5 Dec

Breaking Down the Numbers: Is a 30-Year Amortization Right for You?

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

Breaking Down the Numbers: Is a 30-Year Amortization Right for You? Starting December 15, 2024, first-time homebuyers in Canada will have the option of a 30-year amortization on insured mortgages. Alongside this, the insured mortgage cap is increasing to accommodate higher home prices. Let’s dive into the details with an example. Example: $300,000 Mortgage with […]

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4 Dec

What Makes an Excellent Mortgage Application?

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

Submitting a strong credit or mortgage application is essential to securing the best terms and rates and making the mortgage process quick and seamless. Lenders want to see a clear financial picture that demonstrates your ability to repay the loan.  It’s also important to apply with correct personal information (marital status, address history, and citizenship […]

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25 Nov

Why Do We Ask for So Many Documents When Pre-Approving Clients

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

We put in the work upfront to ensure no surprises when you write an offer on your dream home. Our thorough pre-approval process focuses on income, credit, down payment, existing properties, expenses, and other critical items to set you up for success. Income Documentation Employed Individuals: Letter of Employment, pay stubs, T4s, and bank statements […]

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23 Nov

Canada’s Banking Regulator OSFI Just Made a Positive Change to Mortgage Renewal Rules

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

This week, OSFI (Canada’s banking regulator) announced an important and sensible adjustment to the mortgage renewal process: No More Stress Test at Renewal. Before anyone jumps to conclusions like, “Isn’t that risky?”, let’s break down how mortgage renewals work in Canada: Most Canadian residential mortgages are structured as short-term agreements. Over 95% of all mortgages […]

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6 Nov

Top 10 Mortgage & Financial Tips

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

When clients ask us for advice, we always emphasize that while everyone’s situation is unique, smart financial habits benefit everyone. Here’s our top 10 tips for a stable, successful path to homeownership—and beyond: 1️⃣ Focus Beyond the Rate: A mortgage should work for your life goals, not just have the lowest rate. 2️⃣ Create a […]

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2 Nov

Thinking Beyond the Mortgage: Financial Planning for Homeowners

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

Thinking Beyond the Mortgage: Financial Planning for Homeowners When securing a mortgage, it’s easy to focus on rates and payments, but the true cost of homeownership goes beyond just the monthly mortgage. A solid financial plan can help set you up for success. Here are some critical questions to ask: Have You Considered All the […]

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16 Oct

Stronger-Than-Expected Jobs Data and Easing Inflation: What Does It Mean for Mortgage Holders?

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

Stronger-Than-Expected Jobs Data and Easing Inflation: What Does It Mean for Mortgage Holders? The Canadian economy has had a surprising turn of events in September, bringing both a boost in employment and a further slowdown in inflation. Statistics Canada reported a robust increase of 46,700 jobs last month, reversing the flat growth seen over the […]

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9 Oct

Feds Launch Mortgage Refinancing Program to Boost Secondary Suites and Ease Housing Crunch

General

Posted by: Peter Paley

The federal government is rolling out new mortgage changes aimed at addressing Canada’s housing shortage, this time focusing on the development of secondary suites. Starting January 15, 2025, homeowners will be able to tap into up to 90% of their home’s value through a default-insured mortgage refinancing program to build self-contained secondary suites. This move […]

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