The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada wants to demystify the mortgage process for first time home buyers.The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada wants to demystify the mortgage process for first time home buyers. (iStock)

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada is offering consumers some free tools to help better manage their mortgages.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage first time home buyers to understand, and consider all their options before choosing a mortgage.

"A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments most people ever make," said Ursula Menki, FCAC commissioner. "Taking time to research the choices available can make a huge difference in the amount of money they will pay in interest and other charges."

The four-week campaign will feature transit ads in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa. Interior bus ads contain a custom code that can be scanned with a smartphone. The software automatically directs consumers to the FCAC website.

The site has tip sheets on buying a first home, shopping for a mortgage and how to renew and renegotiate a mortgage.

The FCAC is a federal government agency that provides consumers with objective information about financial products and services.