There are a number of energy-saving methods and behaviours that can easily be implemented within your home environment. The benefits of these are twofold: they will save you money on utilities and will help to protect the environment. Whatever drives your decision to start reducing...
If this is your first time getting a loan or mortgage, the process can seem overwhelming. To make it simpler, we've broken the process down into five easy-and important-steps: Determine a borrowing budget You'll want to be realistic about what amount you can borrow based on your...
Are you a newcomer to Ottawa? Welcome! We love this city, and are pretty certain you will love it too. Whether you enjoy adventuring outdoors or prefer to stay within city limits, Ottawa has something fun to offer everyone. If you haven’t visited our fair...
Is the interest rate a major factor in any mortgage-making decision? Absolutely. Is the interest rate the only thing that matters when choosing a mortgage? I don’t believe so. The (un)importance of rates Just as the ‘price’ of your next major purchase – say a car – is...
Over years of owning a home and making mortgage payments, you’ve built a nicely-sized nest egg of home equity. However, that portion of your net worth is essentially untouchable until you choose to move or sell your home. A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow...
Do you know the difference between fixed-rate mortgages or variable (sometimes called adjustable-rate) mortgages? Each mortgage type is affected by different market conditions and each offers its own advantages or disadvantages. One of the most important steps in financing your home is choosing which type...
If you own a home in Canada, are currently house-hunting, or are looking to buy sometime in the near future, you’ve no doubt been following the news closely for the past few months. As soon as word hit that the Office of the Superintendent of...
There are a number of reasons why you might consider refinancing your property. One of these could be to capitalize on the equity you’ve built up in your home. For example, using the equity in your home can be a lower cost way of accessing...
There are many mishaps that can be avoided in life with the right knowledge, awareness, and tactics. Mortgage mistakes fall in this category. Recognizing mortgage mistakes made in Canada can aid in making an informed and educated decision. Bank loyalty will not give you the best...
While it looks like interest rates will remain low for some time, there has been a large swing from variable to fixed-rate mortgages over the past year, says a new report by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals. CAAMP’s annual report on the state of...