Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with more costs than just the down payment and mortgage. One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a home in Canada is the array of closing costs involved in finalizing the purchase. Understanding these expenses will help you avoid surprises and budget effectively for…
As of October 20, the Alberta government has introduced a new land titles registration levy that significantly increases fees for land transfers and mortgage registrations. This adjustment, announced in the provincial budget earlier this year, has come as a surprise to many Albertans, especially those planning to buy property or refinance their mortgages. What’s Changed?…
You’ve decided it’s time to move, but what about your mortgage? You’re only a few years into your term, you have an excellent interest rate, and market rates are climbing. What should you do? Porting your mortgage might be the answer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what it means to port a…
Demystifying Halal Mortgages: Understanding Options and Challenges. In a diverse and multicultural society like Canada, it’s essential to accommodate the financial needs of various communities, including those who adhere to Islamic principles. One such financial product tailored to meet the requirements of Muslim Canadians is the halal mortgage. These mortgages aim to align with Shariah…
Let’s demystify some financial jargon, shall we? Enter HELOC—Home Equity Line of Credit—a valuable tool that allows you to leverage the value of your property for various credit products. But fear not, we’ll break it down for you in simple terms. HELOC is like your trusty credit card but with a twist—it taps into the…
Calgary’s real estate landscape in 2023 was characterized by robust sales, unique shifts in buyer preferences, and persistently low supply, making it a dynamic year for both buyers and sellers. In this blog post, we delve into the key trends that shaped the market and explore the factors that drove housing prices throughout the year.…
First Time Homebuyers Alert! This is for you!! If you’ve ever wondered about the ins and outs of First Home Savings Accounts (FHSAs) and how they can impact your journey to homeownership, you’re in the right place. We’re here to break down the recent insights shared by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and make…
In the recent Fall Economic Statement (FES), the Liberal government introduced the Canadian Mortgage Charter (CMC) as a measure to assist homeowners facing financial challenges amid rising interest rates. This initiative aims to provide clear guidelines for financial institutions on how to support vulnerable borrowers. In this blog post, we’ll break down what the Canadian…
Proposed New Mortgage Regulations Be prepared – Stricter rules around qualifying for a mortgage could be coming this spring. Canada’s banking regulator OSFI (The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) proposed three new regulations that could further restrict mortgage lending. A review is underway. Potential additions come as OSFI is saying risk around loans…
Home appraisers look at two key things when making their home assessment.