Posts tagged ‘mortgage’
Fixed-rate Mortgage Penalties: Paging Mr. Flaherty
Last Updated on November 9th, 2017
Today’s post challenges Finance Minister Flaherty to keep the promise he made in his 2010 federal budget, and address the lack of lender disclosure around fixed-rate mortgage penalties.
How the US Lent Its Way to a Housing Bubble and Why It Didn’t Happen Here
Last Updated on September 17th, 2018
Is the constant bad news about US real estate prices influencing your fears of a Canadian housing bubble? If so, it’s understandable. Today’s post looks at the US lending practices that led to their housing bust and compares them to Canada’s lending policies over the same period.
Pre-approvals: Why They Aren’t Worth the Paper They’re Written On and Why You Should Still Get One
Last Updated on March 27th, 2020
Pre-approvals are the most misunderstood part of the mortgage process. Today’s post gives you a candid assessment of what to expect when you apply for one.
Waiving Your Financing Condition
Last Updated on March 28th, 2020
If you waive your financing condition without a fully qualified commitment from your lender, you are taking a substantial financial risk. That said, most people still do this as a matter of course. Today’s post explains why this happens and gives you some tips on how to minimize your exposure if you decide to waive financing without a firm lender commitment in place.
Fixed-rate Collateral Mortgages: Good for Banks, Not for Customers
Last Updated on December 10th, 2018
TD Bank will now register its fixed-rate mortgages as collateral charges and will offer you the option of registering your mortgage at 125% of the current value of your home. Should you take this offer, or run?
How to Make Your Mortgage Tax-deductible (Part Two)
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
In Part Two, we look at which mortgagors are best suited to making their mortgage tax-deductible, and we answer some common questions people have when considering this strategy.
Fall Mortgage Market Update (2010)
Last Updated on December 12th, 2018
Today’s post is my quarterly update on the state of the mortgage market. It focuses on deleveraging, a necessary but painful process that is acting as a drag on economic growth (particularly in the US), and explains why I don’t think rates aren’t going anywhere fast.
How to Make Your Mortgage Tax-deductible (Part One)
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
Check out today’s post to learn how to make your Canadian mortgage interest tax-deductible.
Budgeting for a Mortgage
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
Budgeting is a lot like exercise. Everyone knows it’s good for you but most people procrastinate actually doing it. Today’s post outlines two ways to get on top of your finances: The Easy Way and The Hard Way.
The Hidden Value in Rental Properties When Rates Are Low
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
Today’s low interest-rate environment offers hidden value to experienced real estate investors who know what to look for. To learn more, check out today’s post.
The Mortgage Deal of the Week
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
Today’s post introduces a new feature on our website called “The Deal of the Week”, which highlights the best mortgage deal currently available. Our inaugural offer is one of the best to come along in a very long time.
Eight Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
When it comes to mortgage borrowing, your credit score can save you thousands of dollars. Check out today’s post to learn how to improve your score without having to turn your life upside-down in the process.
Thirteen Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
Last Updated on March 1st, 2020
When you’re about to make a big decision for the first time it’s nice to have a little experience in your corner. Today’s post shares 13 useful tips for first-time home buyers.
Refinancing – When to Pull the Trigger
Last Updated on November 10th, 2017
When is the right time to refinance your mortgage? The short answer is, it depends. For a more detailed answer, check out today’s post.
Renewers, Have You Passed the Bank’s Laziness Test?
Last Updated on November 12th, 2017
If you have ever renewed a mortgage then you have inadvertently taken the bank’s “laziness test”. Did you pass? To find out, check out today’s post.