14 Mar

WHAT IS AN UNINSURABLE MORTGAGE?

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

13 MAR 2019 With the mortgage rule changes in recent years, lenders have had to make some adjustments to their rate offerings. There are different tiers and rate pricing based on the following 3 categories: 1) Insured – a mortgage that is insured with mortgage default insurance through one of Canada’s mortgage insurers, CMHC, Genworth […]

Read More
5 Mar

VARIABLE RATE? TO LOCK IN OR NOT?

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

This post applies if you are taking a new mortgage, whether it’s for a purchase, refinance, or renewal. The variable remains the main contender. But what about all the economists saying if you are currently in a variable rate mortgage then you should rush to ‘lock in’? You mean the economists that are employed by […]

Read More
26 Feb

LOOKING FOR A MORTGAGE…YOU BETTER KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

Over the last month, as the big banks and many of our monolines mortgage lenders wind down their fiscal year, we are starting to see some very obvious changes in what your credit score can get you. I heard a few months ago that 720 beacons were going to become the new 650. The 650 […]

Read More
24 Feb

5 REASONS WHY YOU DON’T QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

It’s not just because of finances. As a mortgage broker I receive calls from people who want to know how to qualify for a mortgage. Most of the time it comes down to finances but there are other reasons as well. Here are the 5 most common reasons why your home mortgage loan application could […]

Read More
23 Feb

MINIMUM DOWN PAYMENTS

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

Are you looking for that new dream home, or anything that will get you out of your current rental property so you can officially become a homeowner? If so, what is the minimum amount you are required to put down? Below are three different purchase price categories. Each one has their own minimum down payment […]

Read More
21 Feb

TAX REBATES FOR HOMEOWNERS

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

It’s getting to be that time of year when we are collecting our tax receipts to file taxes and hopefully get a nice cheque back from CRA. 1st time homebuyer’s Tax Credit If you purchases a home in 2018 don’t forget to apply for the $5,000 tax credit. This could result in up to $750 […]

Read More
20 Feb

GROWING CANNABIS AT HOME? LET’S WEED THROUGH THOSE MORTGAGE ISSUES!.

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

As many of you already know, Canada just became the second country in the world to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Of course, this historic moment in Canadian history has cannabis activists jumping for joy while others are not s-toked on the idea. With legalization comes the realities of growing your own pot […]

Read More
16 Feb

3 REASONS WHY YOUR REALTOR WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE A GARAGE

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

Your realtor will be happy to list your property and sell it for you. However, if you have a garage, they will be much happier. Why? Here’s the reasons why realtors prefer to sell homes with garages: 1 – Homes with a garage, attached or detached sell faster and for more money, usually $20-30,000 more. […]

Read More
15 Feb

HIGH RATIO AND CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGES

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

There are two different types of mortgages when it comes to their balance in relation to the value of your home- high ratio or conventional. When you applying for a mortgage, lenders use a ratio called loan to value. Your loan to value is exactly what it sounds like, the size of your mortgage in […]

Read More
13 Feb

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’RE READY TO BUY A HOUSE?

General

Posted by: Patti MacLennan

Here are 7 signs that you’re ready to buy your first home… 1. You have saved enough for the down payment Most people think the biggest hurdle to overcome when buying a house is saving up a down payment. You normally need to save at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. […]

Read More