- Mortgage Refinancing: When Does It Make Sense? - Have you been trying to figure out how you can manage that large expense or high interest debt and are considering financing alternatives? Refinancing your mortgage might be the answer. But before you start browsing for different mortgage options and comparing rates, it’s important to understand what’s involved when you refinance your mortgage. Firstly, you ...
- High Mortgage Rates & How To Avoid A Cash Flow Crunch - Are thoughts of higher mortgage rates keeping you awake at night? As your fixed-rate mortgage approaches its renewal date amid persistently high interest rates, the prospect of an increased monthly payment being withdrawn from your bank account can be scary. The uncertainty of how you will maintain your current lifestyle while managing a larger mortgage ...
- Mortgage Renewal Denied? These Are Your Next Steps… - Your mortgage renewal is coming up and you knew that you would be paying a higher interest rate. But, what you weren’t expecting was that your bank would turn you down for your mortgage renewal. Unfortunately, this is more common than you might think, with higher interest rates and debt-to-income ratios making many homeowners ineligible ...
- A Home Equity Mortgage: Is It The Right Choice For You? - A home equity mortgage can be a lifeline if you suddenly face unexpected expenses, leaving you in need of quick cash. While many Canadians rely on their savings accounts, sometimes the funds may fall short. In these situations, turning to loans becomes a common choice. However, as a homeowner, there are additional avenues to explore ...
- Is An Alternative Mortgage Lender The Right Solution For You? - You’ve heard a lot about alternative mortgage lenders and wondered if this is the solution to your home buying woes. If you’re struggling to secure a mortgage for your dream home, you’re not alone. Many prospective homeowners face obstacles when dealing with traditional lenders and their strict requirements. If you have an unconventional income source ...
- Mortgage Amortization – What You Need to Know - Choosing the right amortization period is crucial when selecting the ideal mortgage. While many focus on the mortgage term due to its impact on interest rates, the amortization period plays a significant role too. Despite its longer duration, it’s a vital aspect to ponder whether you’re purchasing your first home, second home, or are renewing ...
- What Interest Rate Hikes Mean For Your Mortgage Renewal - When interest rates are low, renewing your mortgage can be a breeze. However, with today’s higher interest rates, what was once a simple process can suddenly feel daunting. Unfortunately, for homeowners across Canada, this is becoming an increasingly familiar scenario. Since 2020, Canadian interest rates have been steadily inching upwards, signalling impending mortgage rate hikes ...
- Mortgage Refinancing — A Complete Guide Without The Mystery - Ever wondered about the ins and outs of mortgage refinancing? Simply put, it’s like hitting the reset button on your home loan. You break free from your current mortgage, settle the bill, and jump into a new loan with its own terms and a fresh interest rate. Timing and careful consideration are key to making ...
- Is 2024 the Right Year to Refinance Your Mortgage? - Are you noticing a dip in interest rates across Ontario and wondering whether it’s the right time to refinance your mortgage? If you’ve been hesitating on the sidelines, now might be the perfect time to make a move. Mortgage refinancing opens the door to renegotiating your mortgage terms before your current term ends. Why consider ...
- Demystifying Canadian Mortgage Rates and Terms - Mortgage rates are a hot topic for everyone these days – even if they’re not looking for a home loan. Will rates go up? Will they go down? What will happen to the housing marketing in Canada? But, have you ever wondered how the interest rates on your home loan are decided? Well, it’s kind ...
- A Mortgage Co-Signer or Guarantor…Which Do You Need? - Buying a house in Canada can be tough for first-time buyers. It’s not just about saving money for a down payment – you also need a mortgage to afford a home because of high prices and extra costs. Traditional mortgage loans are harder to get, so some people might need to look for different strategies ...
- Mortgage Application Rejected? 5 Reasons Why And How To Fix Them - Let’s face it – the sting of rejection is never pleasant, especially when it comes to something as significant as your mortgage. While the majority of mortgage applications receive a green light, occasional roadblocks can emerge, leading to the discouraging news of a denial by a lender in relation to your mortgage. Whether you’re just ...
- Why The Holidays Are The Perfect Time To Buy A Home - The countdown to the holidays is on and everyone is in a retail frenzy. Is a home the number 1 item on your wish list this year? Buying a home over the holidays may not be such a bad plan. Surprisingly, this is one of the best times of the year to get into your ...
- The Pros And Cons of A 30-Year Mortgage - Unlocking the door to homeownership often involves navigating a maze of mortgage options. In the Canadian real estate landscape, where housing prices seem to defy gravity, considering a 30-year mortgage might just be the key to making your dream home a reality. While the more traditional 25-year mortgages remain the go-to choice for many Canadians, ...
- Beyond Your Mortgage: The True Costs of Condo Ownership - So, you’ve decided it’s time to step beyond renting and purchase a condo of your own. As you plan your home-buying journey, it’s not just about the mortgage, there are other costs that come with owning a condo. Let’s dive into the other expenses you need to know, so you can budget wisely and enjoy ...
- Why Working With A Mortgage Broker Is Crucial In Today’s Market - When it comes to hunting for the right mortgage, most people usually make a beeline for their local bank. It’s what we’ve always done, right? You sit down with a bank rep who knows all about mortgages, and they lay out your options. But guess what? Just because it’s the usual way doesn’t mean it’s ...
- Understanding The Difference Between Amortization And Your Mortgage Term - When you’re looking for a new mortgage, or renewing your existing mortgage, sometimes all the different dates and numbers can get a bit confusing – not to mention the wording and contractual obligations. Before you sign on the dotted line, and end up getting yourself locked into something you’re not happy with, let’s look at ...
- What You Need To Know Before Renewing Your Mortgage - When you signed your mortgage contract and got the keys to your new home, thoughts of renewal were a long way off. But now, the time is fast approaching where you’ll have to make some big decisions – should you stay with your existing lender or look for someone new? Whichever you choose, it’s important ...
- Rent vs. Own: Is Now The Right Time To Buy Your First Home? - There was a time when buying your first home and securing your first mortgage was an integral part of the Canadian dream. Fast forward to today, and it’s evident that this dream has undergone a profound transformation. With prices soaring to new heights and housing markets experiencing unprecedented growth, the path to homeownership has become ...
- What To Do When You’re Unhappy with Your Mortgage. - Are you starting to feel like your mortgage may not be the right one for you? Is it time to refinance? Maybe you’ve been plugging away at it for years, and it doesn’t feel like you’re making any headway in terms of paying it off. Maybe you want to find a way to make the ...
- Dollars and Sense: A Practical Guide to Saving For Your Down Payment - You’ve been dreaming of that perfect home, the one you and your partner have longed for. You’ve been working hard to save up a down payment for the mortgage but every month, it seems that your savings go down and the cost of getting into the market goes up. Just saving for a down payment ...
- What To Do When You’re Feeling The Weight Of Your Mortgage - When you secured your mortgage, you were so excited to find and move into your dream home. Everything was looking rosy and then mortgage interest rates started going up – and up. A variable-rate mortgage seemed like the best option at the time but now you’re worried. The past year witnessed a series of seven ...
- From Blueprint to Reality: What You Need to Know About Mortgages & Building Your Dream Home - When searching for a new home, you’ll find one that suits your space and location needs, but does it truly fulfill your dreams? Probably not. That’s where the allure of building a custom home comes in. With a custom home, you have the freedom to design a space that reflects your unique style without having ...
- Can You Reverse A Reverse Mortgage? - If you’re nearing retirement you’ve likely heard of a reverse mortgage. But, understanding what it is and if it’s the right financial solution for you at this point in time — that’s tricky! A reverse mortgage is a financial product that allows Canadian homeowners, including those in Ontario, who are typically 55 years of age ...
- Demystifying Mortgage Interest: Understanding How it Impacts Your Home Financing - I’m often asked about mortgage interest and how it impacts a home buyer over the length of their amortization period. The short answer is: Mortgage interest in Ontario refers to the cost you pay to borrow money from a lender to purchase a home. When you take out a mortgage loan, the lender charges you ...
- Mastering Debt, Saving Your Down Payment and Enjoying a Budget-Friendly Summer - Now that the long, cold winter is finally behind us, it can be tempting to forget about our carefully crafted budgets and indulge in the pleasant weather. However, it’s essential to remember that our financial plans remain just as relevant during the summer months, even though sticking to them may feel more challenging. Fortunately, there ...
- Is A Chip Reverse Mortgage The Right Solution For You? - A term that seems to be tossed around a little more lately for those over the age of 55 is CHIP Reverse Mortgage and more and more I have clients asking if it’s a smart tool for them to use. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves you should know that it’s a ...
- Closing Costs Rundown – Everything You Need To Know - Buying a home isn’t as simple as submitting a down payment, signing some papers, and being on your merry way. There are many extra fees that don’t normally come straight to your mind after signing off on your mortgage. Closing costs refer to the fees and expenses associated with the purchase or sale of a ...
- Navigating The Spring Housing Market Like A Pro - The spring market is in full force! Are you prepared as a first-time home buyer or someone looking to buy their second, third, or fourth home? The spring market is here and we’re speeding ahead into summer which means now is the time to get pre-approved for the mortgage you need. There are several ...
- Getting The Best Rate When Renewing Your Mortgage - Did you know? 88% of mortgage holders renew with their existing lender. But what if I told you that you may get a better rate when renewing your mortgage with a different lender? At the end of the day, it all comes down to money. Getting a lower interest rate means you will be paying ...
- Qualifying For A Mortgage As A Single Individual - Qualifying for a mortgage can be a daunting task for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for single individuals. Without the added financial support of a partner’s income, it can be challenging to meet the income requirements set by lenders to officially become a homeowner in today’s real estate market. However, being single doesn’t ...
- The Good & The Bad of Reverse Mortgages - When thinking about a mortgage, most people just think about the traditional uses for a mortgage, speaking with a mortgage broker to secure it and paying off that mortgage with interest added to it. However, there are so many options to explore when it comes to your mortgage. As a mortgage broker, it’s my job ...
- How Credit Scores and Mortgages Work - Getting approved for a mortgage involves being prepared with several things, including having a down payment saved, completing your mortgage application, and collecting all the supporting documents like your ID, employment history, annual income, and other items required by the lender. But aside from all the paperwork, there is one major factor that affects your ...
- “My mortgage is up for renewal and the rates are higher than I’d like. What should I do?” - Is your mortgage up for renewal? Should you let it automatically renew? Change your lender? Try and tweak your mortgage terms. Before you dive into making that decision, let’s think about it for a moment. Mortgage rates are high right now, so having a financial game plan could save you thousands of dollars on your ...
- Should you buy a home now or wait for interest rates to drop? - Buying a home can be a bit of a gamble but, it’s also one of the best investments you’ll make in your life assuming you do your homework. Maybe you buy a home and find out all the wiring has big problems so you have to hire an electrician to come in to completely redo ...
- Mortgage Amortization – Should You Go Long Or Short? - Wouldn’t it be nice to not have a need for a mortgage? Unless you’re selling your home and downsizing and moving to a lower-cost area, this reality may not be possible. So, if that’s the case, and you DO need a mortgage, the question you might have is “Should you go for a longer mortgage ...
- What Is An Equity Take-Out Mortgage? - If you’re like many Canadian homeowners at the moment, you’re likely looking for different ways to increase your monthly cash flow and how to pay down your debts. Maybe you want to finish paying off your existing mortgage, you want to move into a larger home, or you just want to feel a little more ...
- Should You Refinance Your Mortgage Or Keep Your Sub-2% Mortgage Rate? - By now, I’m sure you’ve heard that interest rates have increased all around, whether it’s on your mortgage or other existing loans But, I want to assure you, now is not the time to stress; there are many options available to you when it comes to your mortgage. As an experienced mortgage broker and financial ...
- What You Need To Know About Buying A House In 2023 - The past few years have been crazy in the world of real estate. Now that we’re approaching the spring market of 2023, and everything is back to normal since the COVID-19 pandemic, you will notice a slight change in market conditions. If you’re looking to buy a home in 2023, use this as your guide ...
- How To Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage When Buying A Family Home - If you’ve stumbled across this article, it must mean you are thinking about buying a new home for your family. Whether it’s your first home or tenth, it can be an overwhelming time for you. But I’m here to answer any of your questions that you may have as well as to help you overcome ...
- How To Fund Your Retirement Using Your Home - First off, I just wanted to say congratulations that you’re thinking about or looking into retiring. Retirement is a huge milestone, and I want to ensure the stress of your finances isn’t taking away from your excitement that you’ll have more time in the day to do whatever you would like without pesky work getting ...
- 5 Ways To Avoid Mortgage Financing Hiccups - It’s tempting to splurge now and then with a late-night restaurant visit, tickets to your favourite game, or some new home decor pieces. However, these “splurges” can creep up on your wallet. Sure, we can’t be perfect with our spending habits, but it’s important to stay on track with your budget when it comes to ...
- Are You Ready To Be A First-Time Home Buyer? Ask Yourself These 6 Questions First. - Are you thinking about buying your first home? How exciting! Before you choose your paint colours and home decor, ask yourself these 6 questions to see if you can buy now, or if you should wait a little longer. Learning the process of becoming a homeowner will make you less stressed about this huge financial ...
- What Do Higher Interest Rates Mean To You? - Interest rates are on the rise, and I want to make sure you’re prepared to know what this means for your mortgage. We all want the lowest rate possible to have extra money to spend on food, entertainment, or a vacation. But, when it comes to interest rates and mortgages why bother spending extra money ...
- 8 Secrets To Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster - Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you don’t have to pay your mortgage anymore?! You could save all that money and put it towards your retirement or that vacation you’ve been dreaming of. It’s easy to let money stress you out and get you down. However, if you invest some time and effort, you ...
- Is This The Right Time To Refinance My Mortgage? - There are many benefits to refinancing your mortgage. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right time for you to do so. With inflation and mortgage rates rising, be sure to look at your existing contract and assess whether or not refinancing will cost you or save you money ...
- How The Government Is Helping First-Time Home Buyers - For first-time home buyers, it may feel like there are always new obstacles in the way of buying your dream home. But, don’t sweat! There are many options available to help you purchase your first home. The government has many FTHB (first-time home buyer) initiatives to help you get the ball rolling in this tough ...
- Why Is Most Of My Mortgage Payment Going To Interest? - Another paycheque is coming out of your bank account and going straight to your mortgage. It feels like a neverending story — year after year of paying your mortgage so you can have a roof over your head. “Has it been 25 years yet?”, you question yourself. Hate to break it to you but you ...
- The Mortgage Stress Test & How To Pass It In 2022 - No one likes to hear the word “test”. But don’t sweat, this is a test you don’t have to study for. A mortgage stress test isn’t exactly what it seems. Sure, it can still send chills up your spine and you may lose some sleep wondering if you’ll pass, but with an experienced mortgage broker ...
- How Can LGBTQ2+ Couples Find A Mortgage? - Happy Pride Month! This month is all about showing your true colours and celebrating your unique identity with “pride!” Finding a home to live in, no matter who you are, can be challenging in this competitive market, especially as a first-time home buyer. Your sexual orientation shouldn’t affect your chances of finding your dream home ...
- What You Probably Don’t Know About Renewing Your Mortgage - Breakups can be tough… but breaking up with your mortgage doesn’t have to be. What if I told you that you don’t have to renew your mortgage with the same lender as before? It’s nothing personal…it’s just that another lender is stealing your heart with lower mortgage rates and better offers. Forget the dating apps ...
- Which Is Better – a HELOC or a Reverse Mortgage? - Sometimes, life can throw you a curveball and you find yourself in need of an infusion of cash. This could be because of illness, unemployment or a sudden need for repair or replacement of a big-ticket item. You may not have long-term savings to dip into, especially if your priority has been paying your mortgage, ...
- How to Prepare to Buy a Cottage - It’s that time of year when cottage life is calling your name. You’re itching to go up north, enjoy the outdoors, and escape your responsibilities at home. Sure, renting an Airbnb is nice, but owning your very own cottage is even more exciting! You have free reign to make it your very own home-away-from-home to ...
- Everything You Should Know About Mortgage Rates - We all want the lowest rate possible on our mortgage, right?! It would be nice to have extra money to spend on food, clothing, your brand new truck, and so on. You may feel like most of your income is coming in one door, and immediately heading out the other. However, there are many options ...
- Getting Divorced? These Are Your Options When It Comes To Your Mortgage - Going through a divorce is something that you don’t expect to deal with in life, it just happens. Not only are you dealing with emotional stress, but you have to add financial stress into the equation. Separating all your finances, assets, bills, and credit cards from one another can be a headache and a half. ...
- The Responsibilities of Becoming a Mortgage Co-Signer - Agreeing to become the co-signer of a mortgage for a home you, yourself won’t live in, is a big step. It’s important to trust the person you’re supporting 100%, and you should be aware of the requirements, responsibilities, and risks that come with being a co-signer before signing on that dotted line. Talk to your ...
- The Rules of Gifting a Down Payment in Canada - It’s becoming more and more common for parents to help out their children who are buying their first house by gifting them a large amount of money to use for their down payment. According to Mortgage Professionals Canada, down payment gifts from parents have doubled since 2000-2016 from 7% to 15%. With house prices getting ...
- New Year; New Home! - Do your 2022 new year resolutions include moving and buying a home this year? Start your new year’s resolution ASAP. The housing market is still hot and interest rates are still at record lows. But, who knows if it will stay that way. Last year, homeowners saw around a 30% equity increase from 2020 to ...
- 9 Questions To Ask Yourself When Preparing For A Mortgage - So, you are ready to take the next step in life and are officially “adulting” by saving up for a mortgage! That’s awesome. Before diving deep into searching for your “dream house” which is a mansion on a private island, take a step back and look to see what you need to prepare for a ...
- What Is A Private Mortgage? - The real estate world is a fast-moving industry where the buyer’s decisions must be made quickly. Sometimes an unexpected house comes up on the market before you have time to get pre-approved for a mortgage through a traditional lender or have time to figure out your finances if your credit score isn’t exactly where it ...
- Getting Pre-Approved For A Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed - It’s that time of year for a self-employed business owner to sit down and file your company’s year-end. But are you planning on buying a house in the near future? Or is your mortgage up for renewal soon? These are important questions to think about if you are a freelancer or entrepreneur. When it comes ...
- How To Afford A Mortgage After A Separation Or Divorce - A divorce is an extremely emotional process that affects all aspects of your life moving forward. You must make a variety of difficult decisions including those that revolve around your living situation. A common debate between couples is what happens to the house after they get divorced? Who will get to keep it? Are you ...
- What To Do If You Didn’t Get Approved For A Mortgage - House shopping is an exciting adventure. It means starting a new chapter in your life for your family and making a new home for yourself. Although it is a time of excitement, it can also seem overwhelming with challenges along the way. For example, what happens if you find out that you didn’t get approved ...
- Why You Should Work With A Mortgage Broker When Buying A Condo - You’ve decided to move and are now searching for the perfect condo to call home. You’ve researched which neighbourhood you want to live in, what condo buildings are in the area, and even have a plan for which colour you want to paint your bathroom. However, before you find your dream condo, you should take ...
- Why Is Your Credit Score is Important When Buying a House? - Buying a house is usually a big and exciting step in our lives. Once you’ve found the house you love, and contact a mortgage broker to secure the mortgage you need to buy it, your credit score is one of the first things that you will be reviewed by your mortgage lender. A Credit score ...
- Reverse Mortgages: The Pros and Cons - Times have changed. In Canada, life expectancy is much longer than it has been in the past. People are living well into their 90s and their savings and pensions don’t always add up to the amount they actually need to live on in retirement. When typical sources of income like these fall short, older Canadians ...
- 4 Reasons You Should Work with a Mortgage Broker - With each passing year, more people like you are looking to buy their first home. You’ve made an offer on the house you want to call home. Now you need to figure out which mortgage lender to work with when it comes to getting pre-approved for the mortgage you need. Navigating mortgage contracts and fully ...
- What’s the Difference Between Fixed & Variable Mortgage Rates? - So you’ve finally found the house of your dreams and can’t wait to call it home. Your finances are in good shape and you want to get pre-approved for a mortgage. You know buying a house is usually a long-term commitment so you want to choose the right mortgage and interest rates. In finance, interest ...
- Why You Need to Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval in 2021 - Buying a home is a goal many young Ontarians have on their to-do list and it’s a lofty one at that. With housing prices soaring in the past couple of years and rent prices increasing at a similar pace, how is one to get far enough ahead financially in order to buy a home? That ...
- Buying a Home in Retirement & What You Need to Know - Retirement is a time in life that we all dream about. The day we can quit our job, celebrate with a big party and kick back and relax for years to come. The idea of retirement might make you think of spending your days cozied up with a few good books, long walks with ...
- Important Things to Know About Renewing Your Mortgage - Before the end of your term, you will have to renew your mortgage unless you sell your home before your mortgage term ends. A mortgage renewal is the process of taking the outstanding balance of your mortgage loan and renewing that loan for another term at a new mortgage rate. Typically, you want to renew ...
- Using Your Mortgage to Pay Down Debt and Increase Cash Flow - On the surface, your mortgage may be a long-term investment or a way to save for your future. But a mortgage is more than what meets the eye. Even though a mortgage is itself a loan, similar to other types of debt, it can actually provide you with the opportunity to save money and can ...
- First-time home buyers – Does it make sense to buy a house now or wait? - If there is one thing we have all noticed lately it’s how crazy home prices are. If there is a second thing we have all noticed it’s how crazy rental rates are to rent a house or apartment as well. So the burning question of late is: Does it make sense to buy a house ...
- Understanding How Mortgage Penalties Work - It is important before signing any mortgage agreements to read the fine print. Mortgage penalties are an important part of a mortgage agreement; however, most homeowners don’t find out about them until they have to pay them. When shopping for a mortgage, you should carefully consider your options and choose a mortgage that best fits ...
- Top Tips for Getting a Low Mortgage Rate - There is more to getting a great mortgage rate than just comparative shopping. It is also much more than having a good credit score. When you apply for a mortgage, there are many factors your lender will review to determine not only if you qualify for a mortgage, but what interest rate you will pay. ...
- Should you refinance your mortgage? - When you choose to refinance your mortgage, you replace the existing mortgage you have in place with a new one with different terms. There are many reasons a person may choose to refinance their mortgage. Perhaps interest rates have dropped since you signed your mortgage. Or maybe you want to tap into your home equity. ...
- Mortgage FAQs for First-Time Home Buyers - When you buy your first house, you have so many mixed emotions roll through you. From the excitement of buying a home of your very own, to a fear of buying the wrong house, to simply being overwhelmed by the whole process overall. It’s no small decision, buying your first home. That’s why I like ...
- How much of a down payment do you need? - You’re ready to buy a house. You’ve lowered your debt, you’ve been saving for a down payment for a while, and you’re finally ready to take the next step in buying your first home. When buying a house, the down payment is one of the biggest upfront expenses you will have to pay. The more ...
- What is amortization? And other mortgage terms you should know. - If you are a homeowner, or you are a first-time homebuyer, it is important to know at least a few common terms used when talking about mortgages. While you may not need to talk about mortgages very often, you can expect to have a conversation about your mortgage at least every five to ten years ...
- A Quick Guide To Different Types of Mortgages in Canada - Getting approved for a mortgage is an exciting time. While it can be hard work, buying a house is one of the most rewarding experiences people go through in their life. Not only do you have a place to call your very own, but you are also investing your money into your future. However, there ...
- How to afford your first home in Ontario - As it is widely known, Ontario is one of the most expensive provinces to live in, second to British Columbia. According to a recent report, Milton, Mississauga, and the GTA are the three most expensive cities in all of Ontario to buy a house in 2021. Prices are high, and there are tons of first-time ...
- What to do if your debt is in the way of getting approved for a mortgage - Buying a house is exciting but hearing that you can’t get approved for a mortgage can be heartbreaking. However, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any hope. There are many reasons why you may not get approved for a mortgage, or not approved for an ideal amount. For many people, the culprit is their outstanding debt. ...
- Beyond a Mortgage, what are the costs involved with buying a house? - You’ve decided to buy a house – congratulations! You’ve met with a fantastic mortgage agent or mortgage broker (like me), got approved for a mortgage, and have had your offer approved for the house of your dreams. But if this is your first time buying a house, have you considered what expenses come next? Buying ...
- What is a guarantor on a mortgage? - You’ve tried to get approved for a mortgage, but you didn’t get approved for the amount you were hoping for. What are your next steps? Well, firstly let me start by saying that you still have tons of options. It can be disheartening to hear that you haven’t been approved for the ideal amount. But ...
- Buying your first home 101 - Thinking about buying your own place? Buying a house is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences a person can go through. It can also be pretty overwhelming, particularly if you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to secure your first mortgage. Buying real estate is also one of the biggest financial decisions you will probably ...
- Why get pre-approved for a mortgage? - Many people believe that their first step in buying a home is contacting a realtor to start house hunting. What you’ve heard, is untrue. Buying a house doesn’t start in an open house or with a search on MLS, it starts in a mortgage broker’s office. Why? Well, before you start shopping for a house, ...
- Spring 2021 & The Real Estate Market - 2020 was easily one of the hottest years in the Ontario real estate market to date. There was a huge demand for residential real estate, and it’s a trend we have continued to see throughout the beginning of 2021. There are tons of buyers out there, like yourself, but not quite enough supply for the ...
- Getting approved for a mortgage if you’re self-employed. - You’re thinking about buying a house, that’s great! Buying your first home is an exciting financial venture to take on. One of the first steps you will take on that journey is finding out how much of a mortgage you can get approved for. But, as someone self-employed, there are a few extra steps you ...
- What is the Affordable Homeownership Program? - With housing prices on the rise and Barrie becoming one of Ontario’s most sought-after real estate markets, buying a house for many Ontarians may feel close to impossible. But it doesn’t have to be this way. What’s amazing about the province we live in, is that you have options available to help you reach your ...
- Taking the leap from renting to owning a house - To rent, or not to rent? That is the question – whether to continue renting or to buy a house and take on a mortgage. There’s a common misconception that renters are throwing their money away, and another that you need to buy a house as soon as you can afford a down payment for ...
- Got the winter blues? Don’t let them be from mortgage woes. - Is your mortgage giving you a case of the winter blues? You’re not alone. Many of us dream of having our monthly mortgage payments just disappear overnight. Now, overnight may be far too ambitious, but what if I told you that there are ways you can pay off your mortgage faster. Well, there are! These ...
- Falling out of love with your mortgage? How & when to call it off. - Is your mortgage causing you financial grief? Do you feel as though your monthly mortgage payments are draining your wallet? It could be because your mortgage is too high. On average, if more than 30-32% of your annual income is going towards your mortgage payments, you’re paying too much for your mortgage. But there’s no ...
- When & how to access your home equity - When you take on a mortgage, it feels as though you’ve taken on a large amount of debt. Although this is partly true, it’s important to remember that a mortgage is an investment. Your home holds a lot of your financial wealth, which is your home equity. Home equity is the value of a homeowner’s ...
- 3 Ways To Avoid The Holiday Debt Crunch This Year - The joys of the holidays are fast approaching. The lights, the decorations, the Christmas cheer …and of course – the holiday debt. Money is a big stressor for many of us during the holidays, especially this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, your wallet may be looking a little bit lighter than usual. Your finances don’t ...
- How to reach your down payment goals - You’re thinking of buying a house, that’s fantastic! Buying a house is a rewarding experience but requires a lot of planning and thinking ahead. More specifically, you need to think about your future financially if you choose to buy a house. What is your current financial situation like? Are you in a good enough place ...
- How to Keep Your Home In a Divorce. - It’s a common debate between a married couple getting a divorce: who gets to keep the house? However, the question you should be asking yourself is: who can afford the house on their own? A divorce is an extremely emotional process where sometimes our feelings can mask our better judgement. Many of us have emotional ...
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