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Mortgage Blog

Ontario's Mortgage Expert

Category: Mortgage (46 posts)

Understanding and Utilizing Home Equity

Understanding and Utilizing Home Equity

October 1, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

If you've consistently made mortgage payments over the years, you've been accumulating home equity. As this equity grows, homeowners can access it, converting it into cash for various purposes, from h ...

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Can a first-time home buyer have a mortgage co-signer?

Can a first-time home buyer have a mortgage co-signer?

September 17, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Can New Home Buyers in Canada Use a Mortgage Co-Signer? Struggling to secure a mortgage or need a financial boost? Consider bringing in a co-signer. Dive deeper into this and other home-buying tact ...

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Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

September 6, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. Infl ...

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Top Reasons To Refinance Your Home And Reasons Why You Maybe Should Not.

Top Reasons To Refinance Your Home And Reasons Why You Maybe Should Not.

August 23, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Refinancing a mortgage means replacing your existing loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. Canadians often consider refinancing for various reasons, such as ...

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Navigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: Your Path to Mortgage Resilience

Navigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: Your Path to Mortgage Resilience

August 5, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Introduction As your trusted mortgage broker, I understand that the current economic backdrop in Canada is presenting challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates on the rise and inflation p ...

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Understanding Credit Scores and Maximizing Mortgage Opportunities in Canada

Understanding Credit Scores and Maximizing Mortgage Opportunities in Canada

July 27, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Introduction In Canada, your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, especially when it comes to major transactions like securing a mortgage. A credit score is a numerical r ...

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Bank of Canada raises policy rate 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

Bank of Canada raises policy rate 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

July 12, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. G ...

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Some great tips to help you save for a home

Some great tips to help you save for a home

June 13, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

A home for most all Canadians is likely the most significant purchase you will make in your lifetime, so it is essential to be well-prepared. It is crucial to understand how to budget and save for ...

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Strategies for Speeding Up Mortgage Repayment

Strategies for Speeding Up Mortgage Repayment

June 3, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Those of us who desire to own a home often long for the time when our mortgage is paid off. Although the majority of Canadian mortgages are usually amortized over the course of 25 years, there are a ...

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First-Time Home Buyer Budgeting: What You Need to Know

First-Time Home Buyer Budgeting: What You Need to Know

April 20, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

As a first-time home buyer, budgeting is an essential part of the home buying process. By carefully planning your finances and considering all of the costs associated with purchasing a home, you can e ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 12, 2023

Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 12, 2023

April 12, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4. ...

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Bank of Canada Rate Update March 8, 2023

Bank of Canada Rate Update March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at ...

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Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It

Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It

March 5, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Selling your home in the winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With fewer houses on the market and motivated buyers who are eager to mov ...

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Title insurance and home insurance–protect what matters most

Title insurance and home insurance–protect what matters most

February 27, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

When something goes wrong with your home and you suffer a loss, you need to be able to rely on your insurance coverage. Knowing which of your insurance policies to turn to isn't always easy. Title ins ...

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Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

January 25, 2023 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4½%, with the Bank Rate at 4¾% and the deposit rate at 4½%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening ...

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Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?

Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?

December 28, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not ...

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The Pros and Cons of Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages

The Pros and Cons of Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages

December 8, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

When it comes to choosing a mortgage, borrowers in Canada have two main options: a fixed rate mortgage or a variable mortgage. But which type is best for you? Here, we'll take a look at the pros and c ...

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Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

December 7, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening ...

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Bank of Canada Rate Update October 26, 2022

Bank of Canada Rate Update October 26, 2022

October 26, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.75%, with the Bank Rate a ...

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Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment

Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment

October 19, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment Do mortgages seem unaffordable? These tips will help you plan for your down payment so you can start talking to a private lender mortgage broker in no time. ...

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How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power?

How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power?

September 16, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power? Do You Know How Your Mortgage Rate Affects Buying Power? To maximize your purchasing power, you should understand how interest rates impact your home buying p ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update September 7, 2022

Bank Of Canada Rate Update September 7, 2022

September 7, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 75 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.25%, with the Bank Rate ...

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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

August 24, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside? While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so. This article will explore some o ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 13, 2022

Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 13, 2022

July 13, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 100 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 2.5%, with the Bank Rate ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 1, 2022

Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1½%, with the Bank Rate at ...

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How a Mortgage Pre-Approval Can Protect You from Rising Rates

How a Mortgage Pre-Approval Can Protect You from Rising Rates

May 26, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

With interest rates rising, it's important to lock in a lower rate as soon as possible. You can do this with the right home mortgage pre-approval. Find out how! Do you plan on searching for and buy ...

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How is a Private Mortgage Different Than a Traditional Bank Mortgage

How is a Private Mortgage Different Than a Traditional Bank Mortgage

May 4, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Understanding the difference between private mortgages and traditional bank mortgages can help you make the best decision for financing a new home. Each option provides the money to secure real estate ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 13, 2022

Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 13, 2022

April 13, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, begins quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1%, with the Bank Rate at 1¼% ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update March 2, 2022

Bank Of Canada Rate Update March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada Increases Policy Interest Rate The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to ½ %, with the Bank Rate at ¾ % and the deposit rate at ½ %. The Bank is contin ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update January 26, 2022

Bank Of Canada Rate Update January 26, 2022

January 26, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, removes exceptional forward guidance The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ %, with the Bank Rate at ...

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Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker in Ontario

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker in Ontario

January 19, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker The mortgage world can sometimes be difficult to navigate when buying a home. However, an experienced Mortgage Broker can help walk you through the proces ...

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How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford?

How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford?

January 5, 2022 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

How Much of a Mortgage Can You Afford? Mortgage Application: How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford? The mortgage application process involves a buyer's due diligence in calculating how much mortgage ...

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Prequalification and Pre-Approval—What is the Difference? Home Buying in Ontario

Prequalification and Pre-Approval—What is the Difference? Home Buying in Ontario

December 15, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

What is the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval? Prequalification and Pre-Approval-What is the Difference? Prequalification is a basic review of the borrower's information to deter ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update December 9, 2021

Bank Of Canada Rate Update December 9, 2021

December 8, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ percent, with the Bank Rate at ½ percent ...

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What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage

What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage

November 24, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage Main reasons Why your mortgage application is Denied and What to do If Mortgage lenders reject Yours Mortgage lenders often reject loan application requests f ...

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How to Know if it's Time to Refinance

How to Know if it's Time to Refinance

November 3, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

How to Know if it's Time to Refinance According to mortgage advisors, mortgage refinancing is one of the ways to make and save money from your home loan. When done right mortgage refinancing benefits ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update Oct 27, 2021

Bank Of Canada Rate Update Oct 27, 2021

October 27, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance, ends quantitative easing The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ percent, with ...

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What Is Home Equity and How Can I Build It?

What Is Home Equity and How Can I Build It?

October 6, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Home equity is an essential asset for creating wealth and income. Learn how home equity is calculated, why it's important, and five steps you can take to build it. As you make monthly mortgage paymen ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update Sept 8, 2021

Bank Of Canada Rate Update Sept 8, 2021

September 8, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues forward guidance and current pace of quantitative easing The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower boun ...

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Getting a Mortgage as a Student

Getting a Mortgage as a Student

August 18, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Purchasing a home is most likely one of the most sizable purchases most of us will ever make, and finally, buying a home is a dream come true for most. For students, it may seem like this dream is fo ...

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What Happens if You Lose Your Job Before Closing?

What Happens if You Lose Your Job Before Closing?

August 4, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

A job loss a few days or weeks prior to closing your home purchase can be distressing; especially when you have no alternative source of income. Getting a new job can ease the situation, but it's not ...

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How a Funding Condition Can Secure Purchasers From Financial and Legal Penalties in  Ontario

How a Funding Condition Can Secure Purchasers From Financial and Legal Penalties in Ontario

July 21, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

When you make a deal to buy a home, in addition to thinking about how much money to provide, you likewise need to think about any conditions that you want to include. Some common conditions deal with ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 14, 2021

Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 14, 2021

July 14, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance, adjusts quantitative easing program The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ per ...

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Risks of Putting Down a Firm Offer with a Pre-Approval Ontario

Risks of Putting Down a Firm Offer with a Pre-Approval Ontario

July 7, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Risks of Putting Down a Firm Offer with a Pre-Approval Today, the real estate market is competitive and homebuyers need all the help they can get to secure their home at the right price. Once you fin ...

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Low Rates in Ontario Helping Buyers Pay Off Their Mortgages at Record Pace

Low Rates in Ontario Helping Buyers Pay Off Their Mortgages at Record Pace

June 28, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Home prices may be astronomical in certain parts of the country, but historically low mortgage rates are allowing borrowers to pay off their mortgages faster than ever. At today's average rates, 61% ...

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Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 9, 2021

Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 9, 2021

June 9, 2021 | Posted by: Aaron Phinney

Bank of Canada will hold current level of policy rate until inflation objective is sustainably achieved, continues quantitative easing The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rat ...

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