So how does a drop in the prime lending rate effect you? Since the two rate drops to the prime lending rate in January and July 2015 I have had many calls about what the change means and what to do next. Any changes to your variable rate mortgage will happen only if the Bank […]

Mortgage insurance provided by CMHC, Genworth and Canada Guaranty will increase for homebuyers with less than a 10% down payment. The mortgage insurance fees rise June 1, 2015,  by approximately 15%. For the average Canadian homebuyer who has less than a 10% down payment, the higher premium will result in an increase of approximately $5 to […]

With a drop in the prime lending rate by your bank you may wonder how does the change to the prime lending rate affect your mortgage payment?  Well the answer is “it depends” on your lender policy.  The rate change although announced last week didn’t take effect until after Feb 1st for some mortgage holders […]

There is no question it is getting more expensive to live in most major cities.  How much do you need to earn to own a home across Canada? Market Update – March 2016. The average Canadian home is now worth more than $500,000 for the first time ever. Monthly sales data from the Canadian Real […]

The year of 2015 started out with a frenzy as the Bank of Canada surprised many with a reduction in the overnight lending rate last month.  So how does a change in mortgage rates affect you?  Well, that depends on who you are and what stage you are in your life. If you are raising […]

Any changes to your variable rate mortgage will happen only if the Bank of Canada chooses to change the overnight lending rate which in turn prompts the lenders to reset their prime lending rate (and variable rate mortgages and lines of credit). So it is important to make the most of your variable mortgage. The […]

Happy New Year— I wish you all the best in your health, relationships and in business.  As we move into the second week of the year we really have to get going on those goals we set for our self and one I would suggest is your financial/mortgage check up for the new year! I […]

It is that time of year when you have likely received your property assessment in the mail.  I am often asked how the property assessment is calculated as people wonder why the value is less than what they think they could sell their home for. The BC Assessors view properties each year in July.  They […]

As a first time home buyer in Canada you have the opportunity to buy your first home using your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)  under the first time home buyers plan.  There are some very specific guidelines for this program that first time home buyers should be clear about before buying a home. The first […]

With the high cost of buying real estate in the lower mainland of BC what is the best approach in helping your children buy their first home.  One of the first questions may be “Should I help my kids buy their first home?” A recent article in the Financial Post looks at how you may […]