Finding a perfect mortgage that fits your life is like finding the perfect home. It’s an important decision that requires a lot of shopping around. That’s where we come in. With access to over 50 of Canada’s leading lenders, we are a one stop shop. We work with major banks, credit unions, and national, regional and private lenders. One specific lender type that we work with is called a “monoline” lender, which focuses just on mortgages and doesn’t take deposits. They don’t have other products to cross-sell, which differentiates them from a bank or credit union. They are an important part of the mortgage market because their mortgage products and low pricing improve consumer choice and ensure that our banks remain competitive. Most monoline mortgages are only available through mortgage brokers, which is one of the reasons so many Canadians are turning to mortgage brokers for their purchases, refinances and renewals.
Monthly Archives: June 2017
The Mortgage Broker Advantage
Increasingly, Canadians are turning to mortgage brokers for their first and next mortgage, taking advantage of the value and convenience of their services. One of their most compelling reasons to work with a mortgage broker is that they have access to a wide range of lending sources, making it significantly easier to match borrowers with the mortgage product that best suits them. When you’re dealing directly with one financial institution, you just don’t know if you’re getting the best deal because they’ve only got their own menu of products to offer you.
If you are dealing with one of the largest mortgage brokers in the country, you’ll also enjoy considerable bargaining power. A large brokerage has clout with lenders to negotiate volume discounts that lead to lower rates and greater product choice than other companies. And, brokers are generally paid by the lender rather than the borrower, making it a logical choice to always consult with a mortgage broker. They’re shopping the market for the best rates, doing all the work, and there’s no cost to you.
But a mortgage broker’s role extends beyond securing financing – to arranging the home appraisal and lawyer or notary, reviewing the purchase contract and statement of adjustments, securing mortgage life insurance, and keeping tabs on the entire closing process. And that’s just during the mortgage transaction. The broker then stays in touch, keeping clients apprised of new mortgage offers and rate fluctuations, and advising when to lock in a variable-rate mortgage.
Ultimately, the role of your mortgage broker is that of a trusted advisor and it’s a relationship that can last a lifetime. Many mortgage brokerage clients have been referred by word of mouth, and many are even second- and third generation client families.
Whether you’re taking on your first mortgage or a long-time homeowner looking to refinance, consolidate debt or leverage your equity to acquire a new property, a mortgage broker is a wealth of information. They can advise about down payment requirements, mitigating credit history issues, mortgage payment and prepayment options, interest-saving strategies, purchasing vacation, investment and commercial properties, qualifying with supplemental rental income, and mortgage options for new immigrants.
When you get a mortgage, most likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll make in a lifetime, it’s critical that the person you’re dealing with is knowledgeable, able to answer your questions, and has access to a full range of lenders so you get the best mortgage for your needs. Contact the experts at MiMortgage.ca at 1 866 452-1100 or apply online now!
Love It and Renovate!
Looking to do renovations to your home this summer? Speak to an expert at MiMortgage.ca about a refinancing options that’s best suited for you. Contact the team at MiMortgage.ca at 1 866 452-1100 to speak to an expert or apply online now!
Home Appraisals 101
When you get a new mortgage, an appraisal of the subject property is often required by your lender. An appraisal is an unbiased determination by an accredited appraiser of the estimate of the current fair market value of the property. The appraiser provides the lender with a written opinion of the property’s value, and is client-paid for most refinances, switches, conventional mortgages and only in exceptional situations, high-ratio mortgages. It’s required for refinances because you can only refinance up to 80% of your home’s appraised value, and for some purchases and switches because the property becomes the lender’s security. Keep in mind that when a realtor gives you an evaluation of a property’s value, that should not be considered an appraisal for financing purposes. And given the hot housing market in some parts of Canada that are seeing bidding wars, some buyers are paying well over asking and the appraiser may determine that the property has a lower value, which could affect the buyer’s financing.
As always, please get in touch with the team at MiMortgage.ca at 1 866 452-1100, at any time if you have any questions.
“Conditional on financing”: the most important part of your offer
When you find the condo or house of your dreams and want to make an offer, do you need a financing condition? Unless you can pay cash for the home, then yes you do. That little phrase – “conditional on financing” – is an important protection for buyers.
When an offer to purchase is made “conditional on financing”, we gain the time needed i.e. 3 to 5 days to ensure that you are fully approved for the necessary funds. Your lender needs to feel as comfortable about the property as you do and will likely conduct an assessment. After all, the property is the lender’s security if something goes wrong. Even if you have a mortgage preapproval, the lender may decline the property for reasons such as:
- The address may be just outside the acceptable location perimeter for the lender.
- Concern over a former grow op, an environment matter, or zoning issues.
- The appraisal may not match the offer you’ve made.
Don’t let the rush to buy overcome common sense. A preapproval is a guideline only, and a lender could disregard it: especially if your income or financial situation has changed. That “conditional on financing” gives you time to confirm with the lender, and to withdraw the offer if the lender’s queries turn up something negative about the house.
An offer without conditions leaves you and your family on the hook. If the financing falls through, you will lose your deposit, and could be sued by the seller. It’s not the happily-ever-after scenario you envisioned when you made your offer. If you really want to put in an offer with no financing conditions, the team at MiMortgage.ca can assist you in mitigating your risk i.e. review the strata docs, listing information, and contact the lender and insurer about the property prior to writing the offer, which can help eliminate some of the risk but nothing can be 100% guaranteed. Let the team at MiMortgage.ca help you make sure your homebuying journey has a happy ending.
Mortgage Intelligence 