4 numbers
Numbers that matter
These are entry signals — not a full picture. We review every applicant individually. The information below explains what each number means.
Starting Credit score
500+
This is the entry threshold to begin the program. We then work with you throughout the term to reach the 680+ credit score required for mortgage qualification at exit.
Household Income
$100,000 +
Minimum combined annual household income, with consistent documentation. We look at stability over time — not just the headline number.
Personal Savings Contribution
$20,000 +
Or 5% of your home's purchase price, whichever is greater. Must come from your own savings — not gifted, not borrowed. Documented at our discovery call.
Credit Score Target at exit
680+
The credit score we'll help you graduate the program with. This is what most lenders look for at the end of your term — and our monthly coaching is built around getting you there.
Readiness Check
Where am I starting from?
Behavioural Fit
What we look for beyond the numbers
Income, credit, and savings are the easy part. The harder — and more important — questions are about intent, stability, and how you'll engage with the program. Here's how we read those signals during an application.
Genuine intent to own
You actually want to own a home — not just rent indefinitely with a vague maybe. The program is designed for people moving toward a goal, not avoiding a decision.
Willingness to engage with monthly coaching
Monthly financial coaching isn't optional — it's the engine. Families who succeed treat it as part of the agreement, not as something to opt out of.
Stable life circumstances
Job, family, residency — settled enough to commit to a 2–3 year program in one place. Major life changes mid-term are hard to absorb.
Open to sharing financial documentation
Comfortable sharing income records, bank statements, and credit history. These are critical to assess your fit, and to build a customized credit and savings-building program.
Independent legal counsel
We strongly encourage you obtain your own legal counsel before signing any documents. This ensures you are clear on all terms, and reinforces our transparency.
Honest, transparent communication
Full disclosure on the application — including past challenges. We help families overcome real situations; we cannot help with concealed ones.
Good Fit
Acceptable barriers
These are circumstances we work with every day. They don't disqualify you — they're exactly what the program is designed for.
Recently declined for a mortgage
A recent decline doesn't close the door — it tells us where to start.
Self-employed with steady income
Welcome with 2 years of documentation showing consistent earnings.
Rebuilding after a credit event
Previous bankruptcy, consumer proposal, or collections – as long as you have been discharged or are close to being discharged and you’re rebuilding.
Temporary credit disruption
A period of hardship that impacted your score — job loss, medical, divorce — with stability now restored.
Not a Fit
Disqualifying factors
These factors indicate the program would not serve you well at this time.
Already mortgage-qualified
If you qualify today, go direct. This program is for those who need a bridge.
Chronic overspending patterns
Persistent overspending without structural change in place.
Gambling-related credit issues
Credit damage from active gambling concerns, without evidence of recovery in place.
Persistent financial instability
Ongoing pattern of missed payments, collections, or unstable income.
No bank or mortgage broker contact in the last 4 months
We're for people who've already explored traditional financing. If you haven't spoken to a bank or broker in the last 4 months, start there first.
Start Your Journey
Ready to see if Upstream is right for your family?
