Why Getting Pre-Approved is Like Packing for a Vacation (and Not Forgetting Your Passport) Ah, homeownership! The dream of backyard BBQs, perfectly curated Pinterest décor, and the sweet satisfaction of never having to ask a landlord if you can hang up your 500-piece family photo collage. But before you start measuring the walls for that […]
With speculation that the U.S. may impose new tariffs on Canadian goods, there’s been much discussion about the potential economic impact. While tariffs can introduce challenges, they can also create opportunities—particularly in the housing and mortgage markets. Rather than viewing this as a period of uncertainty, homebuyers can take advantage of shifting market conditions to […]
You’ve heard the headlines: “The Bank of Canada adjusts its overnight rate!” Many Canadians believe these announcements dictate all mortgage rates. But here’s the surprise—fixed mortgage rates don’t wait for the Bank of Canada. In fact, they often move in advance of any official decision. Understanding why this happens—and how government bonds come into play—could […]
Many Canadians assume that when the Bank of Canada (BoC) adjusts its overnight rate, fixed mortgage rates will follow suit. After all, if the BoC lowers rates, it should make borrowing cheaper, right? In reality, the connection isn’t quite so direct for fixed mortgage rates. Here’s why. The BoC Rate and Variable Mortgages The Bank […]
So, you’ve found “that” home. You know the one – the charming yet slightly outdated gem with a kitchen straight out of the ’70s, pink bathroom fixtures that scream retro, and shag carpet that could use a serious update. At first glance, you might be tempted to run for the hills, but hold on a […]
In the dynamic landscape of Canada’s real estate market, government regulation plays a pivotal role in shaping the experience of home buyers. Nowhere is this more evident than in BC, where the interplay between regulatory measures and market dynamics profoundly influences affordability and accessibility to homeownership. So, what does this look like? Affordability Constraints: Government […]
As we all slowly make our way out of the holiday season, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back to my blog series. In my last post, we provided steps in understanding some of the “partner-factors” in purchasing and closing on a new home close to the holidays. While there are […]
October 17 of 2017, our Canadian Government, under the hand of OSFI, made an announcement that had many stakeholders in the Mortgage Industry shaking their heads. We are now 2 weeks into the new B-20 guidelines that will, inevitably, shape the Mortgage market and lending climate for many Canadians looking to buy, refinance or even […]