Category Archives: First Time Home Owner

8 Things to Be Aware of When Buying a Second Home

You can afford a second home, let us show you how!

Now that low interest Canadian mortgage rates are readily available, it seems like the perfect time to invest in a second home. Here’s what you should know before purchasing a second property.

Things to Learn Before Buying a Second Home

1) Do your research.

You will need to resist the urge to buy a home because you want a getaway. Research the properties, area, and low mortgage rate options beforehand. This is an investment, not just a vacation.

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Ottawa’s Mortgage Rules: One Year Later

It was roughly one year ago that Finance Minister Flaherty announced his fourth round of mortgage restrictions in as many years. The reason for these changes was simple: cool down an out-of-control housing market. By tightening lending rules, Flaherty hoped to lower the risk to taxpayers and curb excessive rates of household debt.  Continue reading →

A Look at Housing Affordability

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 are being priced out of the range of first time home buyers. This is especially the case in major metropolitan areas like Toronto and Vancouver. With today’s increasingly expensive markets, what does affordability even mean? We asked Robb Nelson of FamilyLending.ca to help better explain this important measure and how it could impact your mortgage rate and ability to buy. Continue reading →

Location, Location, Location: What Are Home Hunters Really Looking For?

Location, location, location – it’s the most important aspect of any potential house hunt. But just what constitutes a good location? Whether you’re searching for a new home or thinking about putting your’s on the market, it pays to know what makes or breaks a prime location in your area.  Continue reading →

How to Get More Money Out of Your Home

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s the small things that matter most,” but what you might not know is this is also true when it comes to building equity into your home. Whether you’re thinking about selling now or later, it’s never too early to start investing in your home’s potential.  Continue reading →