Which mortgage features are the most important?

It’s easy to look online for a mortgage rate. But rate is only one aspect of saving money on your mortgage over the long term. It’s essential that you also consider mortgage features. Here are the big ones –

Early Payout Penalties. There are lots of reasons why it makes good financial sense to break your mortgage, even though you can expect to pay a penalty. But not all lenders calculate penalties the same way, and the differences can amount to thousands. Life happens, so make sure you choose a lender that has a fair prepayment penalty. And watch out for no-frill mortgages that don’t let you get out of your mortgage at all, unless you sell or the term is up.

Pre-Payment Privileges. You want the ability to put lump sum amounts on your mortgage and increase your payments so you can pay down your mortgage faster and save on interest. You should always consider having this flexibility even if you don’t think you’ll use it; your situation may change that gives you the ability to pre-pay. This flexibility can also help you reduce an early payout penalty.

Collateral charge mortgage. This type of mortgage can be difficult to transfer to another lender and cost you legal fees if you do. You are more locked in, which means your lender may not offer you the best rates if you need to refinance or at renewal.  Watch out!

Porting Flexibility. This is important if there is a chance you’ll move i.e. job change, growing family. You’ll want to take your mortgage to your new place to avoid penalties.  But make sure your lender lets you increase too should you buy a more expensive home.

Blended Mortgage. If you move or refinance, a blended mortgage allows you to blend the rate of your current mortgage with the rate on the additional funds. This way, you don’t break your current mortgage and incur the penalty. Some lenders blend and extend to a new 5 year term, others blend only to the remaining term, or offer both.

There is definitely more to getting a mortgage than just rate. For more information, contact the team at MiMortgage.ca at 1 866 452-1100 or apply online now! It’s our job to help you find the right mortgage with the rate and flexibility you need to be a happy homeowner.

 

Bridge financing: what you need to know

A bridge loan is a short-term financing tool that helps you “bridge” the gap between old and new mortgages when you move from one home to another. You may be taking possession of your new home a week or two in advance of closing on your current home, either because of how your closing dates worked out, or because you want to do some renovating on your new home before you move in. Whatever the reason, bridge financing is going to be your best friend for a few weeks: making it possible to easily transition from the old to the new.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. It’s for a specific amount, which is your home’s selling price minus your current mortgage and costs (realtor and legal fees).
2. It’s for a short period of time e. 1 to 30 days, and your lender will want to see a firm sale agreement for your existing place, with conditions waived.
3. Not all lenders offer bridge loans, although there are private lenders that meet this need.  Since you are working with a mortgage broker, you are in good hands: We can put together a combination of a new mortgage and bridge loan even if it’s not with the same lender.
4. Expect to pay more. Your bridge is going to be at a higher rate than your mortgage, and will include administration fees, even when the bridge loan is with the same lender. Bridge loans from private lenders will likely have higher rates and fees, although they may offer more flexible terms.  For most homebuyers, the convenience is worth it!
5. Plan in advance just in case. Together we’ll discuss your ability to carry two mortgages in the event that a rare worst-case scenario plays out. Your lawyer will pay out your bridge loan from the sale proceeds of your home. If for any reason the sale falls through, your lawyer will register the bridge loan as a charge on the property. And if you require a longer bridge i.e over 30 days, or for an amount over the lender’s maximum, your lender may register a charge against the property and your costs will increase

Most homebuyers say a bridge was well worth it to buy some extra time for a smooth transition. If you think you’ll need a bridge, let’s talk. Contact the team at MiMortgage.ca at 1 866 452-1100 to speak to an expert now. Our ability to offer you multiple lending options definitely works in your favour!

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Verifying Your Income

Collecting documents that you need to verify your income is a critical component of mortgage financing. Rushing around at the last minute to collect income verification documents only adds unnecessary stress.

Here’s what you need to provide depending on your employment status:

If you are thinking of getting in to homeownership, it’s time to meet with the team at MiMortgage. We will carry-out an assessment and let you know how much financing you would qualify for, and the documents you need to provide. Contact us at 1 866 452-1100 to speak to an expert or Apply Online now!

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Why Mortgage Before March 17?

If you’re in the market for an insured mortgage, then you might want to get that mortgage before March 17.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is raising premiums for insuring mortgages on Canadian homes for the third time in three years. Canadian homebuyers are required to have mortgage insurance if they have less than a 20 per cent downpayment. The insurance provides protection for the lender in the case of a default.

How will it hit your wallet? The increase is not too significant for those making the minimum downpayment required. A homebuyer with a $250,000 mortgage and a 5 per cent downpayment will only pay about $5 per month more in insurance premiums.  We can calculate exactly how much the increase will mean to you if you get your mortgage approval on or after March 17.

The increases are actually more substantial for larger downpayments of 15 per cent or more. Those with 20 per cent or more downpayment aren’t required to have mortgage insurance, although it’s used by lenders that securitize their mortgages. As a result, any increased cost will likely be passed on to customers through higher rates.

Premiums are also increasing for “non-traditional” insured mortgages i.e. home buyers with borrowed downpayments, a type of mortgage downpayment that could grow in popularity as homebuyers strive to gain entry in the housing market.

The premium change will come into effect on March 17. Homebuyers will be able to access the current lower rates if they have bought a home and are approved before the March 17 deadline, even if they have a later closing date.

If you are looking to buy, get in touch with the team at MiMortgage.ca today!

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The Mortgage Kit: Start with proof of your income

We’ve all heard the scout motto “Be prepared”. It’s great advice if you need a mortgage. Assembling everything your lender needs to verify your income is a critical component of mortgage success.  A last-minute scramble for documents just adds to stress. Get a Mortgage Kit folder ready and begin collecting the verification you will need for your income type:

1. Full-time salary:  Provide a recent pay stub and a “letter of employment” on company letterhead that confirms a) your position, b) your annual salary, and c) the length of time you’ve been in your position. If you’re a fairly new employee, lenders will want to know that your probationary period is over. And they will follow up. Commissions and bonuses can be supported by your last two notices of tax assessments.
2. Commission, contract, part-time and seasonal employment: Company letter and paystub are required. Income must be consistent and can be proven with a 2 year average of tax assessments or T4s. If the position is contract, a copy of the contract and any renewals is required.
3. Self-employed: Assemble:  a) two years of tax assessments, b) business license or registration, or articles of incorporation, c) your T1 general tax returns for the last two years, OR the last two years of accountant-prepared financial statements (if incorporated). Lenders recognize that self-employed income is kept low, so some expenses on your statement of business activities can be added back. If income is difficult to prove, be sure to have a strong credit history and downpayment.
4. Child support: A copy of the separation/divorce agreement and three to six months bank statements are typically required. This income should be less than 30% of total income.
5. Disability:  A letter confirming permanent status along with a paystub.
6. Maternity Leave: Some lenders use full employment income if the employment letter confirms a return date within one year.
7. Pension, RRIF, Investment income: Most recent tax assessment, T4A’s for pension income. There must be sufficient funds in the investment for the income withdrawal.

If you are fully prepared, then you’re always ready to take advantage of opportunities!

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Ten great reasons to use a mortgage broker

For many Canadians, mortgage payments are their single biggest expense. Yet most don’t shop around and compare to ensure they are getting the best mortgage rate and terms available in their circumstances, which can cost them tens of thousands of dollars over the term of their mortgage. So don’t make that same mistake! Here are 10 reasons why you need a mortgage broker working for you:

1. Choice.  We work with a wide range of lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and other national, regional and private lenders will instantly become accessible to you, ensuring that your specific needs are matched to the right mortgage.
2. Great rates. Get money in your pocket by taking advantage of Mortgage Intelligence’s clout with lenders. Our stellar reputation and longstanding experience allows us to negotiate great rates and access limited time specials.
3. A focused expert.  A mortgage is a very significant financial event. That’s why you want someone who is highly specialized in mortgages and focused solely on your needs. You will get advice that will make a significant difference in your financial life.
4. Independence & objectivity.  We work for you, not the lender.
5. Solutions when you need them.  We can assist with funding for bank turndowns, the self-employed, past credit problems, etc. There are mortgages for almost any situation and we know them all.
6. Save time. Everything relating to your mortgage can be managed around your busy schedule.
7. Service, service, service. We will be with you every step of the way, to answer all your questions, outline your best options, and efficiently guide you through the process.
8. Ongoing support.  Our services don’t stop after the mortgage closes. We will stay in touch with you for the term of your mortgage with advice and opportunities.
9. No cost (oac). The winning lender pays compensation for the services and solution provided, which means no fees for you in the vast majority of cases.
10. Your satisfaction.  Our goal is to ensure that you are so completely satisfied with your mortgage experience that you will be happy to refer us to your family, friends and colleagues.

Thinking of homeownership, renewals or refinancing? It’s worth having that conversation with the team at MiMortgage.ca to find out your options.

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Going through a separation or divorce? Your home can be the asset that gives both partners a fresh start.

Image by courtesy of familylaw.singlemum.com.au

If you have a final separation agreement, then talk to your mortgage broker about how the value in your home and the power of your mortgage can help you both move forward on firm footing. Your broker will start by asking some key questions:

• Are you hoping to stay in the existing home?

Many couples assume that the house must be sold – but that’s not always the case. Your mortgage broker has resources that can help one partner remain in the home. The home can be refinanced up to 80 per cent of its value. You’ll need to determine if this equity can pay off joint debt and provide a payout if it’s required. Or one spouse can purchase the home outright from the other spouse who then comes off title. A Spousal Separation Mortgage allows a buyout to 95 per cent, which can provide a fair buyout and possibly pay off any other joint debt.

• Do you want to buy a new home?

Your mortgage broker can let you know what you can qualify for and what is affordable for you in your current financial situation.

• Will you need to boost your credit rating?

A less-than-stellar credit rating can affect your ability to get the best mortgage rates. Your broker has some quick strategies to help you polish your credit, and to build (or rebuild) your credit over time.

For many separating couples, their home is their most important asset. That’s why seeking the advice of a mortgage professional very early in the process can help set the stage for a successful separation – so the two of you can each make the best possible start on a new path.

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal. The team at MiMortgage.ca can help make a challenging time a little more hopeful: with personalized mortgage financing advice. We have helped many individuals in these same situations. Divorce or separation doesn’t need to spell the end of financial hope. Contact us today, to take a look at your options – as an individual or as a couple.

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