Mortgage advice you can trust

by Michael Q. Blair, AMP, Mortgage Planner 
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Michael Q. Blair

Mortgage Planner

Michael (Quinton) Blair has been helping clients just like you understand mortgage financing since 2011. Mike is known for taking the time necessary to understand his clients' needs, and focuses on providing customized mortgage planning strategies. These include accelerated debt repayment and strategic retirement advice and long term client partnership.  Mike is an Accredited Mortgage Professional, and a member of Mortgage Professionals Canada. Mike has won many awards in the mortgage industry.


Joining Mike in late 2019 is his licensed assistant Ludmila Muczij.  A long tenured and successful mortgage broker in her own right, with a strong background working with many local credit unions around Winnipeg. As a team, Mike and Ludmila will ensure you get the best mortgage considering your personal financial situation.


Mike has also invested years into the Canadian Country and Folk music communities under his second name Quinton Blair.  As a touring musician, the 4 time Manitoba Country Music Association award winner has toured North America and worked with some of the biggest names in Canadian Country Music.  You can find his music on all streaming platforms and on local and satellite radio.  He also spends his rest time in the backcountry with his horses and his family exploring remote locations of this beautiful province he calls home.

What people say about working with me

Understanding mortgage financing can be difficult, it doesn't have to be. Here's the plan!

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The process starts when you get in touch. Let's take a look at your financial situation and put together a plan to find the best mortgage for you!

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When it comes to mortgage financing, you have options! Let's clarify those options, so you can make the decision that best suits your needs.

Arrange the paperwork

Paperwork is the nitty gritty of mortgage financing. Let's make sure you know exactly what is required at every step, limiting any delays.

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 As long as you need a mortgage, be assured that you'll receive ongoing professional mortgage advice. Connect anytime!

Our goal is to make the mortgage process as straightforward as possible


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John Doe's Image
I met Michael during one of the toughest periods I've ever gone through. My home is my sanctuary and also plays a huge role in my professional life. Without it, I don't know what I'd do. When I was put in contact with Michael, everything fell into place. He put me at ease and explained so much to me in such a clear, easy to understand way.

I'll cut to the chase and just say that after I had gotten nowhere with so many other places and people I'd gone to, Michael made things happen when I felt like there was no hope. I feel like he saved my life. I'll be forever grateful.

Barry G. Player

John Doe's Image
During the process of a Real Estate transaction I am often asked for a referral to a mortgage professional. Mike is genuinely one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. His commitment to his clients & professionalism, combined with his extensive knowledge of the mortgage industry makes it easy for me to recommend him to my clients. He ensures that they experience a stress free, smooth transaction every time. If you are looking for a mortgage professional that truly cares about YOU, and can give you the best financing options for your future home purchase, I highly recommend contacting Mike today!

Tina August, Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate

John Doe's Image
Took care of everything for us and got us a great rate.

Steven Pauls

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Our realtor Tina Plett, recommended us Mike Blair to get our Mortgage. The whole process was a wonderful experience! Since the beginning Mike explain us the process and help us to easily go through each step. Mile always responded timely and professional. We are very satisfied with his help and services provided. I highly recommend him.

Nelly B

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I couldn't be happier with the process, and would love to pass it up the food chain how sensational you have been. We had no friggin clue about anything, and working with you has been super smooth.

Dave T

Articles to keep you learning

By Michael Q. Blair July 16, 2025
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.
By Michael Q. Blair July 15, 2025
If you're not all that familiar with the ins and outs of mortgage financing, the term "second mortgage" might cause a bit of confusion. Many people incorrectly assume that a second mortgage is arranged when your first term is up for renewal or when you sell your first home. They think that the next mortgage you get is your "second mortgage." This is not the case. A second mortgage is an additional mortgage on a single property, not the second mortgage you get in your lifetime. When you borrow money to buy a house, your lawyer or notary will register your mortgage on the property title in what is called first position. This means that your mortgage lender has the first claim against the sale proceeds if you sell your property. If you happen to default on your mortgage, this is the security the lender has in repossessing your property. A second mortgage falls in behind the first mortgage on your property title. When you sell your property, the lawyers will use the sale proceeds to pay off your mortgages in sequence, the first position mortgage is paid out first, and the second mortgage is paid out second. After both mortgages are paid off completely, you get the remaining equity. When you secure a second mortgage, you continue making payments on your first mortgage as per your mortgage agreement. You must also then fulfill the terms of the second mortgage. So why would you want a second mortgage? Well, a second mortgage comes in handy when you're looking to access some of your home equity, but you either have excellent terms on your first mortgage that you don't want to break, or you’d incur a huge penalty to break your first mortgage. Instead of refinancing the first mortgage, a second mortgage can be a better option. A second mortgage is often used as a short-term debt consolidation tool to help provide you with better cash flow. If you’ve accumulated a considerable amount of high-interest unsecured debt, and you have equity in your home, you can secure a second mortgage to lower your overall cost of borrowing. If you'd like to know more about how a second mortgage works, or if you'd like to discuss anything related to mortgage financing, please connect anytime!
By Michael Q. Blair July 9, 2025
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!
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