When the lowest rate is NOT the best idea
Lenders / Pre-Payment / Purchase / Rates & Terms / Refinance

When the lowest rate is NOT the best idea

A low interest rate is appealing because it means a lower mortgage payment. However, before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to read the fine print that comes with that low rate. Here are a few details to inquire about before you proceed as they could affect your options down the road and … Continue reading

How to qualify for the lowest interest rate
Credit / Income / Lenders / Pre-Approvals / Qualifying / Rates & Terms / Rental Properties

How to qualify for the lowest interest rate

If you are in the market for a mortgage, chances are you’re looking for the lowest interest rate you can get because it means a lower monthly payment. If you are shopping online, you’ve probably seen a great rate and then in fine print is ‘O.A.C. (on approved credit)’ or ‘rates subject to change without … Continue reading

How to increase home equity
Lenders / Mortgage Renewal / Pre-Payment / Rates & Terms / Refinance

How to increase home equity

Maximizing pre-payment privileges Making a decision to focus on quicker mortgage repayment not only saves you thousands in interest costs, it also allows you to greatly reduce your mortgage balance which ultimately increases the home equity. A lower mortgage balance owing is also a positive if rates have increase significantly by your renewal date, the lower … Continue reading

6 Mortgage Products You Haven’t Heard Of
Documents / Income / Insurance / Market Updates / Mortgage Renewal / New to Canada / Purchase / Qualifying / Refinance

6 Mortgage Products You Haven’t Heard Of

If you’re like most borrowers, you won’t be shopping for a mortgage very often. This means you may not know all about the specialty mortgage products that are currently available in the mortgage market. I’ve provided a brief overview of a few of the less common mortgage financing options below that I have recently encountered. … Continue reading

Do Not Sign Your Mortgage Renewal Papers Until You Read This!
Credit / Documents / Lenders / Qualifying / Rates & Terms / Refinance / Variable Interest Rates

Do Not Sign Your Mortgage Renewal Papers Until You Read This!

Did you know the 2016 CMHC survey found that 39% of households automatically renew their mortgage when their term is up? You may be missing the opportunity to find a better deal. If your mortgage is up for renewal within the next 4 months, it’s a good idea to start thinking now about what you’re … Continue reading

8 Mortgage Myths Busted
Bankruptcy / Broker vs. Bank / Credit / Debts / Insurance / Lenders / Pre-Payment / Qualifying / Rates & Terms / Refinance

8 Mortgage Myths Busted

Mortgages are not a subject we learn about in high school, although I wish they were. Credit, interest rates and qualifying for a mortgage are all things that will greatly affect your lifestyle going forward. Most learn about them only when they are ready to buy a home, through friends, family, or the Internet. My concern … Continue reading

How well do you know your mortgage?
First Time Home Buyer / Lenders / Pre-Payment / Purchase / Rates & Terms / Refinance

How well do you know your mortgage?

Why the fine print of your mortgage approval matters When applying for a mortgage, the rate and payment amount initially seem to be the most important, however, there are other items that should be understood before you sign on the dotted line. Read on for the top four mortgage features that could be particularly impactful … Continue reading

How much can I qualify for?
Credit / Downpayment / Income / Lenders / Pre-Approvals / Purchase / Qualifying / Rates & Terms / Refinance

How much can I qualify for?

How your maximum mortgage amount is determined When it comes to qualifying for a mortgage, the current debts you have affects the mortgage amount you can qualify for. I often see buyers who have worked hard to maintain a good credit score and saved up the downpayment, then I have to tell them they don’t … Continue reading

This or that? Making mortgage decisions easier
Documents / Downpayment / Mortgage Renewal / Pre-Payment / Purchase / Qualifying / Rates & Terms / Refinance / Variable Interest Rates

This or that? Making mortgage decisions easier

We often receive inquiries from potential borrowers looking for some tips about navigating through all of the mortgage options available to them. We usually start out with a discussion about their specific mortgage requirements and home ownership goals, as nothing replaces a custom solution. If they are not really sure what their requirements or goals … Continue reading