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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 Real Estate news

Average Toronto detached home sale is over $966k

$$ up arrow Recent housing stats released by Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) show listings and sales are down but, prices are up.  According to TREB, the average sale price for a detached home in Toronto is $966,875.    For those that have invested in real estate, you’ve done well.  For those that are looking to buy, this may not be such good news.. However, there is a bright spot.

TREB also said that affordability has not deteriorated due to low mortgage rates.   No doubt that low rates are helping to fuel real estate price increases.   If you are waiting for the market to fall and prices to drop, you may want to reconsider that plan.   The forecast is for prices to remain strong.

It’s been an interesting year so far.  We’ve had a cold Spring, an even colder Winter, and yet the real estate market is red hot.   Watch for house sales to remain strong.   Trying to time the market can be costly.  Just ask those that sold 2, 3 and 4 years ago.   There have been many calls to exit the market.  I have personally seen some clients sell and rent for the last 2 and 3 years.  They are questioning that decision now.

I think buying a home should be a long term investment.  Plan to hold for 7 years.  That’s a long enough time to live through any up or down housing cycles.   If you can stick with that plan, then you should be okay.  Don’t buy because you are afraid of missing out.  Buy because you need a home and can afford it.  Buy because it’s a long-term investment and you have planned and thought it out.   Buying to invest is a good idea, you just need to understand what it takes to own and finance a property.

Speak with a team of professionals.  You need a good realtor, a lawyer, a mortgage broker, and an accountant.   Professional advice doesn’t mean it’s gonna cost you a lot of money either.   Professionals usually cost less than you think.. or they get compensated by other parties.. such as realtors and mortgage brokers.. you don’t pay them when you buy a house…  The get paid by the seller or the mortgage lender (unless you don’t qualify for a traditional mortgage).    The point is, it’s easier than you think.

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 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.”