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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

Happy Holidays! We are taking some time off.

happyholidays (1) I want to extend my warmest wishes for a safe and Happy Holiday Season to you, your family and loved ones.  Remember those in need during this festive season.  May all your dreams become reality in 2014.   Happy Holidays!   Merry Christmas! and Happy New Year!   We’ll be back in January!

Your best interest is my only interest.

As always, I welcome your comments, calls and questions.

Steve Garganis 416 224 0114 steve@mortgagenow.ca

Economic and Real Estate Outlook from Annual Mortgage Broker’s conference.

On April 14, I attended the annual Independent Mortgage Brokers Association (IMBA) annual conference.   We were fortunate to have Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Regional Economist, Ted Tsiakopoulos, share his outlook on the economy, real estate and interest rates.

Click here for the entire presentation.    This is a summary of CMHC’s outlook:

  • No evidence of housing bubble.
  • housing market is stabilizing in Ontario.
  • we won’t see the growth in prices as in years past.
  • this outlook is still uncertain given all the global events, both political and economic.
  • credit growth is slowing.
  • Interest rates will rise as economy improves.

The good news is that there doesn’t seem to be a housing bubble.  Interest rates will gradually return to normal.  And we don’t seem to be taking on as much personal debt as the government and media has led up to believe in the recent months.