by Julie Dugas | Jan 20, 2023 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
Canada’s banking regulator – The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) – announced three new regulatory proposals in January that could further limit mortgage lending pending a consultation period. OSFI’s three proposals are focused on debt...
by Julie Dugas | Jan 6, 2023 | Blog, Economy, Homeownership, Mortgage
Most regions of the country (60%) are expected to shift into balanced market territory in 2023 – a trend that’s already starting to materialize as a result of current economic conditions – after a seller’s market dominated for much of the pandemic, says RE/MAX...
by Julie Dugas | Dec 16, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
There are many benefits to homeownership in any market. It’s important not to let the media tarnish your homeownership journey. And with average rent in Canada rising nearly 12% year-over-year in October 2022 to almost $2,000 – according to the National Rent Report –...
by Julie Dugas | Dec 2, 2022 | Blog, Economy
More than half of Canadians surveyed are concerned about their personal financial situation but they haven’t changed their subconscious spending habits, according to a new report – The Quiet Spend – by FP Canada. Most people are spending money subconsciously by...
by Julie Dugas | Nov 18, 2022 | Blog, Mortgage
In a rising rate environment like we’re currently experiencing, chances are you’ve heard the word “trigger” a lot lately, especially if you’re in a variable-rate mortgage.What’s a Trigger Rate? A mortgage is made up of two components: 1) Interest; and 2) Principal....
by Julie Dugas | Nov 4, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
While first-time homebuyers are often required by their lender to pay property taxes as part of their mortgage payments, many people continue to pay them like this throughout their time as mortgage holders. Once you’re no longer required to pay taxes with your...
by Julie Dugas | Oct 21, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
Rent-to-own programs enable borrowers to build equity in a specific property as tenants with an option to buy the property within an established timeframe – typically between one and five years. As with any program, it’s important to understand how it works before...
by Julie Dugas | Oct 7, 2022 | Blog, Economy, Mortgage
Whether you’re in the market for a mortgage on your new home or you’re looking to renew or refinance an existing mortgage, it’s important to work with a mortgage agent who has access to multiple lender types – including, banks, credit unions and monolines, as well as...
by Julie Dugas | Sep 16, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has raised its benchmark interest rate five consecutive times this year – most recently increasing 0.75% on September 7th. And while these increases are coming after years of historically low rates, some borrowers may be feeling the increases...
by Julie Dugas | Sep 2, 2022 | Blog, Economy
Everyone seems to be talking about inflation more than ever these days. And while Inflation in Canada has come down a little recently, it remains far too high. After rising rapidly to reach 8.1% in June, inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) was 7.6%...
