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.
Fixed or Variable? What to Consider as Your Mortgage Comes Up for Renewal
When deciding between fixed or variable mortgages upon renewal, Canadians facing this decision should consider two key factors: the outlook for interest rates and their own risk tolerance. Historically, variable rates were favorable during low-rate periods, but with current economic uncertainties, locking in a fixed rate could provide stability and predictability in monthly payments. However, the path of short-term interest rates suggests that variable rates may see a decline in the coming months, making them an attractive choice for those who can tolerate some uncertainty. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual financial circumstances and the willingness to embrace potential rate fluctuations.
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 Secure Easy Financing through a Private Mortgage Lender in Canada
If you have bad credit, have irregular income, depend on foreign income, or are new to Canada and don’t have employment history, a private mortgage is well suited to you.
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.
Tips on paying down debt in retirement
In a perfect world, we’d all retire debt free. But the majority of Canadians today are retiring with some debt. In fact, the Financial Post reports a sharp increase in the number of seniors seeking debt relief, and it’s understandable. Carrying debt can be overwhelming, especially on a reduced income. Fortunately, there are tools and resources you can use to help you get your debt situation under control, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
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 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.
Who Can Use a Reverse Mortgage?
There is a specific age requirement in order to take advantage of the benefits of a home equity loan. Watch this video to find out if you’re eligible for a home equity loan.
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.
Prime Rates Canada and Their History
It’s expected that the Bank of Canada’s target overnight rate will reach at least 2.00% by the end of 2022. As a result, Canadian bank prime rates will likely be at least 4.20% by the end of the year. Looking back at the decades before now, there have certainly been some higher interest rates based on economic problems. History shows us that things are ever changing and what we’re experiencing now with Prime rates isn’t permanent. Learn more!
US Investment Property Financing for Canadians
Better still, so far as the US government is concerned, there are no restrictions for Canadian citizens wanting to purchase real estate in America. With that in mind, here’s what you should know about buying and financing an investment property in the US.
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.
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.
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 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.