Mortgage Blog

Category: Mortgage (79 posts)

Mortgage Renewals in Early 2025 – Where Might Rates End Up?

May 4, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

A friendly guide for Canadian homeowners who are about to renegotiate one of the biggest contracts of their lives. Introduction - Why Everyone Is Talking About 2025 Renewals If your mortgage is co ...

April 16 - 2025 - Bank of Canada holds policy rate at 2.75%

April 16, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%. The major shift in direction of US trade policy a ...

Tariffs and Their Effect on Interest Rates: What Canadian Homeowners Should Know

April 5, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

You might be surprised to learn how tariffs-taxes on imported goods-can affect your mortgage or home-buying plans. Tariffs can indirectly influence interest rates, which impacts mortgage payments and ...

Pros & Cons of Paying Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement

March 21, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

If retirement is approaching, you may be considering whether it's wise to pay off your mortgage early. As with many significant financial decisions, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. However, ...

March 12-2025 - Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%

March 12, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%. The Canadian economy entered 2025 in a solid position, with infl ...

Mortgage Renewal Coming UP and rates higher than 5 yrs ago - Consider increasing your amortization?

March 7, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

If your mortgage renewal date is approaching, it's important to take action. You might notice something that's hard to ignore: interest rates are significantly higher now than five years ago. You're n ...

How will tariffs potentially affect Interest rates

February 26, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

As a mortgage broker in Canada, I often get questions about how global economic events might affect our financial landscape, particularly when it comes to interest rates and the cost of borrowing. One ...

Is Now the Right Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

February 5, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

With interest rates in Canada decreasing, many homeowners are considering whether this may be the ideal time to refinance. Refinancing involves replacing your current mortgage with a new one, idea ...

Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points to 3%, announces end of quantitative tightening

January 29, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3%, with the Bank Rate at 3.25% and the deposit rate at 2.95%. The Bank is also announcing its plan to complete the no ...

Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Might Be Right for You?

January 21, 2025 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Hello there, and welcome! As a mortgage broker here in Canada, I know that diving into the world of mortgages can feel like stepping into a labyrinth of numbers and jargon. Today, let's have a fri ...

Government announces boldest mortgage reforms in decades to unlock homeownership for more Canadians

December 16, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Canadians work hard to be able to afford a home. However, the high cost of mortgage payments is a barrier to homeownership, especially for Millennials and Gen Z. To help more Canadians, particularly ...

Dec 11-2024 - Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 50 basis points to 3.25%

December 11, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3¼%, with the Bank Rate at 3¾% and the deposit rate at 3¼%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet no ...

Unlocking Home Ownership: What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know About Property Value

November 4, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Canadian dream of home ownership is evolving. With fluctuating property values and shifting market dynamics, understanding the real estate landscape is more crucial than ever for prospective hom ...

October 23-2024: Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 50 basis points to 3.75%

October 23, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3¾%, with the Bank Rate at 4% and the deposit rate at 3¾%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization. ...

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

October 8, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

A reverse mortgage is a great financial tool for homeowners over 55 who want to stay in their homes while accessing the value they've built up over the years. It provides additional income, eliminates ...

With Lower Interest Rates, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Mortgage?

September 6, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

With interest rates dropping, many homeowners ask the same question: Is now the right time to refinance my mortgage?* The simple answer? It could be! But as with most financial decisions, a few factor ...

Sept 4th, 2024 - Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%

September 4, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization. ...

How Lower Interest Rates Could Benefit Canadian Homeowners: Is Now the Time to Refinance?

August 23, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

As a Canadian homeowner, you're probably hearing a lot of buzz about falling interest rates. You might be wondering, "Is this the right time to refinance my mortgage?" The short answer is, it could be ...

What are Alternative Mortgage Lenders?

August 8, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

In the dynamic world of real estate, securing a mortgage can often be daunting, especially for individuals with unique financial situations. This is where alternative mortgage lenders come into play ...

July 7, 2024 - Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%

July 24, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4½%, with the Bank Rate at 4¾% and the deposit rate at 4½%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization. ...

7 Things to Know When You Are Looking to Purchase a Cottage or Vacation Home

July 8, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Purchasing a cottage or vacation home can be an exciting venture, offering a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, it's essential to approach this purchase with careful con ...

7 Smart Strategies to Help Save Money on Your Mortgage

June 21, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Hello, and welcome to our blog! If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for ways to make your mortgage more manageable. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, findin ...

How Lower Interest Rates Can Impact Your Mortgage: Insights for Canadians

June 7, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada recently made headlines by lowering its interest rates for the first time in over two years. This decision has significant implications for Canadians, particularly t ...

June 5 - 2024 - Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points

June 5, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4¾%, with the Bank Rate at 5% and the deposit rate at 4¾%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization. ...

When to Consider a Private Mortgage: A Guide for Canadian Homebuyers

May 23, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Navigating the world of Canadian mortgages can be scary, especially when traditional lenders, like banks and credit unions, close their doors. This is where private mortgages come into play. For ...

5 Great Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

May 8, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

As a mortgage professional, we often work with clients who are eager to improve their credit scores. A higher credit score not only increases your chances of getting approved for a mortgage bu ...

RRSP Home Buyers Plan

April 24, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

In 2024, the Canadian government made significant changes to the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), aiming to make homeownership more accessible, particularly for ...

Paying off your mortgage early - The Pros and Cons

April 10, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Certainly! Paying off your mortgage early is a significant financial decision that many Canadians grapple with. It can be an appealing goal, offering both financial freedom and peace of mind. That sai ...

April 10-2024 - Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

April 10, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. The Bank ...

The Impact of Canadian Economic Trends on Mortgage Rates: What You Need to Know

March 27, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Navigating the world of mortgages can sometimes feel like trying to predict the weather in Canada: just when you think you've got it figured out, things change. But unlike the weather, understanding ...

Unlocking the Door to Home Ownership: Simple Tips to Boost Your Credit Score

March 20, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Hello, homebuyers and financial enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a topic that's as crucial as it is misunderstood: your credit score. Think of your credit score like a key. The higher it is, the ...

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

March 6, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. Global e ...

Managing Your Mortgage Renewal in a High-Rate Environment

February 10, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Hello homeowners. With interest rates higher than they have been in many years, many of you might be anxious about your upcoming mortgage renewal. It's completely understandable, and you're not alon ...

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

January 24, 2024 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Navigating High Interest Rates: Strategies for New Home Buyers Across Canada

December 19, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Introduction In today's economic landscape, we're seeing a trend that can be quite intimidating for anyone looking to step into the world of home ownership – high interest rates. But fear not! This ...

Navigating Your Mortgage: Practical Tips from the Experts

December 14, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Managing a mortgage is a journey that requires careful navigation. Mortgage brokers understand the challenges and uncertainties homeowners face when it comes to their mortgage payments. Today's e ...

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

December 6, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. The ...

Navigating the New Normal: How Remote Work is Reshaping the Canadian Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape

December 3, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dinin ...

Canada's New Updated Mortgage Charter

November 23, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Canadian Mortgage Charter spells out the rights consumers have when they are renegotiating mortgages. It calls on financial institutions to provide better relief measures over the next three y ...

Understanding Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages

November 15, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

If you're on the cusp of getting a mortgage, or if you're considering refinancing, you've likely encountered the terms "fixed rate" and "variable rate" mortgage. These are the two primary pathways i ...

6 things to know about capital gains and taxes for people across Canada

November 2, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

So, you made some cash selling your property or stocks at a higher price than you bought them for? High five! But before you start celebrating, there's this thing called capital gains that might show ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update October 25, 2023

October 25, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5% ...

Mortgage Strategies in a Rising Interest Rate Environment

October 24, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Hello dear readers, Let's have a coffee chat, shall we? If we were sitting in a cozy café, sipping on lattes (or your beverage of choice), today's hot topic of conversation would undoubtedly revol ...

Leveraging Your Home Equity to Help Purchase a Home For Your Children: A Prudent Move?

October 6, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Navigating Parental Assistance in Home Purchases The concept of parents aiding their children in stepping onto the property ladder is not a new one yet it is not ubiquitously adopted. A 2021 ...

Understanding and Utilizing Home Equity

October 1, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

If you've consistently made mortgage payments over the years, you've been accumulating home equity. As this equity grows, homeowners can access it, converting it into cash for various purposes, from h ...

Can a first-time home buyer have a mortgage co-signer?

September 17, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Can New Home Buyers in Canada Use a Mortgage Co-Signer? Struggling to secure a mortgage or need a financial boost? Consider bringing in a co-signer. Dive deeper into this and other home-buying tact ...

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

September 6, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. Infl ...

Top Reasons To Refinance Your Home And Reasons Why You Maybe Should Not.

August 23, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Refinancing a mortgage means replacing your existing loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. Canadians often consider refinancing for various reasons, such as ...

Navigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: Your Path to Mortgage Resilience

August 5, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Introduction As your trusted mortgage broker, I understand that the current economic backdrop in Canada is presenting challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates on the rise and inflation p ...

Understanding Credit Scores and Maximizing Mortgage Opportunities in Canada

July 27, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Introduction In Canada, your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, especially when it comes to major transactions like securing a mortgage. A credit score is a numerical r ...

Bank of Canada raises policy rate 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

July 12, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. G ...

Some great tips to help you save for a home

June 13, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

A home for most all Canadians is likely the most significant purchase you will make in your lifetime, so it is essential to be well-prepared. It is crucial to understand how to budget and save for ...

Strategies for Speeding Up Mortgage Repayment

June 3, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Those of us who desire to own a home often long for the time when our mortgage is paid off. Although the majority of Canadian mortgages are usually amortized over the course of 25 years, there are a ...

First-Time Home Buyer Budgeting: What You Need to Know

April 20, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

As a first-time home buyer, budgeting is an essential part of the home buying process. By carefully planning your finances and considering all of the costs associated with purchasing a home, you can e ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 12, 2023

April 12, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4. ...

Bank of Canada Rate Update March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It

March 5, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Selling your home in the winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With fewer houses on the market and motivated buyers who are eager to mov ...

Title insurance and home insurance–protect what matters most

February 27, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

When something goes wrong with your home and you suffer a loss, you need to be able to rely on your insurance coverage. Knowing which of your insurance policies to turn to isn't always easy. Title ins ...

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

January 25, 2023 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4½%, with the Bank Rate at 4¾% and the deposit rate at 4½%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening ...

Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?

December 28, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not ...

The Pros and Cons of Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages

December 8, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

When it comes to choosing a mortgage, borrowers in Canada have two main options: a fixed rate mortgage or a variable mortgage. But which type is best for you? Here, we'll take a look at the pros and c ...

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

December 7, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening ...

Bank of Canada Rate Update October 26, 2022

October 26, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.75%, with the Bank Rate a ...

Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment

October 19, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment Do mortgages seem unaffordable? These tips will help you plan for your down payment so you can start talking to a private lender mortgage broker in no time. ...

How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power?

September 16, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power? Do You Know How Your Mortgage Rate Affects Buying Power? To maximize your purchasing power, you should understand how interest rates impact your home buying p ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update September 7, 2022

September 7, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 75 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.25%, with the Bank Rate ...

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

August 24, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside? While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so. This article will explore some o ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 13, 2022

July 13, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 100 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 2.5%, with the Bank Rate ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1½%, with the Bank Rate at ...

How a Mortgage Pre-Approval Can Protect You from Rising Rates

May 26, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

With interest rates rising, it's important to lock in a lower rate as soon as possible. You can do this with the right home mortgage pre-approval. Find out how! Do you plan on searching for and buy ...

How is a Private Mortgage Different Than a Traditional Bank Mortgage

May 4, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Understanding the difference between private mortgages and traditional bank mortgages can help you make the best decision for financing a new home. Each option provides the money to secure real estate ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 13, 2022

April 13, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, begins quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1%, with the Bank Rate at 1¼% ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada Increases Policy Interest Rate The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to ½ %, with the Bank Rate at ¾ % and the deposit rate at ½ %. The Bank is contin ...

Bank Of Canada Rate Update January 26, 2022

January 26, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, removes exceptional forward guidance The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ %, with the Bank Rate at ...

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker in Ontario

How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford?

January 5, 2022 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

How Much of a Mortgage Can You Afford? Mortgage Application: How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford? The mortgage application process involves a buyer's due diligence in calculating how much mortgage ...

Prequalification and Pre-Approval—What is the Difference? Home Buying in Ontario

December 15, 2021 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

What is the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval? Prequalification and Pre-Approval-What is the Difference? Prequalification is a basic review of the borrower's information to deter ...

What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage

November 24, 2021 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage Main reasons Why your mortgage application is Denied and What to do If Mortgage lenders reject Yours Mortgage lenders often reject loan application requests f ...

How to Know if it's Time to Refinance

November 3, 2021 | Posted by: Steve McArthur

How to Know if it's Time to Refinance According to mortgage advisors, mortgage refinancing is one of the ways to make and save money from your home loan. When done right mortgage refinancing benefits ...

Getting you the mortgage you deserve

Category: Mortgage (79 posts)

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