Mortgage Stress Test in Canada: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Mortgages & Home Buying

Mortgage Stress Test in Canada: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Mar 20, 202628 min read

What Is the Mortgage Stress Test in Canada?

If you’re planning to buy a home in Canada in 2026, there’s one financial hurdle you absolutely must understand before you start house hunting: the mortgage stress test. Introduced to protect both borrowers and the broader Canadian housing market, the stress test has fundamentally changed how much Canadians can borrow — and it’s especially important for those working to rebuild their credit or navigating the housing market with a less-than-perfect financial history.

The mortgage stress test is a mandatory qualification requirement that ensures borrowers can afford their mortgage payments not just at today’s interest rate, but at a higher “qualifying rate.” This means that even if your lender offers you a mortgage at 4.5%, you’ll need to prove you can handle payments at a rate that’s typically about 2 percentage points higher — or the Bank of Canada’s benchmark rate, whichever is greater.

For Canadians with bad credit or those in the process of rebuilding their financial standing, the stress test adds an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging home-buying journey. But understanding how it works, why it exists, and what strategies you can use to pass it can make the difference between homeownership becoming a reality or remaining a distant dream.

The History Behind Canada’s Mortgage Stress Test

To truly understand the mortgage stress test, it helps to know why Canadian regulators introduced it in the first place. The stress test didn’t appear overnight — it evolved through several regulatory changes driven by concerns about household debt levels and housing market stability.

Pre-2016: The Seeds of Change

Before the stress test existed, Canadians could qualify for mortgages based solely on the interest rate their lender offered them. During periods of historically low interest rates, this meant borrowers could qualify for significantly larger mortgages than they might realistically be able to afford if rates increased. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) grew increasingly concerned as Canadian household debt-to-income ratios climbed to record highs.

October 2016: Insured Mortgage Stress Test

The federal government first introduced a stress test for insured mortgages (those with less than 20% down payment that require mortgage default insurance). Borrowers now had to qualify at the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate, which was significantly higher than most contracted rates at the time.

January 2018: The B-20 Guidelines Expand

OSFI’s revised B-20 guidelines extended the stress test to all mortgages at federally regulated lenders, including uninsured mortgages (those with 20% or more down payment). This was the game-changer that affected the entire market. Suddenly, even well-qualified borrowers with substantial equity found their purchasing power reduced by 15-20%.

June 2021: The Qualifying Rate Floor

OSFI introduced a minimum qualifying rate floor of 5.25%, meaning borrowers had to qualify at the higher of 5.25% or their contract rate plus 2%. This change was designed to ensure the stress test remained meaningful even during periods of very low interest rates.

2024-2026: Recent Adjustments

In response to evolving market conditions and the rate environment of the mid-2020s, OSFI has continued to refine the stress test parameters. The qualifying rate mechanism remains the same — the greater of the benchmark rate or the contracted rate plus 2% — but the actual numbers have shifted as the Bank of Canada has adjusted its benchmark rate in response to economic conditions.

How the OSFI B-20 Guidelines Work in 2026

The B-20 guidelines are the regulatory framework that governs mortgage underwriting practices for federally regulated financial institutions in Canada. Understanding these guidelines is essential for anyone looking to purchase or refinance a home.

Who Must Follow B-20?

The B-20 guidelines apply to all federally regulated lenders, which includes:

Some provincial credit unions are not bound by OSFI’s B-20 guidelines because they’re regulated at the provincial level. However, many have voluntarily adopted similar stress test requirements. In provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, most credit unions apply the stress test even though they’re not technically required to do so. Always check with your specific credit union about their qualification criteria.

Key Components of B-20

Beyond the stress test itself, the B-20 guidelines include several important provisions that affect mortgage qualification:

Loan-to-Value (LTV) Restrictions: The guidelines reinforce maximum LTV ratios for different property types. For standard residential properties, the maximum insured LTV is 95% (meaning a minimum 5% down payment). For properties over $500,000, the down payment requirement increases to 10% on the portion above $500,000.

Income Verification: B-20 requires lenders to verify borrowers’ income using documented sources. This includes employment letters, T4 slips, Notice of Assessment from CRA, and other official documentation. Self-employed borrowers face additional scrutiny and may need two years of tax returns.

Debt Service Ratios: Lenders must calculate both the Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio using the qualifying rate, not the actual contract rate. This is where the stress test has its biggest impact on affordability.

How the Qualifying Rate Is Calculated

Understanding how the qualifying rate works is crucial for estimating how much home you can afford. The calculation itself is straightforward, but its implications are significant.

1. Determine Your Contracted Mortgage Rate

   This is the actual interest rate your lender offers you based on your credit score, down payment, and other factors. For example, if you’re offered a five-year fixed rate of 4.75%, that’s your contracted rate. Shopping around among lenders can help you secure the lowest possible contracted rate.

2. Add the 2% Buffer

   Take your contracted rate and add 2 percentage points. In our example, 4.75% + 2% = 6.75%. This is one of the two possible qualifying rates.

3. Check the Bank of Canada Benchmark Rate

   The Bank of Canada publishes a conventional mortgage rate benchmark (sometimes called the “posted rate”). As of early 2026, this benchmark rate sits at approximately 5.25% to 5.50%, though it changes periodically based on market conditions.

4. Use the Higher of the Two Rates

   Your qualifying rate is whichever is higher: the benchmark rate or your contracted rate plus 2%. In our example, if the benchmark is 5.25% and your contracted rate plus 2% is 6.75%, you’d qualify at 6.75%.

5. Apply the Qualifying Rate to Debt Service Ratios

   Your lender calculates your GDS and TDS ratios using the qualifying rate. Your GDS (housing costs divided by gross income) should not exceed 39%, and your TDS (all debt payments divided by gross income) should not exceed 44%.

A Practical Calculation Example

Let’s walk through a detailed example to illustrate how the stress test affects purchasing power:

As you can see, the stress test in this example reduces maximum borrowing capacity by approximately $65,000. For a household earning $85,000 per year, that’s a meaningful difference that could determine which neighbourhoods or property types are within reach.

How the Stress Test Affects Your Affordability

The impact of the stress test on affordability varies depending on several factors, including your income, existing debts, the current interest rate environment, and the size of your down payment. Let’s explore these factors in detail.

Impact by Income Level

The stress test affects all income levels, but the dollar impact grows with income because the gap between the contracted and qualifying rates applies to a larger mortgage amount.

The Existing Debt Factor

For Canadians carrying existing debt — whether it’s credit card balances, car loans, student loans, or lines of credit — the stress test’s impact is amplified. Since your TDS ratio includes all debt obligations calculated at the qualifying rate, existing debts eat into your available room for mortgage payments even more than they would without the stress test.

Every $500 in monthly debt payments (car loans, credit cards, student loans) reduces your maximum mortgage qualification by approximately $55,000 to $70,000 when calculated at the stress test qualifying rate. If you’re carrying significant debt, paying it down before applying for a mortgage can dramatically increase your purchasing power. Even reducing your credit card minimum payments by consolidating debt can make a meaningful difference.

Variable Rate vs. Fixed Rate Implications

One important nuance of the stress test is how it applies differently to variable and fixed rate mortgages:

Fixed Rate Mortgages: The qualifying rate is the higher of the benchmark rate or your fixed contract rate plus 2%. Since fixed rates are typically based on bond yields and can vary from the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate, the stress test buffer may be larger or smaller depending on market conditions.

Variable Rate Mortgages: The qualifying rate calculation is the same (higher of benchmark or contract rate plus 2%), but variable rates are typically lower than fixed rates. This means the qualifying rate for a variable mortgage may actually be lower than for a fixed mortgage, though the difference is often minimal since both are compared against the same benchmark floor.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

While the stress test applies broadly, there are some important exceptions and special circumstances that Canadian homebuyers should be aware of.

Mortgage Renewals

If you’re renewing your mortgage with your existing lender, you do not need to re-qualify under the stress test. This is an important exception because it means your payments at renewal will be based on the actual renewed rate, not the qualifying rate. However, if you want to switch lenders at renewal time to get a better rate, you will need to pass the stress test at the new lender. This has created what some critics call a “loyalty penalty,” where borrowers feel trapped with their current lender even if better rates are available elsewhere.

Mortgage Refinancing

If you refinance your mortgage — whether to access equity, consolidate debt, or change your mortgage terms — you must pass the stress test at the qualifying rate based on your new mortgage terms. This applies even if you’re refinancing with your existing lender.

Provincial Credit Unions

As mentioned earlier, provincially regulated credit unions may not be required to apply the stress test. However, many do so voluntarily. Credit unions in some provinces, particularly smaller ones, may offer more flexible qualification criteria. If you’re struggling to pass the stress test at a major bank, exploring provincial credit union options could be worthwhile.

Private Lenders and MICs

Private lenders and Mortgage Investment Corporations are not subject to OSFI’s B-20 guidelines and do not apply the stress test. However, this flexibility comes at a cost — literally. Private lender rates are significantly higher than those offered by traditional lenders, often ranging from 7% to 15% or more. Additionally, private lenders typically require larger down payments (often 20-35%) and charge additional fees.

Private lending should generally be viewed as a short-term solution, not a long-term strategy. It can make sense in situations where you need to act quickly (such as a time-sensitive purchase), where you have a clear plan to transition to a traditional lender within 1-2 years, or where you have significant equity but income that’s difficult to document. Always ensure you understand the full cost, including fees, higher rates, and any prepayment penalties.

Second Homes and Investment Properties

The stress test applies to all mortgages at federally regulated lenders, regardless of whether the property is a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Investment properties face even stricter qualification criteria in many cases, as lenders may apply additional buffers for rental income calculations (typically using only 50-80% of expected rental income for qualification purposes).

Strategies to Pass the Mortgage Stress Test

If you’re concerned about passing the stress test, there are several strategies you can employ to improve your chances. These approaches range from quick fixes to longer-term financial planning initiatives.

1. Reduce Your Existing Debt

   The most impactful strategy for many borrowers is to pay down or eliminate existing debt before applying for a mortgage. Focus on high-payment debts first — even if they’re not the highest interest rate. A $400/month car payment reduces your mortgage qualification by approximately $50,000-$60,000. Consider whether you can pay off a vehicle loan, consolidate credit card debt, or eliminate student loan balances before applying.

2. Increase Your Down Payment

   A larger down payment means a smaller mortgage, which means lower payments and easier qualification under the stress test. Every additional dollar you put down reduces the mortgage amount you need to qualify for. Consider sources for additional down payment funds: savings, RRSPs (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), FHSA contributions, or gifts from family members.

3. Boost Your Income

   Since debt service ratios compare your debt payments to your gross income, increasing your income improves your ratios. This might mean asking for a raise, taking on additional work, or having a spouse or partner return to work. If you have rental income, a side business, or freelance work, ensure it’s properly documented and declared on your taxes so lenders can include it in their calculations.

4. Consider a Co-Signer or Co-Borrower

   Adding a co-signer or co-borrower with additional income to your mortgage application can help you qualify for a larger mortgage. This is a common strategy for first-time homebuyers who may receive help from parents. However, be aware that the co-signer takes on legal responsibility for the mortgage, which can affect their own borrowing capacity.

5. Extend Your Amortization Period

   While the standard amortization period used in stress test calculations is 25 years for insured mortgages, some lenders offer 30-year amortization for uninsured mortgages (those with 20% or more down payment). The longer amortization reduces monthly payments, which improves your debt service ratios. Recent policy changes have also expanded 30-year amortization availability for certain first-time homebuyers.

6. Improve Your Credit Score

   While your credit score doesn’t directly change the stress test calculation, a higher credit score gives you access to better mortgage rates. A lower contracted rate means a lower qualifying rate (since it’s your contracted rate plus 2%), which can modestly improve your maximum qualification amount. Additionally, better credit opens doors to more lenders and more competitive options.

7. Shop Around for the Best Rate

   Different lenders offer different rates, and since the qualifying rate is based on your contracted rate plus 2%, securing a lower contracted rate directly lowers your qualifying rate. Work with a mortgage broker who can compare options across dozens of lenders to find the most competitive rate for your situation.

The Stress Test and Bad Credit: What You Need to Know

If you’re reading this article on Credit Resources, chances are you may be dealing with credit challenges. The mortgage stress test creates additional hurdles for borrowers with bad credit, but it doesn’t make homeownership impossible. Here’s what you need to understand about navigating the stress test with less-than-perfect credit.

How Bad Credit Affects Stress Test Qualification

Bad credit impacts the stress test indirectly through several mechanisms:

Higher Interest Rates: Borrowers with lower credit scores typically receive higher contracted interest rates. Since the qualifying rate is your contracted rate plus 2%, a higher contracted rate means an even higher qualifying rate. For example, if excellent credit gets you a 4.5% rate (qualifying at 6.5%), but your credit only qualifies you for 6% (qualifying at 8%), the difference in purchasing power can be substantial.

Limited Lender Options: Many A-lenders (major banks and top-tier lenders) require minimum credit scores of 650-680 for mortgage approval. With bad credit, you may be limited to B-lenders or alternative lenders who charge higher rates, further increasing your qualifying rate.

Additional Risk Premiums: B-lenders and alternative lenders often add risk premiums for borrowers with credit challenges. These premiums can range from 0.5% to 3% or more above prime lending rates, significantly impacting qualification under the stress test.

Borrowers with bad credit face a frustrating cycle: their lower credit scores lead to higher interest rates, which increases the qualifying rate under the stress test, which reduces how much they can borrow. This means that improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage isn’t just about getting approved — it’s about qualifying for a significantly larger mortgage at a much lower cost. Even a 50-point improvement in your credit score can make a meaningful difference in your qualifying rate and maximum mortgage amount.

Building a Path to Mortgage Approval

If your credit isn’t where it needs to be to pass the stress test at a reasonable rate, consider developing a 12-24 month plan to improve your financial position. Here are the key steps:

1. Get your credit reports from Equifax and TransUnion. Review them carefully for errors, outdated information, or accounts that don’t belong to you. Dispute any inaccuracies — even small corrections can improve your score.

2. Pay all bills on time, every time. Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.

3. Reduce your credit utilization. Aim to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limits, and ideally below 10%. High utilization signals financial stress to lenders and credit bureaus.

4. Avoid new credit applications. Each application generates a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score. In the months leading up to a mortgage application, avoid applying for new credit cards, car loans, or other credit products.

5. Consider a secured credit card. If your credit is severely damaged, a secured credit card can help you rebuild. Use it for small purchases and pay the balance in full each month to demonstrate responsible credit management.

Impact of the Stress Test on Different Property Types

The stress test applies uniformly to all property types, but its practical impact varies depending on what kind of property you’re looking to purchase.

Single-Family Homes

For single-family homes, the stress test’s impact is straightforward — it reduces your maximum purchase price by the applicable percentage. In hot markets like Toronto and Vancouver, this can mean the difference between buying in your preferred neighbourhood or needing to look further afield.

Condominiums

Condominium purchases add another factor to the stress test calculation: condo fees. Monthly condo fees are included in the GDS ratio calculation, which means they reduce the amount available for mortgage payments. A condo with $500/month in fees effectively reduces your mortgage qualification by $55,000-$70,000 compared to a similar-priced property without condo fees.

Multi-Unit Properties

Purchasing a multi-unit property (duplex, triplex, or fourplex) where you’ll live in one unit and rent out the others can actually help with stress test qualification. Lenders will typically include a portion of the projected rental income (usually 50-80%) in your income calculation, which can offset the higher total purchase price and help you pass the stress test.

New Construction

New construction purchases present a unique challenge because the stress test rate at the time of qualification may differ from the rate at closing, which could be months or even years away. Most lenders will lock in a rate for 90-120 days, but for longer construction timelines, you may need to re-qualify at whatever rate is available when the home is completed.

The Stress Test and Mortgage Renewals

Understanding how the stress test interacts with mortgage renewals is critical for existing homeowners, particularly those who may have experienced credit challenges since obtaining their original mortgage.

Staying with Your Current Lender

The good news for renewal time: if you stay with your current lender, you do not need to re-qualify under the stress test. Your lender will offer you a renewal at their current rates without reassessing your financial situation against the qualifying rate. This is true even if your financial circumstances have changed — whether your income has decreased, your debt has increased, or your credit score has dropped.

Switching Lenders at Renewal

If you want to switch to a new lender at renewal (perhaps to get a better rate), you will need to pass the stress test with the new lender. This creates a strategic dilemma: staying with your current lender avoids the stress test but might mean accepting a less competitive rate, while switching could save you money on interest but requires re-qualification.

Renewal Strategies for Borrowers with Credit Challenges

If you’re approaching renewal with credit challenges, consider these strategies:

Negotiate with your current lender first. Even though you don’t need to re-qualify, your lender’s initial renewal offer may not be their best rate. Research competitor rates and negotiate. Many lenders will match or beat competitor offers to retain existing clients, and they can do so without requiring you to pass the stress test.

Start early. Most lenders allow you to begin the renewal process 120 days before your mortgage term expires. Starting early gives you time to negotiate and explore options without the pressure of an impending deadline.

Consider a shorter term. If you’re concerned about rate volatility, a shorter mortgage term (1-3 years) gives you more frequent opportunities to reassess your situation and take advantage of rate changes. However, shorter terms sometimes come with slightly higher rates compared to the popular five-year fixed option.

Common Myths About the Mortgage Stress Test

There are several persistent myths about the stress test that can lead to confusion and poor decision-making. Let’s debunk the most common ones.

Myth 1: “The Stress Test Only Applies to First-Time Buyers”

Reality: The stress test applies to all borrowers at federally regulated lenders, regardless of whether they’re first-time buyers, move-up buyers, or refinancing an existing mortgage. The only exception is renewals with your existing lender.

Myth 2: “A Bigger Down Payment Eliminates the Stress Test”

Reality: Even with a 50% down payment, you still need to qualify at the stress test rate at a federally regulated lender. A larger down payment reduces the mortgage amount and therefore makes it easier to pass the stress test, but it doesn’t eliminate the requirement.

Myth 3: “The Stress Test Will Be Eliminated Soon”

Reality: While politicians occasionally discuss modifying or eliminating the stress test, OSFI has consistently maintained its position that the stress test is an important tool for financial stability. Some targeted adjustments have been made (such as expanded amortization periods for certain buyers), but the fundamental stress test requirement is likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Myth 4: “You Can Avoid the Stress Test by Getting a Variable Rate Mortgage”

Reality: The stress test applies to both fixed and variable rate mortgages at federally regulated lenders. The qualifying rate calculation is the same: the higher of the benchmark rate or your contracted rate plus 2%.

Myth 5: “The Stress Test Makes It Impossible to Buy a Home with Bad Credit”

Reality: While the stress test does make qualification more challenging for borrowers with credit issues, it doesn’t make homeownership impossible. B-lenders, alternative lenders, and creative strategies like co-signers, larger down payments, or debt reduction can help borrowers with credit challenges achieve their homeownership goals.

One of the best things you can do is get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting. A pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can qualify for under the stress test, preventing the disappointment of falling in love with a home you can’t afford. Pre-approvals are typically valid for 60-120 days and often include a rate hold, protecting you from rate increases during that period.

Recent and Upcoming Changes to Watch

The mortgage stress test landscape continues to evolve. Here are some recent changes and potential future developments that Canadian homebuyers should be aware of in 2026.

30-Year Amortization Expansion

Recent federal policy changes have expanded access to 30-year amortization periods for certain borrowers, including first-time homebuyers purchasing new construction. This longer amortization reduces monthly payments and can help borrowers pass the stress test by lowering their debt service ratios. While you’ll pay more interest over the life of the mortgage, the lower monthly payments can be the key to qualifying.

Increased Insured Mortgage Price Cap

The insured mortgage price cap has been adjusted to reflect rising home prices in Canada. This change allows more buyers to qualify for mortgage default insurance with as little as 5% down payment on higher-priced properties, which was previously not possible in many Canadian markets where average home prices exceeded the old cap.

Potential Future Adjustments

Industry observers are watching for several potential changes that could affect the stress test in 2026 and beyond:

Regional Adjustments: There have been discussions about whether the stress test should account for regional differences in housing markets. A one-size-fits-all approach may be unnecessarily restrictive in markets with stable or declining prices while being insufficient in rapidly appreciating markets.

Qualifying Rate Methodology: Some industry groups have advocated for changing the qualifying rate methodology, such as reducing the buffer from 2% to 1.5% or calculating it differently for borrowers with significant equity.

Renewal Portability: Proposals have been made to allow borrowers to switch lenders at renewal without re-qualifying under the stress test, which would increase competition and potentially lower costs for consumers.

Provincial Variations and Considerations

While the mortgage stress test is a federal regulation, provincial factors can affect how it impacts borrowers in different parts of Canada.

Ontario

Ontario’s high property prices mean the stress test has a particularly significant impact on affordability. The average home price in many Ontario markets exceeds the insured mortgage cap, meaning buyers need at least 20% down payment. Provincial programs like the Ontario Land Transfer Tax rebate for first-time buyers can help offset some costs, but they don’t change the stress test qualification requirements.

British Columbia

Similar to Ontario, BC’s housing market is characterized by high prices, particularly in the Greater Vancouver area. BC has additional considerations like the property transfer tax, foreign buyer tax, and speculation tax. The provincial government has also introduced programs to assist first-time buyers, though these don’t directly affect stress test qualification.

Alberta

Alberta’s generally more affordable housing market means the stress test’s dollar impact is lower, but it can still prevent buyers from qualifying for properties they could otherwise afford. Alberta has no provincial sales tax and no land transfer tax, which helps with affordability but doesn’t change the stress test equation.

Atlantic Provinces

Housing markets in Atlantic Canada are generally more affordable, and the stress test’s impact — while still significant — is less dramatic in dollar terms. Some Atlantic province credit unions may offer more flexible qualification criteria as provincially regulated institutions.

Prairie Provinces

Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer relatively affordable housing markets. The stress test still applies, but borrowers in these provinces may find it easier to qualify for properties that meet their needs within their stress-tested borrowing capacity.

Quebec

Quebec has its own unique considerations, including the welcome tax (droits de mutation) and provincial programs like the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. The Desjardins credit union system, while large and prominent, operates under provincial regulation and may have different qualification practices than federally regulated lenders.

Working with Professionals to Navigate the Stress Test

Given the complexity of the stress test and its interaction with credit issues, working with the right professionals can make a significant difference in your home-buying journey.

Mortgage Brokers

A mortgage broker can be particularly valuable for borrowers dealing with credit challenges. Brokers work with multiple lenders and understand which ones may be more flexible with credit issues while still offering competitive rates. They can help you navigate the stress test by finding the best rate for your situation, which directly impacts your qualifying rate.

Credit Counsellors

If you need to improve your credit before applying for a mortgage, a certified credit counsellor can help you develop a plan to boost your credit score, manage existing debt, and prepare for successful mortgage qualification. Non-profit credit counselling services are available across Canada and can provide unbiased advice.

Financial Planners

A financial planner can help you see the bigger picture — how a mortgage fits into your overall financial plan, whether you’re truly ready for homeownership, and how to optimize your finances for stress test qualification while maintaining other financial goals like retirement savings and emergency funds.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mortgage Stress Test

Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Stress Test in 2026

The mortgage stress test is a permanent fixture of Canada’s mortgage landscape, and understanding how it works is essential for anyone planning to buy a home. While it does reduce purchasing power, it also serves an important purpose: ensuring that Canadian homebuyers can weather potential interest rate increases without facing financial hardship.

For borrowers with credit challenges, the stress test adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding process. But with proper preparation — improving your credit score, reducing existing debt, saving for a larger down payment, and working with knowledgeable professionals — passing the stress test is an achievable goal.

Remember these key principles as you prepare:

Start early. Give yourself at least 12 months to prepare financially for the stress test. This means paying down debt, building savings, and improving your credit score.

Know your numbers. Use online mortgage calculators that include the stress test to understand your maximum qualification before you start shopping. This prevents disappointment and helps you focus your search on properties within your budget.

Work with professionals. A good mortgage broker, especially one experienced with credit-challenged borrowers, can be invaluable in navigating the stress test and finding the best lending options for your situation.

Be patient. If you can’t pass the stress test today, that doesn’t mean you’ll never own a home. A focused plan to improve your financial position can transform your qualification outlook within 12-24 months.

The stress test may feel like an obstacle, but it’s ultimately designed to protect you. A home you can truly afford — even if rates rise — is a home that will bring you security and stability for years to come.