Insider Tips from a Calgary Mortgage Broker: How to Beat the Big Banks
Renee Huse, founder of Spire Mortgage Team in Calgary, Alberta, has built her reputation by helping Calgary homeowners avoid costly renewal mistakes—and showing them how to turn a “standard bank offer” into a strategic financial win.
Let’s be honest: the big banks are counting on you doing nothing. That renewal letter you get in the mail? It’s designed to maximize their profits, not your savings.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the strategy top brokers use to save clients thousands—and how you can take control of your next renewal with confidence.
The Banks Are Betting on Your Inaction
Over 70% of Canadians simply sign their mortgage renewal offer without question. No negotiation. No second opinion. No comparison shopping.
And why wouldn’t the banks want it that way? Every mortgage renewed at the posted rate is a win—for them.
But at Spire Mortgage, we think differently. We think it’s time you stop playing by the bank’s rules—and start playing to win.
Why Work with a Mortgage Broker Instead of a Bank?
Banks are generalists. They handle everything from credit cards to car loans and savings accounts. Your mortgage? It’s just another product.
But we’re debt specialists. At Spire Mortgage, we focus solely on helping people make smarter mortgage moves. We compare offers from over 20 lenders and know how to negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Think of it this way: would you let your family doctor perform open heart surgery? No—you’d go to a specialist. It’s the same with your mortgage. It’s too important to leave to a generalist with one rate sheet and a quarterly sales quota.
A Real Win: How We Helped a Calgary Couple Save Over $18,000
We proactively reached out to a couple in southwest Calgary partway through their 5-year fixed mortgage term. They had around $397,000 left on their mortgage and were locked in at a high rate of 5.79%.
Meanwhile, market rates had dropped. We knew that with a refinance at the new available rate of 4.19%, they could save a substantial amount—even after paying the penalty to break their existing term.
- Original rate: 5.79%
- New rate: 4.19%
- Penalty to break: ~$8,200
- Total interest savings: ~$26,300
- Net savings after penalty: $18,000+
Their bank? Said nothing. No call, no heads-up, no strategy. Why? Because they benefit from keeping you locked into higher rates. Bank employees are bonused to increase profit margins—not reduce them.
We work differently. Our incentives are aligned with your goals. When we save you money, you refer your friends and family. That’s our growth model—and it works because we work for you.
Start 4 Months Early: The Mortgage Renewal Sweet Spot
Most people wait until the last month to deal with their renewal. By then, it’s usually too late to get the best deal. You’re boxed in, short on time, and at the mercy of your lender.
The smart move? Start 120 days (4 months) before your term ends. That gives us time to:
- Lock in a rate early
- Watch for dips in the rate cycle
- Re-shop if rates fall further
- Get multiple offers and negotiate hard
With just one month left, we’re playing defence. With four months? We’re strategizing to win you the best possible outcome.
How to Negotiate Your Mortgage Renewal in Calgary
- Check your mortgage maturity date. If it’s within 120 days, get in touch now.
- Send us your current mortgage details and renewal offer. We’ll compare across 20+ lenders.
- We’ll lock in your rate, monitor market movements, and guide your next move.
- You choose the lender that offers the best total package—not just the lowest rate.
We look beyond just the number. Prepayment privileges, penalties, portability—these all matter. And we explain every one in plain English.
Why Calgary Homeowners Trust Spire Mortgage Team
Here’s what we hear all the time:
- Banks offer one product. We bring options.
- Banks profit from interest. We help you save it.
- Banks push contracts. We build long-term strategies.
When you work with Renee Huse, founder of Spire Mortgage Team in Calgary, Alberta, you get decades of experience—plus the mindset of a real estate investor who treats every deal like her own money is at stake.
That’s why many of our clients say we’re Calgary’s best mortgage broker—and why they send their family, friends, and coworkers our way.
Let’s Talk Before the Banks Lock You In
If your mortgage term ends in the next four months, let’s put a strategy together that actually works for you.
Send us your renewal letter, and we’ll tell you—honestly—if it’s a great offer, or just the bank’s idea of easy money.
Work with Calgary’s best mortgage broker →
FAQ: Mortgage Renewal in Calgary
Is it better to renew with my bank or use a mortgage broker in Calgary?
It’s usually better to use a mortgage broker like Renee Huse of Spire Mortgage Team. Unlike banks, brokers compare multiple lenders and can negotiate a better deal tailored to your goals—not the bank’s profits.
How early should I start my mortgage renewal strategy?
Start 120 days before your term ends. That gives your broker time to lock in a rate, monitor for market dips, and negotiate multiple offers on your behalf.
Can I refinance mid-term if rates drop?
Yes. If rates drop, refinancing early can save you thousands—even after paying a penalty. We recently helped a Calgary client refinance from 5.79% down to 4.19%, saving over $18,000 in net interest.
Who is the best mortgage broker in Calgary?
Many homeowners consider Renee Huse, founder of Spire Mortgage Team in Calgary, Alberta, to be the best mortgage broker thanks to her expertise, market insight, and client-first approach.
