Stress Tests and Cosigning and Closing Dates, Oh My!

Stress Tests and Cosigning and Closing Dates, Oh My!

With the real estate market being what it’s been the past few years, the mortgage application and approval process is more important than ever. Stress test rates are hitting new highs and many buyers (especially first-time ones) require a cosigner. So, let’s take a...
Bridge vs. Blanket Loans

Bridge vs. Blanket Loans

Timing is everything — especially in real estate! Given everything that’s been happening in the housing market recently, you’ve likely heard about cases where people’s closing dates on their current and new places didn’t line up. So, what happens when you need the...
Insurances, Not Insurance

Insurances, Not Insurance

Throughout your mortgage process, you’re going to encounter up to four different types of insurance: default, title, home, and life/disability insurance. Let’s take a look at each of these insurance types, when they’re required, and what they provide you! Default...
LTV Ratio? What’s That?

LTV Ratio? What’s That?

Did you know that the average loan-to-value ratio in Canada was 58% (as of the second quarter of 2021)? So, what does that mean for you? The loan-to-value (or LTV) ratio represents the mortgage line as a percentage of the total appraised value of a property. For...
C Lenders: The Private Route

C Lenders: The Private Route

In our last blogs, we’ve looked at A lenders and B or alternative lenders. What if neither of those lending options is right for you? Fear not as this is where C or private lenders come in!  C lenders are a subset of alternative lending that encompasses institutions...
B Lenders: The Alternative Choice

B Lenders: The Alternative Choice

In our last blog, we looked at A lenders. What happens for those that don’t meet the stricter guidelines of a traditional A lender or are maybe looking for more flexibility? Did you know that B lenders have been increasing in popularity over the last two decades with...
A Lenders: The Mortgage Majority

A Lenders: The Mortgage Majority

When it comes to lending and mortgages, it’s important to know the basics — the ABCs, if you will. So, let’s start with A Lenders! More than 70% of Canadian mortgages are done through banks, so it’s most likely to be your first touch point. A Lenders usually come in...
Top Three Mortgage Topics & Trends

Top Three Mortgage Topics & Trends

There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding interest rates and the housing market as well as what should and what will happen. For this post, we’re tackling these topics and whether you should still be considering buying or selling. 1. Interest Rates It’s important...
Investing in a Real Estate Experience

Investing in a Real Estate Experience

With the rise of influencer culture and travel bloggers promoting unique opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and hide out in a tiny home or ornate treehouse for the weekend instead, there’s a new interest in the less-traditional property and...
Vacation Properties & Short-Term Rentals

Vacation Properties & Short-Term Rentals

There’s been lots of talk about vacation properties and short-term rentals recently. Maybe you’ve even heard stats like short-term rentals on Airbnb rentals in Muskoka averaging almost 65% occupancy, daily rates of $460, and $5,600 a month in revenue. So, what do you...