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. – Refinance up to 95% the value of […]

Fixed Interest Rates This is usually the more popular choice for clients when it comes to deciding on which type of interest rate they want. There are many reasons why, but the most unsurprising answer is always safety. With a fixed interest rate, you know exactly what you are paying every month and you know […]

Collateral Mortgage Charges – The Facts As the financing world changes with tighter policies, new regulations and tougher qualifications, I feel it is very important to revisit some information surrounding Collateral Mortgage Charges. A collateral mortgage charge according to The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada website is; Collateral charge A collateral charge can be used […]

If you have mortgage & real estate questions, we have the answers. Join us November 22nd for a very informative information session about your real estate and home financing options. Please follow the link to register. https://dominionlending.worldsecuresystems.com/first-time-home-buyers

Here we are again on the brink of more mortgage rule changes. Federal regime after federal regime has been tightening our mortgage rules for about 10 years. Granted, it is worth noting that previous mortgage qualification rules were arguably loosey-goosey and some prudent changes were necessary. Now they are becoming almost impossible and some may […]

One of the best-kept secrets in the mortgage industry is the Owner Occupied Rental Program.  Did you know, that anyone can buy and owner-occupied duplex, tri-plex or even a four-plex with only 5% down?  It’s true!  The best part is that many lenders will allow you to use 100% of the rent to help you […]

So, you want to buy a house?   You need information that is accurate and up-to-date.  Many first time home buyers start googling on the internet.  It is very easy to get confused and overwhelmed with the amount of information available.  Fixed rates, variable rates, CMHC, Genworth, 5% down, 20% down, insured, conventional, collateral charges…. […]

Are you tired of the mass media paranoia?  The Housing Bubble! Debt-to-income Ratios! Canada Is On The Verge Of Economic Collapse!  Foreign Investors!  The Stress Test!  The Liberals, The Conservatives, The NDP are destroying our country or province or something or other virtually every day.  It would seem that the sky is falling. Take a […]

Mortgages are simple.  They should be easy to acquire and should have a common-sense based application process.   However, over the last decade, there have been numerous changes.   The regulators have decreased our amortizations from 40 years to 35 to 30 and now 25 (for insured mortgages).  They have curtailed and obstructed small business […]