The Bank of Canada Brings Out The Big Guns

Following yesterday’s surprise emergency 50 basis point (bp) rate cut by the Fed, the Bank of Canada followed suit today and signalled it is poised to do more if necessary. The BoC lowered its target for the overnight rate by 50 bps to 1.25%, suggesting that “the COVID-19 virus is a material negative shock to the Canadian and global outlooks.” This is the first time the Bank has eased monetary policy in four years.

According to the BoC’s press release, “COVID-19 represents a significant health threat to people in a growing number of countries. In consequence, business activity in some regions has fallen sharply, and supply chains have been disrupted. This has pulled down commodity prices, and the Canadian dollar has depreciated. Global markets are reacting to the spread of the virus by repricing risk across a broad set of assets, making financial conditions less accommodative. It is likely that as the virus spreads, business and consumer confidence will deteriorate, further depressing activity.” The press release went on to promise that “as the situation evolves, the Governing Council stands ready to adjust monetary policy further if required to support economic growth and keep inflation on target.”

Moving the full 50 basis points is a powerful message from the Bank of Canada. Particularly given that Governor Poloz has long been bucking the tide of monetary easing by more than 30 central banks around the world, concerned about adding fuel to a red hot housing market, especially in Toronto. Other central banks will no doubt follow, although already-negative interest rates hamper the euro-area and Japan.

Canadian interest rates, which have been falling rapidly since mid-February, nosedived in response to the Bank’s announcement. The 5-yield Government of Canada bond yield plunged to a mere 0.82% (see chart below), about half its level at the start of the year.

Fixed-rate mortgage rates have fallen as well, although not as much as government bond yields. The prime rate, which has been stuck at 3.95% since October 2018 when the Bank of Canada last changed (hiked) its overnight rate, is going to fall, but not by the full 50 bps as the cost of funds for banks has risen with the surge in credit spreads. A cut in the prime rate will lower variable-rate mortgage rates.

Many expect the Fed to cut rates again when it meets later this month at its regularly scheduled policy meeting, and the Canadian central bank is now expected to cut interest rates again in April. Of course, monetary easing does not address supply-chain disruptions or travel cancellations. Easing is meant to flood the system with liquidity and improve consumer and business confidence–just as happened in response to the financial crisis. Expect fiscal stimulus as well in the upcoming federal budget.

All of this will boost housing demand even though reduced travel from China might crimp sales in Vancouver. A potential recession is not good for housing, but lower interest rates certainly fuel what was already a hot spring sales market. Data released today by the Toronto Real Estate Board show that Toronto home prices soared in February, and sales jumped despite low inventories. The number of transactions jumped 46% from February 2019, which was a 10-year sales low as the market struggled with tougher mortgage rules and higher interest rates. February sales were up by about 15% compared to January.

DR. SHERRY COOPER

Chief Economist, Dominion Lending Centres
Sherry is an award-winning authority on finance and economics with over 30 years of bringing economic insights and clarity to Canadians.

Closing Costs Explained.

Closing costs are one of the largest variables for new home buyers, especially first time home buyers.

All three mortgage insurers require that the clients have their down payment saved + an additional 1.5% of the purchase price for closing costs.   The problem with this is, that closing costs are usually closing to 2.5% to 3%.   This is really problematic when a client finds out that they are a few thousand dollars short to close.

Closing costs include, Land Transfer Tax, Legal Fees and Disbursements, Title Insurance, Interest Adjustment, Property Tax Adjustment as well as any PST on insurer premiums.

Please ask us for our very own closing costs calculator to help calculate your closing costs or down loan our app by visiting our website.

Please watch our video and like it on YouTube and refer to our “Closing Costs Example” for more information.  Please feel free to share with your clients.

Click the link below for our YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afCGOxdR5fg&t=9s

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:

1. Check the credit score.
2. Identify any potential challenges.
3. Fix any errors.
4. Make any recommendation for improvement.

For an insured mortgage the minimum credit score is now 620, for a conventional “A” deal 600 and for conventional “B” deals 500.   Insured mortgages are usually less than 20% down and convention deals will have 20% or more down payment.

Negative Impacts:

• High Limits and Balances
• Missed payments
• Unpaid judgements and collections
• Revolving credit facility that are over limit.

For a credit score to be considered very good, it needs to be 680 or higher out of a possible 900.   Tips to keep your credit score high:

1. On-time payments
2. Different types of credit (installment and revolving).
3. Keep balances below 50% of the limit.

The Mainstream Team are experts in repairing credit.  If you or anyone you know is having credit issues, we would be happy to give them an opinion on how to fix their credit and what steps to take.

Please watch our video and like it on YouTube and refer to our “Credit Scores & How They Affect Your Mortgage Application” for more information.  Please feel free to share with your clients.

Click the link below for our YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqSQC3S3_U

If you have any clients looking for a mortgage pre-approval or mortgage advice please have them visit our website or call Peter at 204.227.2744.

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 help more Canadians achieve their housing needs while also taking measured actions to contain risks in the housing market. A stable and healthy housing market is part of a strong economy, which is vital to building and supporting a strong middle class.”

These changes will come into effect on April 6, 2020. The new benchmark rate will be the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insurance applications, plus 2%.
This follows a recent review by federal financial agencies, which concluded that the minimum qualifying rate should be more dynamic to reflect the evolution of market conditions better. Overall, the review concluded that the mortgage stress test is working to ensure that home buyers are able to afford their homes even if interest rates rise, incomes change, or families are faced with unforeseen expenses.

This adjustment to the stress test will allow it to be more representative of the mortgage rates offered by lenders and more responsive to market conditions.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) also announced today that it is considering the same new benchmark rate to determine the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages.

The existing qualification rule, which was introduced in 2016 for insured mortgages and in 2018 for uninsured mortgages, wasn’t responsive enough to the recent drop in lending interest rates — effectively making the stress test too tight. The earlier rule established the big-six bank posted rate plus 2 percentage points as the qualifying rate. Banks have increasingly held back from adjusting their posted rates when 5-year market yields moved downward. With rates falling sharply in recent weeks, especially since the coronavirus scare, the gap between posted and contract mortgage rates has widened even more than what was already evident in the past two years.

This move, effective April 6, should reduce the qualifying rate by about 30 basis points if contract rates remain at roughly today’s levels. According to a Department of Finance official, “As of February 18, 2020, based on the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from insured mortgage applications received by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the new benchmark rate would be roughly 4.89%.” That’s 30 basis points less than today’s benchmark rate of 5.19%.

The Bank of Canada will calculate this new benchmark weekly, based on actual rates from mortgage insurance applications, as underwritten by Canada’s three default insurers.

OSFI confirmed today that it, too, is considering the new benchmark rate for its minimum stress test rate on uninsured mortgages (mortgages with at least 20% equity).

“The proposed new benchmark for uninsured mortgages is based on rates from mortgage applications submitted by a wide variety of lenders, which makes it more representative of both the broader market and fluctuations in actual contract rates,” OSFI said in its release.

“In addition to introducing a more accurate floor, OSFI’s proposal maintains cohesion between the benchmarks used to qualify both uninsured and insured mortgages.” (Thank goodness, as the last thing the mortgage market needs is more complexity.)

The new rules will certainly add to what was already likely to be a buoyant spring housing market. While it might boost buying power by just 3% (depending on what the new benchmark turns out to be on April 6), the psychological boost will be positive. Homebuyers—particularly first-time buyers—are already worried about affordability, given the double-digit gains of the last 12 months.

Dr. Sherry Cooper

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 or meet with us in person. We collect their Names, Address, Birth Date, SIN#, Address History, Employment History, Assets & Liabilities.
2). Consent & Credit Check: We have the client sign a consent form. This allows us to check their credit and communicate their information to the lender of choice and keep their REALTOR and Lawyer informed along the process. We verify the credit score, typically we like to see a score of 620 or higher for an insured mortgage. We make sure that all payments are paid as agreed, that all credit facilities are under their limit and that any collections, judgements or other debts are paid as agreed and are reporting correctly on the client’s credit bureau.
3). Income Documentation: For employed clients we always request a letter of employment confirming the client’s start date, positions, wage/salary and GUARANTEED hours per week worked. The letter has to be on company letterhead. The letter is typically valid from 60 day from the day of issue. We will always request the clients two most recent paystubs. We verify and cross reference the information on the employment letter with the paystubs. We confirm the hours worked, the wage or salary and the year-to-date income. In some cases we will also request the two most recent years T4s. This would be to confirm overtime income or part time not guaranteed hours (we can take the lower of the most recent year or an average of the two years whichever is lower).

For self employed clients we will request the two most recent year T1 General Full Tax Returns *all pages* as well as the corresponding Notices of Assessment. We must also confirm that any income taxes owing are paid in full. If incorporated, we will require two years Accountant Prepared Financial statements (notice to reader), two years T2 Corporate tax returns and articles of incorporation and a corporate search.
4). Secondary Income Documentation: This type of income is usually Canada Child Benefit or Spousal support. For Canada Child Benefit we will request the children’s birth certificates, CCB statement and 3 months bank statements confirming the CCB deposits. For Spousal support, we will request the fully executed and notarized separation agreement and 3 months bank statements to confirm the amount deposited.
5). Down Payment Documentation: We will request 90 day bank history from any savings account, TFSA or RRSP. We verify account ownership and look for any large deposits made within the 90 day period. Typically any deposits over $2,500.00 will need to be verified or have to seed for an additional 90 days. For gifted funds we will request a gift letter from an immediate family member and confirmation of the gifted funds deposited into the client’s account. For Flex-down Mortgages, we will require a copy of the loan or credit facility used and that the funds have been deposited in the client’s account. For down payments coming from the sale of an existing home, we will require FIRM Offer to purchase, existing mortgage statement, & most recent property tax bill.
6). Existing Properties Not Being Sold – We will require and existing mortgage statement or title search and property tax bill.
The mortgage application process is simple. There is a lot of work that we have to do to make sure that the client’s are approved and won’t run into any snags. This is why we love working with our REALTORS who appreciate this process and want to make sure their clients have an amazing home buying experience.
7). Once we review all the documentation and information we perform our mortgage calculations and determine a maximum mortgage amount based on the amount of money the client is comfortable paying each month as well as a debt service ratio which typically needs to be under 44% for most borrowers. This ratio is a calculation of all of the client’s debt and housing payments divided by the clients eligible household income.
8). Once the pre-approval or approval is in place, it is very important that the clients maintain their credit standing, maintain their current employment as well as their current debt levels. This means that a client may not quit their job, change employers, buy any major purchases on credit as well as keep all their existing credit current and not miss any payments.

Please watch our video and like it on YouTube and refer to our “Documentation Checklist” for more information. Please feel free to share with your clients.
Click the link below for our YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH3FJIIPHeE

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:

• 5% Down Payment for properties $500,000 or less.
• Maximum 1 unit (no duplexes under this program).
• Property must be owner occupied or occupied by an immediate family member.
• New Construction must have New Home Warranty
• Max Loan under this program for Manitoba is $600,000
• Strong Credit Bureau required.
• Down payment can be borrowed under flex-down guidelines.

Type B:

• 10% Minimum Down Payment
• Minimum credit score of 680
• Maximum Loan Amount of $350,000
• Down payment must be from client’s own resources.

This is an excellent program for clients who are looking to purchase a cottage or vacation property.  It is also wonderful for parents who are purchasing a home/condo for their children while they are going to school/university.  For a full list of type B property exceptions please contact us directly or refer to our handout.

Please watch our video and like it on YouTube and refer to our “Second & Vacation Homes” handout for more information.  Please feel free to share with your clients.

Click the link below for our YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wS7A0mt4Rg

If you have any clients looking for a mortgage pre-approval or mortgage advice please have them visit our website or call Peter at 204.227.2744.

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).  Strong credit profile
5).  Obtained full-time PERMANENT employment and passed their probationary period.

If the clients do not have an established Canadian History (2 years preferred), they can submit secondary sources of credit i.e. 12 month rental receipts, cell phone bills or utility bills.  We can even request an international credit report from Equifax if available.

Should the clients have 10% down or more, they can submit a letter of reference from a recognized financial institution (In English preferably or translation costs will apply) OR 6 months of bank statements from their primary account.

Clients must have 5% down payment from their own resources, any gifted down payment funds will only be added to the clients own 5% down payment.   The exception is A down payment gran provided under a Genworth Canada approved Affordable Housing Program may be used as down payment at 95% LTV.
Please watch our video and like it on YouTube and refer to our “New To Canada Program” handout for more information.  Please feel free to share with your clients.

Click the link below for our YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX0i7B6r6bQ

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 agreement. The agreement should be prepared by a lawyer or completed by one of the DIY versions available online and notarized.

The agreement should list how the assets are to be divided and any spousal or child support payable or receivable.

It is very important to note that when clients are planning on selling the marital home that they have the sale proceeds in hand before purchasing a new home. While it is possible to do a bridge loan for the down payment funds, it is usually very difficult to do as both parties would need to agree to and sign the bridge loan document.

If a client is struggling with their down payment, it is possible for them to qualify to withdraw their RRSPs under the HBP – Homebuyer’s Plan without any tax implication.

We are also able to help either party remortgage the marital home with only 5% Down/Equity.

Please watch our video and like it on YouTube and refer to our “Getting A Mortgage After A Divorce Or Legal Separation” handout for more information. Please feel free to share.

Click the link below for our YouTube video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-7zhy7sYPs

Please Contact The Mainstream Mortgage Team for more information

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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 quotes and find out how serious the challenges are.

enjoy the blog…

5 MISTAKES FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS MAKE

Buying a home might just be the biggest purchase of your life—it’s important to do your homework before jumping in! We have outlined the 5 mistakes First Time Home Buyers commonly make, and how you can avoid them and look like a Home Buying Champ.

1. Shopping Outside Your Budget
It’s always an excellent idea to get pre-approved prior to starting your house hunting. This can give you a clear idea of exactly what your finances are and what you can comfortably afford. Your Mortgage Broker will give you the maximum amount that you can spend on a house but that does not mean that you should spend that full amount. There are additional costs that you need to consider (Property Transfer Tax, Strata Fees, Legal Fees, Moving Costs) and leave room for in your budget. Stretching yourself too thin can lead to you being “House Rich and Cash Poor” something you will want to avoid. Instead, buying a home within your home-buying limit will allow you to be ready for any potential curve balls and to keep your savings on track.

2. Forgetting to Budget for Closing Costs
Most first-time buyers know about the down payment, but fail to realize that there are a number of costs associated with closing on a home. These can be substantial and should not be overlooked. They include:

• Legal and Notary Fees
• Property Transfer Tax (though, as a First Time Home Buyer, you might be exempt from this cost).
• Home Inspection fees

There can also be other costs included depending on the type of mortgage and lender you work with (ex. Insurance premiums, broker/lender fees). Check with your broker and get an estimate of what the cost will be once you have your pre-approval completed.

3. Buying a Home on Looks Alone
It can be easy to fall in love with a home the minute you walk into it. Updated kitchen + bathrooms, beautifully redone flooring, new appliances…what’s not to like? But before putting in an offer on the home, be sure to look past the cosmetic upgrades. Ask questions such as:

1. When was the roof last done?
2. How old is the furnace?
3. How old is the water heater?
4. How old is the house itself? And what upgrades have been done to electrical, plumbing, etc.
5. When were the windows last updated?

All of these things are necessary pieces to a home and are quite expensive to finance, especially as a first- time buyer. Look for a home that has solid, good bones. Cosmetic upgrades can be made later and are far less of a headache than these bigger upgrades.

4. Skipping the Home Inspection
In a red-hot housing market a new trend is for homebuyers to skip the home inspection. This is one thing we recommend you do not skip! A home inspection can turn up so many unforeseen problems such as water damage, foundational cracks and other potential problems that would be expensive to have to repair down the road. The inspection report will provide you a handy checklist of all the things you should do to make sure your home is in great shape.

5. Not Using a Broker
We compare prices for everything: Cars, TV’s, Clothing… even groceries. So, it makes sense to shop around for your mortgage too! If you are relying solely on your bank to provide you with the best rate you may be missing out on great opportunities that a Dominion Lending Centres mortgage broker can offer you. They can work with you to and multiple lenders to find the sharpest rate and the best product for your lifestyle.

Geoff Lee