Applying for a mortgage can be an intimidating process. Not only do lenders look at your income, they examine your credit score, too—all to determine whether you’re a risky person to bank on. Securing a mortgage was easy in the old days, but lenders are notorious for scrutinizing in today’s less-than-reliable economy. If you’re planning […]

For most Canadian buyers, stockpiling money for a deposit means budgeting. And while living frugally can be a great way to save up some much-needed cash, not everybody is excited about the idea of cutting luxuries or splurges out of their day-to-day spending. Here’s how to stick to a saving-friendly regime while still enjoying life. […]

Purchasing a home might mean some lifestyle changes for you and your family. Before jumping in with both feet, ask yourself these questions or discuss them with your real estate agent. How might your family change in the next few years?When shopping for a property, it pays to think about your needs now, as well […]

Buying your first home is one of the largest financial decisions (and investments) you will ever make. It’s a smart move to get out of the rental world if you can and start putting that money toward your own property, but it’s also only smart if you are financially truly ready for it. Here’s how […]

Most Canadians dream of being able to afford the home of their dreams one day. With a bit of forethought and planning, you may be able to make that dream come true sooner than you think. Have a look at these wise money decisions that you can implement now so that you can get your […]

In decades past, some people opted to invest the money they had saved for a down payment and benefit from the hassle-free and lower-cost option of renting. Today, however, rental rates in some Canadian cities have risen so much that they’re almost as much as a mortgage payment itself. So how do you decide when […]

Saving for a down payment is no easy feat—it’s likely the largest sum of money you will need to pay out at one time, and the largest investment you will ever buy. It may seem impossible to save enough for a down payment in any of Canada’s largest cities, but if you make it your […]

If most of your money is invested in your home, as is the case for many, there may come a time when you need access to that money. That means your mortgage needs to change too. You might require a change to your payment plan, access to more money or want to lower your borrowing […]

Studies show that buying a home still ranks high on the priority list for Canadians. For many renters, the question eventually becomes not just “should we?” but “when will we?” In the great rent or buy debate, it’s true that there’s a lot to consider. Before talking to a real estate agent about taking the […]

One of the biggest hurdles first-time buyers face is the dreaded mortgage application. Between worrying about being able to qualify, and wondering which rate is best for you, it can become a nightmare in an already lengthy process. It’s important to do some research on what to expect before dipping your toe into the often […]

While you might have heard the term in other contexts and could come across it for a variety of reasons, in real estate, understanding escrow is an important part of the buying process. What is it? There are two kinds of escrow when it comes to real estate. The first is when a neutral third […]

Interest rates in Canada are on the rise, but there are some ways you can keep more money in your pocket when it comes to your mortgage. These four tips may be helpful when you’re on the hunt for the best mortgage terms possible: Shop AroundThis is probably the best piece of advice possible when […]

Canadians who are ready to begin house hunting and who have found a REALTOR® with whom they click may have been given the sage advice to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Some purchasers, however, might confuse pre-approval with actually being approved. Pre-approval usually entails receiving some acknowledgement from a lending institution regarding what a buyer […]

Building equity is important to every Canadian homeowner. Besides having the pride of owning your own home, owning real estate means you can begin to build some wealth and security for the future. Following are some things every homeowner needs to know about equity and building it. What equity is. Equity is what your home is […]

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect loan that fits your lifestyle and your budget, there are some things to consider asking potential lenders. Following are seven questions you should be sure to ask before committing to a lender.