Tag Archives: First Time Buyer

A Few Things to Ask Your Mortgage Broker

There are no silly questions.

Ask Your Mortgage Broker

Ask Your Mortgage Broker

Listed below are a variety of questions to think about when speaking to your mortgage broker:

How long have you been working in the mortgage industry?

Years of experience is essential when it pertains to taking care of challenging mortgages.

What type of education or licensing do you have?

You need to confirm that your mortgage broker is licensed by consulting the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals.

On what do you base your suggestions?

You should make sure that they are providing recommendations for the right reasons. A mortgage broker works for you, and nobody else.

Are there any special conditions that apply to this deal?

Bear in mind any undisclosed costs or unfavorable conditions attached to a no-frills low mortgage rate.

What fees/costs are connected with the rate you have estimated me?

Do not let concealed costs creep up on you. Regularly ask your mortgage broker to break out any charges and fees so you are appropriately notified.

Can I please see the lender’s letter of commitment?

If you are assured a certain rate, be sure to request a letter from the lender verifying that the reviewed rate is undoubtedly locked in.

What is your area of expertise?

Brokers typically facilitate more loans of one form than another. If you are} purchasing a home, make certain you are dealing with a residential expert.

Are you affiliated with any mortgage associations?

Membership to some mortgage associations can possibly be a sign of the broker’s oath to provide} the best Canadian mortgage rate available.

Can you provide me with references?

Ask for names of current clients or real estate agents with whom they have actually worked.

A combination of extensive research and appropriate inquiry should certainly assist you to narrow down your pool of prospective mortgage brokers for the best mortgage rate.

Additional Costs of Buying a Home

Plan for these unanticipated costs when creating your budget.

Understanding Mortgage Costs

Understanding Mortgage Costs

A number of first time homebuyers are often shocked when they see the total cost of their home purchase, including the additional expenses, on closing day. Here’s a list of a few of the “hidden” expenditures you should expect to pay.

Land Survey

Despite the fact that most lenders may agree to the existing property survey, depending on when it was last conducted, it might be necessary to have another survey completed.

Home Inspection

The majority of lenders will request a home inspection, but even if they don’t, it’s worth the peace of mind to obtain another one.

Insurance

If you are applying for a high-ratio Canadian mortgage rate (with a down payment of less than 20 % of the purchase price), your lender will require you to purchase mortgage default insurance. While mortgage default insurance provides protection for the lender, you may wish to consider the mortgage rate life insurance for your own protection.

Legal Fees

Your lawyer will do a title search, register and prepare your low mortgage rate, and prepare the title deed.

Land Transfer

Land transfer tax must be paid by everyone who purchases property in Canada.

HST (harmonized sales tax)

HST was put into effect in July of 2010 in Ontario and British Columbia, HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is applied to the purchase price of all new homes.

Appraisal

Your lender will only lend you a percentage of either the appraised market value of your home, or the home’s purchase price– often, the lesser of the two.

Unsure of how these additional costs will impact your home purchase? A mortgage broker can help. Contact a FamilyLending.ca mortgage specialist today.

Bank Or Broker?

Who should you consult for your mortgage pre-approval?

Bank or Broker?

Bank or Broker?

Handle your mortgage like every other major purchase– that is, be sure you make the effort to compare rates and shop around. Not every Canadian mortgage rate is the same.

Bank Rates

When you visit a bank, it’s worth bearing in mind that their loan officers are paid to sell you their products. They will do whatever is required of them to keep you from considering other options.

Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker is a self-employed agent who works only for you. They are qualified professionals that will help you find the most effective mortgage rate for your unique situation. They compare products from a variety of banks and specialty lenders, and arrange the best low mortgage rate for your needs. The broker works for you, the customer, and most importantly, they are completely free. The lenders pay brokers once they close the mortgage deal.

More Reasons Why Mortgage Brokers Are a Great Choice

  • Protect Your Credit Score
    • Brokers help to protect your credit rating by only pulling one credit report and using it for all lenders.
  • Give You Expert Information
  • Save You Money
    • A good mortgage broker can offer tips on how to save money on interest while managing to keep your low mortgage rate payments reasonably priced.

Bank vs. Broker

Which ones suits your needs better– bank or broker?

Types of Mortgages

There are a variety of different kinds of mortgage products available on the market. Typically, mortgages fall under one of the following three categories, open, closed or convertible. A mortgage broker will help you understand the various options.
Make your mortgage hunt less troublesome– contact a mortgage broker today.

How to Calculate How Much You Can Afford

Know what you can afford – get a mortgage pre-approval.

When it pertains to securing a mortgage, people would like to be aware of the amount of money they are able to borrow. The following are a few quick formulas to assist you to determine exactly what you are able to afford.

Loan to Value (LTV)

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Calculate

Lenders will only allow you to borrow a certain amount of the property value. This borrowing amount is known as the Loan to Value or LTV. LTV (%) = (the amount of mortgage loan) / (the value of the property).

You may borrow as much as 80 % of your property value (80 % LTV) without fretting about low mortgage rate default insurance fees, or as much as 95 % with default insurance fees. Whether you are obligated to pay CMHC or not, your mortgage rate loan insurance depends on your LTV.

Total Debt Service (TDS) Number

Your TDS number is the percentage of your gross annual income that is required to cover payments associated with your new home, plus costs linked with your other debts.

TDS = (Home expenses + Car Loans + Credit Card Debts + Other Loans) / Gross Income.

Your total debt service number (TDS) should not exceed 40 %. This provides you with a cushion in the event of a financial emergency.

Gross Debt Service (GDS) Number

Your GDS number is the percentage of gross annual income necessitated to cover payments connected with housing, including best mortgage rate payments, interest, property taxes, and heating.

GDS =(Annual Mortgage Payments + Property Taxes + Interest + Condo Fees + Heating) / Gross Annual Income.

Your gross debt service number (GDS) should not surpass 32 %.

Are calculations not your forte? Contact a mortgage broker today for personalized help.

 

How to Know When You’re Ready to Purchase a Home

Think you are ready to be a homeowner? Here’s exactly how you can tell!

1) You have a budget

First Time Home Owner

First Time Home Owner

Factor in homeowner’s insurance coverage, property tax, fees, upkeep costs, and the best available home mortgage rate.

2) You have a sizeable down payment.

Generally, you’ll need a down payment worth 20 % of the house price.

3) You have a reliable source of income.

Getting a home is a long-term financial dedication, so you’ll require a steady income to cover those month-to-month mortgage payments.

4) You have an emergency savings fund.

If you have enough money to cover three to six months of your living expenses, you’re one step closer to being prepared.

5) You have your financial obligations under control.

Lenders like to ensure you’ll have more than enough money each month to pay your living expenses. Before they’ll give you a low mortgage rate, they take a look at your debt-to-income ratio.

6) Your credit report is in good condition.

You don’t have to have best credit to become a homeowner; however a good history can help you lower the interest payments on your Canadian mortgage rate.

7) You can make a long-term commitment.

Are you prepared to stay put for a minimum of three to five years? Normally, that’s how long you’ll have to keep the house in order to recoup your trading expenses.

8) You are prepared to become your own property owner.

Don’t buy simply because you can. You have to ensure you’re ready.