VISLAND MORTGAGES
$501 Billion in Canadian Mortgages will renew by the end of 2025.
Are you one of them?
Nanaimo's Top Rated Mortgage Brokerage is here to help!
About VIsland Mortgages
Vancouver Island Mortgage is now in full swing with a highly skilled Team that has the capacity to grow the business to new heights.
Bill Fraser
Your Personal Mortgage Advisor
Bill has over 20+ years working in the financial industry. Due to his extensive experience and knowledge he works efficiently with all lenders including: banks, credit unions, trust companies, financial institutions and mortgage investment companies. He is also able to offer his clients a variety of choices within his hundreds of products and services offered. These products include mortgages for purchasing new homes or investment properties, refinancing existing homes, debt consolidation, home equity line of credit, second homes, commercial as well as alternative or private lending. There is always an option when you deal with Bill Fraser!!
A 60 second introduction video to VISLAND Mortgages
Services
As a mortgage professional it's my job to be the go-between between you and a mortgage lender. I make sure that you know all the products available to you, and are equipped with the knowledge to make the best decisions for you and your family.
Flexible Mortgages
As your life can change at any time, I offer a wide range of flexible mortgage products.
Qualified Advice
As a licensed mortgage expert, I'll listen to your needs and answer your questions.
No Cost to You
There are no fees for my services, once you find the perfect product, the lender pays me a commission.
Advocacy
I commit to working on your behalf
to find you the best mortgage for your needs.
Download My Mortgage Toolbox
Access the calculators in 3 easy steps
- Add your phone number below
- Download the app
- Create an account
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH MY APP
- Calculate your total cost of owning a home
- Estimate the minimum down payment you need
- Calculate Land transfer taxes and the available rebates
- Calculate the maximum loan you can borrow
- Stress test your mortgage
- Estimate your Closing costs
- Compare your options side by side
- Search for the best mortgage rates
- Email Summary reports (PDF)
- Use my app in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese
I'M A CERTIFIED REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST
Let's see if a reverse mortgage is right for you.
LEARN MORE
Lenders
I've developed excellent relationships with
over 90 lenders across the country.
Let's figure out which one has the best product for you.
Bill Fraser & VIsland Mortgages is a proud to partner and support local organizations
Testimonials
My husband and I found Bill very down to earth and easy to talk to. He explained the whole process of refinancing our home to us. He always made time to respond to our questions or concerns within a day. Even though there were a few hiccups along the way (he was not at fault) he remained professional and did everything in his power to ensure we were happy. I definitely will be recommending him to my friends and family.
Cindy and Randy Cooper
Bill is an amazing mortgage broker! He turned what could have been a very confusing, stressful process into a seamless, informative and positive experience. As first time home buyers with unusual circumstances, Bill’s availability and accessibility answering our many questions, to keep our minds at ease, was immeasurable. His encouraging, honest, helpful nature mixed with his abundance of knowledge is what allows us to enjoy our immaculate view in our dream home. Thank you Bill for being a prevalent part of our dream come true!!
Shannon and Ashley Hughes
This morning we were able to go take a picture of the sold sign at our first home! We are so thankful for Bill Fraser at Dominion Lending Centres for everything he did to make our dream of buying our first home a reality. Bill, you have made this process so easy and enjoyable for us. You will surely be the first person we recommend to everyone we know that is looking to buy a home or renew their mortgage. We can’t thank you enough for everything you have done to make our dreams possible!
Sam and Nick
Not only did Bill get us the best rate, but his honesty and diligence with providing answers to our questions was exceptional.
Thank You Bill.
Thank You Bill.
Jamie and Vaughn
Hi Bill, I had to write you something to let you know how happy and excited I am that you got me approved for a bigger, more beautiful house than I already have! After getting turned away/almost laughed at by RBC, it was my son Brad who told me to try the “new way” of getting financing, a broker! Very happy I took his advice, as within 48hrs you notified me that it was APPROVED!! I couldn’t be happier with your service and am further understanding why so many people are getting away from their banks and using a much more affordable, and easier way of getting approved through the broker channel.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Shirley McMillan
To Bill Fraser – The Miracle Man!!
Bill, just wanted to send you a quick note of appreciation for your dedication to get me into my very first home! I did not think with my income and the little credit I have, that you would be able to pull this deal off. I have heard you are considered the “Miracle Man” around the island and it sure seems to be true!!!! Lol
Thanks so much, and I am proud to refer you to my family and friends all over BC!!!
Bill, just wanted to send you a quick note of appreciation for your dedication to get me into my very first home! I did not think with my income and the little credit I have, that you would be able to pull this deal off. I have heard you are considered the “Miracle Man” around the island and it sure seems to be true!!!! Lol
Thanks so much, and I am proud to refer you to my family and friends all over BC!!!
Juanita LeMarquand
Mortgage Blog
Whether you want to set aside money to buy a car or take a vacation, save up for a down payment on a property, or plan for your retirement, the principles are the same. However, as you’re reading this article on a website dedicated to helping you secure mortgage financing, we’ll assume you want tips on how to save for a down payment! The key to saving money is getting clarity - clarity around your income and your expenses, developing and following a clear plan, and seeking help from professionals who can help you see the big picture as well as the details. Although this might seem fundamental, sometimes going back to basics is the best place to start. Assess your income. If your goal is to save money, you’ll need to identify just how much money you’ve got to work with! The best way to do this is to write everything down. This could be with paper and a pen or on a spreadsheet; whichever way works best for you is fine. The goal is to have all your income in front of you! If you’re on a fixed income or receive a salary for work, your calculations might be pretty simple. Use the income you actually take home, not your gross income. Include an average of your variable income sources like tips, overtime, bonuses, or shift differentials. You should also include other income sources like an annual tax return, and child tax or other government benefits. Spend time to make an exhaustive list of all your income sources. Track your expenses. Once you’ve identified what you have to work with on the income side, the next step is to figure out just how much you actually spend to maintain your current lifestyle. Start by identifying regular bills, then look at your discretionary spending. If you have a budget already in place, you should be able to identify these numbers easily. If not, you can expect that getting clarity around your expenses will be very enlightening. It will be helpful to look through a few months’ worth of bank statements to see just how much money you actually spend. Information is the key to finding clarity. The more information you have, the more equipped you will be to save money. Just like your income, write down all your expenses. This will allow you to assess and reprioritize where you spend your money. Develop and follow a plan. Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, you need to figure out how to make more money than you spend. Although that sounds so simple, it really isn’t. The majority of Canadians incur debt because they spend more money than they make. This is why saving money can be so hard. But if we’re going back to basics, remember this: if you’re spending more money than you're making, you need to either increase your income or decrease your expenses to start saving money. There are countless money-saving strategies on the internet; consider following a few financial bloggers, and have fun learning about what works best for you! Seek help from professionals. You’re probably here to learn about how to save money for a down payment because you want to buy a home soon. If that's the case, be assured you're in the right place. Putting together a plan to secure mortgage financing is one plan you don't have to make on your own. As independent mortgage professionals, it’s our job to help you navigate all aspects of mortgage financing. Just like saving for a down payment is about managing income and expenses, so is getting a mortgage. Income and expenses, along with credit and property, are what a lender looks at when assessing your suitability for a mortgage. So while you might assume that putting together a plan to save for a down payment is where you should start, it might not actually be the best place to start. Saving money takes time, and while you're doing that, there are many other things you could be doing at the same time, like building credit to increase your chances of qualifying for a mortgage sooner. When you’re ready to assess your financial situation and put together a plan to save for a down payment and get into a mortgage sooner, please get in touch. It would be a pleasure to work with you.
Summer in Canada is short—but sweet. With warm weather and long evenings, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy your outdoor space, no matter how big (or small) it is. Whether you have a tiny patio or a sprawling backyard, a few creative upgrades can go a long way toward turning your space into your personal summer oasis. Below are ideas for every type of outdoor space, from cozy balconies to large backyards! For Patio-Only Spaces Limited to a balcony or concrete patio? No problem! Small spaces can still offer big enjoyment. 1. Upgrade the Flooring Add interlocking tiles to give your concrete floor a more polished look—wood grain, grass panels, or composite styles are all popular, easy-to-install options. 2. Create an Outdoor Movie Zone Hang a pull-down screen or grab a portable stand, pair it with a mini projector, and voilà—your very own outdoor movie theatre under the stars! 3. Start an Herb Garden Railing planters are perfect for growing basil, mint, parsley, and more. Fresh herbs at your fingertips—and they smell amazing too! 4. Add Some Twinkle Wrap fairy lights around your railing or overhead beams to bring cozy vibes and nighttime charm. 5. Grill Like a Pro Maximize your BBQ season with a compact baby-que. Weber’s Q Series is a great option for small spaces without compromising grilling power. For Small Yards A little yard can still pack a lot of personality. Here are ways to make the most of every square foot: 1. Game Time! Add a mini putting green or an axe-throwing target (just be safe!) for quick bursts of backyard fun that don’t take up much space. 2. Warm Up Your Nights Add a heating lamp or portable fire bowl to keep your evenings cozy well into the fall. 3. Grow Your Own Produce Build or buy a raised garden box to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, or other easy vegetables. Gardening is relaxing—and delicious! 4. DIY Bird Bath Make a pedestal bird bath using an old vase, a platter, and strong glue. You likely have everything you need already at home—and the local birds will thank you! For Big Yards If space isn’t an issue, the sky’s the limit! Here are some larger-scale projects to take your yard to the next level: 1. Build a Catio Yep, it’s a “cat patio”! Give your feline friends a safe way to enjoy the outdoors with a screened-in enclosure attached to your home. 2. Create a Permanent Fire Pit Use stones and a fire ring to build a beautiful, safe fire pit. You can even add airflow cutouts to reduce smoke—perfect for those marshmallow roasts! 3. Tile a Dining Area Install paving stones or tiles to define an outdoor dining space. Add a table, some string lights, and enjoy al fresco meals all summer long. Need More Inspiration? If none of these projects quite fit your vision, check out Home Depot’s DIY backyard ideas—complete with step-by-step instructions and material lists to help you bring your outdoor dreams to life. Soak It Up While It Lasts No matter the size of your space, there’s always something you can do to enhance your outdoor experience. So get out there, get creative, and make the most of these sunny summer days. See you back here in August—with more tips, tricks, and homeowner insights!
The idea of owning a vacation home—your own cozy escape from everyday life—is a dream many Canadians share. Whether it’s a lakeside cabin, a ski chalet, or a beachside bungalow, a second property can add lifestyle value, rental income, and long-term wealth. But before you jump into vacation home ownership, it’s important to think through the details—both financial and practical. Start With Your 5- and 10-Year Plan Before you get swept away by the perfect view or your dream destination, take a step back and ask yourself: Will you use it enough to justify the cost? Are there other financial goals that take priority right now? What’s the opportunity cost of tying up your money in a second home? Owning a vacation home can be incredibly rewarding, but it should fit comfortably within your long-term financial goals—not compete with them. Financing a Vacation Property: What to Consider If you don’t plan to pay cash, then financing your vacation home will be your next major step. Mortgage rules for second properties are more complex than those for your primary residence, so here’s what to think about: 1. Do You Have Enough for a Down Payment? Depending on the type of property and how you plan to use it, down payment requirements typically range from 5% to 20%+ . Factors like whether the property is winterized, the purchase price, and its location all come into play. 2. Can You Afford the Additional Debt? Lenders will calculate your Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to assess whether you can take on a second mortgage. GDS: Should not exceed 39% of your income TDS: Should not exceed 44% If you’re not sure how to calculate these, that’s where I can help! 3. Is the Property Mortgage-Eligible? Remote or non-winterized properties, or those located outside of Canada, may not qualify for traditional mortgage financing. In these cases, we may need to look at creative lending solutions . 4. Owner-Occupied or Investment Property? Whether you’ll live in the home occasionally, rent it out, or use it strictly as an investment affects what type of financing you’ll need and what your tax implications might be. Location, Location… Logistics Choosing the right vacation property is more than just finding a beautiful setting. Consider: Current and future development in the area Available municipal services (sewer, water, road maintenance) Transportation access – how easy is it to get to your vacation home in all seasons? Resale value and long-term potential Seasonal access or weather challenges What Happens When You’re Not There? Unless you plan to live there full-time, you'll need to consider: Will you rent it out for extra income? Will you hire a property manager or rely on family/friends? What’s required to maintain valid home insurance while it’s vacant? Planning ahead will protect your investment and give you peace of mind while you’re away. Not Sure Where to Start? I’ve Got You Covered. Buying a vacation home is exciting—but it can also be complicated. As a mortgage broker, I can help you: Understand your financial readiness Calculate your GDS/TDS ratios Review down payment and lending requirements Explore creative solutions like second mortgages , reverse mortgages , or alternative lenders Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to take action, let’s build a plan that gets you one step closer to your ideal getaway. Reach out today—it would be a pleasure to work with you.
