About Steph
Hellooo! I’m Stephanie Cortese, an Ontario-licensed Mortgage Agent, educator, speaker, and the author of Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired.
I help individuals and families build financial confidence, secure the right mortgage solutions, and create the kind of stability that supports their whole life, not just their home.
So, if you need someone to explain mortgages, or why your pasta dough isn’t cooperating… I’m your person.
For me, mortgages are never “just numbers.”They are deeply connected to our wellbeing, our stress levels, our sense of stability, and the opportunities we’re able to create for our families.
My work blends finance, education, and holistic wellness so my clients feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Why Choose Me
After more than a decade in the classroom, I learned that everyone understands things differently — and that’s normal.
So now, in mortgages, I focus on meeting people where they’re at: clear explanations, steady guidance, and as much time as you need. It’s the same approach, just a different subject.
My goal is simple: I want you to understand your mortgage well enough that you could explain it at a dinner party… if you actually wanted to.
I also look at mortgages through a wellness lens, because money touches everything — your stress, your sleep, your relationships, and whether you can actually enjoy life instead of googling, “Can I buy a house in Ontario with 7 cents and a dream?”
The same values that guided my classroom still guide my business: clarity instead of confusion, confidence instead of fear, and empowerment instead of overwhelm. I’m here to walk through it with you, step by step, so you feel informed, supported, and confident the whole way through.
Why Homebuyers Trust Me
I live, work, and raise my family in Simcoe County. I’m a familiar face in the community — from school events, to local businesses- supporting home and local is not just a thing to say, it is my core belief. My family owned many businesses growing up- I get it!
My roots are strong locally, while the reach of my business proudly extends across Ontario, from:
- First-time buyers
- Families upgrading or downsizing
- Investors
- Self-employed clients
- New Canadians
- Clients with bruised credit
- Homeowners navigating life transitions
No matter your background or starting point, I meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
The Advantage of Choosing Me
My coaching-forward style comes from a simple belief:
Financial health and personal wellness are connected
That belief is woven into everything I create — from my book, to my social media content, to the way I communicate with clients. I teach people how their money, mindset, and daily habits interact, and how small, intentional changes can create more freedom and peace of mind.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me:
In the kitchen cookin’, writing or developing educational content, with my two kids, cruising markets.
Designing tools, resources, and workshops to help people feel confident and capable with their finances
Why Work With Me?
- Approachable and honest — no jargon, no judgment
- Highly educated and deeply experienced — in both mortgage strategy and teaching
- Direct — (in a nice Italian way)
- Detail-oriented — your plan, documents, timeline, and options are always handled with care
- Solution-focused — there is always a path, even if we have to build it together
- Relationship-driven — I don’t just process mortgages; I support people
Basically, if you want someone who will guide you, support you, and keep you laughing through the stressful parts… that’s me.
Education
- Master’s Degree in Education & Leadership
Basically: I know how to lead, teach, communicate, and break down complicated things so anyone can understand them. - Level 2 Licensed Mortgage Agent
Translation: I’m qualified and extra qualified. - 15+ Years as an Ontario High School Teacher
If I can keep teenagers engaged, trust me — I can walk you through a mortgage.
Let’s Build Your Next Chapter
Buying a home should feel exciting — not like a panic attack disguised as paperwork.
Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or just want to know what the heck your mortgage actually means, I’m here to help with clarity, compassion, and maybe a pasta tip or two.
Ready when you are
