According to the latest Statistics Canada’s 2016 census data released last month, Canadian seniors now outnumber children for the first time, with 5.9 million Canadian seniors compared to 5.8 million Canadians 14 years of age or younger. The number of Canadian seniors is expected to continue to grow because of the gains in life expectancy. […]

In the past, it was easy to give our clients the best mortgage rate available. Unfortunately, new government regulations have created a fragmentation of interest rates that make “giving you our best rate,” more complex. It’s important to distinguish between what is “insurable” and “uninsurable.” An “insurable” mortgage is approved at 25 years amortization and […]

Single-family detached homes are the most popular choice of Canadian homeowners, but aspiring first-time homebuyers should consider all their options before starting their house hunt. Don’t overlook the perfect option for your family – you may be surprised by what’s out there, at or below your budget. According to Statistics Canada, over half (55 per […]

In a competitive real estate market or a market that is suffering from a lack of available listings, the Purchase Plus Improvements mortgage could be your saving grace. Regardless of whether you’ve just started your search for a new home or if you’ve been hunting for months, this is something that you should be thinking […]

The need to refinance your mortgage can be for many reasons. Whichever the reason you are refinancing, there are a few things to consider. One of the top questions we are asked as a Mortgage Broker is “will refinancing hurt my credit?” The answer to this question brings cause for a closer look at the […]

When someone calls me up out of the blue for a mortgage , I often ask them, “Why did you call me?” Often the reply is that a family member suggested it. I then ask, “Do you know what I do?” Once again , I will get a reply that they aren’t sure. I will […]

Ever wonder how your mortgage rate is determined? What factors make it jump from percentage to percentage? We are getting down to the nitty gritty today and giving you the facts on what impacts mortgage rates. What affects a Mortgage Rate? There are 10 factors that affect a mortgage rate: 1. Location Depending on which […]

Renew (the mortgage industry meaning): to remain with the current lender by simply signing the renewal letter that comes in the (e)mail. Switch (again, the mortgage industry meaning): to move from the existing lender to a different lender without leveraging any additional funds/equity; the outstanding balance remains the same. Is renewing your mortgage with the […]

Since 2012, it’s become the wild west of mortgage options out there for those folks who are living the Canadian dream of being Self Employed (also known as BFS, Business for Self).  In 2012, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions introduced Guideline B-20, which required federally regulated banks to tighten the rules for […]

Buying a home can be a really exciting time, so the last thing we want is for you to be hit by any surprises. Let’s take a look at five things to keep in mind before you write an offer. Get your mortgage in place before you write an offer. Meeting or speaking to an […]