Beat the Fall Rush: Why Late Summer Is the Best Time to Get Your Mortgage Pre-Approval

Summer’s Almost Over… But Your Home Search Doesn’t Have to Be

As the days get shorter and the back-to-school buzz kicks in, many Canadians are shifting gears. For homebuyers in Ontario and Alberta, that also means gearing up for one of the busiest times in the real estate market — fall.

Here’s the catch: if you wait until September or October to start the process, you’ll be competing with everyone else who had the same idea. That means more competition, faster offers, and less time to think.

That’s why late summer is your sweet spot. By getting your mortgage pre-approval now, you’ll step into the fall market prepared, confident, and one step ahead of the crowd.

1. Fall Gets Busy — Here’s How to Stay Ahead

September and October are peak months for listings. Sellers who waited through summer usually decide it’s time to put their homes on the market.

But more listings also bring more buyers. And more buyers mean:✔️ Competing offers✔️ Faster decision-making✔️ Less negotiating room

With a pre-approval, you’re not just “looking.” You’re ready to act. Sellers and realtors know you’re serious — which can give your offer an edge over someone still scrambling for financing.

2. Lock In a Rate Before Things Change

Mortgage rates in 2025 have been anything but predictable. Some experts expect the Bank of Canada to trim rates later in the year, but there’s no guarantee.

Here’s the benefit of a pre-approval:

• It usually holds today’s rate for 90–120 days.

• If rates go up, you’re protected.

• If rates go down, you can still secure the lower one when it’s time to finalize.

It’s a win-win that gives you peace of mind.

3. Shop Smarter, Not Harder

A pre-approval is like your home-buying roadmap. It shows you:

• The maximum mortgage you qualify for

• What your payments look like

• Whether your budget matches your dream neighbourhood

For example:

• In Ontario, with higher average prices, knowing your budget upfront helps you avoid disappointment.

• In Alberta, affordability stretches your dollar further — but it still helps to know whether that extra bedroom or finished basement fits comfortably into your plan.

Instead of guessing, you’ll shop with clarity and confidence.

4. No More Bidding-War Surprises

We’ve all heard the stories: someone falls in love with a home, makes an offer, and then discovers they can’t actually qualify for the mortgage. That’s a recipe for heartbreak.

With pre-approval, you already know what you can afford. Sellers see your offer as stronger, and you avoid wasting time on homes outside your reach.

5. Late Summer = Less Competition

Here’s a little insider secret: many buyers hit pause in August. Vacations, back-to-school prep, and “let’s wait until fall” thinking clears the playing field.

That means if you’re active now, you may find:

• More negotiating power

• Better deals on homes that sat over the summer

• A chance to secure your dream home before the fall crowd jumps in

6. Pre-Approval Is Easier Than You Think

One reason people delay is because they assume pre-approval is complicated. But with Swivel, the process is quick, seamless, and 100% digital.

Here’s all you’ll need:

• Proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns)

• Employment details

• Your down payment source

• Basic personal info

The rest? We take care of it. You can apply online in less time than it takes to finish your iced coffee.

The Bottom Line

Late summer is your golden window to prepare before the fall market heats up. A pre-approval gives you the clarity, confidence, and protection you need — and it puts you in a stronger position when the right home comes along.

At Swivel Mortgage Group, we make the process simple, stress-free, and digital from start to finish. Whether you’re buying in Ontario, Alberta, or exploring investment opportunities, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

👉 Don’t wait for the fall rush. Start your pre-approval with Swivel Mortgage Group today and shop with confidence.