Last Friday, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation issued a statement announcing another round of mortgage restrictions, this time concerning limits on new National Housing Act Mortgage-Backed Securities (NHA MBS). The statement, which was sent to banks, credit unions, and other mortgage lenders, outlined new restrictions that would limit lenders to a maximum of $350-million new guarantees, the amount of … Read More
Ottawa’s Mortgage Rules: One Year Later
It was roughly one year ago that Finance Minister Flaherty announced his fourth round of mortgage restrictions in as many years. The reason for these changes was simple: cool down an out-of-control housing market. By tightening lending rules, Flaherty hoped to lower the risk to taxpayers and curb excessive rates of household debt.
A Look at Housing Affordability
How affordable are homes on the Canadian housing market? This is the question at the top of every mortgage broker and home hunter’s mind. As mortgage rates begin to climb and home prices creep ever higher, industry leaders are keeping a close eye on affordability in an attempt to avoid a bubble. It’s no secret that more and more houses … Read More
Location, Location, Location: What Are Home Hunters Really Looking For?
Location, location, location – it’s the most important aspect of any potential house hunt. But just what constitutes a good location? Whether you’re searching for a new home or thinking about putting your’s on the market, it pays to know what makes or breaks a prime location in your area.
How to Get More Money Out of Your Home
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s the small things that matter most,” but what you might not know is this is also true when it comes to building equity into your home. Whether you’re thinking about selling now or later, it’s never too early to start investing in your home’s potential.