Beware Bait and Switch

Beware bait and switch by your bank. With the mortgage rule changes imposed in 2017 and 2018 the price strategy for interest rates has become more complex. The rule changes affected the ability for home buyers and owners to qualify for their mortgage and increased the rates.  However, most people don’t realize other rules on […]

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Making the Most of Your Variable Mortgage

Working with your Independent Mortgage Planner can save you thousands of dollars by making the most of your variable rate mortgage in a shifting market. In the past year we have seen an increase in the prime lending rate by 1%.   For those home owners with variable rate mortgages who secured a low discount, […]

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The Downsizing Dilemma

With almost 50% of homeowners ready to retire and wishing to stay in their home and 30% of those people with most of their money tied up in home equity, the downsizing dilemma is real. Can they afford to stay in their home or is downsizing the better option. In the past, retired couples or […]

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How Much Income Will You Receive from CPP and OAS at retirement?

How Much Income Will You Receive from CPP and OAS at retirement? Call Service Canada 1-800-277-9914 and ask for a CPP Statement of Contributions. They will provide you with access to your online statement. You may think you will automatically receive the maximum CPP for retirement.  Making that assumption is a mistake. How to get […]

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Cash Back and Decorating Allowances on New Build or Pre-sale Purchases

As the market shifts in the Vancouver, developers will increase their incentives to buyers with cash back and decorating allowances on new build or pre-sale purchases.  It is very important to review those options with your real estate agent representative and vital to consult with your independent mortgage broker.  Although these offers may seem attractive […]

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It’s Not You It’s the Property

With all of the rule changes imposed by the federal and provincial governments around mortgage financing and real estate it may be more difficult to access financing.  But don’t take it personally – sometimes it’s not you it’s the property. When lenders underwrite your application for approval they look at you as a borrower but […]

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What you need to know before you renew your mortgage

What you need to know before you renew your mortgage could save you thousands of dollars.  Is your mortgage on your home or other properties maturing this year or next? Typically you will receive your mortgage renewal notice from your current lender 1-4 months in advance of the renewal date.  Sometimes you may receive an […]

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Yes You Can

This story is from the Fall edition of Our House Magazine Moving on up from condo to house, these young homeowners prove age is just a number For Jordan Rothwell and Karissa Roed, the timing to find their forever home couldn’t be more perfect. The couple, who recently moved to Mission, B.C., are expecting their […]

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Misconceptions of a CHIP Mortgage

I recently helped a client who had some common misconceptions of a CHIP Mortgage.  Christine owned her home with a small line of credit she secured 5 years earlier.  She is 70 years of age with some pension income.  Christine was concerned about the balance on the line of credit and with the higher cost […]

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