The "Overtime Trap": Why Big Banks Misread Alberta First Responder Mortgages

If you are an

,

, or

, you know the drill. You pick up the extra rotations, work the holiday premiums, and your T4 looks healthy. But when you walk into a traditional big bank in

or

, you often hit a financial wall.

Most bank employees follow a rigid checklist. If your income isn't a flat 40 hours a week, their software starts throwing red flags. They might only count 50% of your overtime—or worse—ignore it entirely. This is the

and it’s where many heroes across the province lose out on the home they deserve.

Traditional lenders often categorize your hard-earned pay as "variable income." To a desk clerk, it’s a temporary bonus that could disappear. They don’t understand the infrastructure of

.

In cities like

and

, OT isn’t just an extra—it’s a consistent, contractual, and reliable part of the job. Big banks fail to recognize:

• "Brownie" shifts and acting pay.
  
• Specialized premiums (Hazmat, Flight, or Training).
  
• Shift differentials that are guaranteed by your collective agreement.
  

As your dedicated

, I don't just "submit an application"—I build a case. Whether you are buying a home in

or refinancing in

, here is how we win:

• Strategic Income Reconstruction: I don't just look at your base salary. I am an expert at deconstructing City of Edmonton, City of Calgary, and AHS pay stubs to demonstrate the true stability of your total earnings to specialized lenders.
  
• The 2-Year T4 Average: While big banks look at your current month, I utilize lender programs that allow us to average two full years of total T4 income. This includes every hour of OT and every premium you’ve earned, significantly boosting your borrowing power.
  
• Maximizing Approval Leverage: By properly documenting your specialized pay structures, I can often help you qualify for a much higher mortgage amount than a traditional "9-to-5" bank teller ever could.
  

You spend your life on the front lines in Alberta’s communities. Every hour you spend in the hall or on the road should count toward your own front door. Don't let a rigid bank policy tell you what you can afford based on only half of the work you actually do.

Stop fighting the banks and start working with a peer who understands the line.

403-915-1025

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