Fraser Valley

Mortgage Professionals

Luisa & Candice Mortgages

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Luisa Hough

Luisa’s career as a committed mortgage professional spans over 17 years during which time she has helped thousands of Canadians achieve homeownership. Having established a sound reputation for excellence and outstanding service, her astute and genuine approach has allowed her to build and cultivate a trusted clientele and quality referral network.

During Luisa’s tenure and as co-founder of one of the most highly respected mortgage companies in Canada and the industry, Verico Xeva Mortgage, she has been instrumental in its continued growth and success through her drive and passion, as well as her solid work ethic and commitment to transparency. This has earned her multiple accolades over the years including Broker of The Year 2016 & 2021, Finalist-Broker of the Year 2013-2021 respectively, Top 75 Broker Nationally for 10 years consecutively, and CMP Magazine’s 2020 & 2021 Hot List. Lastly and most distinctly, by virtue of Luisa’s strong, inspiring leadership, supportive nature, and warm professional manner, she received the Women of Influence distinction in both 2018 & 2020 becoming a trailblazer for many women seeking to emulate the same achievements. As such, Luisa has been invited to share her best practices and collaborate at many different industry events continuously raising the bar and elevating the industry to higher standards. Luisa has helped shape Xeva Mortgage to include a solid infrastructure and unique underwriting center attributing to this consistent success and overall growth.

It’s through Luisa’s resolute process of educating clients and having a great eye for detail, where she can focus on building her client’s financial journey and providing a professional service throughout the life of the mortgage, ultimately assisting Canadians in achieving their full financial goals.

There have been countless changes industry-wide over recent years, notwithstanding, Luisa has been able to achieve a strong and healthy balance between work and family life. Ongoing investment in herself and her personal development is what she attributes to her success both personally and professionally. This has also allowed her to tap into her philanthropic side as she has an incredible passion for charitable endeavors and strongly desires to give back to many initiatives in need. Being a regular donor to the BC Children’s Hospital and her own Pay it Forward campaign, Luisa is also an active member of Habitat for Humanity, 100 Brokers Who Care, and Women of Options. Her shared compassion with 50 other top influential women in Surrey, BC supports the Women of Options Organization in securing affordable housing for women of varying age groups and demographics who may otherwise find themselves homeless. As Luisa continues to grow both professionally and personally, so too does her desire to continue helping those around her who are in need.

Luisa continually inspires others, has an innovative and open spirit for everyone to learn and share, allowing her to continue making connections with her fellow colleagues and industry leaders for years to come.

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Candice Liberatore

Whether you’re in the market for a new home, considering refinancing, or renewing your mortgage, I'm here to help you find the perfect mortgage product tailored to your needs. As a Mortgage Broker at Xeva, I specialize in offering the most innovative home financing solutions available today.

With over 23 years of experience at a major Canadian bank, I have assisted clients like yourself with a wide range of financial needs, including lending, financial planning, advisory services, and commercial banking. Over the past decade, my focus has been on providing expert mortgage advice, recognized for its ethical integrity and exceptional customer service.

My ultimate goal is to ensure your mortgage experience is positive and seamless, inspiring you to confidently refer me to your family, friends, and colleagues. Take advantage of a no-obligation review of your situation—because the right mortgage can significantly impact your wealth and savings. I eagerly anticipate providing you with honest insights and guidance to achieve your homeownership and financial security goals.

On a personal note, I cherish spending time with my husband, four children, and our beloved COVID dog named "Dr" Henry. I'm an avid sports enthusiast, enjoy cooking, and appreciate a good glass of wine. Feel free to reach out anytime—it would be my pleasure to assist you!

See What Our Clients Have To Say

Are you looking to buy a new home, refinance or renew an existing mortgage?

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Home Purchase

If you are looking to purchase a property in Vancouver or surrounding areas, understanding all the mortgage options available to you can seem overwhelming. The market is hot and having a clear plan is a must. That’s where we come in. We do this every day, and we love it. We will help you make sense of all the numbers and provide you with options that make sense to you so you can shop with confidence. Contact us anytime!

Renewal or Refinance

Whether your mortgage is up for renewal within 120 days and you are looking to get the best available mortgage product for your next term, or you are mid-term looking to access some of the equity in your property to start a new business, we should talk! If you already own a home and want to make sure you have the best mortgage in place, please contact us anytime! Regardless of your situation, we have the knowledge, experience, and desire to make sure you are completely taken care of.

Repeat or New Clients

If you are an existing client of ours, we are excited to continue working with you to make sure you have the best mortgage product available to you at any time. Please drop a note in the contact box at the bottom of this page, even if it’s just to say hello! However, if you have never used our services, we are currently taking on new clients and would love to offer you the same level of service all our existing clients receive. To see what others have said about us, consider checking out the testimonials section below!

55+ and looking for solutions to enhance your lifestyle?

I offer multiple options including Reverse Mortgages, HELOC, standard and private financing to find the right retirement mortgage option for you.

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Stress-Testing Your Mortgage Affordability: Why It Matters

By Luisa & Candice Mortgages • June 17, 2026

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. That’s why lenders want to be sure you can handle your mortgage payments—not just today, but also if interest rates rise in the future. This is where the mortgage stress test comes in. Many Canadians hear the term but aren’t entirely sure what it means or how it affects them. Let’s break it down in plain language. What Is the Mortgage Stress Test? The stress test is a rule introduced by the federal government that requires all mortgage applicants to qualify at a higher rate than the one they’ll actually pay. Currently, you must qualify at the greater of your contract rate + 2% or the benchmark qualifying rate (set by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions). For example: If your lender offers you a 5-year fixed mortgage at 5.25%, you must show you could still afford the payments at 7.25% . Even if rates don’t rise that high, the stress test ensures you won’t be overextended if they do. Why Does It Matter? The stress test protects both borrowers and lenders by: Preventing over-borrowing : It ensures you don’t take on more debt than you can realistically handle. Preparing for rate hikes : With interest rates fluctuating, it’s a safeguard against sudden increases. Strengthening financial stability : It lowers the risk of defaults, protecting the housing market as a whole. While it can sometimes feel like a barrier—reducing the amount you qualify for—it’s ultimately designed to keep you from becoming “house poor.” How Does It Impact Buyers? The stress test can significantly affect your homebuying budget. For example, without it, you might qualify for a $600,000 mortgage, but with the stress test applied, you may only qualify for $500,000. That doesn’t mean your dream of homeownership is out of reach—it just means you may need to adjust expectations or explore other strategies, such as: Increasing your down payment Paying down existing debts Considering alternative lenders who may have different qualification standards Why Work With a Mortgage Professional? Every lender applies the stress test, but not every lender views your application the same way. An independent mortgage professional can: Shop multiple lenders to find the best fit Run affordability scenarios at different rates Help you understand how much house you can truly afford—without stretching your finances too thin The Bottom Line The mortgage stress test isn’t meant to stop you from buying a home—it’s there to protect you from financial strain down the road. By understanding how it works and planning ahead, you can make smarter choices and buy with confidence. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply want to know how the stress test affects your options, connect with us today. We’ll help you stress-test your budget and find the mortgage solution that works best for you.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — June 10, 2026

By Luisa & Candice Mortgages • June 10, 2026

The Bank of Canada announced today that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage on the horizon — here's what you need to know.

What to Expect in the Closing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Luisa & Candice Mortgages • June 3, 2026

You’ve found the right home, your offer’s been accepted, and your financing is approved—congratulations! But before you can pick up the keys and celebrate, there’s one more important stage: the closing process. Closing is the final step in your homebuying journey, where all the paperwork, legal details, and financial transactions come together. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, but with the right preparation, closing can be smooth and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process. Step 1: Hire a Lawyer or Notary A real estate lawyer (or notary, depending on your province) handles the legal side of closing. They will: Review the purchase agreement and mortgage documents Conduct a title search to confirm the seller has the legal right to sell the property Ensure the mortgage lender is properly registered on the title Handle the transfer of funds between you, the lender, and the seller Your lawyer or notary will be your main point of contact during closing, so choose one you trust and who communicates clearly. Step 2: Finalize Your Mortgage Your lender will send the mortgage instructions directly to your lawyer or notary. At this stage: You’ll provide proof of property insurance (lenders require this before releasing funds) You’ll confirm your down payment and closing costs are available in your lawyer’s trust account The lawyer will prepare all documents for your review and signature Step 3: Pay Closing Costs Closing costs typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. These can include: Legal fees Title insurance Land transfer tax (where applicable) Adjustments for property taxes or utilities prepaid by the seller Home inspection or appraisal fees (if not already paid) Your lawyer will provide a final statement of adjustments so you know exactly how much is due on closing day. Step 4: Sign the Paperwork A few days before closing, you’ll meet with your lawyer or notary to sign all the necessary documents, including: Mortgage agreement Title transfer Insurance confirmations Statement of adjustments Bring valid government-issued ID to this appointment. Step 5: Transfer of Funds On the day of closing: Your lender sends the mortgage funds to your lawyer Your lawyer combines these funds with your down payment and pays the seller Legal ownership of the property is transferred into your name The lender is registered on title as a secured creditor Step 6: Get the Keys! Once the paperwork is filed and the funds have cleared, your lawyer will confirm that the transaction is complete. You’ll then get the keys to your new home—officially making it yours. The Bottom Line The closing process is a series of important steps, but with the right team in place, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By working closely with your mortgage professional and lawyer, you’ll have guidance every step of the way—from signing the documents to turning the key in the front door. If you’d like help preparing for the closing process—or want a clear breakdown of your own closing costs— connect with us today.

Videos

If you are new to the mortgage process, here are a couple of videos to help you get started.

Awards

Recent Awards

2021 Canadian Mortgage Awards Winner- Mortgage Broker of the Year
2020 Canadian Mortgage Awards Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
2019 Canadian Mortgage Awards Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
2016 Canadian Mortgage Awards Finalist - Mortgage Broker of the Year
2015 Canadian Mortgage Awards Winner Xeva – Best Newcomer Brokerage
2014 Best of Now Magazine – Readers Choice Best Mortgage Broker Winner
2013 Vancouver 5 Star Mortgage Professional
2013 First National Financial LP Outstanding Achievement Award
2013 Vancouver Magazine – Top Mortgage Professionals
2012 CMP Awards – Syndicate Mortgages Mortgage Broker of the Year Fewer than 25 Employees
2011 CMP Awards – “Broker of the Year” Finalist
2010 CMP Magazine Top 50 Brokers in Canada by volume. Rank 30th