Fixed or variable? If you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. According to a recent poll conducted by CIBC, 50 percent of Canadian’s prefer to go with a fixed rate mortgage product – an increase of 39 percent over last year’s numbers. And while this isn’t surprising, given the convergence of fixed … Read More
CMHC Responsibility Changes Hands
Concern over a red-hot housing marketing and increasing consumer debt has prompted Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to make some drastic changes this week. On Thursday, Minister Flaherty announced that responsibility for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will be handed over to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, the nation’s banking regulator. It’s unclear how the change will impact the market. … Read More
REITs – How They’re Changing the Face of Real Estate
The Financial Post recently reported that Canadian real estate investment trusts (REITs) have rallied to the highest levels in five years, and that’s despite Finance Minster Jim Flaherty’s constant threat of increased interest rates. So, just what is a real estate investment trust and how can it impact your best mortgage rate search? Let’s take a look.
Bank of Canada Maintains Overnight Rate
The Bank of Canada left its main interest rate untouched yesterday, maintaining a 1 percent overnight rate for the 13th consecutive review. While Governor Mark Carney painted a bright economic picture, rumblings of increased interest rates are becoming more and more prevalent. Overall, the economic momentum in Canada is slightly firmer than the Bank expected back at the beginning of … Read More
How Much Would an Interest Rate Increase Hurt Your Budget?
According to a recent study by the Bank of Montreal, four in ten Canadians would feel the pinch if best rate mortgages saw a two percent interest rate increase. The study, which was compiled by Leger Marketing, found that 43 percent of Canadian homeowners believe an interest rate increase would either hamper their ability to pay their mortgage or leave … Read More