Articles About Buying a Home

Canada Mortgage Market Trends: Rate Expectations, Variable Makes a Comeback, and RIP First-Time Homebuyers Incentive

Discover the latest trends shaping Canada’s mortgage market in this insightful article. Explore the significant rate declines and the resurgence of variable-rate mortgages, driven by anticipated Bank of Canada rate cuts. Bid farewell to the First-Time Homebuyers Incentive (FTHBI) and embrace the tax-friendly benefits of the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), designed to empower aspiring homeowners. Stay informed, make strategic decisions, and navigate the path to homeownership effectively with these invaluable insights.

Considering Breaking Your Mortgage? Keep These Things in Mind

Breaking a mortgage involves altering the terms of your mortgage contract or not fulfilling the entire term. Common reasons for doing so include falling interest rates, changing financial circumstances, or the need to sell your home. Mortgages can be open or closed, with open mortgages allowing penalty-free contract changes but usually having higher rates. Closed mortgages involve fees for breaking the contract, and it’s essential to evaluate potential savings from lower interest rates against associated costs, which differ based on whether you stick with your current lender or switch to a new one.

The Bank of Canada Has Been On a Rate-Hiking Tear. Is That About to Change?

The Bank of Canada, once focused on raising interest rates, may now be considering a pause due to changing economic conditions. In response to high inflation, the central bank had aggressively increased rates in 2022, but the economy has shown signs of deceleration. If the economy continues to weaken, the Bank of Canada could reverse its rate-hiking strategy and lower interest rates in early 2024. This potential shift could impact various financial aspects, including mortgage rates and savings account returns, making it important for individuals to stay informed about the changing economic landscape.

When are interest rates going down? And how did Canada get here?

The article explores the consequences of rising interest rates in Canada, leading to concerns among homeowners and businesses facing higher borrowing costs. Political leaders have criticized the Bank of Canada’s rate hikes, attributing increased inflation to these actions. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem expressed concerns about inflation progress. Interest rates influence economic behavior and are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Economists predict rates to stay at five percent until at least Q3 2024, with further increases in 2025.

Greener Homes Grants: making the most of new home energy retrofit programs

Canadian homeowners can access government programs for greener home retrofits, including interest-free loans of up to $40,000 over ten years (Canada Greener Homes Loan), grants of up to $5,000 (Canada Greener Homes Grant), and a 25% mortgage insurance premium reduction (CMHC Eco Plus). These retrofits help improve energy efficiency and can lead to significant long-term savings, with potential reductions of up to 78% in energy costs over ten years, making them a wise investment amid rising energy prices.

Why private mortgages are becoming so popular in Canada

As it becomes more difficult to secure a mortgage traditionally through a bank, Canadians are turning to the private mortgage option. Increasing more people are using private mortgage brokers to finance homes for various reasons. The high interest rates are putting pressure on homeowners and some people simply aren’t able to get a mortgage at their bank. Private mortgages in dollar value are at $22.4 billion in Ontario alone.

How to eliminate your mortgage payments with a reverse mortgage in Canada

Amidst the rising interest rates in Canada, homeowners, especially those with large loans like mortgages, are facing financial concerns. The unexpected hikes have resulted in higher monthly payments, posing challenges to stay in their homes. However, there are solutions to ease the burden during this economic climate. For eligible homeowners, a reverse mortgage offers a viable option, allowing them to eliminate mortgage payments and securely remain in their homes.

Are we in a buyer’s market? April 2023 Edition

While interest rates have gone up, there are some things that contribute to it being a good time to buy. Many Canadians know that home ownership is a great long-term investment. However, they also acknowledge the higher interest rates may have a negative effect on their ability to buy or sell a home. At this point, 67% of Canadians wouldn’t consider purchasing a home in the early part of 2023.

Mortgage credit score required for mortgage approval in 2023

Can you afford the monthly payments and property taxes as well as any incidentals that might come up? Here’s a guide on what a lender is looking for in terms of your credit score and how to get an approval.

How to Buy a Foreclosed Home in Canada in 2023

Foreclosure may be forced on a homeowner because of criminal activity or bad living conditions. There are many circumstances that can cause someone to be removed from their property. Lenders who keep the liens to properties like this will need to do something to get some of their money back as they will be at a loss. The lender is legally allowed to sell the home, putting it up for sale.

The 30 Cheapest Places to Live in Canada for 2023

If you’re currently living in one of the areas in Canada that are inflated, you may want to consider looking for a new place. There are plenty of affordable towns and cities in Canada to get in on owning a home. There are some mortgages you may not currently be able to access because you don’t qualify. If you have the freedom to move, you may want to consider it. There are a lot of Canadians that are working remotely now. If you don’t need to live in one of the expensive cities like Vancouver or Toronto, it’s a great opportunity to explore this incredible country.

The 10 best real estate apps for Canadians looking for a house in 2023

The technology of real estate has made great progress, making it easier than ever to house hunt while navigating complex home equity loans applications. Here’s our list of the 10 best real estate apps available to Canadians.

Canadian Housing Market News 2023

If you’re looking to get a mortgage, you may be able to purchase for less than you could a year ago but you’ll be dealing with much higher interest rates. It’s harder to meet the requirements for a good mortgage rate at the moment as the CMHC changed protocols based on the change in interest rates. However, for those who have excellent credit, the interest rate can be reduced, which is a silver lining. There are a few facts you’ll want to know as a Canadian looking to get in or out of the real estate market in 2023.

Canadian mortgage market: rising interest rates and what that means for consumers

After flat and falling interest rates for many years, 2022 has been the year of rising interest rates. We saw prime rates go up for the first time in almost 4 years. Fixed rates are going up as well.
Let’s look at what rising interest rates means for consumer in the Canadian mortgage market.

What You Should Know About Getting a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed

When you’re self-employed, dealing with fluctuations in your income can be tough. What’s even tougher in some cases however, is trying to get a mortgage without a regular paycheque. Here’s what you need to know about getting a mortgage in Canada when you’re self-employed.

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.

Top Strategies For Home Buyers Looking To Find The Best Mortgage

Unless you are fortunate enough to have cash to buy your home, getting the right property is only half the problem. The other half is in knowing the best type of mortgage to choose. This is why it is essential to pay attention to know the top strategies for home buyers looking to find the best mortgage.

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home

Buying a home has many benefits. While it’s probably one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, there are advantages that can save you money in the long run. There are deductibles and tax benefits you can take advantage of as a homeowner. It’s important to understand these benefits so you can figure out what kind of financial advantages that owning your home can offer you.

How do real estate commissions work in Canada?

Real estate commissions are paid to real estate agents who are responsible for listing the property or representing the buyer in the transaction. Depending on how a transaction is executed, the commission may be split between the seller and buyer.

Canadian Mortgage Rate Trends for 2021

In this article, you will find key information about current mortgage rate trends in Canada. The Bank of Canada (BoC) target rate, which is linked to variable mortgage rates, is at its lowest right now, so don’t expect any further drops! BOC has made a commitment to keep key rates low until the economy begins to recover. Many forecasters are predicting economic recovery will not gain pace until 2022 / 2023.

Difference between prime mortgage lenders and private lenders

When buying a new home or commercial real estate property, individuals and businesses use mortgage loans instead of making a single upfront payment. When taking a mortgage loan, borrowers can choose between a mortgage lender and a private lender. A mortgage lender can either be a prime mortgage lender or a subprime mortgage lender, depending on the borrower’s credit score.

Home Equity Loan in Canada

Homewise is a Free Online Mortgage Service That Saves You Time and Money

It’s almost too good to be true, but that’s what we love about our business; we get to help people realize their home buying dreams, and do it in a way that saves them a lot of time, money, and confusion.

Mortgage Points Information for New Buyers

Mortgage Points Information for New Buyers

Holding the keys to that first home is a milestone event in the life of an adult. New home buyers can become so caught up in getting a new residence that they miss the implications of important fine details of financing a mortgage. For instance, the impact of mortgage points on their loan may get...

Buying a Home With Bad Credit: Tales of Success

If a home loan is not approved on the first try, it pays to apply with another creditor that will be open to saying yes. There are countless lenders that offer mortgages specifically for buyers with bruised credit or other financial situations. All borrowers should know their credit score in advance so they have an idea of their chances for approval.

10 Ways to Save for a Down Payment

10 Ways to Save for Down Payment

Finding ways to save for a down payment is a normal part of the process of purchasing a home. The majority of home buyers secure financing to make what is probably the largest purchase of their lives. Here are 10 practical ways to save for a down payment!

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