8 Mar

What are Accelerated Payments?

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

An accelerated payment is a mortgage payment that is increased slightly so that you can pay off your mortgage faster. There are two common types of accelerated payments: bi-weekly and weekly. Of the two, bi-weekly is the much more common choice because it matches with pay dates more often. An accelerated payment works by increasing […]

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7 Mar

Time For A Mortgage Renewal

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

Is your mortgage coming up for renewal this year? There is a good chance that you or someone know has a mortgage coming due. Some 47% of Canadians, almost one out of every two households, that currently have financing in place will mature within the next 12 months with a major lender in Canada. Here […]

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6 Mar

Buyers want homes, so do sales agents

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

Real estate agents in Ottawa are desperate for more homes to sell as tight inventory dampened last month’s sales figures.“There is no doubt our sales numbers would have been much higher if we had more properties available for sale. Buyer demand is there, but our inventory in both residential-class and condos continues to decline. This […]

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6 Mar

Making Smarter Down Payments

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

Mortgage Insurance Premiums. Many people know what they are- an extra cost to you the borrower. But not many people realize how they are calculated. Understanding the premium charges and how they are calculated will help lead you to making smarter down payments. 5%- 9.99% down payment of a purchase price is a 4% premium […]

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5 Mar

Need a commercial mortgage?

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

If you’re an entrepreneur, business person or commercial investor then you probably have or need a commercial mortgage. Where should you start? Do you call your bank, or do you call a commercial mortgage broker? I recommend you call your bank. Yes, that’s right; I’m a commercial mortgage broker and I am telling you to […]

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2 Mar

Tips for your variable rate mortgage that could save you thousands

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

With changes to mortgage rules and interest rates on the rise here are some tips for your variable rate mortgage that could save you thousands. Since 2009 the prime lending rate has shifted from a high of 6% down to 2% range remaining fairly level for the past few years before rising to a present […]

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1 Mar

4 Signs You’re Ready For Homeownership

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

While most people know the main things they need to buy a home, such as stable employment and enough money for a down payment, there are a few other factors that may help you realize you’re ready, perhaps even earlier than you thought! As a mortgage broker, it is my job to ensure that each […]

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28 Feb

Fixed versus variable interest rates

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

Fixed Interest Rates This is usually the more popular choice for clients when it comes to deciding on which type of interest rate they want. There are many reasons why, but the most unsurprising answer is always safety. With a fixed interest rate, you know exactly what you are paying every month and you know that […]

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26 Feb

What is a Collateral Mortgage?

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

A collateral mortgage is a way of registering your mortgage on title. This type of registration is sometimes used by banks and credit unions. Monoline lenders, on the other hand, rarely register your mortgage as a collateral charge – which is an all-indebtedness charge that allows you to access the equity in the home over […]

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14 Feb

The role of the insurer in a mortgage

General

Posted by: Kimberly Walker

Any time a down payment for the mortgage is less than 20%, it is required that the mortgage must be insured thru an Insurer. Why does this mortgage need to be insured, who provides this type of insurance, what does this insurance mean, who is the beneficiary, how much does this insurance cost? All these […]

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