Mortgage Stress Test Alberta: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Passing It and Buying Your Dream Home in Calgary

If you are planning to buy a home in Alberta — whether in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, or anywhere across this province — there is one federal hurdle that every buyer must clear before a single mortgage dollar is approved. It is called the mortgage stress test, and it is the single most misunderstood, most feared, and most talked-about rule in Canadian real estate today.

Here is the simple truth: most buyers who fail to qualify for a mortgage in Alberta do not fail because they cannot afford the home. They fail because they were never properly prepared for the stress test. That is exactly why this guide exists — and why working with a local Calgary mortgage specialist like Dreamhouse Mortgage can make all the difference between a declined application and the keys in your hand.

This guide covers everything: what the mortgage stress test in Alberta actually tests, how the numbers work, who it applies to, how it differs by lender type, and — most importantly — the smart, proven strategies that help Alberta homebuyers qualify with confidence. By the time you finish reading, you will know more about the stress test than most first-time buyers ever learn.

What Is the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta? A Plain-Language Explanation

The mortgage stress test Alberta is a federal mortgage qualification rule introduced by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). It requires every borrower applying for a mortgage at a federally regulated lender to prove they can afford repayments at a rate higher than the rate they are actually offered.

Think of it like a safety buffer. The federal government wants to ensure that if interest rates rise after you lock in your mortgage, you will not suddenly find yourself unable to make payments. The test was first introduced in January 2018 for all insured and uninsured mortgages, and it has been a fixture of Canadian home buying ever since.

The Two-Part Qualifying Rate Formula

To pass the mortgage stress test in Alberta, your lender does not calculate your affordability at the rate they offer you. Instead, they use the higher of these two rates:

A Simple Real-World Example

Let’s say your lender offers you a 5-year fixed mortgage at 5.49%. Your stress test qualifying rate would be:

As you can see, the stress test reduces this buyer’s maximum purchase price by roughly $142,000 — nearly 20%. That is a substantial impact, especially in Calgary’s competitive real estate market where every dollar of buying power counts.

Why the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta Exists — And Why It Matters More in 2025

To understand the mortgage stress test Alberta buyers face, it helps to look back at why Ottawa introduced it in the first place. Between 2015 and 2018, Canadian housing prices surged dramatically in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Household debt levels reached record highs. Regulators grew concerned that many borrowers were stretching themselves dangerously thin, buying homes they could only afford at historically low interest rates.

The stress test was designed to act as a firewall. By forcing buyers to qualify at rates 2% above what they would actually pay, OSFI ensured a buffer existed should rates climb. And climb they did — between March 2022 and mid-2023, the Bank of Canada raised its policy rate from 0.25% to 5.00%, the fastest tightening cycle in decades.

Alberta’s Unique Housing Market Context

Alberta’s housing market has its own rhythm, driven by oil prices, interprovincial migration, and economic cycles that are distinct from Ontario or British Columbia. Calgary in particular has seen powerful demand surges — the city consistently ranks among the fastest-growing in Canada, with population inflows from both other provinces and international immigration creating sustained pressure on housing inventory.

This makes understanding the mortgage stress test Alberta particularly urgent for Calgary buyers. Competition is intense, bidding wars happen regularly in desirable communities, and the difference between passing and failing the stress test is often the difference between buying now or waiting another 12 to 18 months.

Who Does the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta Apply To?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about the mortgage stress test in Alberta, and the answer has nuance. The rules differ slightly depending on the type of lender and the nature of your mortgage.

Federally Regulated Lenders (The Big Banks and Most Major Lenders)

All borrowers at federally regulated financial institutions — which includes the Big Six banks (TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, National Bank) and most large mortgage companies — must pass the stress test. This applies regardless of:

• Whether you have a high-ratio mortgage (less than 20% down) or a conventional mortgage (20% or more down)
• Whether you are a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer
• Whether you are purchasing, refinancing, or switching lenders at renewal
• Your credit score, income type, or employment status
• The purchase price of the property

Provincially Regulated Lenders and Credit Unions in Alberta

Here is where Alberta buyers have an important option. Alberta-based credit unions and provincially regulated lenders are not bound by OSFI’s federal stress test rules. They follow provincial lending guidelines, which as of the time of writing do not include the same mandatory qualifying rate buffer.

Private Lenders

Private mortgage lenders — individuals or corporations that lend outside the traditional banking system — are not governed by OSFI rules and do not apply the federal stress test. However, private mortgages typically come with significantly higher interest rates, shorter terms, and different risk profiles. They are generally short-term bridge solutions rather than long-term mortgage strategies.

Mortgage Renewals: A Key 2023-2025 Update

Until recently, if you renewed your mortgage with a different lender, you were required to repass the stress test even if your financial situation had not changed. This created a situation where some borrowers felt “trapped” with their existing lender at renewal because switching would require them to requalify at stress test rates.

How GDS and TDS Ratios Interact With the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta

The mortgage stress test Alberta does not work in isolation. It operates alongside two additional qualifying ratios that every lender uses to evaluate your affordability: the Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio and the Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio. Understanding these is essential for any serious buyer.

Gross Debt Service (GDS) Ratio Explained

Your GDS ratio measures what percentage of your gross (before-tax) monthly income goes toward housing costs. Lenders add up your monthly mortgage payment (calculated at the stress test rate), property taxes, heat costs, and 50% of any condo maintenance fees, then divide by your gross monthly income.

The standard maximum GDS ratio at most Canadian lenders is 39%. Some lenders use 32% for insured mortgages.

Total Debt Service (TDS) Ratio Explained

Your TDS ratio is broader — it includes everything in your GDS calculation plus all other monthly debt obligations: car loans, student loans, credit card minimum payments, personal lines of credit, and any other recurring debt.

The standard maximum TDS ratio is 44% at most lenders.

Why This Matters for Alberta Buyers

Many buyers focus exclusively on the stress test rate and forget about the GDS/TDS framework. But a buyer with significant car debt, student loans, or credit card balances can easily tip their TDS over the 44% threshold — and no amount of income will fix a math problem that is rooted in existing debt levels.

The Real Impact: How the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta Affects Your Buying Power in Calgary

Calgary’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic in Canada. As of 2025, benchmark home prices in Calgary sit in a range that makes the mortgage stress test Alberta profoundly relevant for the majority of buyers. Let’s look at what the numbers actually mean for people shopping in Calgary’s most popular communities.

Buying in Calgary’s North, South, and Northwest Communities

Whether you are looking at a detached home in Tuscany, a semi-detached in Mahogany, a townhome in Livingston, or a condo in Beltline, the stress test will determine how much of that market you can actually access.

Dual Income Households — A Major Advantage

One of the most powerful strategies for passing the mortgage stress test in Alberta is combining incomes on a joint application. Because the test is income-dependent, two salaries of $65,000 each ($130,000 combined) can dramatically increase your qualifying amount compared to a single income at the same level.

This is why co-borrowing — whether with a spouse, partner, family member, or in some cases a co-signor — is one of the most effective tools available to Calgary homebuyers.

7 Proven Strategies to Pass the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta in 2025

Now we get to the part that matters most: what you can actually do to pass the mortgage stress test Alberta buyers dread. The good news is that with the right preparation and an experienced mortgage specialist in your corner, the majority of buyers who struggle initially can qualify — often within months of their first attempt.

Strategy 1: Reduce Your Consumer Debt Aggressively Before Applying

Your TDS ratio is the silent killer of many mortgage applications. A $400/month car payment, $300 in credit card minimums, and a $200/month student loan payment adds $900/month to your TDS calculation. At the stress test rate, that $900 could have supported an additional $115,000–$130,000 in mortgage.

1. List all monthly debt obligations — credit cards (use minimum payment), car loans, student loans, personal lines of credit, leases, spousal/child support if applicable
2. Pay off the highest TDS-impact debts first — focus on accounts with high monthly payments relative to balance (e.g., credit cards with $200+ minimums)
3. Avoid taking on new debt — do not finance a vehicle, open a new credit card, or take a personal loan in the 6-12 months before your mortgage application
4. Request credit limit reductions if you have cards you do not use — unused available credit can still impact some lenders’ risk calculations

Strategy 2: Increase Your Down Payment to Lower the Mortgage Amount Required

The stress test tests your ability to service your mortgage debt at a higher rate. A larger down payment reduces the size of the mortgage you need, which reduces the monthly payment even at the stress test rate, which improves your GDS ratio. It’s a cascading improvement.

If you are currently at 5% down, consider whether reaching 10%, 15%, or even 20% is achievable within your timeline. The 20% threshold is especially important — it eliminates the CMHC mortgage insurance premium (which can add thousands to your mortgage) and opens access to conventional mortgage products.

Strategy 3: Explore Credit Union Lenders in Alberta

As discussed earlier, some Alberta credit unions do not apply the federal OSFI stress test. This is a legitimate and often overlooked pathway for buyers who fall just short of qualifying at a major bank. Credit unions in Alberta like Servus Credit Union, Connect First Credit Union (now Lic. First West), and ATB Financial serve Alberta borrowers with competitive products.

Strategy 4: Extend Your Amortization Period to 30 Years (Where Eligible)

A 30-year amortization reduces your required monthly mortgage payment compared to a 25-year amortization, which improves your GDS ratio and can help you pass the stress test. In late 2024, the federal government expanded eligibility for 30-year amortizations for insured mortgages to include some first-time buyers purchasing new builds.

Ask your Dreamhouse Mortgage specialist whether a 30-year amortization is available for your specific purchase type — it can sometimes be the single change that moves you from a decline to an approval.

Strategy 5: Add a Co-Borrower or Co-Signor

Adding a creditworthy co-borrower increases the income used in the GDS/TDS calculation, which directly increases your qualifying mortgage amount. A parent, sibling, partner, or domestic partner can act in this capacity. Keep in mind the co-borrower takes on legal responsibility for the mortgage, so this is a decision that requires honest family conversation.

Strategy 6: Shop for the Lowest Possible Contract Rate

Here’s a strategic insight many buyers miss: because the stress test rate is your contract rate + 2%, a lower contract rate also lowers your stress test qualifying rate. This means that negotiating or shopping for the best mortgage rate is not just about your monthly payment — it directly affects your maximum qualifying amount.

This is one of the most compelling reasons to work with a mortgage broker like Dreamhouse Mortgage rather than walking into a single bank. A broker has access to dozens of lenders and can find you a rate that not only saves you money monthly, but may qualify you for a significantly larger mortgage.

Strategy 7: Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval Before House Shopping

This seems obvious, but a formal mortgage pre-approval is different from a pre-qualification. A pre-approval involves a real credit check, income verification, and a stress test calculation by the lender. It gives you a firm number you can rely on — and it locks in a rate for 90-120 days, protecting you if rates rise while you are shopping.

Going into Calgary’s competitive market without a pre-approval is increasingly risky — sellers and their agents expect serious buyers to come prepared, and many will not entertain offers without proof of financing.

Mortgage Stress Test Alberta: Special Situations and Edge Cases

The standard stress test rules cover most buyers, but Alberta’s diverse population and economy means many buyers fall into special categories that deserve specific attention.

Self-Employed Borrowers in Alberta

Alberta has a high proportion of self-employed individuals — oilfield contractors, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, consultants, and ranchers are common profiles. The mortgage stress test Alberta applies the same way for self-employed borrowers, but income calculation is fundamentally different.

Traditional lenders typically use your 2-year average net income from your Notice of Assessment (NOA) — the income after business expenses are deducted. This can significantly understate your actual cash flow. There are “stated income” mortgage products available for self-employed borrowers that use bank statements or gross revenue figures, typically at slightly higher rates or with alternative lenders.

New-to-Canada Buyers in Alberta

Calgary and Edmonton attract significant numbers of newcomers and immigrants who want to purchase property. For buyers with limited Canadian credit history, the stress test still applies, but some lenders have New-to-Canada mortgage programs that use alternative credit assessments — rental payment history, international credit reports, or employment letters — alongside the standard qualifying rules.

Investment Property Buyers

If you are purchasing a rental property or investment property in Alberta, the stress test rules are actually slightly different in some cases. Rental income from the subject property or existing properties you own can sometimes be used to supplement your qualifying income — but the rules about how rental income is counted (typically at 50-80% of actual rent, depending on the lender) vary significantly.

Variable Rate Mortgages and the Stress Test

Whether you choose a fixed or variable rate mortgage in Alberta, the stress test applies the same way: your qualifying rate is still the higher of (contract rate + 2%) or 5.25%. The stress test was specifically designed with variable rate risk in mind, so it is applied uniformly regardless of rate type.

The Mortgage Stress Test Alberta and the Calgary Real Estate Market in 2025

Understanding the mortgage stress test in Alberta requires contextualizing it within current market conditions. Calgary has remained one of Canada’s most resilient housing markets, driven by a unique combination of factors: strong oil and gas sector employment, rapidly growing tech and professional services sectors, interprovincial migration from higher-cost provinces, and international immigration.

Calgary’s Price Landscape in 2025

Benchmark prices for detached homes in Calgary have risen significantly over the past three years. This means buyers who stretch to their maximum qualifying amount are purchasing in a market that has been appreciating — which cuts both ways. Strong price appreciation has benefited existing homeowners but made the stress test impact more painful for first-time buyers who see their qualifying ceiling just below the homes they want.

How the Bank of Canada’s Rate Path Affects Alberta Buyers

The Bank of Canada’s rate decisions have direct implications for the mortgage stress test Alberta. When the BOC raises rates, actual mortgage contract rates rise — and since the stress test is calculated as contract rate + 2%, the qualifying rate rises in lockstep. Conversely, when the BOC cuts rates (as it did through late 2024 and into 2025), contract rates fall, stress test rates fall, and Alberta buyers gain more buying power.

In 2025, with the BOC having completed a meaningful rate-cutting cycle from its 2023 peak, many Alberta buyers who were priced out a year or two ago are now finding themselves within striking distance of qualification. If you previously received a decline, it is absolutely worth revisiting your application with current rates.

Common Myths About the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta — Debunked

Misinformation about the mortgage stress test Alberta buyers encounter is widespread — in Facebook groups, at dinner tables, and unfortunately sometimes even from well-meaning but uninformed real estate agents. Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: “The Stress Test Only Applies to High-Risk Buyers”

False. The stress test applies to virtually every borrower at a federally regulated lender — regardless of credit score, income level, down payment size, or net worth. A buyer with excellent credit, a 40% down payment, and a $300,000 income still has to pass the stress test at a major bank.

Myth 2: “My Bank Pre-Approved Me, So I Already Passed the Stress Test”

Partly false. Some lenders offer “pre-qualification” (a soft estimate without verification) rather than a true pre-approval. A true pre-approval verifies your income, runs a credit check, and explicitly calculates your stress test qualification. Always ask your lender or broker whether their approval is a verified pre-approval or merely a pre-qualification estimate.

Myth 3: “Passing the Stress Test Means I Can Comfortably Afford That Payment”

Misleading. The stress test tells you the legal maximum you can borrow. It does not tell you what is comfortable or prudent for your life. Many financial planners recommend keeping your housing costs well below the 39% GDS maximum — especially for buyers with variable income, family plans, or lifestyle priorities that require financial flexibility.

Myth 4: “The Stress Test Rate Is the Rate I’ll Actually Pay”

False. The stress test rate is a hypothetical qualifying rate used only during the approval process. Your actual mortgage payments are calculated at your real contract rate, which will be significantly lower in most market environments.

Myth 5: “If I Fail the Stress Test at One Lender, I’m Rejected Everywhere”

False. Different lenders have different risk appetites, products, and qualifying rules. A decline at one bank is not the end of the road. Credit unions, alternative lenders, and private lenders each have different qualification criteria. An experienced mortgage broker explores all available pathways for you.

Voice Search and AI-Optimized: What Homebuyers Are Actually Asking About the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta

In the age of Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and ChatGPT, many Alberta buyers get their first mortgage education by asking voice search or AI-powered questions. Here are the most common questions — and the direct answers.

Q: What is the mortgage stress test in Alberta?

The mortgage stress test Alberta is a federal rule requiring borrowers to qualify for a mortgage at a rate 2% higher than their contract rate, or 5.25%, whichever is higher. It applies to all borrowers at federally regulated lenders like the major banks.

Q: What rate is used for the mortgage stress test in Alberta in 2025?

In 2025, the stress test qualifying rate is your contract rate plus 2 percentage points, or 5.25%, whichever is higher. With most mortgage rates currently above 4.5%, the contract rate plus 2% is the applicable threshold for most buyers.

Q: How can I pass the mortgage stress test in Alberta?

You can pass the mortgage stress test Alberta requires by reducing your existing debts, increasing your down payment, adding a co-borrower, seeking the lowest available contract rate, extending your amortization period, or exploring credit union lenders that are not bound by federal OSFI stress test rules.

Q: Do credit unions in Alberta have a stress test?

Provincially regulated Alberta credit unions are not required by OSFI to apply the federal mortgage stress test. Some credit union lenders allow qualifying at rates closer to the actual contract rate, which can meaningfully increase your maximum purchase price.

Q: What happens if I fail the mortgage stress test?

A failed stress test at one lender does not permanently disqualify you. You can explore credit unions, alternative lenders, work to improve your qualifying ratios, reduce your target purchase price, or add a co-borrower. A licensed Calgary mortgage broker can review all your options.

Q: Does the stress test apply when renewing my mortgage in Alberta?

If you renew with your existing lender, no stress test requalification is generally required. If you switch to a new lender at renewal, rules around stress test requalification have evolved — for insured mortgages, a “straight switch” exemption was introduced in late 2023. Confirm current rules with your broker.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta as a Calgary Homebuyer

Whether you are 6 months or 6 weeks away from your planned purchase, there is a concrete action plan you can follow to maximize your chances of passing the mortgage stress test Alberta requires.

1. Pull your credit report and review it — Check Equifax and TransUnion for any errors, old collections, or derogatory marks that can be disputed or resolved. A credit score above 680 opens the most lender options.
2. Calculate your current TDS ratio — Add up all monthly debt minimum payments. If your total debt payments exceed 20-25% of your gross monthly income, aggressive debt reduction before applying can significantly increase your qualifying amount.
3. Save aggressively for your down payment — Every additional percent toward your down payment reduces the mortgage needed and improves your GDS ratio at stress test rates. Use the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan for tax-advantaged savings.
4. Avoid new credit applications — Do not finance a vehicle, apply for new credit cards, or open lines of credit in the 90-180 days before your mortgage application. Hard credit inquiries and new debt both hurt your application.
5. Organize your income documentation — Gather 2 years of T4s or NOAs, current employment letter, 90 days of pay stubs, and 90 days of bank statements. Self-employed borrowers should also have 2 years of business financials and T1 Generals.
6. Connect with a Calgary mortgage broker early — An experienced broker like Guriqbal Chahal at Dreamhouse Mortgage will run a real stress test calculation against your actual numbers, identify gaps before lenders do, and build a clear roadmap to qualification.
7. Get formally pre-approved — A verified pre-approval (not just a pre-qualification) confirms your stress test pass, locks in a rate, and gives you the confidence to make competitive offers in Calgary’s fast-moving market.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta Connection

Canada’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA), introduced in 2023, is a powerful tool that directly connects to your mortgage stress test Alberta strategy. Here’s how they interact.

How the FHSA Helps You Pass the Stress Test

The FHSA allows first-time homebuyers to contribute up to $8,000 per year (maximum $40,000 lifetime) to a tax-free savings account dedicated to a home purchase. Contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP), and withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are completely tax-free (like a TFSA).

The FHSA’s most direct connection to the stress test is simple: more money in your FHSA means a larger down payment, which means a smaller required mortgage, which means lower monthly payments at the stress test qualifying rate, which means better GDS/TDS ratios, which means a higher probability of approval.

Mortgage Stress Test Alberta: What GEO Data Says About Calgary Neighbourhoods and Qualification

The mortgage stress test Alberta does not change based on which Calgary neighbourhood you are buying in — but the neighbourhood absolutely determines whether the stress test is a minor consideration or a significant obstacle.

Entry-Level and First-Time Buyer Markets (Where Stress Test Impact Is Most Manageable)

Communities like Taradale, Martindale, Falconridge, Evanston, Skyview Ranch, and Savanna in northeast and north Calgary often offer semi-detached homes, townhomes, and condos in price ranges where a household income of $70,000–$90,000 can qualify under stress test rules. These markets are particularly active with first-time buyers and newcomers.

Move-Up Markets (Where the Stress Test Cuts Deepest)

In Calgary’s most prestigious or established communities — Elbow Park, Mount Royal, Aspen Woods, Discovery Ridge, or Signal Hill — benchmark detached prices frequently exceed $900,000 to $1.5 million+. At these price points, the stress test is a significant qualifier filter, and household incomes of $200,000+ are often required to comfortably clear the bar.

Calgary Condo Market and the Stress Test

The condo market presents an interesting situation. Lower purchase prices make stress test qualification more achievable. However, condo maintenance fees (counted at 50% in the GDS calculation) can meaningfully erode your housing cost budget, particularly in high-amenity buildings with fees above $500/month.

Working With a Calgary Mortgage Broker vs. Going Directly to a Bank for Your Stress Test Pre-Approval

This is one of the most important decisions you will make in your homebuying journey, and it connects directly to how the mortgage stress test Alberta affects you.

The Single-Lender Approach

When you walk into your bank branch for a mortgage, the advisor shows you their products at their rates. If their best rate results in a stress test qualifying rate that is just barely too high for your income, you get declined. End of story. You never knew that another lender had a rate 0.4% lower — which would have lowered your stress test rate and gotten you approved.

The Mortgage Broker Approach

A licensed mortgage broker like Guriqbal Chahal at Dreamhouse Mortgage has access to dozens of lenders simultaneously — major banks, credit unions, trust companies, monoline lenders, and alternative lenders. They can run your numbers against multiple lending matrices to find the combination of rate, product, and lender that maximizes your approval probability and minimizes your borrowing cost.

The Future of the Mortgage Stress Test Alberta: What to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

The mortgage stress test Alberta is a federal policy tool, which means it is subject to political and regulatory review. Here are the key developments worth watching.

OSFI Review and Potential Adjustments

OSFI reviews its mortgage qualification guidelines periodically. With the Bank of Canada’s rate-cutting cycle underway through 2024-2025, there has been increasing debate about whether the +2% buffer remains appropriately calibrated. Some industry observers and housing advocacy groups argue the floor should be reviewed in a lower-rate environment. As of 2025, no changes have been formally announced, but the policy environment is evolving.

Federal Housing Policy and Affordability Measures

The federal government has introduced several affordability measures relevant to stress test qualification, including expanded 30-year amortizations for insured mortgages on new builds, the First Home Savings Account, and the “straight switch” renewal exemption. Continued federal activity on housing affordability may produce further adjustments to stress test rules — particularly if housing affordability remains a central political issue.

Provincial Credit Union Regulation in Alberta

Alberta’s provincially regulated credit unions operate under different rules than federally regulated banks, and ATB Financial (a provincial Crown corporation) also has distinct regulatory requirements. How these institutions evolve their qualifying standards in response to market conditions is worth monitoring closely with your mortgage professional.

Conclusion: The Mortgage Stress Test Alberta Is Not the Enemy — It’s a Test You Can Prepare For

The mortgage stress test Alberta buyers face can feel intimidating. It reduces your maximum qualifying amount, it can surprise buyers who have not prepared, and it is an additional layer of scrutiny in an already complex process. But here is the perspective that experienced Alberta mortgage professionals want every buyer to have:

The stress test is not designed to keep you out of homeownership. It is designed to ensure that when you get in, you stay in — that your mortgage is sustainable through rate cycles, economic fluctuations, and life changes. Every strategy in this guide is legal, proven, and available to you right now. The buyers who fail are usually the buyers who did not prepare. The buyers who succeed are the ones who worked with professionals who knew the rules inside out.

Calgary is a city with extraordinary homeownership opportunity. The market rewards buyers who are prepared. The stress test rewards borrowers who are financially disciplined. And the mortgage professionals at Dreamhouse Mortgage exist specifically to guide Alberta buyers through every step of the qualification process — from first conversation to final approval.