Tag Archives: Online Mortgage Broker

Making a Budget

Make a budget and find out the best ways to manage your mortgage money better

We recently took a look at the expenses beyond securing a low mortgage rate, the purchase price that you should anticipate to pay, and the expenses related to moving in. Now it is time to have a look at your ongoing month-to-month expenses, ways to pay off your Canadian mortgage faster, and the renewal process. This handy checklist will help keep you organized.

Budgeting for Home Expenses

Budgeting for home expenses calls for organization and some degree of restraint. Also, you will want to have funds reserved for unanticipated maintenance expenses.

Canadian dollars in a piggy bank studio cutout

Budget

Monthly expenses includes things like:

  • Property taxes
  • Maintenance and upkeep
  • Insurance
  • Mortgage payments
  • Heating and cooling
  • Hydro
  • Condo fees (if applicable)
  • Internet
  • Water
  • Cable
  • Telephone
  • Appliance rental (if applicable)

Budget Your Monthly Expenses

Beyond the expense of your monthly best mortgage rate, it is essential that you are aware of exactly what you are spending and where you are able to cut expenses. Budgeting can be time consuming and tedious! Making use of an online budgeting tool like Mint.com will help you save money and time as it automatically tracks your expenses and allocates them against your budget.

How Can I Save Money?

High Interest Savings Account
Make your savings work harder for you.

Save Money on Credit Cards
Altering your credit card can help save you money by providing you with a lower interest rate.

Paying off Your Mortgage Faster
Having your very own house is both thrilling and gratifying. Spend some time putting together a strategy to pay it off as quickly as possible. There’s no freedom like financial freedom.

 

Making an Offer

Improve the chances of having your offer accepted.

For Sale

Making an Offer

When you and your real estate agent locate what you think is the perfect home and Canadian mortgage rate, there’s no time to waste – it’s time to make an offer to purchase!

The Deposit

When you put an offer in to purchase a house, you are also expected to provide a deposit. The deposit assures the seller that you will actually go through with the sale when closing day arrives. Please note that the deposit and the down payment are not the same thing. A deposit may be as little as a few hundred dollars. It is important to note that, if your deal falls through, you may lose your deposit. Speak with your mortgage broker to get more information.

Chattels and Fixtures

Some sellers will entice buyers by offering them chattels or fixtures. Since it is not always clear what chattels and fixtures will stay, be sure to specifically list items that you’re unsure of. The last thing you want is an unpleasant surprise on closing day.

Closing Day

At this point, if your offer has been accepted, it’s time to close the deal. At closing, both parties must agree that all legal and financial obligations have been met. This includes any and all conditions that were written into the offer. If everyone agrees, ownership and possession will be transferred to you.

Compare Mortgage Rates

Before you make an offer, make certain you have the best mortgage rate locked down. Get pre-approved for a low mortgage rate online now. Not sure which mortgage product is right for you? Ask a mortgage broker to provide you with more information on fixed, variable, open, and closed rates for the best low mortgage rate.

Mortgage Fundamentals: Pre-Approved Vs. Pre-Qualified

What’s the difference?

Loan App

Pre-Approved Vs. Pre-Qualified

There are several stages of the Canadian mortgage rate approval procedure when you apply for a mortgage. It is essential to understand what they are and what they really mean.

What is Pre-Qualification?

This is the initial step of the low mortgage rate approval process wherein your mortgage broker takes a look at your overall earnings and financial obligation. The broker will determine your affordability by taking a look at your debt ratios (Gross Debt Service GDS and Total Debt Service (TDS)).

There are going to be a variety of conditions that you will need to meet in the pre-qualification before it is fully approved.

What is Pre-Approval?

Once accomplished, the mortgage broker will send your application to a lender who confirms your information with a certificate of approval. This generally includes a Canadian mortgage rate guarantee, which is typically valid for 60 and 120 days. You must comply with all the terms and conditions prior to approval.

What is Approval?

You have been fully approved for the mortgage at the best mortgage rate detailed in the agreement.

Advantages of a Mortgage Pre-Approval

A mortgage pre-approval enables you to lock in an interest rate. It offers additional security in understanding that you satisfy the initial financing requirements. It also enables any seller to understand that you are a serious buyer.

Most importantly, you understand clearly what you are able to purchase when you are buying a home.

Documents Required for a Pre-Approval

  1. Personal identification
  2. Income information
  3. Bank accounts
  4. Loans and other financial obligations
  5. Proof of financial assets
  6. Confirmation of the deposit and funds to pay for the closing cost

Each and every house hunt begins with a mortgage pre-approval. Start your quick online application today.

Mortgage Life Insurance

Is this coverage right for you?

Scrabble Mortgage

Mortgage Insurance

Another thing to take into consideration during your low mortgage rate shopping process is Mortgage Life Insurance, which is different than Mortgage Default Insurance.

What is Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage Insurance is also referred to as mortgage life insurance and creditor insurance. In Canada, banks use post-claims underwriting for Mortgage Insurance. They only confirm that you qualify after you submit a claim.

Here are a couple of reasons why you ought to take a look at options aside from Mortgage Insurance:

  • Coverage decreases with time.
    • While your premiums remain the same throughout of your mortgage, the coverage you’re receiving is in fact decreasing with your Canadian mortgage rate balance.
  • Coverage is not eternal.
    • Your mortgage insurance will simply last as long as the “term” of your mortgage.
  • The lender is the beneficiary.
    • Assuming that your claim has been approved, the lender is the recipient and the money goes straight into their pockets.

What’s the Alternative?

Another choice is to purchase Term Life Insurance. With Term Life Insurance your coverage does not decrease with time, you’re approved in advance, and the money goes straight to you.

Term Life Insurance

The most common types of term life insurance for mortgage protection are 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year terms. These products charge consistent premiums for that time period. No medical examinations in the middle, no re-qualifying, and no surge in premiums.

Life Insurance Benefits

Individual term life insurance products are not tied to your mortgage.

Name Your Own Beneficiary

Plus, the majority of term life insurance policies in Canada have what’s referred to as a conversion privilege. This enables you to trade in your term life insurance policy for a permanent life insurance policy– without a medical examination.

Other advantages of life insurance consist of:

  • Discounts are offered based on your health and your family history.
  • Premiums are taxed at a much lower rate.
  • Versatile– you can switch mortgage lenders and take the coverage with you if you move or you can convert a term policy into a permanent policy.
  • Policy terms do not alter and in most cases the policy premiums are guaranteed.
  • If you’re shopping for mortgage insurance, you ought to consider life insurance as an alternative option.

Shop Around

Compare life insurance rates to the mortgage insurance rates provided by your bank.

Top It Up

Think about purchasing or topping up an individual life insurance policy to cover your best mortgage rate instead of utilizing mortgage insurance.

Speak with an Expert

Speak with a licensed insurance broker, not just your mortgage broker, to get insight on coverage.

Mortgage Penalties: Just How Much Will it Cost to Break my Mortgage?

Would now a good time to break your mortgage and refinance?

calculator isolate on White Background

How Much is my Mortgage Penalty?

This is a really common concern– when should I break my existing mortgage and refinance for a current best mortgage rate? It’s best to initially weigh out the costs.

Breaking your Mortgage

A Canadian mortgage rate agreement is a fully committed contract. There is an out clause, however it comes at a cost.

How Much is my Mortgage Penalty?

Typically the cost is determined based upon either three months worth of interest payments, or the interest rate differential (IRD).

Step 1: Calculate your IRD (Interest Rate Differential)

1) Use the principal balance and multiply it by the difference between your existing mortgage rate, and the new low mortgage rate.
2) Divide that number by 12.
3) Multiply that number by the remaining months in your term to obtain the approximate IRD owed.

Step 2: Calculate 3 Months of Interest

Just simply multiply the amount of interest you would owe on the present mortgage amount. Multiple this by 3.

Step 3: Find out the Penalty you Would Pay

When it comes to a fixed rate you would pay the greater of the IRD, or 3 months of interest. While in a variable rate, you would generally pay 3 months of interest. Contact your mortgage broker or lender to identify your specific required payments.

Step 4: Calculate Your Savings

1) Calculate the interest on your current mortgage rate.
2) Calculate the interest for your new mortgage rate.
3) Calculate your savings.

Step 5: Find out if it is Worth It

Decide if changing is worth it by comparing your expenses to your savings.