The Mortgage Gal
Help your friends
The Bank of Canada recently released a paper on the "Competition in the Canadian Mortgage Market", which presented some very interesting findings. ...
Important terms when buying a home
Assumption Agreement: A legal document signed by a homebuyer that requires the buyer to assume responsibility for the obligations of a mortgage by the builder...
Divorce and your home: (part 2)
Q If I want to go buy another home - am I going to be out of luck while I am still listed on the old mortgage? A although it is difficult and not usually...
Divorce and your home: Part One
There are many questions you might be asking at this time, particularly surrounding your home. We are here to help. Let's break down some the the basics. ...
Updating your kitchen on a budget
We all want the finer things in life, but while many of us have expensive tastes, we don’t always have such lavish budgets. And, when it comes to updating...
Why choose me?
“Why” am I a Mortgage Broker and “Why” should you do business with me? My business coach asked us last week to come up with our “Why”. He gave us a...
Fixed or Variable Rate?
There has been a lot of talk regarding fixed and variable rate mortgages and which one is best for you. There are a couple of questions that you can ask...
Save with the way you pay
"How will you pay for this today?" Maybe it’s time to change the way you answer this common checkout question. With more payment options than ever, consumers...
Changes to mortgages
Changes to Mortgages That Will Affect Most Mortgage Holders Jim Flaherty, Finance Minister announced three changes to mortgage financing in hopes of increasing...
Budgeting for interest rate hikes
Interest rates, near historic lows for much of the past two years, are widely expected to increase through the latter half of 2011. The cost of carrying debt,...
Tips to get approved for a mortgage
If your home ownership fantasies have been rudely awakened by loan officers denying your application, it’s time to take control of your situation and learn...
Christmas cards
There are few holiday traditions as time-honoured as Christmas cards. A mailbox bursting with good tidings from family and friends is one of the fundamental...
Is your mortgage tax deductible?
Shopping for a mortgage is an intimidating process for most homeowners because, outside of interest rate, most people just don’t know what questions to ask....
Protecting home buyers
The Buyer Protection Plan (BPP) was developed by Calgary Mortgage Trainer, Greg Williamson of 180 Degrees Solutions. Williamson says the Buyer Protection Plan...
Market commentary
We have definitely weathered a storm here especially in British Columbia. The inaccurate fears of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) caused a huge rush of people trying...
Home buyer protection plan
Are you a buyer thinking about purchasing a property but worried because the media keeps reporting prices are going to drop further? Do you know someone who...
A stable market means opportunity
With low interest rates and the average home sale being close to 7 months from listing date, this is a good time for consumers to look at their buying options....
Eight ways to save money
Many Canadian families are working hard to save money and reduce debt. By saving modest amounts, however, you can reap big rewards over time. Here are easy ways...
Back to school shopping
Start your back-to-school shopping with a game plan. Even if your child""s teacher hasn""t provided a list of school supplies, you can""t go wrong by sticking...
Mortgage payment difficulties
When unforeseen financial circumstances impact your ability to make regular mortgage payments, it""s important for you to take quick action. With early...