This day in History, hard to believe that 15 years have already passed since the 2008 financial crisis in the United States.

On March 16, 2008, Bear Stearns, the 85-year-old investment bank, narrowly avoids bankruptcy by its sale to J.P. Morgan Chase and Co. at the shockingly low price of $2 per share.
The link to the full story to revisit history below but more importantly the impact of news on mortgage rates can be significant, and recent developments have caused a reversal in the upward trend of fixed rates.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the US has shocked the banking world and created fear of an imminent recession. This fear has resulted in plummeting bond yields, putting significant downward pressure on fixed rates. As a result, we may see the Bank of Canada cut their rates sooner than expected, with the bond market pricing in three 0.25% rate cuts in 2023.

Since the news of SVB’s collapse broke, bond yields have tumbled by more than 20%, indicating that cuts to fixed mortgage rates are coming. The extent of the cuts is uncertain, but it’s possible that they could be significant. The news is great for those looking to buy a new home or renew their mortgage.

It’s unclear if this downward trend in rates is the start of a new trend or a market overreaction to the news. Nonetheless, the news has created optimism for fixed rate cuts in the near future, which is good news for consumers. Even if you’ve already locked in a rate, you’re not obligated to go with that offer. It’s always best to find the lowest mortgage rates on the market.

While the news is promising for mortgage rates, there is still considerable uncertainty moving forward, and inflation remains a concern. However, it’s the most positive news we’ve had for mortgage rates in the past year, and circumstances can always change.
If you would like to talk about how this may affect your mortgage lets chat.

#skokomortgages #MortgageBroker #VancouverBC #MortgageRates #HomeOwnership #Refinance #RealEstate #HomeBuying #MortgageLender #HomeLoans #FirstTimeHomeBuyers #MortgageTips #FinancialAdvice #DebtConsolidation #CreditScore #MortgageCalculators #FixedRates #VariableRates #HomeEquity #MortgageRenewal #HomePurchase #InvestmentProperties #LowRates #BestMortgageBroker #TrustedAdvisor

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bear-stearns-sold-to-j-p-morgan-chase

As a Canadian 55+, there are a variety of financial options available for you in retirement. However, this does not mean that every financial option is right for you, so it’s essential that you reflect on your retirement needs and choose a financial solution that best meets those needs. For example, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank is a versatile financial option that can help solve several financial challenges faced by Canadians 55+.
If you are retiring with debt and want to consolidate and avoid payments, if your investment portfolio has not performed as well as you had planned, or if you require additional cash flow to deal with rising expenses because of inflation, then the CHIP Reverse Mortgage may be the right financial solution for you. From helping you pay bills and cover unplanned expenses to having the freedom to travel more or purchase a second home or vacation property, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage is a versatile and flexible financial solution for retired Canadians at least 55 years old.
We have found that Individuals who use the CHIP Reverse Mortgage usually fall within four groups based on their financial needs:
1. Alleviate the stress of debt.
You fall within this group if you need help making mortgage payments and paying your credit card bill. If you prefer not to use your savings or investment portfolio for cash and are incurring more and more debt over time due to unavoidable expenses, then you likely require a solution to ease your financial stress.
2. Pay for unplanned expenses.
If you are facing unexpected expenses, such as fixing a broken window, retrofitting your home for mobility reasons, or even incurring costs associated with in-home care, you fall into this group. Essentially, you are facing a short-term financial strain and need quick cash to take care of the costs.
3. Want to live life to the fullest.
You fall into this group if you want to take advantage of your free time now that you have retired but need more funds. It would help if you had increased cash flow to live out the retirement you have always dreamed of.
4. Maintain a standard of living.
Many individuals may be forced to adjust their lifestyle once they retire to accommodate a lack of income. If you want to maintain your preretirement lifestyle but require extra funds, you fall into this group.

If you belong to any of these groups, it may be time to consider the CHIP Reverse Mortgage as your financial solution. The CHIP Reverse Mortgage allows Canadian homeowners 55+, such as yourself, to access up to 55% of their home’s value in tax-free cash. It offers flexible withdrawal options, including a lump sum, in stages, at regular intervals over a set period, or a combination. Furthermore, you are not required to make monthly mortgage payments and continue owning your home. You are only required to repay the loan when you decide to move out, sell, or no longer reside in your home. HomeEquity Bank also offers a No Negative Equity Guarantee , which means you will never owe more than the value of your home as long as you keep the property in good maintenance, pay property taxes and insurance, and the property is not in default.

Contact me rob@skoko.ca or 604.771.4085 to see if the CHIP Reverse Mortgage is a fit for you and how to use it to help you in retirement.

📣 Attention Variable Rate Mortgage Holders:

Do Not Panic.

👉 The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by 0.25% today – just as they have been telling us that they would.

Citing uncertainty due to the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, high inflation, and a stronger than expected first-quarter growth, the Central Bank did just as we expected.

🧐 The biggest question is…”SHOULD I LOCK IN?”

Remember: It is just a 0.25% increase. We knew this was going to happen at some time or another! It was part of your mortgage strategy.

Please consider the following:

🔹 The monthly payments on a $500,000 mortgage with a 25 year amortization and a Variable Rate at 1.50% was previously $1,999.68 per month.

🔹 A 0.25% increase in rate to 1.75% increases your payments to $2,058.95, which is a difference of only $59.27 per month. If you have a static payment variable rate, your payment won’t change at all.

🔹 If you were to lock yourself into a 5-year Fixed Rate at 3.29%, an average 5-year fixed rate in the industry right now, your monthly mortgage payment would be $2,441.25. That is a difference of $382.30 per month, or $4,587.60 per year!

😱

🔹 In addition to this $382.30 extra per month, you would be changing the flexibility of your mortgage. If you ever need to break a Variable Rate Mortgage, the penalty is just 3 months of interest (around 0.5% of your mortgage). In contrast, penalties for breaking Fixed Rate Mortgages are determined using the “Interest Rate Differential”, a calculation that can be up to 4.5% of your mortgage balance!

✳️ The Bank of Canada would have to raise their Key Interest Rate SIX times before you arrived at where Fixed Rates are right now, as they usually move their rates in increments of 0.25%. It’s important to keep in mind that the Bank of Canada makes just 8 rate announcements per year.

✳️ Prime Rates with the lenders will likely rise from 2.45% to 2.70% today. The highest Prime Rate has been in the last 12 years is 3.95%…only 1.25% higher than today.

I’ve done the calculations, and even if the Bank of Canada increases their rate by 0.50% per year for the next 5 years, you will still come out thousands of dollars ahead with a variable rate mortgage right now.

➡️ Remember, the Banks LOVE Fixed Rate Mortgages, and would love to see you locking into those fixed rates right now. The Economists that you often see quoted in the news are paid by the Banks. These same Economists have been predicting a rate increase of 1.50% or higher for over 10 years…and they have been WRONG. Historically, Variable Rate Mortgage holders have always “won” the rate game.

So…Don’t panic! 😎 Keep calm, stick with your strategy, and remember that the sky is not falling.

📣 NOW is the time to be taking advantage of this ultra-low rate environment!

✅ Put aside that $382.30 per month into a savings account, if you are concerned about rates rising in the future, or

✅ Use your prepayment privileges that came with your mortgage to make extra payments to pay down your mortgage balance quicker.

✅ Be PROACTIVE!

And CONGRATULATIONS on all of the money you have been saving!! 🎉☺️

REVERSE MORTGAGES IN CANADA DIFFER GREATLY FROM THOSE IN THE U.S.

How much do you really know about reverse mortgages? Maybe you know that reverse mortgages can help Canadians 55+ access the equity in their home, tax-free. But there are many people who mistakenly think that Canadian reverse mortgages are just like those offered in the U.S. As Canada’s leading provider of reverse mortgages, HomeEquity Bank can help set the record straight.

Canadian reverse mortgages are an increasingly popular borrowing option for homeowners 55+.

Unlike in the United States where features and rates can fluctuate greatly between the many providers, HomeEquity Bank, the leading provider of reverse mortgages in Canada, is a federally regulated Schedule 1 Bank. This means that HomeEquity Bank has the same oversight and regulatory obligations that the big 6 Canadian banks have. With a trusted and secure bank backing the CHIP Reverse Mortgage, it becomes a great alternative to selling your home, and may be a better-suited lending solution when compared to a second mortgage or a line of credit. Homeowners can retire stress-free, without the worry of monthly payments. Plus, funds are tax free and don’t impact your OAS or CPP.

Here are some key differences that set our reverse mortgages apart from those of our American neighbours.

In Canada:

• Eligibility amount is up to 55% of your home’s value. Our conservative lending amount serves two purposes: Firstly, the amount you qualify for increases with age as the cost of living is expected to increase and other sources of retirement income deplete. Secondly, we provide a No Negative Equity Guarantee which ensures the loan balance doesn’t exceed the fair market value of your home.
• Closing & administrative closing costs are $1,795. There are also standard legal and appraisal fees payable to third parties, as with any mortgage.
• No monthly payments are required.

In the U.S.

• Eligibility amount is up to 80% of your home’s value, according to the Federal Housing Authority.
• Closing & administrative closing costs to a max of $6,000. A lender can charge the greater of $2,500 or 2% of the first $200,000 of your home’s value plus 1% of the amount over $200,000. HECM origination fees are capped at $6,000.
• Monthly payments are required.

Tens of thousands of Canadians are already using the funds from a reverse mortgage to supplement their monthly income, pay off debt, travel, purchase a second property and more. To see how a reverse mortgage could work for you, contact you Dominion Lending Centres  Mortgage Broker today!

Sue Pimento HomeEquity Bank

Before you begin searching for a home, it’s always helpful to think about your needs both now and in the future. And if you have any questions about the home-buying process or different types of real estate, you can always ask your mortgage professional or real estate agent for input.

Following are some things to consider when you’re deciding which type of home to buy:

• Location. Do you want to live in a city, town or in the countryside? How long will your work commute be? Where will your children attend school and how will they get there? Are you close to amenities?
• Size requirements. Do you need several bedrooms, more than one bathroom, space for a home office, a two-car garage?
• Special features. Do you want air conditioning, storage or hobby space, a fireplace, a swimming pool? Do you have family members with special needs? Do you want special features to save energy, enhance indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact?
• Lifestyles and stages. Do you plan to have children? Do you have teenagers who will be moving away soon? Are you close to retirement? Will you need a home that can accommodate different stages of life?

New Versus Resale Homes

When thinking about your ideal home, the first thing you should consider is whether you want a previously owned home (often called a resale) or a new home. Here are some characteristics that may help you decide:

New Home

• Modern design. A new home has an up-to-date design that takes into account the latest trends, materials and features.
• Personalized choices. You may be able to upgrade or choose certain items such as siding, flooring, cabinets, plumbing and electrical fixtures.
• Up-to-date with the latest codes/standards. The latest building codes, electrical and energy-efficiency standards will be applied.
• Maintenance costs. Maintenance costs will be lower because everything is new and many items are covered by a warranty. You should still set aside money every year for future maintenance costs.
• Builder warranty. This is a warranty that may be provided by the builder of the home. Be sure to check all the conditions of the warranty. A homebuilder’s warranty can be important if a major system such as plumbing or heating breaks down.
• Neighbourhood amenities. Schools, shopping malls and other services may not be complete for years.
• Extra costs. You may have to pay extra if you want to add a fireplace, plant trees and sod or pave your driveway. Make sure you know exactly what’s included in the price of your home.

Resale Home

• You can see what you are buying. Easy access to services. Probably established in a neighbourhood with schools, shopping malls and other services.
• Landscaping is usually complete and fencing already installed. Previously owned homes may have extras like fireplaces, finished basements or swimming pools.
• No GST. You don’t have to pay the GST unless the house has been substantially renovated, and then the taxes are applied as if it were a new house.
• Possible redecorating and renovations. You may need to redecorate, renovate or do major repairs such as replacing the roof, windows and doors.

Deciding Which Type of Home to Buy

There are many types of homes to choose from and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Think about your needs before making a decision, and don’t forget to look beyond the interior walls. The environment surrounding your home can be as important as the environment within.

Following are some different types of homes from which to choose:

Single-Family Detached – A home containing one dwelling unit that stands alone and sits on its own lot, thereby offering a greater degree of privacy.

Semi-Detached – A single-family home that is joined to another one by a common wall. It can offer many of the advantages of a single-family detached home and is usually less expensive to buy and maintain.

Row House or Townhouse – Many similar single-family homes, side-by-side, separated by common walls. They can be freehold, condominiums or rental units. They offer less privacy than a single-family detached home but still provide a separate outdoor space. These homes can cost less to buy and maintain – but they can also be large, luxury units.

Link or Carriage Home – Houses joined by garages or carports, which provide access to the front and back yards. Builders sometimes join basement walls so that link houses appear to be single-family homes on small lots. These houses can be less expensive than single-family detached homes.

Condominiums or Stratas – A condo or strata is a form of ownership, not a type of construction. They can be high-rise residential buildings, townhouse complexes, individual houses and low-rise residential buildings.

There are generally two ways to get a mortgage in Canada: From a bank, or from a licensed mortgage professional.

While a bank only offers the products from their particular institution, licensed mortgage professionals send millions of dollars in mortgage business each year to Canada’s largest banks, credit unions, and trust companies … offering their clients more choice, and access to hundreds of mortgage products!

As a result, clients benefit from the trust, confidence, and security of knowing they are getting the best mortgage for their needs.

Mortgage professionals work for you, and not the banks; therefore, they work in your best interest. From the first consultation to the signing of your mortgage, their services are free. A fee is charged only for the most challenging credit solutions, and it’s especially under those circumstances that a mortgage professional can do for you what your bank cannot.

Whether you’re purchasing a home for the first time, taking out equity from your home for investment or pleasure, or your current mortgage is simply up for renewal, it’s important that you are making an educated buying decision with professional unbiased advice.

Transitioning from renter to homeowner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout your lifetime. It can also be a stressful experience if you don’t plan ahead by building a budget and saving prior to embarking upon homeownership.

Budgeting is a core ingredient that helps alleviate the stress associated with money issues that can sometimes arise if you purchase a home without knowing all of the associated costs – including down payment, closing expenses, ongoing maintenance, taxes and utilities.

The trouble is, many first-time homeowners fail to carefully think about their finances, plan a budget or set savings aside. And in this society of instant gratification, money problems can quickly escalate.

The key is to create a realistic budget based on your goals. Track your spending and make your dollars go further by sticking to your budget once it’s in place. Budgeting offers a step-by-step formula for figuring out how to best save your hard-earned money to invest in homeownership.

Start by listing your household income, then your household expenses, and review your spending habits. All of this can be done on a pad of paper or on a computer spreadsheet.

Keeping receipts for everything that you purchase will enable you to accurately keep track of where your money is going each month so that you can review and make necessary changes to your plan on an ongoing basis.

Examine all areas of your life from entertainment to the type of food you buy, where you buy your food and clothes, and how and where you travel. Also look at your spending personality and make necessary adjustments. Are you a saver, a splurger, a spontaneous shopper or a hoarder? Become smarter with your money and avoid impulse buying.

If you find you’re spending a lot of money in one area, such as entertainment for instance, set aside a reasonable amount each month and prepare to stop spending money in this area once your budget has been exhausted.

Budgeting provides you with the opportunity to re-evaluate your needs and wants. Do you really need the magazine subscriptions, the gym membership and all the other things you may spend money on each month? Although everyone needs some “me time” to wind down, could you not get that by taking a walk or reading a good book you borrowed from the library?

If you can set your budget solidly in place before you head out home or mortgage shopping, you will be far more prepared to purchase your first home.

Following are three top tips to help you prepare for the purchase of your first home:

1. Set up a savings account. You can deposit a predetermined amount into this account each pay period that you will not touch unless it’s absolutely necessary. This will enable you to put money aside for a down payment and cover closing costs, as well as address ongoing homeownership expenses such as maintenance, taxes and utilities.

1. Save up for big-ticket items. As you accumulate money in your savings account, you will be able to also save for specific purchases to help furnish your home – avoiding the buy now, pay later mentality, which can have a negative impact on your credit when you’re seeking mortgage financing.

1. Surround yourself with a team of professionals. When you’re getting ready to make your first home purchase, enlist the services of a licensed mortgage professional and a real estate agent. These experts are invaluable to you as you set out on the road to homeownership because they help first-time buyers through the home purchase and financing processes every day. They will be able to answer all of your questions and set your mind at ease. A mortgage professional has access to multiple lenders, and can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know exactly what you can afford to spend on a home before you head out house hunting, while a real estate agent will be able to match your needs with a house you can afford. Both parties will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. And, best of all, these services are typically free. They will also be able to refer you to other reputable professionals you may need for your home purchase, including a real estate lawyer and home appraiser. 

If you’re self-employed, you may have a more difficult time obtaining financing for your real estate purchases than you encountered just 18 months ago thanks to the recent recession. And as of April 9^th, 2010, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) raised the required down payment amount, as well as decreased the percentage at which you can refinance an existing mortgage if you’re self-employed.

To add to the confusion, there are also new rules for those who have been self-employed for more than three years.

Still, if you can prove your income, show you’re up-to-date on your taxes and you have solid credit, your chances of being approved for a mortgage are greatly improved.

There are essentially two types of self-employed or business-for-self (BFS) borrowers – those who can prove their income and those who cannot, and must instead use a stated-income mortgage product. But, if you have been self-employed for more than three years, you can no longer use a stated-income product.

By providing the required documentation, you’re much more likely to be approved for a mortgage if you qualify based on your income. The trouble is that if you cannot prove your income, you pose a higher risk in the eyes of lenders.

CMHC currently offers default mortgage insurance for people who have been self-employed less than three years through a stated-income mortgage product up to 90% loan to value (LTV) – meaning the down payment can be as low as 10% of the purchase price. But prior to April 9^th, 2010, the maximum LTV for self-employed individuals was 95% for purchases – meaning the down payment would have only been 5% instead of the current 10%.

And if a BFS individual wishes to refinance an existing mortgage, the maximum loan amount was reduced to 85% from the previous 90% of the home’s value.

Regardless of the maximum LTV, however, the income amount you are stating has to make sense based on your occupation. This is important, because the chances of finding lenders to fund this type of deal are significantly boosted if the mortgage is insured.

Lenders and insurers are well aware of the tax write-offs that BFS borrowers can leverage, but these deals are accepted or declined based on average incomes for specific fields, as well as your credit rating. It pretty much goes without saying that those with credit blemishes will have a tough time obtaining mortgage financing if they’re self-employed.

Getting pre-approved

While BFS mortgage financing is viewed on a case-by-case basis, if you work with a licensed mortgage professional to obtain a pre-approval, you can be confident you have access to mortgage financing and you will know how much you can spend before you head out shopping for a property.

It’s important to note, however, that there is a significant difference between being pre-approved and pre-qualified. In order to obtain a pre-approval, the lender fully underwrites the deal whereas, with a pre-qualification, only the most basic details are considered. Remember that many banks will only issue a pre-qualification.

Should a pre-approval and/or mortgage default insurance be unobtainable, the maximum mortgage amount you are likely to qualify for is between 50% and 75% – meaning you will need a much larger down payment.

Alternative financing

If you do not qualify for traditional financing all is not lost, since you may be eligible for alternative – or private – funding.

Mortgage professionals often have access to private investors who are willing to lend money to BFS individuals looking to obtain mortgages. Although you will pay a higher interest rate – on average about 12% – this route may enable you to acquire funds to purchase a home.

It’s also important to note that there are added fees involved with private funding because the deals involve a higher degree of risk. The combined lender/brokerage fee will depend on the specific deal and the risk it poses, but the figure will be disclosed upfront so you know exactly what you’ll be expected to pay for these services.

Another key point to consider is that private financing is equity based, meaning that the lender’s decision will be based on a specific piece of real estate. Private lenders want to know that the property is marketable and that they will be able to easily sell it should the mortgage go into foreclosure.

To discuss further please dont hesitate to contact me at 604-771-4085 or email me rob@skoko.ca

If you are looking for a new home, be sure you are pre-approved. With a mortgage pre-approval, a licensed mortgage professional can do a more complete verification prior to sending you shopping for a home, and with that done, the dollar figure you are going shopping with is actually what you can spend.

The mortgage professional that you work with to get pre-approved will let you know for certain what you can afford based on lender and insurer criteria, and what your payments on a specific mortgage will be.

Licensed mortgage professionals can lock-in an interest rate for you for anywhere from 60 – 120 days while you shop for your perfect home. By locking in an interest rate, you are guaranteed to get a mortgage for at least that rate or better. If interest rates drop, your locked-in rate will drop as well. However, if the interest rates go up, your locked-in interest rate will not, ensuring you get the best rate throughout the mortgage pre-approval process.

In order to get pre-approved for a mortgage, a mortgage professional requires a short list of information that will allow them to determine your buying power. A mortgage professional will explain to you the benefits of shorter or longer mortgage terms, the latest programs available, which mortgage products they believe will most likely meet your needs the best, plus they will review all of the other costs involved with purchasing a home.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is something every potential home buyer should do before going shopping for a new home. A pre-approval will give you the confidence of knowing that financing is available, and it can put you in a very positive negotiation position against other home buyers who aren’t pre-approved.

There is an endless supply of different types of homes available for purchase – ranging from condos to townhouses to fully-detached homes. The key is to decide what you can afford and which amenities you prefer before heading out shopping for a new home.

Your best first step is to seek the advice of a Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Professional and get pre-approved on a mortgage. That way, you already know what your price range is – and, therefore, which type of home you’re in the market for – before you begin shopping.

Budgeting is also an important part of preparing yourself for the purchase of a home. If you save for a down payment and up-front costs, such as closing costs and emergency reserves, much sooner, you’ll be sure to save enough to cover the many expenses facing a new homeowner, including moving, utility hook-ups, tools, maintenance supplies, window coverings, etcetera.

Once you have the money available to make your home purchase a reality, you should weigh the following options to help decide what type of home is right for you:

Condo

A condo makes a great first home because it typically costs less than a townhouse or a detached home, which translates into a smaller down payment. But there are, however, monthly maintenance fees you must take into consideration when budgeting for a condo.

Condos are also ideal for those who do not want to maintain a lawn or worry about clearing snow away from walkways and driveways.

Townhouse

If the condo life is not your forte and you’re not looking for a big yard to maintain, a townhouse may be your best home purchase option.

A townhouse costs less than a fully-detached home and results in cheaper property taxes as well.

Many townhouses also come with monthly maintenance fees unless they are freehold townhouses. In situations where you pay a monthly fee, however, you won’t have to worry about outdoor maintenance or snow removal.

Detached Home

If it’s privacy you’re seeking as well as a larger yard, a detached home is your ideal choice. Still, prices can vary drastically based on such variables as whether you’re seeking a spot in the city, a place in the suburbs or a more rural location.

Other Considerations

The size of the home and property (if you decide not to opt for a condo) are also important things to consider before you head out shopping. While everyone has their dream home in mind, this is not always a practical purchase choice, especially if this is your first home purchase.

When it comes to location, think about in which area or neighbourhood you’d like to make your purchase, and which home features are absolutely essential – including what you can live without and what aspects are entirely out of the question.

Take a look at real estate ads for the area(s) you’re interested in to see what’s on the market and the price ranges. Also drive around a few neighbourhoods and see what’s for sale or visit Open Houses. This can help crystallize what you want or don’t want in a home.

By making your first purchase a modest and affordable ‘starter’ home, you will be putting money towards a mortgage that will build equity in that home. And once you’ve paid down a significant portion of that first home’s mortgage, you will then have more money to put towards an upgrade into your dream home.