Tag Archives: Tips

How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud

Real estate fraud is happening at an alarming rate in Canada, according to a recent report published in the Vancouver Sun. The report from consumer credit company Equifax uncovered roughly $400 million worth of mortgage fraud in Canada last year. And many experts believe that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These figures represent only frauds that Equifax was able to uncover within their client holding.

Data from the report revealed that nearly two-thirds of all fraud committed in Canada last year was real-estate related, thanks in part to more stringent lending practices. In fact, mortgage fraud increased by 150 percent in 2011. Continue reading →

Mortgage Changes Could Happen Before March

Tougher mortgage requirements could be on the horizon for Canadian homeowners, according to analysts surveyed by a recent Reuters poll. This comes on the assumption that housing prices will cool off this year. Experts anticipate that housing prices will climb just 0.1% this year, a considerable decrease from the 0.9% year-to-year increase seen in 2011.

Ten out of 14 economists polled by Reuters answered “yes” when asked if they thought Ottawa would step in and tighten mortgage rules within the next 12 months. If Finance Ministry Jim Flaherty were to adjust requirements it would be his fourth intervention in the nation’s real estate market in as many year.  Continue reading →

Renters Could Drive Increase in Canadian Homeownership

According to a recent study conducted by TNS Canada, the nation’s housing market is expecting to see increased activity within the next two years. The online study, which was commissioned by TMG The Mortgage Group Canada, discovered that just under one third of Canadian renters are planning to buy real estate within the next two years. That amounts to a potential increase in demand of nearly 12%. Not surprisingly, many recipients credit mortgage interest rates for driving their purchase decision. Continue reading →

Why Now is a Good Time to Buy

Thinking about buying a home? Well, stop thinking and start looking. The stars have aligned in the Canadian real estate market, creating what many in the industry are calling “the perfect storm” of market potential. From condos to single-family homes, now’s the time to lock in a mortgage rate and enter the world of real estate investing. Continue reading →

Reverse Mortgages on the Rise

Aging Canadian’s in need of a financial boost are cashing in record numbers, according to data released earlier this month. A report released by the parent company of HomEquity Bank, the nation’s sole provider of reverse mortgages, states that a record number of reverse mortgages (with a rough total worth of $67.2 million) were closed in the fourth quater of 2011.

Reserve mortgages are becoming increasingly popular among the nation’s elderly, especially those who have failed to save enough to fund a comfortable retirement. Reverse mortgages allow seniors to borrow up to 50% of the appraised value of their home; principal repayment (along with interest) is not collected until the home is sold.

Is a reverse mortgage right for you? It could be, especially if you’re house-rich but cash-poor. The following is a full analysis of the pros, cons and alternatives to Canada’s newest mortgage craze. Continue reading →