Housing & Smarties All levels of government are trying to control a situation akin to that of 22 kids that want a Smartie, and there are only six-and-a-half Smarties to be had. As authority figures tend to, they are creating all kinds of rules about which kid can have a Smartie, and some kids are […]

Recently there were changes to the mortgage rules yet again, and one of the rule changes was regarding refinancing your home. At one point in the last 10 years you could refinance your home all the way back up to 95% of its current value, which in many cases has put that property what we […]

2017 was a year of change for the Canadian Mortgage Market. With the announcement of the B-20 guideline changes requiring all insured or uninsured mortgages to undergo stress testing. In addition, the removal of mortgage bundling and the continued rate rises from the Bank of Canada have led to significant changes in mortgage rates. This […]

What you need to know before you renew your mortgage could save you thousands of dollars. Is your mortgage on your home or other properties maturing in 2018? Typically you will receive your mortgage renewal notice from your current lender 3-4 months in advance of the renewal date. Sometimes you may receive an offer for […]

An accelerated payment is a mortgage payment that is increased slightly so that you can pay off your mortgage faster. There are two common types of accelerated payments: bi-weekly and weekly. Of the two, bi-weekly is the much more common choice because it matches with pay dates more often. An accelerated payment works by increasing […]

Is your mortgage coming up for renewal this year? There is a good chance that you or someone know has a mortgage coming due. Some 47% of Canadians, almost one out of every two households, that currently have financing in place will mature within the next 12 months with a major lender in Canada. Here […]

Mortgage Insurance Premiums. Many people know what they are- an extra cost to you the borrower. But not many people realize how they are calculated. Understanding the premium charges and how they are calculated will help lead you to making smarter down payments. 5%- 9.99% down payment of a purchase price is a 4% premium […]

If you’re an entrepreneur, business person or commercial investor then you probably have or need a commercial mortgage. Where should you start? Do you call your bank, or do you call a commercial mortgage broker? I recommend you call your bank. Yes, that’s right; I’m a commercial mortgage broker and I am telling you to […]

With changes to mortgage rules and interest rates on the rise here are some tips for your variable rate mortgage that could save you thousands. Since 2009 the prime lending rate has shifted from a high of 6% down to 2% range remaining fairly level for the past few years before rising to a present […]

While most people know the main things they need to buy a home, such as stable employment and enough money for a down payment, there are a few other factors that may help you realize you’re ready, perhaps even earlier than you thought! As a mortgage broker, it is my job to ensure that each […]