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Tag3 year fixed rate

Posted 1 Comment on How To Navigate Three Common Mortgage Scenarios Debt

How To Navigate Three Common Mortgage Scenarios

It’s a confusing time to be a homeowner. Rates are up, and everyone has an opinion on what will happen next. It’s easy to get sucked into social media rabbit holes and make decisions motivated by fear. But at times like these, it’s crucial to block out the noise and do what’s right for you.

To that end, here are three common scenarios along with my recommendations on how to save money and hang onto some peace of mind.

Continue reading “How To Navigate Three Common Mortgage Scenarios”
Beware of Mortgage Penalties
Posted 11 Comments on Beware of Mortgage Penalties Mortgage News

Beware of Mortgage Penalties

Beware of Mortgage Penalties

I originally posted a breakdown of how mortgage penalties are calculated by different lenders on January 4, 2011.

A recent article outlining how TD Bank charged a $30,000 mortgage penalty to a woman forced to sell her home due to the Covid-19 pandemic shows how this remains relevant today.

WE TOOK THE MYSTERY OUT OF HOW PENALTIES ARE CALCULATED

We decided this needed a more detailed explanation… but a strange thing happened when we started to answer these questions. We made a startling discovery. We caution you – the results could get your blood boiling if you’ve had to pay a penalty!

We found that the banks have shrunk or reduced the spreads between their Posted and Discounted rates on shorter-term mortgages over the past few years… and this has had a huge impact on Interest Rate Differential (IRD) penalty calculations. Continue reading “Beware of Mortgage Penalties”

Posted 1 Comment on Mortgage Penalties: You could pay thousands to break your mortgage depending on your lender! Bank News

Mortgage Penalties: You could pay thousands to break your mortgage depending on your lender!

Young family discussing family finances

I originally posted a breakdown of how mortgage penalties are calculated by different lenders on January 4, 2011.

This remains relevant today and, since this has been my most popular article to date, it’s worth a repost!

WE TOOK THE MYSTERY OUT OF HOW PENALTIES ARE CALCULATED

We decided this needed a more detailed explanation… but a strange thing happened when we started to answer these questions. We made a startling discovery. We caution you – the results could get your blood boiling if you’ve had to pay a penalty!

We found that the banks have shrunk or reduced the spreads between their Posted and Discounted rates on shorter-term mortgages over the past few years… and this has had a huge impact on Interest Rate Differential (IRD) penalty calculations. Continue reading “Mortgage Penalties: You could pay thousands to break your mortgage depending on your lender!”

Posted 1 Comment on Short term fixed products are still in… Money saving tips

Short term fixed products are still in…

SHORT TERM RATES ARE STILL IN

A few months ago, I said Variable was out, Fixed rates were in.   I recommended going with a short-term fixed rate products.  The reasons are simple:

  • You can get the same or better in a 2 and 3 yr fixed rate term.  That eliminates the Variable rate for me.
  • 2 yr is 2.19% and 3 yr is 2.29%.
  • Variable is 2.30% today.  Why choose a fluctuating rate when you can get a guaranteed better rate for the next few years?
  • I also don’t like the current Variable rate pricing that’s out there.
  • Prime less 0.40% isn’t good enough.. I like to see Prime less 0.50% or better.

Historically, we’ve always done better by choosing short-term rates.  And that’s what Variable rates are…A mortgage product priced from short-term funds.  The only difference today, is that it makes more sense to lock into 2 or 3 yr fixed term vs choosing a Variable rate.

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)

MORTGAGE TIP

Hey, want to know which Mortgage Advisor to use?  Check out their historical recommendations and forecasts.  That should tell you all you need to know about that advisor.   And if you can’t readily find those historical forecasts, then walk away and look elsewhere.

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 Interest rates

Should you look at 10 year fixed rate mortgages?

Fixed rate mortgageToday, 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?”