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 […]

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 […]

Most people believe that being mortgage free is their plan for retirement. That means paying off your mortgage as fast as possible becomes the priority and having other forms of investments are considered only after your property is paid off. It is important to decide what option will give you the balanced diversification and protect […]

As a mortgage professional, I do everything I can to maintain a high credit score. For example, I pay off my credit card in full, or at least the monthly minimum, on time every month. I don’t overuse credit and I stay under 75% of my credit limit. However. . . I recently switched from […]

Looking to increase your homes property value? Here are five of the best renovations you can do to your home to increase property value. These five renovations can sometimes have a return on investment 5-6x what they cost. # 5 Flooring Flooring is one of the most important aspects of your house. You will see […]

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) issued its quarterly housing market assessment and outlook yesterday, suggesting that, for the first time ever, there are “problematic conditions” in housing markets at the national level in Canada (see table below for details). As well, CMHC expects national housing starts and MLS sales to decline slightly in 2017 before stabilizing in […]

With the recent changes to the mortgage rules in Canada, we take a moment to look back at the evolution of the mortgage, and to highlight these new changes and what they mean. LOOKING BACK BEFORE 2008 During this time, lending and mortgages were much more laid back! There was 100% financing available, 40 year amortizations, […]

Most of us know that changing your mortgage payment from monthly, or semi monthly, to an accelerated bi-weekly payment instantly reduces your standard 25 year amortization by 2.58 years with today’s rates. (If you didn’t know that, you’re likely not working with the mortgage professionals at Dominion Lending Centres). Sometimes, however, an accelerated bi-weekly payment option might […]

That’s right! Sure the new mortgage rules from our Federal Government on October 17th can be a bit confusing, here are five tips to help you with your mortgage while at the same time, reducing your stress. 1. Review your Credit File: Good credit is your ticket to informed borrowing and purchasing, great rates and, […]

Lately we’ve seen projections that rates will begin to increase through the next 15 months. Some banks have projections that show the 5 year bond will increase from the current .65% to 1.7% that 1.05% increase will equate to these numbers. The 5 year mortgage rate on average is set by most lenders at the bond […]