Throughout the pandemic, many individuals are wondering if it is a good time to buy a property. Ultimately, each person’s situation is different, but here are some tips that can help you on your journey: Build a healthy down payment Utilize your RRSPs – If you have RRSPs, there is an opportunity to leverage… Read More
Everywhere you turn right now, mortgage brokers and banks have been promoting numerous ads and promotions encouraging Canadians to refinance. The reason there is noise in the market about refinancing, is the Bank of Canada is holding the policy rate that lenders follow, at 0.25%. Given we are in a pandemic, Canadians are spending… Read More
Applying for a home loan is the first step to take when getting serious about buying a home. It will help you understand how much house you truly can afford. Get ready for the application process by gathering your financial info, finding a lender to work with, and getting pre-approved. You can always shop around… Read More
While open houses seem pretty casual, savvy buyers know that checking out a home isn’t just about aesthetics or a quick view. In today’s hot market, you might not get another look before making an offer. If you’re seriously interested in a home, get a feel for the things you can’t change: the neighborhood &… Read More
Many first-time home buyers, especially in competitive markets, end up in starter homes as a part of their first foray into the real estate market. The idea of a “starter home” goes back to World War II. After veterans completed their service, they returned home and took advantage of a provision in the G.I. Bill… Read More
Canadians are usually very conscientious about managing individual and family debt. However, in recent years, fueled largely by ultra-low interest rates, many of us have taken on more debt than we normally would. And that raises the risk of credit default. With each missed payment or overdue bill, comes the spectra of credit rating downgrades. Missing… Read More
There was a time when Cash was King! Anything you needed, you had to pay cash. That changed (not so long ago, I might add), when people paid for Big ticket items, like home appliances and furniture, by cutting a cheque. Millennials may not have to use a cheque in their lifetime, since payment modes… Read More
The ups and downs of the stock market are legendary. However, not every Canadian has the temperament or the patience to be a trader. And that’s why the Canadian property market offers a unique investment opportunity. But, when it comes to financing your property investment, be it through a first or second mortgage – how… Read More
It’s a tough market to get a mortgage application approved. In order to avoid paying for default insurance, home buyers typically need to secure 20% of their home’s purchase price for a down payment. There are other benefits to paying a more substantial down payment. For one, it reduces your monthly principal and interest payment…. Read More
With one in three Canadian mortgage holders feeling overwhelmed by their mortgage payments, we give you an insight into the advantages of paying off your mortgage ahead of time. The most important question to address in this article is whether it’s worth your while to pay your mortgage off early. And by this, I’m addressing… Read More