3 Dec

The great debate: Gen-x Vs. Millennial

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

If you’ve ever been around a Gen-Xer and Millennial together, you’ve probably heard this debate before: Who had it easier trying to get into the housing market? Undoubtedly, the millennial will claim there is no struggle greater than the one they currently face, while the Gen-Xer will tell their younger cohort that they are spoiled […]

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11 Nov

Homeowner Tips – Let the heat reach you.

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Dust or vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters and furnace duct openings often and keep them free from obstructions such as furniture, carpets and drapes. Replace/Clean Furnace Filters: Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system filters, such as those for heat recovery ventilators, should be checked every two […]

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8 Nov

Using the interest on a second mortgage as a tax write-off

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

We all know owning a second rental property is a great way to invest and build your wealth portfolio. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners sitting on plenty of equity are afraid to use that money for a downpayment to purchase a rental or investment property. The idea of a second or third mortgage tends to […]

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7 Nov

Should you go fixed or go variable?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

It’s the first and only thing anyone usually asks when you talk about your mortgage: What’s your rate? While everyone can recall their rate off the top of their head, it’s the only detail of the mortgage they remember or care to know. Though the rate is obviously important, your mortgage is so much more […]

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29 Oct

NEED AN APPRAISAL – 7½ TIPS FOR SUCCESS

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Do you need to get a current value of your property? Then you are going to need an appraisal. Banks and other lending institutions want to know the “current” market value of your home before they consider loaning money on the property. An appraiser checks the general condition of your home and compares your home […]

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24 Oct

WHAT THE ELECTION RESULTS MEAN FOR YOUR MORTGAGE

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

With all the news we have seen on the election, I thought I would sum it up from a mortgage industry perspective. What the liberal win means for your mortgage: 1. We will see the continuation of the First Time Home Buyers’ Incentive. Check out the link for more information at https://www.placetocallhome.ca/fthbi/first-time-homebuyer-incentive 2. Property Transfer […]

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22 Oct

6 THINGS ALL CO-SIGNORS SHOULD CONSIDER

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Co-signing on a loan may seem like an easy way to help a loved one (child, family member, friend, etc. ) live out their dream of owning a home. In today’s market conditions, a co-signor can offer a solution to overcome the high market prices and stress testing measure. For example, if you have a […]

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17 Oct

MORTGAGE RENEWALS WITH THE SAME LENDER ARE ON THE RISE, BUT SHOULD YOU JUST SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

If you’re in a mortgage that’s coming up for renewal in the coming months and you’re considering just staying with your current lender, you wouldn’t be alone. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Residential Mortgage Industry Report released in the summer, in 2018, the number of mortgage renewals with the same lender […]

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15 Oct

BUILDING A REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

More and more Canadians do not have a defined benefits pension plan. Companies are moving away from this model due to the expense of maintaining enough in the fund to pay out until the employee and survivors die. Those who are self employed also do not have pensions beside the Canadian Pension Plan. What can […]

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11 Oct

Homeowner Tips – Seal Out The Cold

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

In winter, reduce the heat lost from your home or workplace by getting rid of drafts around windows, doors, baseboards and outside wall openings. Windows can account for a large part of heat loss in a building. Upgrade them if they are too old. Window insulators can help keep your home warm in winter and […]

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