Monday, October 21, 2024 / by Evelyn Lopes
If you're preparing to buy a home, you may believe you've accounted for everything in your budget. But have you factored in all the fees associated with closing?
In a recent survey, many Canadian homebuyers reported being caught off guard by unexpected closing costs. Let’s break down these fees so your closing day goes as smoothly as possible.
1. First let's talk about High Ratio Mortgage Fees
For many homebuyers, High Ratio Mortgage HST on fees is a big surprise.
The actual High Ratio Insurance premium which is payable on mortgages that have less than 20% as downpayment equity, are required to insure the mortgage on behalf of the lender. The buyer pays that insurance premium which is added to the overall loan amount, however the HST tax on the insurance premium is due up front and may home buyers are unaware of this cost- it's a surprise.
Always ask your lender about the cost for the mortgage insurance premium, which will be dependent on the amount financed, but d ...
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Thursday, August 1, 2024 / by Evelyn Lopes
Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage
With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers’ experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you.
In fact, research from the Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC) found that even after the Bank of Canada pushed rates to a 22-year high, most homeowners still felt satisfied with their mortgages. According to an online survey, only a small fraction regretted the mortgage that they'd chosen because they felt “locked in at ‘a bad rate.’” Fewer than a third said they would have picked another property if they'd known their mortgage rates would climb.1
Now that the Bank of Canada's policy rate has finally moved lower, this is an ideal time to compare mortgages and get pres ...
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Saturday, June 1, 2024 / by Evelyn Lopes
Once again, the number one story in real estate this summer is mortgage rates. But unlike last year, when a surprise series of rate hikes from the Bank of Canada sent skittish buyers back to the sidelines, all signs now point to the opposite scenario. Instead of market-chilling rate hikes, economists now expect market-quickening rate cuts—possibly starting as soon as this month.1
That means the housing market is likely to get interesting over the next few months. If fixed mortgage rates continue to drop in anticipation of a lower policy rate, more buyers are expected to show up looking for a deal before home prices take off in 2025 and 2026.2
Listings are also on the upswing and homeowners are feeling increasingly optimistic that their home values will rise over the next year, per a new Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) study. So we could see more sellers-in-waiting regain the confidence to list their homes at strong but realistic prices.3,4
With pent-up demand co ...
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Tuesday, February 13, 2024 / by Evelyn Lopes
How the Overnight Lending Rate Influences Your Financial World
Ever stopped to think about how a decision made in a high-level banking meeting can affect your mortgage, your savings, and even your entire financial roadmap? It's pretty mind-boggling when you put it into perspective.
Today, we're going to peel back the curtain on one of the banking world's most influential figures – The Bank of Canada's Overnight Lending Rate, also known as the Key Interest Rate. Understanding this rate is key to grasping the bigger financial picture.
What is the Overnight Lending Rate?
Simply put, the Overnight Lending Rate is the interest rate at which banks lend money to each other. Think of it as the drumbeat to which the entire banking sector marches. It's not just any number; it's the pulse of the banking system, dictating the tempo of their day-to-day lending.
Recently, on January 24, the Bank of Canada made headlines by keeping this rate steady at 5%. This decision is more signc ...
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Tuesday, December 12, 2023 / by Evelyn Lopes
Mastering the Financial Aspects of Home Buying in Canada
Mastering the Financial Aspects of Home Buying in Canada
Are you thinking about buying a home in the Toronto GTA? Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned real estate enthusiast, the financial process of purchasing a home in Canada can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this blog post, we'll explore key insights from experts about what you need to know when it comes to the financial aspects of buying a home in the Great White North.
Understanding the Financial Landscape
Owning a home is a significant life milestone, and it's essential to be well-prepared for the financial aspects of this journey. Let's uncover some valuable information provided by experts in the field.
Major Financial Costs
One of the fundamental aspects of buying a home is understanding the major financial costs involved. From the down payment to ongoing homeownership expenses, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of what you'll n; ...
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