What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know When embarking on the journey to homeownership in Canada, understanding key financial concepts is crucial to making informed decisions. One such concept is amortization—a term frequently mentioned in mortgage discussions but often misunderstood. In this blog post, we will demystify amortization and explain its significance in the Canadian mortgage…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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,…

Mastering Money Management with a Mortgage! Buying a home is a huge milestone, but managing your money with a mortgage can feel challenging. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your finances: Create a Budget  List out all your monthly income and expenses. Include your mortgage payment, utilities, insurance, groceries, and…

The Benefits of Paying Down Debt Before Buying a Home Becoming a homeowner is a significant milestone for many people. However, navigating the financial responsibilities that come with homeownership can be daunting, especially for those carrying existing debt. While it may be tempting to rush into purchasing a home, paying down debt before taking that…

In Canada, the majority of people who buy property do so by taking out a mortgage, which is typically repaid over a specific period of time through a process called amortization. However, most mortgage contracts only last for a period of one to five years. Once the contract comes to an end, the homeowner is…