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Posted Mortgage News

Are Canadians Ready For A Tougher Stress Test?

Securing a mortgage just got a little more difficult. As you likely know, getting an uninsured mortgage in Canada requires you to prove you can keep up with payments if rates go up. This hypothetical rate, called the qualifying rate, is changing. On May 24, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced that they will be raising the qualifying rate effective June 1st. 

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Posted Mortgage News

Will the Housing Market Cool Off?

From the stock market to the way we work, nothing is exactly “normal” right now. It’s impossible to look at a dramatic societal shift and not attribute it to the pandemic. But the housing market is a little bit of a different story. 

Yes, many Canadians flocked to buy homes as interest rates dropped to record lows. Many chose to buy new homes in response to their new lifestyle, no longer needing to live in certain areas, or needing more space to work. No doubt, these COVID-related factors had a huge impact on the housing market. But they don’t tell the whole story of its explosive growth.

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Posted 2 Comments on Interest Rates to Stay As-is for Now. But When Will They Rise Again? Mortgage News

Interest Rates to Stay As-is for Now. But When Will They Rise Again?

The Bank of Canada governor, Till Macklem, made no change to interest rates on April 21st, the 3rd of 8 annual meetings dates. This comes as no surprise, though, There wasn’t a chance of an interest rate hike anyway. You can read more on this here .

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Posted Mortgage News

New, tougher mortgage stress test?  What will this do to our red hot real estate market?

There is big news that was announced earlier this month and it might affect home buyers in the market for a mortgage. The Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) released a proposal to increase the qualifying mortgage rate for uninsured mortgages. Uninsured mortgages are ones where there is more than a 20% down payment.

The new qualifying rate will increase from the posted 5 year fixed rate, which is currently 4.79%, to the contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%, whichever is greater. This would effectively qualify consumers for 4% less mortgage. On a $1,000,000 purchase with a $200,000 down payment, buyers would qualify for around $755,000 vs $800,000.  

Many are concerned that this could have an effect on our market by slowing it down. 

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