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CategoryMortgage News

Posted Mortgage News

The Star article on private lenders

Some comments I made about the changing lending landscape.  Click on the link below.

Private lenders step into Mortgage void left by banks.

The article was good and shed some light on just how much the federal government has tightened the Mortgage rules in Canada.  But the article excluded one very important fact.

loan sharkYes, I agree that the govt has gone overboard with their rule changes, and has forced qualified mortgage borrowers to pay higher rates and fees by having to go to alternative lenders.  But, consumers don’t necessarily have to go from an “A” lender with the best rates (currently at around 3.00%),  to a “C” lender with rates of around 12% to 15%.

There are “B” lenders that offer mortgages with only slightly higher rates. Usually 1% to 2% higher than “A” lenders.   I think it’s important to point this out.

A recent example is where one client was self employed, had a slightly bruised credit score of 602 (a good score is between 680 and 720), and his net income was not high enough to qualify (remember, self employed show a lower net income because they can write off more expenses). We found this client an 80% loan to value mortgage at 4.00% with some fees.   His net annual rate was 4.25%.  

So the message is, ‘There are ‘B’ lenders to fill the void left by the BANKS’…. and their rates are only slightly higher..  There are also ‘C’ lenders that fill a need for even harder to place mortgages…. These products come with much higher rates and fees.. But most consumers will either fit into an ‘A’ or ‘B’ product.   Only a small handful of applicants need to go to a ‘C’ Lender..

Your best interest is my only interest.   I reply to all questions and I welcome your comments.  Like this article?  Share with a friend.

Steve Garganis 416 224 0114 steve@mortgagenow.ca

Posted Debt

Your credit score is more important than ever.

bad credit  What is your credit score?

Credit scores can range from 300 to 900 and are used by lenders to determine what kind of a risk you are likely to be as a borrower. Your score is based on several attributes –

Payment history

The single biggest factor in your credit score is having a timely bill payment history. Recent late payments are factored more heavily than old ones so start today and never let a bill get past due. Continue reading “Your credit score is more important than ever.”

Posted 1 Comment on CMHC higher premiums start today Mortgage News

CMHC higher premiums start today

CMHCCMHC’s new higher insurance premiums take effect today.  That means it will cost you a little more if you are buying a home with less than 20% down.  The increases are minor and aren’t expected to have any effect on the housing market.  (by the way, CMHC has adjusted these premiums before)

What’s puzzling is why they felt the need to do this.  CMHC produces a healthy profit. As a crown corporation, those profits go directly into the government coffers.   CMHC arrears are at 0.33%.  That’s close to an all time low.

I guess it’s a good way to increase profits but they are making $2billion per year!   Here’s the old and new premiums.

Loan-to-Value Ratio Standard Premium (Current) Standard Premium (Effective May 1st, 2014)
Up to and including 65% 0.50% 0.60%
Up to and including 75% 0.65% 0.75%
Up to and including 80% 1.00% 1.25%
Up to and including 85% 1.75% 1.80%
Up to and including 90% 2.00% 2.40%
Up to and including 95% 2.75% 3.15%
90.01% to 95% – Non-Traditional Down Payment 2.90% 3.35%

Your best interest is my only interest.   I welcome your questions and comments.  Like this article?  Share it with a friend.

Steve Garganis 416 224 0114 steve@mortgagenow.ca

 

Posted Mortgage News

Watch “LowRateHandcuffs SteveGarganis” on YouTube

LowRateHandcuffs SteveGarganis: http://youtu.be/0PYscaojGT4

Think all mortgages are alike? Guess again.   Choosing a mortgage because it has the so-called “lowest rate” or because it’s from a major bank can cost you $$thousands.

Check out this video I call “Low Rate handcuffs”.

Not sure if your mortgage has the “Low Rate handcuffs”?  Contact me to find out and what you can do about it.

Steve Garganis
Steve@mortgagenow.ca
416-224-0114

Posted Consumer Debt

Slow credit or poor credit? There’s a mortgage solution.

bad credit Life doesn’t always go according to plan.   You’ve heard that saying before.  When you have financial trouble, it can affect your credit score.    Today, that makes qualifying for a loan or mortgage very difficult….. but not impossible.

With all the new mortgage rule changes over the past 5 years, its made borrowing at reasonable rates almost impossible.   Many of us have been forced to borrowing on our high interest credit cards or finance loan companies.   These credit facilities carry huge interest rates and short amortization periods resulting in very high monthly payments.   (by the way, isn’t it ironic that the Federal Govt has tightened mortgage rules every year for the past 5 yrs but they haven’t touched the higher interest credit card companies and finance companies!   Who owns the credit card companies and finance companies?  That’s right.. the BANKS!  Who’s interest are they looking out for?)
Continue reading “Slow credit or poor credit? There’s a mortgage solution.”