Searching for a home can be an exciting but overwhelming task. To make things go as smoothly as possible when hunting for your dream home, consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage first. Mortgage pre-approval can save you time and hassle when you finally find the...
Ottawa is truly beautiful in the fall. The leaves on the trees turn from green to breathtaking shades of russet, ochre and crimson, while the crisp fall air provides a refreshing change from the humidity of summer. Fall is a time of transition, and this...
For many first-time homebuyers, purchasing a house can come with a range of complex emotions. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, least of all because it is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. One of the best things...
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...
Your relationship with your partner will experience many exciting milestones: your first kiss, moving in together, getting engaged, having children… But one of the most important steps in your relationship will be buying a home together and getting your first mortgage. A home will likely...
Whether you have just moved into your first home and need to put together a kit of cleaning supplies, or your existing tools need an update, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the most important and essential cleaning tools to keep your home tip...
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...
Whether they have just moved into a new property and it requires some TLC or you they are looking to make some updates to their current family home, the majority of homeowners will usually undertake some kind of renovation on their property while they live...
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...
Did you know you can easily finance purchases related to home ownership (i.e., renovations or home repairs) by using your home as a borrowing tool? A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a loan secured against the equity of your home. Because you’re using...
Canadian Mortgage Rules Will Impact Residents In Many Ways in 2018 Canadians will have to go through some tough rules to get a mortgage with a properly regulated lender starting in 2018. In particular, Canadian home buyers will have to show that they can pay off...
Now, more than any other time in history, you can make your house look amazing once again. It does not matter how old your house has been. Besides, these ways are simple and can be managed by anyone. What is even interesting is that all...
Given high credit card interest rates and associated fees, debts can build quickly. Given the overwhelming pressure and stress that these financial problems can create, many people are looking for a fast and effective way out. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering should...
If you're looking to buy a house in Ottawa, one thing that's sure to be in your thoughts is the mortgage rate. Even more so, what impact it's going to have on your monthly finances. Mortgage rates right now are about as good as they're...
From our considerable experience dealing with clients every day, we have realized that while we deal with a vast amount of inquiries daily, there are about a dozen questions which are consistently asked by just about every other client. Here are some of the most...
Thinking of buying a home in today's economy? While recent predictions on the state of the Canadian housing market are not exactly promising, there is good evidence that now is a good a time as any to start shopping for a home. International economists say...
November is here, and the cold weather will be here in no time. Here are a few things in and around the house to make for an easier transition into the cold winter months. 1. Swap Out Bedding: Launder and store your warmer weather bedding, and...
