29 May

This Vs That 8: Renew or switch lenders

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

Renew (the mortgage industry meaning): to remain with the current lender by simply signing the renewal letter that comes in the (e)mail. Switch (again, the mortgage industry meaning): to move from the existing lender to a different lender without leveraging any additional funds/equity; the outstanding balance remains the same. Is renewing your mortgage with the […]

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24 May

Down Payment Verification – 5 Key Points

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

One of the essential aspects of every mortgage application is the discussion pertaining to your down payment. Home purchases in Canada require a minimum down payment of your own funds to be put towards the deal. Your stake in the purchase. It is important that during the discussions with your Mortgage Broker that all the […]

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12 May

Determining the Best Mortgage…For YOU!

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

So you have saved, and saved and you are finally ready to start house hunting…but before you do, there are a few things that you should be looking into BEFORE you start buying. Namely, your mortgage options. Did you know that there are various mortgage products? Or that each mortgage product has it own personality? They […]

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9 May

Spousal Buyout Mortgage?

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

If you happen to be going through, or considering a divorce or separation, you might not be aware that there are mortgage products designed to allow you to refinance your property in order to buyout your ex-spouse. For most couples, their property is their largest asset and where the majority of their equity has been […]

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5 May

Emotional Homebuyers Can Lose Out On the Best Deals

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

Buying a home is financial decision, but also an emotional experience. Before we’ve explored every room, we often start imagining our new lives there. Where our furniture will go. The parties we’ll host in the open-concept living-dining space. The mornings we’ll spend at the breakfast bar overlooking the garden or skyline… When a home speaks […]

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1 May

What Does It Actually Mean To Co-sign For a Mortgage?

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

There seems to be some confusion about what it actually means to co-sign on a mortgage and you know that where there is confusion, your trusted mortgage professional seeks to offer clarity. Let’s take a quick look at why you may be asked to co-sign and what you need to know before, during, and after […]

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24 Apr

The Role of a Mortgage Broker

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

Buying a home is a big step – a big, very exciting, potentially stressful step! How can you take the hassle out of the equation and keep your buying experience super positive? Easy… Surround yourself with a team of experienced professionals! Many experienced realtors insist on starting your financing first, that’s where your Mortgage Broker […]

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17 Apr

The Two Types of Mortgage Penalty Calculations

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

We have all heard the horror stories about huge mortgage penalties. Like the time your friend wanted to refinance her home so that she could open a small business only to find out that it was going to cost her a $13,000 penalty to break her mortgage. This should not come as a surprise. It […]

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10 Apr

How Compound Interest Can Work For You

General

Posted by: Steven Brouwer

I remember the first time I learned about how compound interest can work for you. I was introduced by a friend to someone in the financial services industry and he explained a simple technique to easily calculate how compound interest can work for you – the Rule of 72. I was so excited and started […]

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