CategoryMortgage Trends

Posted May 31, 2016 Interest rates

Should you look at 10 year fixed rate mortgages?

Today, right now, we are experiencing all-time record low fixed mortgage rates. Great news if you need a mortgage. And some of you may be thinking of locking into a longer term mortgage. Let’s take a look at that option.

Going longer could be an option for some. The Best 5 yr fixed is around 2.59%.. some special deals exist for larger mortgages or faster closings… but let’s use 2.59% for now. Does it make sense to pay 0.30% more for the first 3 years of your mortgage, just for the benefit of knowing what your rate will be for the last 2 years?

(a warning… you’ll see lower rates advertised.. but be careful. There are so many NO FRILLS products or products that carry inflated penalty calculations, limited repayment options and other hidden fees.. stay away from those)

Continue reading “Should you look at 10 year fixed rate mortgages?”

Posted March 30, 20165 Comments Interest rates

Variable rate is out, Fixed rates are in…. But, which term…?

For more than a decade, I’ve been recommending Variable rate mortgages, as the product of choice. My clients have saved $thousands. It’s been a great 11 year run.. But now, the strategy has changed slightly. Read on, to see my newest recommendations..

QUICK VARIABLE RATE HISTORY.

First, you need to understand the history.. Variable rate had lots of pluses. It had a lower rate of interest, the penalty can never go over 3 months interest, and you have the option to lock into a Fixed rate at any time.

Being in a Variable meant paying lower rates. In fact, the difference, compared with Fixed rates, ranged between 1.00% and 3.00%. This translated to several $$thousand in less interest each year. Continue reading “Variable rate is out, Fixed rates are in…. But, which term…?”

Posted January 11, 20163 Comments Mortgage Rates

US Fed rate hike doesn’t mean Bank of Cda rate hike!

Last month, the US Fed Reserve Bank Chairperson, Janet Yellen, raised rates for the first time since 2006. Historically, Canada follows the US with rate movement.. However, times are changing…Don’t expect Canada to follow the US move anytime soon.

Divergence. That’s the new buzz-word. Bank of Cda Govr, Stephen Poloz said, “Usually you think of the Canadian economy following the U.S. economy fairly closely. This will be one of those places where it really doesn’t.” “But as a macro statement, there will a divergence there. We’re already seeing it, and so you should expect a divergence in policy too,” he said. Continue reading “US Fed rate hike doesn’t mean Bank of Cda rate hike!”

Posted November 24, 20154 Comments Interest rates

Mortgage rates went up…. but why? And will they continue to go up?

A month ago, I said Fixed mortgage rates probably hit the bottom. A week later, fixed mortgage rates started to go up… around 0.20% over the past 3 weeks. Variable rate mortgage pricing has gone from Prime less 0.65% to Prime less Prime less 0.40%.

Now, here’s the thing…. I don’t think rates will skyrocket over the next 6 or 12 months, like the pessimists would have you believe. I think mortgage rates hit the bottom….BUT, they probably won’t go up very quickly.

In fact, the forecast now is for the Bank of Canada rate to stay the same until 2017. This is just another example of how the world has become a smaller place. If someone sneezes in Germany, we catch a cold. With most of the global economies just getting by, there isn’t much reason for mortgage rates to go crazy. They should remain low.

The key driver for rates going up recently is nothing more than profit taking. Banks have had a great year… In case you didn’t know. That’s right.. we seem to forget that 2015 was one of the best years on record for real estate and mortgage volume… and house prices have never been higher. Funny how that seems to get lost in the media reports.

Look for Variable rate pricing to fall in the new year… Fixed rates could also come down slightly, but don’t count on them hitting the record lows that we saw this summer. Hey, that’s not to say rates are bad. We are still well under 3.00%. These are ridiculously low mortgage rates. Enjoy them while you can.

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 November 10, 20152 Comments Consumer Debt

Mortgage cost today is $1380/mth for every $300k… and sharing high net worth secrets.

Fixed mortgage rates went up this week on the wholesale market. Only about a 0.10% increase… We are still way below 3.00% for 5 yr fixed rates. Hey, that’s pretty good! (watch for the media to blow it out of proportion soon.. they seem to love feeding on negativity).

Thought I’d share some quick numbers.. Did you know that a $300k mortgage will still carry for $1380/mth? And that’s with a 25 yr amortization. If we go to a 30 year amort, the payment drops to $1221/mth.

Let’s increase the mortgage to $400k.. payments are $1840/mth and $1628/mth for a 25 and 30 year amortization, respectively. Hey, these are still incredibly low mortgage rates. Anything under 4.00% should be considered a gift. (I’ll get into what Canada’s wealthy are doing in a few moments) Continue reading “Mortgage cost today is $1380/mth for every $300k… and sharing high net worth secrets.”