22 Nov

THE PERSONALITY OF YOUR MORTGAGE

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Everyone knows that Mortgages come with a rate attached to them. But few know that each Mortgage Product has a PERSONALITY too! The Personality of a mortgage product is a key component in selecting the right mortgage for you and your unique needs. So sit back, take some notes, and take your mortgage on a […]

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21 Nov

INTEREST RATES & MORE

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Last week we touched on TD’s 0.15% move with existing variable rate mortgage clients. There is nothing new to add as TD remains the only lender to make such a move with variable rate clients. Perhaps TD back downs down soon, perhaps other banks join them – time will tell. The fresh news on rates is […]

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15 Nov

REMEDIATED GROWOP. A GOOD INVESTMENT?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

It is forever in discussion in the Lower Mainland – is a former grow-op home a good investment? Prices are often much lower than similar properties so at first glance it seems so. But the stigma will follow the property in perpetuity, unless it’s razed to the studs and rebuilt. If it’s been remediated that […]

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14 Nov

WHAT IS NEXT FOR PRESIDENT ELECT DONALD TRUMP?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

A populist uprising that has very disturbing elements of racism, xenophobia, misogyny and isolationism has taken Donald Trump to the White House–a man with no experience in government or public service and a man whose business success has been sketchy at best. America’s allies are in shock and have been deeply distressed about Trump’s implied New […]

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10 Nov

ASIDE FROM BANKS, WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR MY MORTGAGE?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

When purchasing a property, it can be an overwhelming experience. Especially with the current real estate market when you need to make fast decisions and you need to get your questions answered quickly. Many think that their only option is talking to their bank where they do their daily banking to get their mortgage. The […]

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9 Nov

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING TO BUY A FORECLOSURE

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

When bad things happen to good people sometimes the reality is they just can’t keep up with their mortgage payments. While Canadian mortgage defaults are amongst the lowest in the world at just 0.31%, foreclosure still happens. In BC, if a lender forecloses on a homeowner they are required to give the borrower a 6-month […]

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7 Nov

3 STEPS TO KEEP YOUR CREDIT IN CHECK

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

If you have have overextended yourself with credit card debt, or have consolidated all of your consumer debt into your mortgage, or are at the point where you just want to cancel your credit cards, we have the 3 steps for you to follow to get your credit back in check. DO NOT CANCEL ALL […]

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4 Nov

WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER? YOUR MAXIMUM MORTGAGE NUMBER

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

What is the maximum mortgage amount one now qualifies for with the rules that came into effect on October 17th? Short answer: LESS. A minimum of 20% less, in fact. Before October 17th, the lenders calculated the maximum mortgage amount based on the contract rate of 2.49%, but now it is based on the Bank of […]

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3 Nov

BANK OR MORTGAGE BROKER?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Mortgages are like vehicles. A bank is similar to the brand, Ford or Toyota for example. How long you have a mortgage before it’s time to renew is like the model, a Fusion or Camry. The rate is similar to the car’s paint color, and the mortgage benefits such as prepayment privileges and portability are […]

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