Why does one lender approve your mortgage application when another one won’t????

As a busy Mortgage Broker for the last 16 years and 20 years before that as a banker, the first thought that comes to mind as I write this blog is “one thing is not like the other”.  Ever since all of the mortgage changes came into effect over the last few years, I have … Continue reading →

Do you know if your mortgage is a collateral or a standard charge? You should!

Given all of the mortgage products with many different lenders available these days, I would say it’s a good time to remind all to read the fine print in any and every contract put in front of you. If you don’t understand something, you need to ask the questions. As the mortgage interest rates start … Continue reading →

Mortgage Pre-Approvals: 7 Things you need to know

Hopefully, all of the significant government mortgage rule changes are now in our rear-view mirror! Now more than ever, it is extremely important that potential homebuyers get pre-approved to buy a home as the maximum purchase price you may have qualified for in the past has now been reduced by at least 20%! Due to … Continue reading →

MortgageGirl Answers Frequently Asked Questions (Summer 2018)

Do you have mortgage questions? The MortgageGirl can answer today’s most commonly asked questions How much house can I afford to buy? I constantly get asked this question and due to recent mortgage rule changes, the answer is now quite different than it was last year at this time. Basically, the new house debts such … Continue reading →

Why has my mortgage application been declined?!?!

Being declined for a mortgage can be quite disheartening, especially when you consider all of the hard work that goes into applying for one in the first place! Understanding why you were declined allows you to recognize certain areas of your finances that can be improved. The good news is that just because one lender … Continue reading →

How to successfully sell and buy a home at the same time!

You own a home now, but it’s time to make a change. If you’re downsizing or moving up, you likely have questions about how it all works. That is, the logistics of buying another home while you still own your existing property. Here is what you need to know about going through the two transactions … Continue reading →

New mortgage rules = Co-signer required!

Recently, we have noticed an increase in the number of inquiries about co-signing a mortgage. So, the question is, what exactly does it mean to be a co-signer? And why are we being asked this question so often? We say due to significant government mandated rule changes to mortgages and there have been quite a … Continue reading →

Mortgage due for renewal soon? Do you stay or do you go?

The days are gone where homeowners would commit for life to only one mortgage lender. If your mortgage is due for renewal soon, you may want to start thinking about what you’re going to do when your mortgage term ends. While you could renew with your current lender, you may be missing out on potential mortgage interest savings or better … Continue reading →

Helpful hints on how to save for a down payment to buy a home

As a mortgage broker for the last 15 years and 20 years before that as a banker, I have heard from many people over the years who say they are tired of renting. A common statement is “I can easily make a mortgage payment because I am paying at least that amount in rent but … Continue reading →

YIKES!!!! Do I stay in a variable rate mortgage or convert into a fixed rate term before the rates go up even higher????

Definition of a decision- A choice made between alternative courses of action in a situation of uncertainty. Even with 35 years of mortgage experience, I am confused as to how to answer this question because the economists seem to all have different opinions about what is going to happen with the rates and let’s face … Continue reading →