2 Mar

How to Choose the Right Mortgage Term

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

Understanding the terms of the mortgage are paramount in choosing the mortgage product that is right for your particular and unique situation. What is the difference between term and amortization? Are terms all the same for every lender? What are the differences of terms from lender to lender? These are just a few of the […]

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1 Mar

How to Get a Fully Loaded Mortgage

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

Be it fully loaded or all the bells and whistles, as savvy consumers we want to know that we got every bit of extra awesomeness available to us and your mortgage should be no different. Sure you want the best rate, that’s a given. Wouldn’t you also like the extras which will make your mortgage […]

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29 Feb

Buying vs Renting

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

At some point in their lives, most Canadians have probably asked themselves whether it is better to buy or rent a home. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions most people ever make so the impacts of the decision can be HUGE. Ultimately, the decision is a personal choice, but it helps to […]

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26 Feb

Divorce and Your Home

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

We all know that marriage isn’t always forever. When a separation occurs, a home is often involved. Since most couples have a joint mortgage – one where both names are on the mortgage and title of the home – when separation or divorce proceedings occur, many wonder what will happen with the home. When the […]

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25 Feb

Should You Be Concerned About Canadian Household Debt Levels?

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

Despite what you may see on TV, hear on the radio, or read online, there is strong evidence that although Canadian household debt is at an all-time record high, Canadians are doing just fine financially. How can that be? Canadians are a whopping 1.8 TRILLION DOLLARS in debt – and that is exactly what the media focuses on. What […]

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24 Feb

Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Day

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

Well, another month gone and spring is just around the corner. Bullying Ends Here has been up to so much over the last month and a half and has reached thousands more in many Provinces. I had the opportunity to see my Dominion Lending Centres friends in Ottawa and be a part of their Holiday […]

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23 Feb

You Can Pay Your Mortgage Faster with “The Java Factor”

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

When you are searching for a mortgage, you shouldn’t only base your decision on rate. It is important to search for the “best mortgage”. A mortgage that not only provides the best interest rate, but also the one with the best terms and conditions. By understanding mortgage terms and what they mean in dollars and […]

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22 Feb

Stranded On Mars? Might As Well Buy Some Recreational Property

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

The Martian tells the story of Matt Damon (well, a character Matt Damon plays, but let’s be real: it’s Matt Damon), an astronaut stranded on Mars after a vicious storm separates him from the rest of his crew. With dwindling food and supplies, Astronaut Matt Damon has no choice but to attempt a daring escape […]

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19 Feb

Obtain A Mortgage Pre-Approval

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

If you work with me, a licensed mortgage agent, to obtain a pre-approval, you can be confident you have access to mortgage financing and you will know how much you can spend before you head out shopping for a property. It’s important to note, however, that there is a significant difference between being pre-approved and […]

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18 Feb

Diverging Housing Markets And BC Budget

General

Posted by: Darick Battaglia

Data released earlier this week for January showed the stunning disparity in regional housing markets in Canada (see chart below). Vancouver remains the red-hot leader with year-over-year (y/y) price gains of 20.6% and home resales growth of an eye-popping 32.1%. In comparison, Toronto’s housing market seems almost tepid, with an annual price gain of 10.7% […]

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