General Mortage Information

How a Loan Pre-Approval Letter Can Help with Your Home Search
A pre-approval letter is a statement from a lender that you are qualified to service a specific amount of debt. If you are bidding on your dream home, being pre-approved can be a great advantage over competing bids. It can also let you know exactly where your price ceiling is. There is nothing more disappointing than falling in love with a home and then realizing it is out of your reach. [ read more ]

Reverse Mortgages
What if you are retired and discover that your retirement income isn't enough. Or perhaps you need some money to pay for home care or to help finance a grandchild's education. The reverse mortgage may be for you. [ read more ]

New CMHC Downpayment Options
With as little as five per cent down, all home buyers now have access to mortgage insurance, Marc Rochon, President of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced recently. [ read more ]

Mortgage Financing
Most Canadians need a mortgage to purchase a home. A mortgage is essentially a long-term loan used for buying a home. It is composed of two ingredients; the first is the principal, the amount borrowed and the second is the interest, the cost of borrowing. Each mortgage payment will consist of these two parts - covering the interest first and then, the balance of the payment will go to the principal. Interest is paid on the principal amount outstanding at a rate agreed to at the beginning of the term. The number of years that it takes to pay back the entire mortgage debt is known as the amortization period which is normally 25 years. [ read more ]

Protecting Your Family With Life Insured Mortgages
You've invested a lot in your home. Fire and theft insurance covers the contents. What about protecting the people who live there, your family, with mortgage life insurance? This type of term insurance is available through most financial institutions. When the unexpected happens - make sure your home remains your family's home. Have the comfort of knowing that the amount you owe will be paid and your family can live mortgage-free. [ read more ]

How To Save Money With Variable Mortgage Rates
There was a time when interest rates were fairly easy to predict. These days even a crystal ball might not help. One expert is predicting that there is still room for rates to drop. Another one thinks that they could skyrocket any day. I do know that whether you are contemplating buying your first home, or are about to renew your present mortgage, it does pay to shop around. There are some good options to consider that can help you cope with the uncertainties. [ read more ]

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