Mortgages in Canada can be a murky subject – one that we hope to shed some light on with a series of highly informational articles.
Latest News
Most mortgage borrowers to see payments rise 34% to 54% vs. early 2022: Bank of Canada + MORE Dec 22nd
If you had a mortgage as of February 2022, chances are you will be facing a payment increase before the end of 2025..... More »
The mortgage pro’s guide to AI: What to use, when, and why it matters + MORE Jul 8th
From writing emails and analyzing client data to brainstorming marketing ideas, mortgage professionals are embracing AI to work more efficiently. But knowing which tools to use—and how to use them wisely—can make all the difference..... More »
Understanding mortgage affordability Feb 18th
Let’s talk about mortgage affordability. We know that housing affordability is getting further out of reach for many Canadians. But, what determines mortgage affordability? How is it calculated by financial institutions and lenders? And what hidden costs should potential home buyers fact.... More »
Fewer banking fees, help for mortgage holders—here’s what new rules could mean for Canadians + MORE Oct 29th
On October 17, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced new affordability measures related to mortgages and banking, prepared in consultation with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), a consumer watchdog organization that focuses on financial services..... More »
TD launches agentic AI for mortgage and HELOC applications + MORE May 24th
The bank says its first autonomous AI model is already reducing parts of the pre-adjudication process from an average of 15 hours to less than three minutes..... More »
Myths and facts of reverse mortgages
– moneysense.ca
A reverse mortgage is exactly what the name implies: accessing the existing equity you have built in your home by granting a mortgage to a lender without the need to make monthly payments.
And yet, there are many misconceptions about this financial product, which allows Canadians to borrow up to 55% of a home’s value, tax-free, on properties worth $250,000 or more.
With home property values soaring and the federal government tightening traditional mortgage qualification rules through a rigorous stress test, more homeowners are looking to reverse mortgages as a way to unlock the value tied up in their properties. Borrowers receive the money tax-free to use as they wish—to supplement their income and increase cash flow; to cover unexpected expenses or home renovations; and to help stay in their current home are just a few examples.
Unlike home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), which require monthly payments, reverse mortgages, such as those offered by Equitable Bank, are ideal for cash-strapped homeowners who want to stay put without increasing their living expenses…
And yet, there are many misconceptions about this financial product, which allows Canadians to borrow up to 55% of a home’s value, tax-free, on properties worth $250,000 or more.
With home property values soaring and the federal government tightening traditional mortgage qualification rules through a rigorous stress test, more homeowners are looking to reverse mortgages as a way to unlock the value tied up in their properties. Borrowers receive the money tax-free to use as they wish—to supplement their income and increase cash flow; to cover unexpected expenses or home renovations; and to help stay in their current home are just a few examples.
Unlike home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), which require monthly payments, reverse mortgages, such as those offered by Equitable Bank, are ideal for cash-strapped homeowners who want to stay put without increasing their living expenses…
Should you hold your mortgage inside your RRSP?
– moneysense.ca
Q. I currently own a house in Edmonton that is mortgaged, and looking to purchase a property in Vernon, BC, that I will eventually retire to. Until then, I am liking the idea of renting out that property to help support the additional mortgage.
I am wondering if it’s possible to transfer my existing mortgage into my RRSP and access the cash there by reducing the amount of additional mortgage I would need to purchase the Vernon property? Otherwise, is there a way to purchase the Vernon property using my RRSP funds?
–Yvonne
A. I am often asked about buying a home to retire to eventually, and renting it out in the meantime. I question the approach because a home you want to live in is not necessarily a good property to rent out to a tenant. A property that is easily rentable to tenants may be close to transit and jobs for example, whereas a property you may want to retire to could be more rural or have different attributes.
In addition, there are things that could change in your life by the time you retire…
I am wondering if it’s possible to transfer my existing mortgage into my RRSP and access the cash there by reducing the amount of additional mortgage I would need to purchase the Vernon property? Otherwise, is there a way to purchase the Vernon property using my RRSP funds?
–Yvonne
A. I am often asked about buying a home to retire to eventually, and renting it out in the meantime. I question the approach because a home you want to live in is not necessarily a good property to rent out to a tenant. A property that is easily rentable to tenants may be close to transit and jobs for example, whereas a property you may want to retire to could be more rural or have different attributes.
In addition, there are things that could change in your life by the time you retire…
