Mortgage Strategy Built Around Your Goals — Surrey & Lower Mainland BC

Your mortgage, done right. Every time.

We're not your average brokerage. Open Doors combines elite expertise with a genuinely human experience — so you move forward with clarity and confidence.

In business since 2006
5 languages spoken
Pre-Approvals in 24–48 hrs
BCFSA Licensed

Trusted by thousands across BC

$1B+
Mortgages funded
7 YEARS
CMP Top 75 in a row
Hall of Fame
DLC lifetime award
550+
Google Reviews

More than just approvals — strategic guidance, clear communication, and a client experience built around trust.

— Open Doors Mortgage Team, Surrey BC

WHY OPEN DOORS

This is not your typical brokerage.

We're in your corner from day one. Not to close a deal — to make sure you end up in the right one.

01

Strategic advice, not just approvals

Every recommendation is tailored around your goals, lifestyle, and long-term financial plans. We help you make confident decisions — not just sign documents.

STRATEGY-FIRST
02

A modern, stress-free process

Digital applications, fast communication, and proactive updates. We make the mortgage process organized and genuinely easy to navigate.

MODERN PROCESS
03

Proven expertise with a personal touch

$1B+ funded and nationally recognized — while every client still feels genuinely supported, understood, and cared for throughout.

1 BILLION + FUNDED
Team Photo
" People don't feel like a number with Open Doors."

Christian Amurao and the team are built around relationships. Surrey-based, community-first, and genuinely invested in every client outcome.

$1B+
Funded
550 +
Google Reviews
1000s
Happy Clients

What we do

Solutions for
every
situation

01

Home Purchase

First home or your fifth — we find the right product and guide you through every step without the noise.

Learn more →
02

First-Time Buyers

We simplify the process and help you understand every program, option, and incentive available to you.

Learn more →
03

Refinancing & Renewals

Access equity, consolidate debt, or renegotiate terms. We tell you honestly when it makes sense.

Learn more →
04

Self-Employed

Variable income and complex returns don't have to stand in the way. We specialize in Alt-A solutions.

Learn more →
05

Investment Properties

Growing your portfolio? We structure financing around your long-term wealth goals, not one transaction.

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06

Debt Consolidation

Use your home equity strategically to simplify your finances and reduce monthly obligations.

Learn more →

⎯ New to Canada

The mortgage team
newcomers trust most.

Open Doors Mortgage Team was built from day one to help newcomers own their first Canadian home. Founder Christian Amurao immigrated to Canada and built one of the country's most recognized mortgage teams with a single mission: make homeownership accessible to every family, in every language, regardless of how long they've been here.


We know which lenders accept work permits. We know how to qualify clients with limited Canadian credit. We understand the documents, the programs, and the process — and we explain all of it clearly, in your language.

Work permits accepted

You don't need PR or citizenship to qualify. Many lenders approve newcomers on valid work permits with the right guidance.

International credit recognized

Limited Canadian credit history is not always a barrier. Your home country credit and bank references can support your application.

Guidance in your language

We speak English, Tagalog, Kapampangan, Bisaya, Ilocano, because real advice means no language barriers.

Since '06
Helping newcomers
5 Lanuages
spoken
1 B+
Mortgages funded

WE SERVE CLIENTS IN

🇨🇦 English
🇵🇭 Tagalog
🇵🇭 Kapampangan
🇵🇭 Bisaya
🇵🇭 Ilocano

We thought owning a house was a pipe dream. Then we met Christian and the Open Doors team and that dream turned into reality. From start to finish they were there by our side. They explained things we didn't clearly understand and were very helpful. They made buying a property more exciting and fun. 10/10 will most definitely recommend.

Newcomer client
Surrey, BC · Google Review ★★★★★

Ready to get started?

Book a free consultation — no pressure, no jargon, in your language.

What our clients say

★★★★★ 550+ Reviews One Google
"

ODMT was really helpful in assisting the refinancing my mortgage, from initiating the first contact until the process with the lawyer. The people who helped me, Christian Amurao, Kim Domingo, and Anthony Amurao, were knowledgeable and know what the client needs in providing options with all the pros and cons, so it was easy for me to decide. Thank you, God bless.

AH
A Haryo
Refinancing · Surrey, BC
"

I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to the Open Door Mortgage team for guiding me everystep of the way in buying my first house. Thank you so much for your incredible guidance and support. When I first came to you, I felt completely lost, but you took the time to answer every question and make homeownership feel achievable. Your dedication truly made a difference for me, and I will forever be grateful for your expertise! I highly recommended your team.

WS
Wyn Sagadal
First-time buyer · Surrey, BC
"

Wow and Thank you! We have been with you for more than 10 years. We are so blessed of your team and your service... so easy to talk too, responds quick, very open and supportive, very much connected even after the transactions, gives appropriate advice and updates, always on the line to connect with us anytime we need.

BV
Beth Viana
Renewal · Surrey, BC
"

The Open Doors Mortgage Team were quick to act, attentive to my needs, always operated with urgency and conveyed all documents correctly, and secured me the best mortgage possible! I would recommend them to anyone for all their mortgage needs! If you are looking for a team that goes above and beyond, Open Doors are the team you're looking for!

AR
A. Randa
First-time buyer · Surrey, BC
"

Christian, Anthony and the Open Doors Team helped me through a difficult mortgage renewal after a word of mouth referral by a family member. They answered all my questions and helped me work through the difficult portions of the application and even were kind and generous enough to answer some questions and give some advice on things that weren't necessarily part of the application. Anything that they didn't have an immediate answer to, they said so with out putting up a front, asked their resources for information and came back with an answer. I will be looking to use their services in the future and will be whole heartedly be referring them to others

ED
Earl Doando
First-time buyer · Surrey, BC
"

We thought owning a house was a pipe dream then we met Christian and the Open Doors team and that dream turned into reality. From start to finish they were there by our side. They explained things we didn't clearly understand and were very helpful. All in all they made buying a property more exciting and fun. 10/10 will most definitely recommend. Thank you Open Doors Mortgage Team — we appreciate each and every one of you.

N
Nosis
Renewal · Surrey, BC
TOP TEAM
Canada mortgage ranking
1000s
Families served in BC
5
Languages Spoken
CMP Top 75
Seven Years In A Row

Our story

Built on trust.
Driven by
results.

When Christian Amurao started Open Doors in 2006, it was just him — and a genuine belief that people deserved better guidance than they were getting. Not just a rate. Not just paperwork. Real advice, in plain language, from someone who actually cared about the outcome.



That's still what this team is built around. The awards and the numbers are nice — but what we're most proud of is that clients keep referring their friends, their family, and their neighbours. That's the real measure.

Elite credentials

$1B+ funded, nationally ranked

Modern process

Digital tools, fast turnaround

Team-based support

Coordinated service, not one broker

Long-term partner

Renewals, refinancing, next moves

Team Photo
C
Christian — Team Leader
A
Aziel — Director of sales
A
Anthony — Associate
P
Pam — Office Supervisor
P
Paula — Client Specialist
K
Kim — Client specialist
MEET THE TEAM

Common questions

Straight answers.
No jargon.

  • What makes Open Doors different from going to my bank?

    A bank can only offer their own products. Open Doors works with 30+ lenders — banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders — so we shop on your behalf and find the product that genuinely fits your situation. We're focused on your long-term outcome, not a single transaction.

  • How does Open Doors help first-time buyers in Surrey and the Lower Mainland?

    We walk first-time buyers through everything — how much you can afford, what programs are available (like the First Home Savings Account), how your credit profile looks to lenders, and what the process looks like step by step. Our goal is to replace confusion with a clear, confident plan.

  • Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

    Yes — self-employed mortgages are one of our specialties. We work with lenders who understand how business income is structured and can qualify clients who don't fit standard bank criteria. Even if your declared income is lower due to deductions, there are strong options available.

  • Is there a cost to using a mortgage broker?

    In most cases, our services cost you nothing directly. We are compensated by the lender when your mortgage funds. We're always transparent about how we're paid — no surprises, no hidden fees. In some alternative lending situations a broker fee may apply, and we'll always be upfront before you proceed.

  • When does it make sense to refinance my mortgage?

    Refinancing can make sense when you want to access home equity for renovations or investment, consolidate high-interest debt, or take advantage of rate improvements. We assess your current mortgage and goals together to determine whether it's worth it for you — not just whether it's possible.

  • What areas does Open Doors Mortgage serve?

    We serve clients across the Greater Vancouver Lower Mainland — Surrey, Langley, Delta, Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, and Abbotsford. We also work with clients across BC and in many cases anywhere in Canada.

  • How quickly can I get pre-approved?

    In most cases we move quickly once we have your documents — many pre-approvals are completed within 24–48 hours. Having your income documents, employment confirmation, and financial statements ready ahead of time speeds things up considerably.

  • Is Open Doors Mortgage licensed in BC?

    Yes. Open Doors Mortgage Team is licensed through the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) and operates under Verico Paragon BrokerSquared, one of Canada's leading mortgage broker networks. All team members are licensed mortgage professionals.

Still have a question?

CONTACT

⎯ My Mortgage App

Manage your mortgage from your phone.

Download my app to access mortgage calculators, track your application, securely upload documents, and stay connected with me throughout the process — all in one place.

Mortgage Calculators

Affordability, payment, land transfer tax, CMHC, and more

Document Upload

Securely share documents with my team at any time

Application Tracking

Stay updated on your mortgage application in real time

Direct Messaging

Reach me and my team directly through the app

Articles

Learn more

about mortgages

By Christian Amaruo June 17, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.
Man holding a tablet outside modern apartment buildings on a sunny day
By Christian Amaruo June 15, 2026
Buying an investment property or rental in Surrey, Vancouver, or the Lower Mainland? Open Doors Mortgage explains down payment requirements, rental income qualifying, DSCR mortgages, and how to structure your portfolio financing.
Two people reviewing documents beside a laptop in a bright kitchen
By Christian Amaruo June 12, 2026
Wondering if refinancing your mortgage makes sense in 2025? Open Doors Mortgage in Surrey explains when refinancing is worth it, how to calculate your breakeven point, and what homeowners across the Lower Mainland need to know.
READ MORE

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⎯ Ready to get started?

Your mortgage journey
starts with a conversation.

No pressure. No jargon. Just an honest conversation

about your goals and a clear plan to get there.

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