Smarter Loans Staff

The Smarter Loans Staff is made up of writers, researchers, journalists, business leaders and industry experts who carefully research, analyze and produce Canada's highest quality content when it comes to money matters, on behalf of Smarter Loans. While we cannot possibly name every person involved in the process, we collectively credit them as Smarter Loans Writing Staff. Our work has been featured in the Toronto Star, National Post and many other publications. Today, Smarter Loans is recognized in Canada as the go-to destination for financial education, and was named the "GPS of Fintech Lending" by the Toronto Star in 2019.

Articles by Smarter Loans Staff

Removing a Charge-Off From a Credit Report

Creditors use charge-offs as a last resort when a borrower stops paying a credit card, personal loan, or other debt. At that time, the debt is moved to the creditor’s bad credit ledger and the charge-off is reported as a derogatory remark on the credit file. Although a lender may write off a debt, it doesn’t end there for the borrower. A charge-off does not make the debt disappear. Removing a charge-off from a credit report is possible but there are no shortcuts in the process.

How to Repay a Reverse Mortgage

Reverse mortgages may have the word “mortgage” in the name, but unlike a traditional mortgage, you aren’t required to make any regular payments during the term of the loan. You do have to pay back the lender eventually though. Here are some of the ways you can pay back a reverse mortgage lender.

Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC: When Each One is Best

Are you trying to decide between a reverse mortgage and HELOC? Here are some things to consider.

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When is the Right Time to Take Out a Reverse Mortgage?

Is now the right time to apply for a reverse mortgage? Here is when taking out a reverse mortgage can make the most sense.

Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages

Are you considering a reverse mortgage? Here are some of the pros and cons.

3 Best Uses for Reverse Mortgages

Are you thinking about a reverse mortgage? Here are three of the best uses for one.

The hidden costs to consider when buying a home

Buying a home for the first time is a fantastic experience. The process seems like it goes by super quickly, but so many homebuyers do not realize some of the expenses of buying your first home. So, we thought it was about time that we took some time to let you know some of the costs that you may face when it is time to put pen to paper. We should note that each sale is a little different, and you might see different or lower costs when it is your time to buy.

The official unofficial Canadian Mortgage Document Checklist

Buying a home is an exciting and often overwhelming process. The pace is fast, and no matter if you are looking for a new home or refinancing your current mortgage, the paperwork is sometimes daunting. We thought it was time to simplify and provide you with the official, unofficial Canadian mortgage document checklist.

Instant Loans in Canada

How do I calculate how much home equity I have?

Buying a home for the first time is a fantastic experience. The process seems like it goes by super quickly, but so many homebuyers do not realize some of the expenses of buying your first home. So, we thought it was about time that we took some time to let you know some of the costs that you may face when it is time to put pen to paper. We should note that each sale is a little different, and you might see different or lower costs when it is your time to buy.

Interest Rates Increasing – Time To Refinance?

A couple of weeks ago, the Bank of Canada increased the overnight rate again by 0.5 per cent. We are looking at yet another raise from all indications as the government seems to cool the red-hot housing market and curb rising inflation across the country. However, for those with a mortgage, the question is, is now the time to refinance? It will depend on your specific situation, but here are a couple of things to consider when looking at if it is time to refinance.