Elevating Client Outcomes with a Digital-First Mortgage Strategy

Despite higher home prices and more rigid qualification rules, determined Canadians are still finding ways to enter the housing market. Many are turning to creative ownership models, family support, and exploring more affordable regions. According to the 2025 CMHC Mortgage Consumer Survey, 3,968 mortgage consumers, ranging from first-time buyers to renewers, shared how they are adapting to market realities. For financial advisors, these insights provide a roadmap to guide clients toward smarter, faster, and more strategic mortgage decisions.

Digital Tools Are Now Central to the Homebuying Process

The CMHC survey shows that 77% of mortgage consumers researched online, with most comparing rates before making a move. Nearly half completed an online pre-qualification or pre-approval. Clients are now accustomed to accessing instant rate comparisons, lender information, and property listings from their devices, which means financial advisers who leverage digital-first platforms can provide faster, more transparent, and more competitive solutions.

Shifts in Buyer Behaviour Require Flexible Strategies

• 74% of buyers believe their home’s value will increase in the next year, signalling growing optimism
• More than 50% of FTHB purchased their first home with someone other than a spouse or partner
• 35% received family gifts or inheritances for down payments, averaging $79K
• Many are saving longer and renting for extended periods before buying

For financial advisers, these trends point to a need for tailored advice that considers non-traditional purchase models, intergenerational wealth transfer, and the use of tax-advantaged savings accounts like the FHSA and RRSP.

Why Digital-First Matters for Your Clients

A digital-first mortgage process, like nesto’s, gives your clients the ability to compare the lowest available rates for multiple financing options instantly, complete secure applications, and upload documents from anywhere. Your clients can track real-time updates on their mortgage status and secure their low rate without unnecessary delays. In a market where higher interest rates can quickly erode affordability, this combination of speed, accuracy, and convenience can mean locking in a better rate, making a stronger offer, and ultimately improving long-term homeownership costs.

Helping Clients Navigate Rate Volatility

Higher interest rates are reducing purchasing power, making rate shopping more critical than ever. Even a 0.45% difference in rate can mean $159 less per month in payments and nearly $14,000 in interest savings over a 5-year term on a $650,000 mortgage. A digital-first approach allows financial advisors to help their clients lock in competitive rates quickly and adjust strategies in real time.

Strengthen Client Relationships Through a Digital-First Mortgage Experience

Your clients are looking for the same speed, transparency, and convenience in mortgage financing that they already enjoy in other parts of their financial lives. By integrating a digital-first platform like nesto into your advisory process, you can offer more than just competitive rates; you can provide a seamless, guided experience that reinforces your role as a trusted partner in their homeownership journey. From securing the best mortgage rate to streamlining applications and keeping them informed every step of the way, you’re not only helping them make confident, knowledgeable decisions but also deepening the trust and loyalty that drives long-term client relationships.

Empower your clients to move through today’s market with clarity, speed, and confidence. Partner with nesto’s mortgage experts to deliver solutions that align with their goals, timelines, and financial plans, while strengthening your position as their go-to financial adviser for every stage of life.

Why Choose nesto

At nesto, our commission-free mortgage experts, certified in multiple provinces, provide exceptional advice and service that exceeds industry standards. Our mortgage experts are non-commissioned, salaried employees who provide impartial guidance on mortgage options tailored to your needs and are evaluated based on client satisfaction and advice quality. nesto aims to transform the mortgage industry by providing honest advice and competitive rates using a 100% fully digital, transparent, seamless process.

nesto is on a mission to offer a positive, empowering and transparent property financing experience – simplified from start to finish.

Contact our licensed and knowledgeable mortgage experts to find your best mortgage rate in Canada.