Deciding you’re ready for home ownership is just step one on your long journey. Then you need to get your financial situation under control in order to be able to actually afford to purchase a home. The typical down payment on a conventional mortgage is twenty percent of the purchase price of the home. Mortgage…
Whether you are hovering over the edge of going bankrupt or simply trying to find a way to manage your finances more efficiently, you must have noticed somewhere all the advertisements touting debt consolidation. But before you decide if debt consolidation is the way to go, first understand the advantages and disadvantages. There are different…
There are many important milestones that will come around when you are in a committed relationship such as a first date, a first kiss, a first anniversary, a first trip together, etc. For many couples that seek each other’s company over the long-run, buying a home together is also quite a significant milestone. This is…
The ultra-low mortgage rates that we have been seeing lately in the real estate market are not only benefiting homebuyers. Current homeowners wanting to save more money on their monthly mortgage loan payments are taking advantage of low interest rates by refinancing. However, saving on mortgage rates is not the sole good reason to consider refinancing. The…
It is a given that anyone with a mortgage wants the lowest possible rate. But there is a wide range of requirements for that stop borrowers from getting the best all-around deal, and some of them are counter-intuitive. Once a homebuyer has chosen the term and rate type for their mortgage, they often discover that…
When it comes to the world of home loans, mortgage brokers can be invaluable in helping potential homebuyers with their process. A mortgage broker is an intermediary who brings borrowers and lenders together. They help compare rates among different lenders and find the lowest mortgage rates as well as put them in contact with lenders…
Before meeting with a real estate agent to go house hunting, it’s a good idea to meet with a loan officer first to make sure you qualify for the type of mortgage you desire. Once you have an idea of what suits you best, learning the steps to getting a mortgage comes next. The best place…
Below are some definitions of commonly used terms regarding real estate and mortgages. If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the Ottawa area or anywhere in Ontario for that matter, you should familiarize yourself with some of the terms. Contact me for any questions! The main information provided for these definitions…
You’ve cut back on Starbucks, taken a second job and borrowed money from mom and dad. Well done! You are ready to put down a wad of cash to cover the 20% down payment on your first property. But don’t make first-time homebuyer mistakes, like trusting your bank to look after you. In reality, the…
Promises of easy money in real estate are something to be wary about. Consumers who intentionally misrepresent information when buying or refinancing a home are committing mortgage fraud. What is Mortgage fraud? Mortgage fraud happens when someone knowingly misrepresents information in order to gain a mortgage loan that would not have been granted if the…
