The Mortgage Gal
Protect against mortgage fraud
A home is the single largest purchase that most Canadians will make in their lifetime, yet many homeowners are unaware of the dangers posed by identity thieves...
Finding your mortgage fit
You step through the door and feel the exhilarating rush that tells you this is the one this is the house for you. You’ve decided on the house, but now you...
Your dream renovation
The lure of a stunning gourmet kitchen or sparkling spa-style bathroom may have you chomping at the bit to begin a home renovation. But if you heed the advice...
The right time to buy
When is the right time to buy real estate? Seek advice from a mortgage professional to evaluate your options As with every market, the real estate sector...
Self-employed get credit for experience
We’ve all heard the old stories. A successful, self-employed Canadian who can work wonders in his or her professional life can’t manage to secure a decent...
Self-employed enjoy mortgages designed for them
Ahh…it’s a favourite daydream of working Canadians: to go into business for yourself! For some Canadians who are self-employed, their situation is the...
Six Home-Inspection Myths
Having faulty or misguided beliefs about home-inspection services can lead to poor buying processes and final decisions. Dan Steward, president of Pillar...
Mortgage Plain Talk
There are many stresses associated with home buying – both financial and emotional. And frankly speaking, it doesn’t help that the process comes with its...
Purchasing Second Homes
More Canadians than ever are purchasing second homes. No longer the purview of the wealthy, second home ownership has gone mainstream. For many Canadians,...
How Green Is Your Garden?
Canadians love their gardens – whether that means a patch of grass and a few sturdy shrubs by the deck, or a full-scale, blowsy English garden of roses,...
Happy Homebuying!
Congratulations! You’ve decided you’d like to become a homeowner. It’s a big responsibility, but one that comes with many rewards: both emotional and...
The Wow Effect
In the world of real estate, curb appeal is everything. Whether you’re selling your home, getting ready for some special entertaining, or just sprucing things...
Return Of The Clothes Line
The old-fashioned clothes line of our grandmother’s time may be due for a revival. The power blackouts of the past few summers have many Canadians thinking...
Tap Into RRSP
Thinking about buying your first home? Wish you had saved up a good downpayment? Maybe you have, but didn’t know it. First-time homebuyers can tap into their...
Too Good To Be True?
A “no-down-payment” mortgage that actually lets you borrow more than the home’s value? To most of us, the idea of a mortgage that actually lets you borrow...
Becoming A Homeowner
Congratulations! You’ve decided you’d like to become a homeowner. It’s a big responsibility, but one that comes with many rewards: both emotional and...
Closing Costs
You’ve come up with a down payment, searched for a good lawyer, and have found a reputable mortgage broker. Well done! You’re off to a great start in the...
Insuring Thirty Year Mortgages
In late February 2006, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)announced that they will be offering to insure 30-year mortgages – a significant shift...
Rental Property Investment
In so many ways we’ve become a nation of investors. Equities and equity mutual funds may not be as popular as they were in the late 90’s and in 2000, but...
Nation Of Farmers
Barely a half-century ago, Canada was a nation of farmers, and autumn was a celebration of thanks for the harvest. Today, it is hard to find fields dotted with...