26 Jul

CMHC CHANGES TO ASSIST SELF-EMPLOYED BORROWERS

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

As a self-employed person myself, I was happy to hear that CMHC is willing to make some changes that will make it easier for us to qualify for a mortgage. In an announcement on July 19, 2018, the CMHC has said “Self-employed Canadians represent a significant part of the Canadian workforce. These policy changes respond […]

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24 Jul

REFINANCES, RENEWALS & TRANSFERS

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

After you have purchased your new home, closed on your new mortgage, and are all moved in, what comes next? Well, when it comes to your mortgage, the next step is to either refinance, renew, or transfer your mortgage. This decision can be made one month into your new mortgage or one month before your […]

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23 Jul

5 REASONS WHY EVERY REALTOR NEEDS A MORTGAGE BROKER AT THEIR OPEN HOUSES

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Realtor Safety – While we do not have the safety issues that realtors experience south of the border, there have been incidents involving female realtors being assaulted or feeling uncomfortable being alone with strangers walking around the house. Property Safety – Did you know that when a realtor is holding an open house they are […]

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20 Jul

BREAKING A MORTGAGE – CAN YOU DO IT?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Do you have a mortgage? So do I! Looks like we have something in common. Did you know that 6 out of 10 consumers break their mortgage 38 months into a 5-year term? That means that 60% of consumers break a 5-year term mortgage well before it’s due…but do you also know what the implications […]

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20 Jul

PORTING A MORTGAGE?

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Porting a mortgage is something similar to transferring a mortgage. Transfers are when you move your current mortgage to a different lender in order to take advantage of different interest rates or mortgage products. Porting a mortgage is when you keep your lender, but move your mortgage to a different property. Now, not every lender […]

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18 Jul

REMODELING YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

With most of the summer still ahead, it seems like the best time for rest and relaxation. Or… it could mean the perfect opportunity to make those changes around the house that they have been waiting to do since the Spring! A renovation or remodel on your home could mean excellent returns on your investment. […]

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17 Jul

RISING INTEREST RATES AND THE IMPACT ON REAL ESTATE VALUES

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Rising Interest Rates and the Impact on Real Estate Values. Is there a direct connection? In a post entitled Interest Rates and Property Values. What’s the Connection?, I suggested that there was. An example was given which suggested that mortgage lenders would be directly impacted by a rise in rates, as their underwriting parameters, most […]

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16 Jul

RATE HOLDS EXPLAINED

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Have you ever heard of the term rate hold? If you have ever worked with a mortgage broker, chances are, you have! Rate holds are something that the majority of lenders offer to potential clients purchasing a new home who need a mortgage. Rate holds are generally not given out for people refinancing their mortgage […]

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13 Jul

10 SECRET “TO-DO’S” AFTER YOU FILE CONSUMER PROPOSAL OR BANKRUPTCY

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Many people go through challenges in life that affect their finances. Divorce, job loss, health issues top the most common reasons. I commend you on getting your finances sorted out and back on track. The moment you FILE that consumer proposal or bankruptcy is the time to start rebuilding your credit history. YES, there are […]

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11 Jul

CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGES

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

In case you didn’t know, construction mortgages are available through mortgage brokers! Even though the options for lenders are slim, it can still be accomplished. Unlike regular purchase mortgages where the funds are released on closing, the funds for construction mortgages are released in stages. With typically 15-month construction periods, here are the following advances: […]

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