Mortgages

The decision to choose a fixed or variable rate is not always an easy one. It should depend on your tolerance for risk, as well as your ability to withstand increases in mortgage payments. You can sometimes expect a financial reward for choosing a mortgage where the rate can vary over time, depending on the lender and changes in the Canadian economy.

Fixed-rate mortgages often appeal to clients who want stable payments, are living with a low monthly budget, or are generally more conservative. For example, young couples who sign for their first mortgage, might opt for the peace of mind that a fixed rate brings.

A variable rate mortgage often allows the borrower to take advantage of lower rates – the interest rate is calculated on an ongoing basis at a lenders’ prime rate minus or plus a set percentage. For example, if the current prime mortgage rate is 5.5 percent, the holder of a prime minus 0.5 percent mortgage would pay a 5.00 percent variable interest rate.

As a consumer, I encourage you to call and learn more about the pros and cons of each type of mortgage.

You may have been working at improving your credit score and now qualify for a new mortgage with a better discount. Or you may want to stabilize your payments by changing from a variable rate mortgage to a fixed-rate.

Refinancing is also a good option to pull out equity for consolidating debt, home improvements, investments, college expenses, and more.

Many people find that one of the easiest and most affordable ways to access money is through the equity that they have accumulated in their home. This is a very popular option, especially when you have an excellent first mortgage in place.

Canadians purchase homes for a variety of reasons. Some want the stability of owning their own home, while others look at home ownership as an investment. For first home buyers, it is a way to build equity instead of paying rent. Once you have your home, you may need additional funds for renovations, or travel, high interest debt consolidation, or to assist your children with their expenses. That’s where Refinancing comes in!

I would be happy to advise you on the options for refinancing home loans and pull-out equity. This is very common, and your home investment can be used to one’s advantage. While removing equity from your home can be a good idea, you should do so with caution and fully understand the benefits and possible risks. The best thing you can do is to give me a call to discuss opportunities to make your home’s equity work for you.

Mortgage insurance is intended to protect the investment you have made when you purchase a property. Buying your home is likely to be the single largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. And yet, what if something were to happen and you could not pay your mortgage? What would your family do if something unfortunate happened and they were left to make the mortgage payments on their own?

Mortgage Protection Insurance protects your investment while helping secure your family’s financial wellbeing in the event of death of you and/or your spouse. Should something tragic result in the passing of you or your spouse, the mortgage on your home would be paid off, allowing surviving family members to use other existing insurance to carry on with life, maintain their lifestyle and recover from your loss.

Give me a call to learn more about the mortgage insurance packages I offer. They have some great features that traditional bank mortgage insurance doesn’t provide. That includes portability – so when it is time to renew your mortgage you won’t lose your coverage (or have to re-qualify) no matter how many times you change homes or lenders in the future – and premiums don’t increase with changes in health or as you get older.