Smart Mortgage Moves to End the Year

As the year draws to a close, evaluating and optimizing your mortgage can set a solid foundation for financial success in the new year. Here are some effective strategies to help you finish strong. 1. Review Your Mortgage Statement Start by thoroughly reviewing your latest mortgage statement. Understanding your current interest rate, outstanding balance, and…

The Difference Between Affording a Home and Mortgage Approval

Buying a home is a significant milestone for many Canadians, but understanding the journey from affording a home to getting approved for a mortgage is crucial. Here’s a closer look at these two essential yet distinct steps in the homebuying process. Affording a Home Affording a home is about evaluating how much you can realistically…

New Mortgage Rules

Exciting new mortgage rules in Canada! 1. Increase in Insured Mortgage Price Cap: The government is raising the price cap from $1 million to $1.5 million, which will come into effect on December 15, 2024. This change aims to help more Canadians qualify for insured mortgages, making homeownership more attainable, especially for younger Canadians. 2.…

The MMF First Time Home Purchase Program

For many individuals and families, purchasing a home represents one of the most significant investments they will ever make. However, the path to homeownership can be fraught with challenges, especially for first-time buyers. In Manitoba, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is working to ease this journey for Metis citizens through its First Time Home Purchase…

Update for First Time Buyers

Exciting Changes for First Time Home Buyers in 2024 Starting August 1st, 2024, a significant shift is coming for homeowners purchasing newly built properties. The Department of Finance will provide First Time Home Buyers (FTHB) with the valuable option of a 30-year amortization for insured mortgages. This change is set to make home ownership more…

Owning Your Dream Cottage

Purchasing a second home can be exciting, but it’s essential to be well-informed about the process to make sound decisions. Here are some key things you need to know: Financing Options: Understand the financing options available for second homes in Canada. While mortgage rates for primary residences are typically more favourable, specialized mortgage products exist…

The 28/36 Rule

Have you heard of the 28/36 rule? This is a guideline used in personal finance to determine how much of your income should go toward housing and debt expenses. Here’s how it works: 28% for Housing Costs No more than 28% of your gross monthly income should be spent on housing costs, typically mortgage payments,…

Struggling with Debt?

Struggling with multiple debts? Let’s discuss the benefits of debt consolidation. Simplified Payments: Combine multiple debts into a single monthly payment. Easier to manage and keeps you organized. Lower Interest Rates: Potentially reduce your interest rate, saving you money over time. More of your payment goes towards the principal balance. Improved Credit Score: On-time payments can boost your…

6 Key Tips for First-Time Buyers

This season I am dealing with numerous first-time homebuyers. If you’re purchasing your first home, here’s how to prepare financially: Check Your Credit Score  Ensure your credit score is in good shape. Pay off debts and fix any errors. Save for a Down Payment  Aim to save at least 20% of the home’s price to…