Credit Scores & Credit Reports & How They Affect Your Mortgage Application. A good credit score is one of the most important pieces of a successful mortgage application.   As Mortgage Professionals, we always request a full credit report at the time of application.  This allows us to: Check the credit score. Identify any potential […]

Minister Morneau Announces New Benchmark Rate for Qualifying For Insured Mortgages The new qualifying rate will be the mortgage contract rate or a newly created benchmark very close to it plus 200 basis points, in either case. The News Release from the Department of Finance Canada states, “the Government of Canada has introduced measures to […]

Mortgage Application Process & Required Documentation Explained When a client is looking to get a pre-approval or doing a mortgage application for a home they just purchased the process is almost the same. Derek, Colten and I follow the same steps. 1). Get the application – The client will generally fill out our online application […]

Second Homes, Cottages and Vacation Properties Getting a mortgage for a second home or vacation home is really quite simple.  There are two types of mortgage applications.   One for Type A properties (4 season homes, condos, single family) and type B properties (3 season cottages, seasonal access, floating foundations).  Let’s address each type. Type A: […]

NEW TO CANADA PROGRAM The New To Canada Program was designed for new Canadians  who want to purchase a house, condo or build a new home.  The clients must have: 1).  Immigrated or Relocated to Canada within the last 60months 2).  A valid work permit or permanent residency 3).  Have minimum 5% down payment 4).  […]

Getting A Mortgage After A Divorce Or Legal Separation: When clients have decided to divorce or separate, what are their next steps? It is very important that both clients keep up all credit payments including credit cards, loans, lines of credit and especially their mortgage payments. They must prepare or have prepared a legal separation […]

A History Of Mortgage Rule Changes In Canada In 2008, the Federal Government started making some changes to how mortgage applications are approved in Canada. I think it important to recap some of these changes. Prior to the first rule change: – No down payment required – finance 100% – Maximum amortization was 40 years. […]

Today’s blog is so good.  It is so easy for a first time home buyer to get all caught up in the moment.  However, at calm and steadfast approach to home buying is required.   Love the house? GREAT!  Look at the roof, mechanicals, appliances and structure.  Even if some of these items require attention, get […]

Adjusting your payment frequency and payment amount is an excellent waty to pay your mortgage down faster and help decrease that pesky compounded interest!   Enjoy the blog…. PAYMENT FREQUENCY One of the decisions you will need to make before your new mortgage is set up, is what kind of payment frequency you would like […]

It is rare for the Bank of Canada and the US Federal Reserve to announce rate decisions on the same day, but today’s announcements highlight the stark differences in policy in the two countries. The Bank this morning announced they would maintain their target for the overnight rate at 1.75% for the eighth straight meeting. […]