered recognition within the industry as a rising star.

Subsequently, in 2019, James established Team De Vuyst Mortgage Professionals through Verico Paragon Mortgage, recognizing his desire to offer a comprehensive service beyond the current offerings in the mortgage industry.

The foundation of Team De Vuyst is to provide a private banking-like experience, ensuring clients receive comprehensive information on all aspects of the mortgage process, including economic trends, market fluctuations, and local regulations that may impact their future purchases and mortgages.

James’s primary focus is on long-term strategic planning, whether for building a rental portfolio, acquiring one’s first home, or implementing more intricate investment strategies. His extensive knowledge and industry experience position him as a leading expert in the field.

In response to these evolving circumstances, James remains steadfast in his commitment to his clients and strives to maintain the private banking atmosphere through his expertise and industry experience. As we navigate these uncertain times, entrusting your portfolio to a professional team is the most prudent decision you can make.

James has also received numerous prestigious awards and accolades.

Top 5 Producer 2019-2025 Verico Paragon
2020 - 2025 Chairpersons Club
2020 CMP Industry Icon
2019 Canadian Mortgage Professionals Top 75 Funded Volume
2019 Top 5 Producer Verico Paragon Mortgage
2019 Nominee Young Gun of the Year (top 10 brokers in Canada under 35)
2017- 2019 Chairman’s Club Award Verico (top producer in the Verico network)
2016/2018 Young Gun Canadian Mortgage Professionals (top brokers in Canada under 35)
2016 - 2018 Top Producer Xeva Mortgage
2016 Business Excellence Award for Verico (3rd largest network in Canada)

MORTGAGE NEWS

New to Credit? Let’s Build a Solid Foundation

By James De Vuyst • January 1, 2026

Starting from Scratch: How to Build Credit the Smart Way If you're just beginning your personal finance journey and wondering how to build credit from the ground up, you're not alone. Many people find themselves stuck in the classic credit paradox: you need credit to build a credit history, but you can’t get credit without already having one. So, how do you break in? Let’s walk through the basics—step by step. Credit Building Isn’t Instant—Start Now First, understand this: building good credit is a marathon, not a sprint. For those planning to apply for a mortgage in the future, lenders typically want to see at least two active credit accounts (credit cards, personal loans, or lines of credit), each with a limit of $2,500 or more , and reporting positively for at least two years . If that sounds like a lot—it is. But everyone has to start somewhere, and the best time to begin is now. Step 1: Start with a Secured Credit Card When you're new to credit, traditional lenders often say “no” simply because there’s nothing in your file. That’s where a secured credit card comes in. Here’s how it works: You provide a deposit—say, $1,000—and that becomes your credit limit. Use the card for everyday purchases (groceries, phone bill, streaming services). Pay the balance off in full each month. Your activity is reported to the credit bureaus, and after a few months of on-time payments, you begin to establish a credit score. ✅ Pro tip: Before you apply, ask if the lender reports to both Equifax and TransUnion . If they don’t, your credit-building efforts won’t be reflected where it counts. Step 2: Move Toward an Unsecured Trade Line Once you’ve got a few months of solid payment history, you can apply for an unsecured credit card or a small personal loan. A car loan could also serve as a second trade line. Again, make sure the account reports to both credit bureaus, and always pay on time. At this point, your focus should be consistency and patience. Avoid maxing out your credit, and keep your utilization under 30% of your available limit. What If You Need a Mortgage Before Your Credit Is Ready? If homeownership is on the horizon but your credit history isn’t quite there yet, don’t panic. You still have a few options. One path is to apply with a co-signer —someone with strong credit and income who is willing to share the responsibility. The mortgage will be based on their credit profile, but your name will also be on the loan, helping you build a record of mortgage payments. Ideally, when the term is up and your credit has matured, you can refinance and qualify on your own. Start with a Plan—Stick to It Building credit may take a couple of years, but it all starts with a plan—and the right guidance. Whether you're figuring out your first steps or getting mortgage-ready, we’re here to help. Need advice on credit, mortgage options, or how to get started? Let’s talk.

Is Refinancing Your Mortgage a Good Way to Consolidate Debt?

By James De Vuyst • December 25, 2025

If you're a homeowner juggling multiple debts, you're not alone. Credit cards, car loans, lines of credit—it can feel like you’re paying out in every direction with no end in sight. But what if there was a smarter way to handle it? Good news: there is. And it starts with your home. Use the Equity You’ve Built to Lighten the Load Every mortgage payment you make, every bit your home appreciates—you're building equity. And that equity can be a powerful financial tool. Instead of letting high-interest debts drain your income, you can leverage your home’s equity to combine and simplify what you owe into one manageable, lower-interest payment. What Does That Look Like? This strategy is called debt consolidation , and there are a few ways to do it: Refinance your existing mortgage Access a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Take out a second mortgage Each option has its own pros and cons, and the right one depends on your situation. That’s where I come in—we’ll look at the numbers together and choose the best path forward. What Can You Consolidate? You can roll most types of consumer debt into your mortgage, including: Credit cards Personal loans Payday loans Car loans Unsecured lines of credit Student loans These types of debts often come with sky-high interest rates. When you consolidate them into a mortgage—secured by your home—you can typically access much lower rates, freeing up cash flow and reducing financial stress. Why This Works Debt consolidation through your mortgage offers: Lower interest rates (often significantly lower than credit cards or payday loans) One simple monthly payment Potential for faster repayment Improved cash flow And if your mortgage allows prepayment privileges—like lump-sum payments or increased monthly payments—those features can help you pay everything off even faster. Smart Strategy, Not Just a Quick Fix This isn’t just about lowering your monthly bills (although that’s a major perk). It’s about restructuring your finances in a way that’s sustainable, efficient, and empowering. Instead of feeling like you're constantly catching up, you can create a plan to move forward with confidence—and even start saving again. Here’s What the Process Looks Like: Review your current debts and cash flow Assess how much equity you’ve built in your home Explore consolidation options that fit your goals Create a personalized plan to streamline your payments and reduce overall costs Ready to Regain Control? If your debts are holding you back and you're ready to use the equity you've worked hard to build, let's talk. There’s no pressure—just a practical conversation about your options and how to move toward a more flexible, debt-free future. Reach out today. I’m here to help you make the most of what you already have.

How to Raise Your Credit Score and Unlock Better Rates

By James De Vuyst • December 18, 2025

Want a Better Credit Score? Here’s What Actually Works Your credit score plays a major role in your ability to qualify for a mortgage—and it directly affects the interest rates and products you’ll be offered. If your goal is to access the best mortgage options on the market, improving your credit is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Here’s a breakdown of what truly matters—and what you can start doing today to build and maintain a strong credit profile. 1. Always Pay On Time Late payments are the fastest way to damage your credit score—and on-time payments are the most powerful way to boost it. When you borrow money, whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or mortgage, you agree to repay it on a schedule. If you stick to that agreement, lenders reward you with good credit. But if you fall behind, missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and your score takes a hit. A single missed payment over 30 days late can hurt your score. Missed payments beyond 120 days may go to collections—and collections stay on your report for up to six years . Quick tip: Lenders typically report missed payments only if they’re more than 30 days overdue. So if you miss a Friday payment and make it up on Monday, you're probably in the clear—but don't make it a habit. 2. Avoid Taking On Unnecessary Credit Once you have at least two active credit accounts (like a credit card and a car loan), it’s best to pause on applying for more—unless you truly need it. Every time a lender checks your credit, a “hard inquiry” appears on your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can bring your score down slightly. Better idea? If your current lender offers a credit limit increase , take it. Higher available credit (when used responsibly) actually improves your credit utilization ratio, which we’ll get into next. 3. Keep Credit Usage Low How much of your available credit you actually use—also known as credit utilization —is another major factor in your score. Here’s the sweet spot: Aim to use 15–25% of your limit if possible. Never exceed 60% , especially if you plan to apply for a mortgage soon. So, if your credit card limit is $5,000, try to keep your balance under $1,250—and pay it off in full each month. Maxing out your cards or carrying high balances (even if you make the minimum payment) can tank your score. 4. Monitor Your Credit Report About 1 in 5 credit reports contain errors. That’s not a small number—and even a minor mistake could cost you when it’s time to get approved for a mortgage. Check your report at least once a year (or sign up for a monitoring service). Look for: Incorrect balances Accounts you don’t recognize Missed payments you know were paid You can request reports directly from Equifax and TransUnion , Canada’s two national credit bureaus. If something looks off, dispute it right away. 5. Deal with Collections Fast If you spot an account in collections—don’t ignore it. Even small unpaid bills (a leftover phone bill, a missed utility payment) can drag down your score for years. Reach out to the creditor or collection agency and arrange payment as quickly as possible . Once settled, ask for written confirmation and ensure it’s updated on your credit report. 6. Use Your Credit—Don’t Just Hold It Credit cards won’t help your score if you’re not using them. Inactive cards may not report consistently to the credit bureaus—or worse, may be closed due to inactivity. Use your cards at least once every three months. Many people put routine expenses like groceries or gas on their cards and pay them off right away. It’s a simple way to show regular, responsible use. In Summary: Improving your credit score isn’t complicated, but it does take consistency: Pay everything on time Keep balances low Limit new credit applications Monitor your report and handle issues quickly Use your credit regularly Following these principles will steadily increase your creditworthiness—and bring you closer to qualifying for the best mortgage rates available. Ready to review your credit in more detail or start prepping for a mortgage? I’m here to help—reach out anytime!

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