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
Buyers Doubt Mortgage Rates Will Rise This Year
Looks like fewer people are buying into the idea that mortgage rates are going to increase in 2013. This according to a studying by CIBC released in mid-March. The study showed that almost half (46 percent) of Canadian homebuyers believe that the near-record low mortgage rates of today are going to stick around for at least another 12 months. That’s … Read More
What to Know Before You Get an Investment Property Mortgage
Investing in property has long been a great way to diversify your portfolio and improve your long term returns. Unfortunately, recent rule changes have changed the playing field for many potential real estate investors. While buyers used to be able to purchase an investment property with very little down and still receive a great rate, current hiccups in the market … Read More
Get a Better Rate: Five Questions to Ask Your Broker
Mortgage brokers are expected to be honest when it comes to providing their customers with financial advice. It’s their job, after all, to find you the best possible rate based on your unique financial situation. But, as with any other position of authority, there are always a few bad apples in the bunch. If you’re shopping for a mortgage rate, … Read More
Why a Bank Mortgage Might Not Make Cents
It’s no secret that the banking industry operates in a regulatory environment. Bankers and advisors are required to adhere to strict rules and restrictions… except when it comes to mortgages. According to Samantha Gale, a former mortgage regulator with B.C.’s Financial Institutions Commission and chief executive officier of the Mortgage Brokers Association of British Columbia, individual bank mortgage reps, unlike … Read More