Mortgage Matters
The problem with early mortgage renewals
Is your mortgage renewing this year? If so, many lenders are contacting their mortgage clients well in advance of the renewal date to offer an early renewal. No...
Mortgage brokers offer flexibility banks often can't match
Whether you are thinking about purchasing a new property or planning to consolidate some of your high interest credit card debt, your first thought might be to...
How mortgages have changed over the years in Canada
There have been many changes to insured mortgages over the years. Amortizations have been reduced, premiums have increased and some programs have even been...
Doing can annual mortgage review could save you money
Here’s my dilemma – how do I communicate the importance of an annual mortgage review, not only to my clients but to everyone who currently has a...
Reverse mortgages can help older couples who are getting divorced
So far in 2022, there are more than 1.9 million divorced people between the ages of 55 and 89 years old in Canada. This phenomenon, commonly known as...
For some, a consolidation loan may be answer to dealing with debt
A recent survey found 53% of Canadian mortgage borrowers are concerned about the prospect of higher monthly payments at renewal time. Those with a variable rate...
With rising rates, which type of mortgage is best for you
Last Wednesday, the Bank of Canada increased its overnight benchmark interest rate 50 basis point to 3.75% from 3.25% in September. That was the sixth time this...
What you need to know about co-signing a mortgage
With our high mortgage qualifying rates at the contract rate plus 2% (approximately 7.5% today), and today’s high-priced real estate, it can be very...
Credit rating repair action list
As a mortgage broker, it is my business to assist you in getting the best possible rate for your current situation. Unfortunately your credit rating can affect...
Finding the money for home renovations
Are you living with a circa 1980s-style bathroom, carpet on the floor, cracked tiles, a leaky shower or an old bathtub? Or would you love to upgrade your...
The two primary type of mortgages available for vacation properties
I am getting many requests for cabin or vacation home financing. Often these properties will be categorized into "type A" or "type B" in...
The lowdown on reverse mortgages
A reverse mortgage is a way for homeowners 55 or older to turn up to 55% of the value of their home into tax-free cash. It’s a loan secured against the...
Two types of variable rate mortgages
Do you have a variable rate mortgage? Did you know that not all variable rate mortgages are equal? One is a variable rate mortgage and the other is an...
Credit rating, mortgages
A lack of basic financial knowledge can be the difference between getting a mortgage at a great rate and having a mortgage with an alternative lender where you...
Refinancing your mortgage can help in many ways
One of the questions I get frequently is “Can I refinance or restructure my mortgage mid-term?” The answer is yes. I can help you decide whether...
Hybrid mortgages can work to offset rising rates
A fixed mortgage? A variable mortgage? Why not both? If you are looking at renewing your mortgage this year, you will definitely be facing some payment shock...
Alternative lender mortgages can help in some instances
Everyone likes to believe that they will qualify for the very best rates and terms when they start shopping for a mortgage but this isn’t always a...
New mortgage product helps unlock value of your home
Reverse mortgages have been available in Canada for several years. This mortgage product allows you to get money from your home equity without having to sell...
Self-employed mortgage solutions
It is no longer as easy as it once was for the self-employed to obtain mortgage financing. If you have tried to secure a mortgage recently with an institutional...
How to deal with it if you have income tax owing
For people who are self-employed, the tax filing date hasn’t changed and taxes must be filed by June 15, 2022. Any payments for the current tax year are...