Categories
New Purchase Mortgage

What Credit Score Do You Need For A Mortgage In Canada?

Before applying for a mortgage in Canada, there are several requirements that you must meet. A solid credit score is one of the most important considerations. But what are the specific qualities of a good credit score?

In any case, numerous mortgage lenders are available today, and each of these lenders adheres to its own set of lending requirements.

When you apply for a mortgage and hope to obtain the best possible interest rates, your credit score might make a substantial difference in your ability to do so. When it comes to mortgages, your chances are better the higher your credit score.

Read this article to get an idea of the minimum credit score needed to apply for a mortgage and some other considerations you will need to make before applying. But before I proceed, allow me to review what an insured mortgage is.

What Exactly Is Insured Mortgage?

An insured mortgage is a mortgage that is backed by financial protection in the form of mortgage default insurance. If you fail to keep up with your mortgage payments and default on your loan, the insurance protects the lender against losses. It does not protect you, the consumer.

A mortgage guaranteed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is one in which the borrower makes a down payment of less than 20 percent of the price of the home they are purchasing, with the minimum down payment set at 5 percent.

Mortgage default insurance is a type of insurance that protects the lender if a mortgagor is unable to make their mortgage payments as agreed.

Mortgage default insurance is a heavily regulated sector in Canada, and Canada Guaranty, CMHC, and Genworth Financial are all vying for customers’ business.

Minimum Credit Score Needed For an Insured Mortgage

The CMHC raised the minimum credit score required for insured mortgages from 600 to 680 as of July 1, 2020. Specialists in the field had varying reactions to this massive growth.

Many others felt the new requirement was too stringent and would keep too many Canadians out of the housing market.

One of the mortgage applicants must have a credit score over the CMHC’s minimum requirement of 580. This makes things easier for married borrowers, as just one must have a credit score of 680 or greater.

What Is A Good Credit Score In Canada?

You might be curious about what constitutes a “good” credit score. In Canada, credit scores can range anywhere from 300 to 900, but you will not find many people with scores in the upper or lower echelons of that spectrum. Most people in Canada have credit ratings ranging from 600 to 800.

Credit scores are given in a range of possible outcomes. You can see how the levels are grouped by looking at the following breakdown of each one;

  • A score of 800 or higher indicates excellent performance.
  • A score that falls between 720 and 799 is also excellent.
  • It is considered a good range when your credit score falls between 650 and 719.
  • Fair is regarded to be between 600 and 649.
  • A credit score that is lower than 600 is considered to be a poor score.
  • How to find out what your credit score is.

It is best to verify your credit score and get a copy of your credit report before applying for a mortgage. All of this preparation needs to be made ahead of time. In several ways, you can get your hands on this data without spending a dime.

Obtaining a copy of your credit report requires contacting the credit reporting organization directly. Before we show you how to do it, let us tell you why this is a route we would not recommend taking.

When it comes to the Canadian credit reporting industry, Equifax and TransUnion are head and shoulders above the rest. Both agencies are required by law to offer consumers a free copy of their credit report once per year upon request. Also, they do it, but they do not exactly make it easy.

Both of these services advertise a premium paid version on their websites. This premium service, which includes monthly credit reports and costs around $20, is available to you.

You may get a free copy of your credit report from Equifax by filling out a form that can be found on their website and then mailing or faxing it to the company, along with identification documents.

Each individual is entitled to one free TransUnion credit report in a given calendar year.

What Are Your Options If You Don’t Have a Strong Score?

If you don’t have a strong score, do not worry, you still have many options to explore. Check these out;

Make a Bigger Down Payment

If you have a credit score on the verge of being considered good or bad, increasing the amount of money you put down as a down payment may enhance your chances of acquiring a mortgage.

To avoid paying for mortgage insurance, a down payment of at least 20% of the home’s purchase price is required. However, a more significant down payment will make your application more attractive by reducing the lender’s risk if you can afford it.

Eliminate Your Outstanding Debt

If you have a high income and assets but have used up all of your available credit, your application will be more difficult to approve. This is due to the fact that a high use ratio on revolving credit negatively affects credit scores. ” The ratio of your total debts to your annual income is a major element in determining whether or not you will be granted a mortgage.

Compare Prices

If your credit score is low, getting a mortgage from a large bank is probably out of the question, and you should broaden your search even if going through the numerous different lenders available can be time-consuming. However, you can save yourself the hassle by using us.

Conclusion

Having a high credit score is essential to get approved for a mortgage. Try as much as possible to get your credit score up to at least 680. If it isn’t, it does not automatically mean you will not get the loan, but you probably will not get the best mortgage rates, either.

The good news is that you can take action to boost your credit score and get it closer to where you want it to be, even if it is currently lower than you would like.

Visit our website Best Mortgage Online home page for detail information on Mortgage, Loan, Home Equity, Refinance and more.

Categories
Mortgage Refinance

Canadian Mortgage for Non-Residents

The Canadian housing market continues to be very strong, and its robust economy shows no sign of slowing. In addition, according to the U.S. News, Canada is considered the most livable country globally.

This environment makes owning a home in Canada an attractive prospect for many people, particularly those living outside Canada. Today, we will see some of the most frequently asked questions about buying a home as a non-resident in this beautiful country.

Understanding Mortgages for Non-Canadian Residents

A non-resident of Canada is generally classified as not having permanent status. For example, they may be a citizen of another country living full or part-time outside of Canada, or they may have dual citizenship that includes another country in addition to Canada.

Although there are several benefits to buying property in Canada, you must understand and abide by all Canadian laws regarding foreign ownership if you choose to go ahead with this project. For example, suppose you fail to meet your legal obligations when buying, owning, and selling real estate as a non-resident in Canada. In that case, it can have very negative consequences, including financial penalties and even imprisonment under certain circumstances.

As such, experts recommend consulting an immigration lawyer before making any decisions about property ownership here.

Required Documentation for Buying Property as a Non-Resident

When buying property in Canada as a non-resident, you will need to provide proof of your financial status. However, that may be more difficult if you live outside of Canada for an extended period or you change jobs. You will also need to show that you have access to funds when applying for a mortgage.

In addition to this documentation, you should obtain a pre-approval from a Canadian bank before looking at any properties so that your realtor knows exactly how much they can help you spend when searching for homes. Pre-approvals are usually valid from 60 days up to 120 days, depending on the lender, and it provides clients with a clear idea of how much money they can spend without the additional stress of applying for a mortgage.

Once a property is found, you will need to provide proof that you live outside of Canada, along with your financial documentation and pre-approval letter from a Canadian bank.

Other essential documents include:

  • Proof of citizenship
  • A list of reference people who are either citizens or permanent residents in Canada
  • References from friends or family members who are Canadian residents but not citizens
  • The broker must fill out a property information form

Qualifying for a Mortgage as a Non-permanent Canadian Resident

Even if you are not a permanent resident of Canada, there is no reason that you cannot have a high income and still qualify for a mortgage. The only difference is that your down payment may need 30% or more rather than the 5% that citizens typically need.

Keep in mind that interest rates on mortgages in Canada will fluctuate. It can be difficult to predict what your monthly payments might total over the loan term with any accuracy. That makes it crucial to remain as flexible as possible when looking at homes so that you can leap on any opportunity should the rate suddenly dip below what it was at the time of pre-approval.

What Kinds of Mortgages are Available for Canadian Non-Residents?

Lending institutions offer both closed and open mortgages to non-residents. Closed mortgages have regular payment schedules and regular amortization periods and are paid in full at the end of the term. However, they cannot be pre-paid or refinanced once you obtain them.

Open mortgages can be used for home improvements or other projects because they involve a line of credit that allows you to pay any fees as desired before closing on your property. In addition, the rates fluctuate with market conditions which means that you will have plenty of options for pre-payment flexibility and interest rate management over time.

Mortgage Interest Rates for Non-Residents

The interest rates for non-resident mortgages tend to be relatively high compared to rates available through The Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CHMC). However, they are considered riskier and more challenging to assess.

The following information can help you understand the different types of mortgages and their interest rates and fees:

  • Canadian fixed-rate mortgages: The interest rate on these mortgages will be charged at a fixed percentage throughout the life of the loan. As such, your payments will remain constant through any changes in Canadian currency fluctuation or economic climate. These loans tend to come with higher closing costs than variable-rate mortgages, but you do not have to worry about fluctuations in your monthly payment amounts.”
  • Variable-rate mortgages: These loans provide you with greater flexibility, allowing for increases or decreases in your payments based on market conditions. With this mortgage type, there is a possibility that your monthly payment may be higher than it would be with a fixed-rate loan.
  • ARM mortgages offer rates that change over time, and they are often considered riskier investments for lenders than fixed or variable-rate loans. As such, the interest rates tend to be higher for this type of mortgage.”

Closing Costs for Canadian Non-Resident Mortgages

Lenders tend to charge higher closing costs because non-resident mortgages come with riskier conditions and rates than resident mortgages. Additional fees you may need to pay when taking out a mortgage in Canada include:

  • A valuation fee (varies by lender)
  • An appraisal fee (varies by lender)
  • Legal fees (varies by province)
  • Title insurance (varies by lender)

The Bottom Line

Obtaining a mortgage in Canada is possible, even as a non-resident. However, you should expect higher interest rates and more significant fees than those available to Canadian citizens. The key to ensuring that you can afford your price properties based on the current lending environment so that you do not find yourself with an expensive home that you cannot afford due to fluctuating payments.

If you are non residents of Canada and don’t know about Canadian mortgage, then browse Best Mortgage Online for more knowledge on various mortgage available in Canada.

Categories
Company Review

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) : Review

Royal Bank of Canada, or RBC, is one of the biggest banks in Canada and operates multi-nationally under the RBC brand. The bank has branches in Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, and its services are accessible internationally. The company is committed to providing top-notch financial services to all of its customers and providing aid for communities. Their financial services include personal and commercial banking, insurance, mortgage services, wealth management, investments, etc. In this article, we will be looking into their mortgage services, such as RBC mortgage rate, RBC mortgage affordability, and more.

Mortgage Offers at RBC

Royal Bank of Canada offers a variety of mortgage services so that all of its customers can find exactly what they need with the bank. RBC offers a variety of options for customers to decide on the best mortgage types, interest rates, amortization periods, etc.

First Time Home Buyer

RBC recognizes the gravity of the decision and provides services that help customers through every step of buying a new home and securing a mortgage on it with various tools.

The RBC Affordability Calculator helps customers determine how much they can afford to pay for a mortgage. Customers can then use the RBC True House Affordability tool to pre-qualify for a mortgage. RBC also offers budgeting advice and mortgage education for first-time home buyers and gives customers tips and resources regarding home planning and their tax benefits as first-time home buyers.

With RBC’s Neighborhood Explorer tool, you can find the ideal neighborhood for all of your needs. You can search for institutions in the vicinity, such as schools and restaurants, and have a good idea of what to expect from the community. RBC also assists customers with making offers for homes before offering them their mortgage options. Customers can rely on RBC to provide sound advice on what sort of professional assistance they may need, the documentation required to make an offer, and help every step of the way to closing day. RBC also offers home insurance services for first-time home-buyers to ensure they get the best from their new homes.

Experienced Home Buyers

For customers looking to move into new homes, RBC provides assistance, advice, and a variety of mortgage choices. The RBC website offers resources for customers who want to sell their present homes to purchase new ones. Their Home Value Estimator tool helps customers determine the value of their home before putting it on the market. They also offer advice relating to pricing and help customers get personalized calculations for their home prices, as well as how much equity they could get.

RBC offers customers an insight into the housing market so they can sell and buy homes with ease. They also provide assistance and support for customers who want to build their own homes with tips from builders. When customers choose what home to buy, RBC helps them get pre-approved for mortgages. Customers can find the RBC mortgage interest rate that suits them best from RBC’s options of both fixed and variable rates.

Home Renovations

RBC has options for customers who want to renovate and need financial assistance for the project. Their renovation financing services are dependent on the type and cost of renovations that customers wish to undertake. Their services can be divided into whether your renovation is a large project, medium project, or small project. For each of these, there are a few options for financing that a customer may choose from. The full details of the options for renovation can be found on RBC’s official website.

Buying Investment Properties

RBC offers Investment Property Mortgages that can finance up to 80% of your rental property’s appraisal value. RBC has specific requirements for customers looking to secure an Investment Property Mortgage. These services extend to people who want to convert their homes to rental properties, acquire rental portfolios to build an income, or purchase properties for family members to live on.

RBC will require some documentation from you if you want to apply for an Investment Property Mortgage, as well as a down payment of at least 20%, good credit history, rental income, and sufficient non-rental income.

Buying Vacation Properties

The RBC Vacation Home Mortgage offers financing options for people who want to buy a second home or a vacation home. The Vacation Home Mortgage provides financing for up to 95% of your vacation home price and is the first mortgage solution in Canada to offer that much funding. You can choose an RBC variable rate mortgage or a fixed mortgage for your second home, depending on your financial capabilities.

Mortgage Renewal

Once your mortgage has reached the end of its term, RBC mortgage renewal services are available to assist with the renewal process. You can use their mortgage calculator to understand what your new mortgage rates may look like or take advantage of the 120-day early renewal option to renew your mortgage with no penalties. RBC provides customers with expert advice during the renewal process as they review their finances and mortgage options. They also offer a 30-day renewal rate guarantee that provides customers with the best interest rates during their renewal.

Mortgage Refinancing

RBC mortgage refinancing helps customers find better mortgage deals to reduce their payments, find lower interest rates, consolidate debts, and more. With a mortgage refinance from RBC, you can access your home equity if you need extra cash or find a better mortgage deal for your home. When you consider refinancing your mortgage, there will be some fees involved that RBC will inform you of. You will also get expert advice on the benefits and risks of mortgage refinancing and a detailed guide on how to go about refinancing your mortgage and what mortgage plans are available to you.

Switching to RBC

For customers that want to switch from other banks to RBC for mortgage services, RBC offers a range of benefits and assisting tools. Switching to RBC is an easy process because RBC does the work for you. RBC helps customers by communicating with their previous lenders to arrange the switch. They also cover the switching fees and offer flexible payments for new customers who have just made the switch. RBC Mortgage Experts are accessible by phone or video to provide advice and guidance throughout the switching process.

RBC Mortgage Rates

RBC’s most popular mortgage rates for both fixed and variable are as follows:

2-year fixed – 3.9%

5-year fixed – 4.62%

5-year variable – 2.83%

The RBC Prime Rate is 3.2%

For RBC’s special, posted, and limited-time offer rates, you can visit their website.

Conclusion

RBC offers a wide range of mortgage services for their customers, no matter their needs. If you are interested in securing a mortgage with RBC, you will find the best deals. RBC also offers advice, tips, and professional assistance for your home-owning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Pay Off My Mortgage Faster With RBC?

RBC offers options for customers who want to pay their mortgage quicker. These options include increasing the payment frequency or amount, double-up payments, etc. You can discuss this with an RBC mortgage professional for your choices.

How Do I Know RBC Is Offering Me The Best Mortgage Rates?

At RBC, they take off a client loyalty discount from your prime rate to determine your interest rate. RBC also ensures that your interest rate reflects your mortgage term meaning that lower terms have lower interest rates and vice versa.

Can I Renew My Mortgage Online?

Some mortgage services with RBC may require you to visit physical branches, but many services, mortgage renewal services included, can be carried out entirely online.

Best Mortgage Online is one stop solution for all your queries related to Mortgage, Refinance, Home Equity, New Home Buyer and more.

Categories
Home Equity Takeout

How to Use Home Equity for Cash the Right Way

As interest rates fall and home prices rise, people with equity in their homes often think about using this wealth to take cash out of the house. That is commonly known as “taking money out of your house” or “cash-out refinancing.”

The interest rates are at historic lows. The cost of borrowing on a home equity line has never been cheaper, so why not take advantage of it? But this is often the wrong move.  

Instead, it would help to use your home equity to borrow less, not more. If you have a mortgage on your home, consider making extra payments to pay it down faster and save thousands of dollars in future interest costs.

Do I Have Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and how much you owe on it. Homes in Canada are often substantial investments. Consequently, this can mean a substantial amount of money in your pocket.

For instance, if you bought a house for $250,000 five years ago, but its market value has increased to $275,000 due to rising house prices, your home equity is $25,000. That’s all the money you have in the bank if you sold your home or paid off your mortgage.

What Happens When You Take Cash Out of Your House?

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

When you cash out part of your equity by refinancing your mortgage, you take a loan against it. The line of credit that you get access to at your bank is equal to 80% of the amount they approve. So if you need $10,000, you should expect them to give you a line for up to $8,000 maximum. And this line also carries an interest rate based on prime minus 0.15%.

Let’s say prime is currently 3.75%, and your home equity line is at prime minus 0.15%, or 2.65%. So if you take a $10,000 loan from the bank, they will charge you interest on this money of about $23 per month for two years.  

If you use home equity to get cash out of your house, you have to earn more than $30,000 within two years to break even! Every dollar below that is pure profit for the bank.  

But wait a second, why would someone want to borrow on their home equity so expensively when they could go to their local bank and get a personal line of credit for 9% fixed interest? The biggest reason is that the bank won’t give them as much credit.

Home Equity Loans vs. Personal Loans

The bank wants to protect itself from the risk that you’ll stop paying them back, so they give you a loan based on 80% of your home equity. That is because if you stop making payments, then the bank forecloses and takes ownership of your house.

If this happens, your line of credit will be gone because they have seized it for repayment and everything else in the house.  

So while that 9% line is cheaper than taking out money against home equity, it’s still expensive compared to personal loans. The best way to use home equity is not as cash-out financing but instead as a second mortgage to increase your monthly income.  

Second Mortgage vs.Taking Out Cash

A second mortgage means that you agree to borrow against your home’s equity but with no immediate plans to use the money for any specific purpose. Instead, it gives you access to extra cash whenever you need it.  

If you want to take out $10,000 in cash from your home equity line, then you can get it right away. But this means that you will be charged interest every month until the two years are up to when the loan matures. 

Instead of doing this, you can use a second mortgage to access extra cash in amounts that suit your needs. That leaves you with more flexibility because you don’t have an arbitrary repayment schedule imposed by the bank.  

Advantages of Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans aren’t just for taking out $10,000 cash against your home. They’re also great for getting approved for high amounts of credit at low-interest rates, so you can take out lots of extra cash whenever you want.  

The second mortgage is paid back according to the same terms as your primary personal loan. That’s why it’s not uncommon to find yourself with much higher limits than usual on this kind of financing. Having an additional line like that allows you to keep more money in reserve if you need it down the road.

Two ways having an open home equity line has certain advantages, including:  

  • Your home is an asset, which means you can use equity finance renovations. That way, you can increase the value of your home and sell it later when you need cash.
  • If you have an open line of credit, then it’s the cheapest way to borrow large amounts that suit your needs right now.  
  • No one can predict when they’ll lose their job or fall ill, so it’s essential to be prepared for the possibility of needing lots of cash at once. What separates home equity loans from other forms of finance because they are designed for this kind.  

Use Home Equity Carefully

Having a home equity line of credit is what many people use to borrow cash when they want it right away. But doing the same with a second mortgage won’t save you any money, so you should only use this method when you are confident that the extra banked interest will benefit you over time. Because there’s no penalty for taking out money whenever it suits your needs, getting an open second mortgage can be an easy way to increase your income while protecting yourself against emergencies.  

Call Best Mortgage online experts for any help related to home equity, mortgage and refinance. For Mortgage insurance you can visit Insurance Direct Canada

Categories
Mortgage Refinance

Secrets of Debt Consolidation In Canada: What You Should Know

Debt consolidation can be an effective method of making your debt repayment more manageable. You wouldn’t be the only one with debt hanging around your neck. It is a Canadian thing, with the average Canadian debt ratio shooting above 70%. This is a remarkable departure from how things were 20 years ago.

Debt consolidation is the combination of the amounts you owe into one. This includes credit card debts on multiple accounts and other personal loans. So, instead of keeping up with multiple debts, you only focus on repaying a single debt.

You can consolidate yourself through different means depending on your choice or whether you have a property. If you have a home in Canada, you can use a mortgage to consolidate your debt. However, many Canadians find debt consolidation confusing, but you are lucky; by the end of this post, you will know everything about it.

What is Debt Consolidation

Essentially, this is when you take a large loan to replace and pay off your smaller loans. This large loan will allow you to pay your loans at a go.

So, instead of focusing on additional payments such as credit card payments, auto loans, and other personal loans. The new loan has a better interest rate than your previous loans if you are lucky. So, you get to repay the loan, and you will pay it cheaper.

One of the hallmarks of an efficient financial system is that it provides people with the ability to live above their means when the need arises.

The Canadian financial system is pretty efficient, with different loans to help people with what they need. Sometimes people need more than they can afford at that moment, and as such, they take different loans to meet up with obligations.

Debt consolidation is a way to ensure the easy repayment of these loans as you will be able to combine all you owe.

To consolidate, you have to be smart about it. You have to make sure to have a payment plan that you will follow. Asides from having a plan, there are other things that you have to note.

Things To Note about Debt Consolidation

Let your Debt Consolidation Loan Have Lower Interest

A debt consolidation loan should make repayment easier and not burden you. If you can afford it, consult a financial advisor or planner to review the debt consolidation loan you want to get.

If you can’t afford it, you have to read the terms and conditions of the loan carefully. Focus on the interest rate, fees, and duration.

Consult an Expert to Draw a Plan for You

In this situation, the advice of a financial planner or advisor can be crucial. They will use their experience to develop a plan to make repayment easier.

The expert will help you draw a budget, amount to repay monthly, and plan b for when you suffer income challenges.

Above the Monthly Fee

If you don’t want to deal with a financial advisor or planner, you should be doing. Pay above whatever your lender has set as your minimum fee. This will allow you to make your payment faster and easier. Also, it helps you keep up if you have income challenges.

Have a Payment Plan B

When consolidating your debt, you have to plan for all eventualities. One of such eventualities is a challenge to your income. So, to prevent this, pay above the minimum when you can. Also, make other plans when you can.

Different Ways to Consolidate Your Debt

You can consolidate your debt in different ways. Some of these ways could involve using your mortgage. Below we have treated these different ways. Read and choose the one that best fits you.

Debt Consolidation Loans

These loans help you combine all your loans into one you obtain from a credit union, bank, or other financial institution.

You can use this loan to complete your unsecured and secured debt payments. Getting a lower interest rate for your debt consolidation loan or even getting the loan depends on your collateral.

You can have different collateral, but your home is the best to help you get a lower interest rate. Also, your credit score is an added advantage. Institutions could only need you to have collateral or a good credit score. Sometimes they could require both.

It is not compulsory to use your home as collateral, but as we have said, it could be essential to get you a cheaper interest. So, if you don’t want to use your home as collateral, approach a bank, but it would be crucial to have an excellent credit score.

Using Mortgage Refinance

You can use your existing mortgage to consolidate your debt. However, there is a catch. You would have to break your current mortgage early, and breaking your mortgage early usually comes with a penalty.

Refinancing your home mortgage gives you access to 80% of your home value after deducting the remaining mortgage. With this 80%, you would combine your mortgage and other amounts owed into a single one.

Home Equity Loan

This allows you to access the available equity in your home. You can calculate the available equity by removing your home’s current market value from the remaining amount you’ll pay as a balance.

You will use this available equity to consolidate your owed amount and pay all of them at once.

Using your First Mortgage to Consolidate your Debt

If you want to consolidate your owed amount and want to get a mortgage, you can do everything at once. However, you must be ready for the lender to scrutinize you thoroughly for this to be possible.

The lender will examine your loan to value ratio or LTV. This ratio will allow your lender to determine how big of a risk it is to lend you your mortgage sum. If your LTV ratio is below 80%, your mortgage lender could allow you to combine loans.

Conclusion.

Debt consolidation could help you solve your money problems. However, as we have mentioned, you have to plan excellently.

Best Mortgage Online can help you with your debt. Call us right now at 1-855-567-4898 for consultation.

Categories
Mortgage Refinance

Everything You Should Know About Mortgage Refinancing in British Columbia, Canada

Mortgage Refinancing is a smart financial move that allows you to pay off your existing mortgage loan in exchange for a new mortgage, either with the same mortgagee or a different mortgage institution. The concept of “mortgage refinancing” may seem slightly difficult to comprehend at first, but it is essential to acquire adequate knowledge about the concept before delving into it.

In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about mortgage refinancing in British Columbia and the process involved if you are considering it.

Ready to learn? Dive in.

Mortgage Refinancing Explained

Mortgage financing is the act of taking out a larger mortgage to pay off your existing mortgage. Doing this enables you to access up to 80% of your home’s equity in funds, and you can use this money to cater to other financial obligations.Mortgage refinancing is an option for many mortgagors getting close to their amortization date or needing money to cater to some expenses.

Why Do People Get Mortgage Refinancing?

There are several reasons people get mortgage refinancing, but we will examine some common reasons among people in British Columbia, Canada.

1. Affordable Interest Rate

People often go for mortgage refinancing as these loans have lower interest rates than existing mortgage loans. This will help reduce the amount you have to pay every month.

2. Access to Home’s Equity

Mortgage refinancing gives you access to your home’s equity. You can take up to 80% of your home equity in mortgage refinancing, and this is one of the key areas mortgage refinancing differs from a normal mortgage. The benefit of this is that you can get the monetary value of your house for temporary use and gradually pay it back.

3. Amortization Period is Close

Another reason people get mortgage refinancing is if their amortization period is close. This is one of the most common reasons. When the deadline to finish payment on your mortgage is getting too close, and you realize that you may not be able to complete the payment in due time, you may consider mortgage refinancing. This will help you keep your credit score within a reasonable limit and calmly pay the new loan over a fixed or varying period.

4. To Consolidate Debt

People often go for mortgage refinancing to consolidate their debts. If you have several debts across different places, you can use your home to get a mortgage refinancing and use the money to settle those debts. Then, you can focus on paying back the new mortgage as your only debt. Although you have to be careful when doing this as many people have fallen into greater debt due to a lack of discipline in repaying their mortgages.

5. Access to Funds for Other Projects

If you have an emergency or long-term project to pay for and have no means of getting financial support, you can consider getting your mortgage refinanced. Many people do this by leveraging their home’s equity and using the remaining money after paying the current mortgage to secure some financial backup. This method has proven better in some instances than getting short-term loans.

Benefits of Mortgage Refinancing

More people are considering mortgage refinancing these days, and there are several reasons for this trend. Mortgage refinancing offers many opportunities for borrowers that many people find appealing. We will explain some of them better:

1. Reduced Interest Rates

Good mortgage refinancing always comes with a reduced interest rate compared to the old mortgage. It offers a way out for those who struggle to pay the high interest on their mortgages. It may take a long while to finish paying up, but the monthly or yearly payment will reduce enough to ease the burden on the borrower.

2. Helps to Consolidate and Reduce Debt

With credit card debts, short-term loans and several other financial burdens hovering over many Canadians in British Columbia, many take out mortgage refinancing to improve their situation. The loan is used to offset others, and borrowers can focus on the single debt before them.

3. Gives You More Autonomy Over Your Mortgage

Mortgage refinancing allows you to change details of your current mortgage that you do not like. You can go for one that suits your desire regarding interest rate, amortization date, and others.

What are the Disadvantages of Mortgage Refinancing?

As with every other good thing out there, mortgage refinancing has its downsides. We have examined some of them below:

1. Severe Penalties When Defaulted

Mortgage refinancing comes with many perks, but the consequences can be dire if you default on the repayment. It may affect your credit score badly and prevent you from getting other loans later on.

2. High Tendency to Acquire More Debts

Getting mortgage refinancing requires great discipline. First, you need to manage your finances properly to ensure that you do not end up in more debts from the interests accruing on your mortgage. The figures on mortgage arrears keep increasing yearly, which does not bode well for borrowers.

What is the Process Involved in Refinancing Mortgage?

Contrary to what you may have believed, getting mortgage refinancing is no rocket science. The process is straightforward once you have the right guidance.

1. Apply for a New Loan

The first thing to do is shop around for a better mortgage for your home. Compare rates and requirements before making your decision. Once you do that, contact the bank or finance company, and fill out the necessary forms. You will have to meet their eligibility criteria which include being up to 18 years old, being a citizen of Canada and possessing a government-issued ID. Once you fulfill all those, fill out the forms and wait for your request to be processed.

2. End Your Current Mortgage

Once you have your new mortgage ready, you have to cancel the old one. That usually requires you to pay a cancellation fee, among other penalties. Ensure that your new mortgage is enough to cover all the costs you will incur. The moment you are released from your old contract, you only have to focus on repaying the new mortgage and putting the remaining money to good use.

3. Get a Professional to Walk You Through

This step is not emphasized enough. To get the best deal out of mortgage refinancing, you should get a professional to walk you through the process. You can speak to your lender, get a lawyer, or contact other mortgage and insurance experts such as the professionals at  Insurance Direct Canada.

Conclusion

Mortgage refinancing is fascinating for people looking to improve their financial situation and have their homes as their biggest asset. If you are one of these people, you must have learnt the fundamentals of mortgage refinancing and know how to make the right decision. Remember to consider the costs you will incur and how the mortgage will affect your credit score. If you do not know much about mortgages and all they entail, you can reach out to experts like Insurance Direct Canada for guidance.

Talk to our experts regarding Mortgage Refinance or Visit our website home page Best Mortgage Online.

Categories
Mortgage Refinance

TD Bank Mortgage Rates

TD Canada Trust is a leading bank based in Canada. It is one of the top 10 North American banks, and for a good reason. TD Canada offers multiple professional financial services, intending to change the lives of their customers and community. Mortgage services are amongst their many services.

With TD Canada, you can get a mortgage on your home, whether you are a new homeowner or you are making a switch from a different bank. Their mortgage services are comprehensive, affordable, and flexible. Read on to learn more about TD’s mortgage rates and options.

Canada’s Mortgage Rules

TD Canada adheres strictly to the mortgage laws of Canada as a country. Any customer who wants to apply for a mortgage with TD must be familiar with these rules. While your mortgage consultant might run over them with you, there is no harm in knowing some of the basics of Canada’s new mortgage rules. So here they are.

Stress Test: Customers who apply for mortgages are required to pass the qualifying criteria, also known as the stress test. This will determine whether they can afford a mortgage if interest rates increase. A TD mobile mortgage specialist can shed more light on the qualification criteria for individual customers.

Uninsured mortgage rates: Customers should know that the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions has raised the qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages. From the previous 4.79%, it has now been increased to 5.25%. For customers with down payments over 20%, the stress test either uses the new qualifying rate of 5.25% or the customers’ mortgage interest rate plus 2%, depending on which is higher.

Insured mortgage rates: For customers whose down payments are less than 20%, the stress test uses the insured qualifying rate or the customers’ mortgage interest rate plus 2%, depending on which is higher.

These are just a few things to know about the current mortgaging laws before applying for a mortgage loan with TD.

TD’s Mortgage Options

At TD Canada Trust, they offer many different mortgage plans and options for customers. This allows them to cater to the individual needs of customers. Their options include:

First-time homeowners

TD understands the pressure and confusion that accompanies purchasing a home for the first time. This is why they offer mortgage services specifically for first-time homeowners. These services help customers decide on the best home and mortgage plan to suit their budget and tastes. The TD mortgage rate Canada for first-time homeowners varies.

First-time homeowner mortgage services include:

– Helping customers make smart financial decisions on how much they can afford to spend on a mortgage, including their current and future expenses.

– Assisting customers with pre-qualification for loans by assigning them to a loan officer.

– Walking customers through the process of mortgage application with sound financial advice.

– Educating customers on the real estate market, especially as new home buyers, and how to make offers on homes.

Home Loans and Down Payments

TD Bank offers mortgage plans for customers who can only afford to make low down payments due to money shortages. Their home loan options and their features include:

FNMA Home Ready: 3% minimum down payment and flexible underwriting.

TD Bank Right Step Mortgage: 3% minimum down payment and payments can come from gifts or grants.

FHA Mortgage: 3.5% minimum down payment with no income limits.

FNMA 97 Mortgage: 3% minimum down payment and only applicable for first-time home buyers.

Veterans Administration Mortgage: no down payment or mortgage insurance required.

FNMA Refi Now: high debt-to-income ratios and no cash back at closing.

You can get more information about all these home loans and down payment options at TD Bank’s official website.

Construction Loans

TD construction loans offer services to customers that are building new homes or renovating their current homes. TD construction loans offer the following features:

– Flexible down payments

– Both fixed and adjustable-rate options

– Interest-only payments during construction

– Initial loan payment

– Fixed-rate mortgage after construction.

The application requirements for construction loans can be found on TD Bank’s official website.

Mortgage Refinancing

TD Bank also offers mortgage refinancing services. These are applicable for customers who want to change their mortgage plan, lower their monthly payments or make significant purchases.

To apply for mortgage refinancing, customers will have to fill out a mortgage application and submit documents like credit reports. Closing costs will apply and can be up to 1-3% of the new mortgage cost. TD also offers a mortgage refinance calculator to give customers an idea of the probable cost of their new mortgage loan after refinancing.

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

TD offers the opportunity for customers to calculate a range of affordable house prices. This information is useful as customers enter the real estate market and trustworthy as it gives them a price range. All that customers have to do is fill out a questionnaire survey with some key information that will allow the calculator to give you a value for a home you can afford. This information includes details such as your desired location, annual income, monthly expenses, and others.

TD Mortgage Rate Canada

TD mortgage rates in Canada are as follows currently:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages:

I year fixed closed – 2.79%

2 year fixed closed – 3.54%

3 year fixed closed – 3.69%

4 year fixed closed – 4.14%

5 year fixed closed – 3.99%

6 year fixed closed – 5.24%

7 year fixed closed – 5.35%

10 year fixed closed – 5.06%

1 year fixed open:

4.50%

6-month convertible mortgage:

3.04%

5-year variable closed:

TD mortgage prime rate – 0.70%

5-year variable open:

TD mortgage prime rate + 1.00%

Annual percentage rates apply and vary and can be viewed on TD’s website.

Conclusion

TD Bank is a versatile and highly rated bank that offers services of all kinds. The mortgage plans create avenues for all classes of customers to suit their unique needs. The TD mortgage rate in Canada is affordable and can be fixed or variable, depending on what is most convenient to customers.

Whatever your mortgage needs may be, TD bank has an option for you.

TD Mortgage Interest Rates – Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the TD mortgage prime rate?

The TD mortgage prime rate is the standard TD mortgage interest rate for variable rates. Customers that apply for variable interest rates pay in terms of ‘TD mortgage prime rate + or – interest rate’. The TD mortgage prime rate is currently 3.35%

What is the difference between a fixed and variable interest rate?

TD mortgage interest rates can be fixed or variable. Fixed rates remain constant throughout your mortgage payment time. Variable rates may vary monthly depending on changes in the TD mortgage prime rate.

Can mortgage rates be negotiated?

While TD bank has a very vast array of mortgage options, in certain situations, customers could negotiate better rates.

Compare and get the best mortgage rates in Canada. Visit Best Mortgage Online website and find answers to your mortgage related queries.

Categories
Mortgage Refinance

GDS, TDS and Why You Need Them For Your Mortgage

When applying for a mortgage for the first time, there are several terms and principles that you may need to familiarize yourself with. They can be factors that affect your eligibility for a mortgage loan. Lenders look into aspects of your financial statements such as your GDS and TDS to determine whether you are eligible for a mortgage loan and how much you can afford to borrow. Without proper knowledge of these financial concepts, you may end up going in blind to your mortgage deal. This can result in a person being denied a mortgage.

Besides their importance to mortgages, it is also important to know these concepts as they aid customers in understanding their finances comprehensively and making better financial decisions.

This article will guide you through what your GDS and TDS ratios are and what roles they play when you are applying for a mortgage loan.

What is Your GDS Ratio?

GDS stands for Gross Debt Service. It is a debt service measurement recorded as a ratio that is integral to determining whether a person is eligible for a mortgage as well as other financial endeavors. The GDS ratio is also known as the front-end ratio or housing expense ratio, and it represents the ratio of debt or expenses a homeowner has in contrast with their income.

In simple terms, the GDS ratio compares homeowners’ monthly expenses with their monthly income. Of these expenses, their mortgage is usually listed as the primary expense. Other expenses include taxes, utility bills, insurance, and other fixed expenses relating to your home. The expenses are then divided by the homeowners’ monthly income, which gives the ratio.

Most lenders require that customers have a GDS ratio of 32% or less to be eligible for their loans.

What is your TDS Ratio?

TDS ratio or Total Debt Service ratio is another debt service measurement. Instead of calculating the ratio of debt to income, the TDS ratio helps to determine the percentage of income spent on both housing and non-housing payments by the homeowner.

When calculating TDS, the customer’s mortgage and taxes are added up alongside other bills like student loans, alimony, and credit card debts. These are then divided by the customer’s income to determine the ratio. The TDS allows lenders to ensure that customers will be able to pay their mortgages consistently.

Mortgage lenders rarely offer loans to customers with TDS ratios that are higher than 43%.

The main difference between the GDS and TDS ratios is that the TDS ratio takes non-housing bills into account as well as housing-related bills.

Importance of GDS and TDS Ratios

Your GDS and TDS ratios are two of the most important factors that lenders use to determine whether or not a customer is eligible for a loan. These two best service measurements play many roles in your mortgage plans. The GDS and TDS ratios serve several purposes, which are discussed below:

● Lenders use these metrics to determine how much they will be able to lend you. When a customer’s financial state has been thoroughly examined using the GDS and TDS ratios, lenders can then decide on how much they can afford to lend out on a mortgage, based on the customer’s finances.

● The GDS and TDS ratios give lenders a comprehensive idea of the financial state of the homeowners which helps them make informed decisions on mortgage requests. Because the GDS and TDS ratios are displayed in plain terms, lenders can easily and quickly decide whether a person is eligible or not for a loan without too complex a process.

● GDS and TDS ratios break down the financial situation of customers to the barest minimum so that even the customers can understand their situations. It is not only the lenders that benefit from GDS and TDS calculations. Customers too can benefit from examining their GDS and TDS ratios so that they can have an idea of where their finances are and are better suited to make good and profitable financial situations, as well as make adjustments where needed.

● With the use of a person’s GDS or TDS ratio, lenders can determine whether or not they can afford to repay their loans and how much they can afford to lend to the customer so that they can comfortably repay. Lenders would not want to give mortgages to customers who will end up unable to repay them on time. The GDS and TDS ratios give lenders an idea of where customers’ money is going monthly and whether they can afford to add any more expenses to their finances.

How to Calculate Your GDS and TDS Ratios

For the GDS ratio, the formula is:

Principal payment (i.e. mortgage payments) + Property Taxes + Utilities / Gross Annual Income

For calculation of GDS, it is also often required to include 50% of the monthly fees of the home.

The formula for TDS ratio calculation is:

GDS + All other debts / Gross Annual Income

These other debts include student loans, credit card debts, car payments, insurance, child support, and any other fixed debts that a person may have.

Conclusion

When it comes to mortgage loans, one should never step in blind. Knowledge of how your GDS and TDS ratios affect your mortgage plan is essential to understanding how the process works and securing the best plan for yourself.

Both the GDS and TDS ratios have their importance and roles to play when trying to secure a mortgage plan. A customer with an unsavory figure on either of these is at risk of being rejected for their mortgage loan. Often, people assume that only a stable income or a strong credit score is required to be eligible for mortgage loans, which is wrong. The GDS and TDS ratios are only a few more metrics that are used to measure eligibility for mortgage loans.

Ensure that you understand the full scope of these concepts before taking the next steps in applying for a mortgage.

Mortgage and Financial experts at Best Mortgage Online helps you in every stage of mortgage, new home buying, refinance. If you also need help regarding mortgage protection plan visit sister website Insurance Direct Canada.

Categories
Mortgage Renewal/Switch

What Happens If Your Mortgage Renewal Is Declined in Canada?

Tens of thousands of Canadians file mortgage renewals every year. There are many reasons to renew your mortgage. Some of the popular reasons for mortgage renewal include:

  • Your current mortgage has ended, and you want a new one.
  • The interest rate for your current mortgage is very high, and you want to take advantage of a lower interest rate before it’s too late.
  • You’ve experienced outstanding credit over the past year and now qualify for a much better interest rate than you had before
  • You want to consolidate your current mortgage and credit card debt into one manageable monthly payment with a lower interest rate.

Suppose you fall under any of these categories. In that case, it is definitely in your best interest to renew your mortgage as soon as possible to take advantage of the benefits listed above.

However, if you ask, “What happens if my mortgage renewal gets declined?” then keep reading to find out the answer!

Why Your Mortgage Renewal Might Get Declined

There are lots of reasons why your renewal might get declined. When you receive a mortgage renewal letter in the mail, it will include an explanation about what could potentially cause your application to get declined. However, it’s also essential for you to know what can happen even if your bank doesn’t mention declining your renewal in the letter.

That way, you will know what to do if your application gets declined.

●    You Might Be Missing Documents That the Bank Needs

One common reason your application may not get approved is that you didn’t file all of the necessary paperwork with your renewal. For example, every mortgage renewal letter should include a new disclosure statement for you to sign and return. If you don’t sign this new statement, your application will likely decline.

●    You Might Not Meet the Bank’s New Lending Guidelines

When interest rates drop, many banks will begin to offer lower interest rates on their mortgages to compete with other loans and credit cards in the market. However, they usually only do this if you qualify under their new criteria for qualifying for a low-interest rate. If you fail to meet these new criteria, then it’s likely that your application will be declined.

●    You Could Have a Credit Score That Is Too Low

During the mortgage renewal process, your bank will do a complete analysis of your finances. That includes checking why you haven’t made the required monthly payments on time. If you’ve been late with other forms of credit in the past, then this could negatively impact your ability to qualify for a new mortgage. That’s why it’s so important to stay up-to-date with all existing loans and credit cards during your entire time as a homeowner.

●    Your Current Debt-To-Income Ratio Is Too High

The last reason you might not be approved for your next mortgage is what they call the “debt-to-income ratio.” When banks approve new mortgages, they don’t just look at how much you owe on your current mortgage. Instead, they also factor in how much of the monthly income of all members in the household is being used to pay for other forms of existing debt. If this number exceeds a certain percentage, then it’s likely that your application will get declined.

What to Do if Your Mortgage Renewal Gets Declined

While getting declined for a mortgage renewal is not necessarily a substantial financial burden, it can still be a problem if you weren’t expecting this to happen. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to renew your mortgage with the same or different bank successfully:

●    Re-Apply at Another Canadian Bank

One of the best ways to turn around your current situation is by re-applying for a new mortgage and doing so as quickly as possible. When applying to other banks, you should make sure that this new application will use information from your most recent tax return instead of your old one. Also, ask a family member or a close friend to co-sign your application form, so you don’t risk being declined if something were to happen.

●    Keep Making Monthly Payments on Time

Another great way to renew your mortgage after it has been declined is by proving yourself as a valuable customer before the bank decides whether or not to approve you for a new mortgage. If your monthly payments are up-to-date, your chances of getting approved will increase. That’s why it’s so important never to neglect your monthly payments.

●    Collateralize Your Property Equity

Another option when getting your mortgage declined is to use collateral to get approved. While this will increase the amount that you’ll be able to borrow, the chances are that you’ll end up paying a lot more money if interest rates suddenly go up again before your next loan term begins. If possible, try to avoid taking out loans in this manner so you can prevent any added financial burden in the future.

●    Find a Less Expensive Place to Live

If there is no other way for you to get approved for a new home loan, then your best option will be to start looking at places within your price range. That way, you’ll still be able to move into your place without worrying about doing renovations or paying too much in the long term. On the other hand, if you don’t mind living somewhere else temporarily, this might be the cheapest option of them all.

Make Sure to Know Your Options!

While getting declined for a mortgage renewal is never a good thing, you have to remember that it’s not the world’s end. As long as you’re willing to put in some extra effort and do whatever it takes to get approved, you will be able to successfully renew your mortgage at another bank or with the same one if they decide to approve you. Just make sure that you never neglect any bill payments, don’t rack up more debt than needed, and always try to keep your debts as low as possible.

Visit our website home page Best Mortgage Online for more information on Mortgage Renewal, Refinance, home equity and more.

Categories
New Purchase Mortgage

How to Prepare for High Mortgage Rates in Canada

For the last ten years, Canadians have enjoyed relatively low-interest rates. Not only that, but due to the pandemic, the Bank of Canada lowered its interest rate even more. However, it doesn’t mean things will stay like that forever. There’s an expected increase between April and September.

The increase will come just in time for the busy spring real estate season. Many Canadians wonder, will the increase in interest rates affect them? If you’re one of those people, you’re looking for answers. That’s why we’re here to help.

Let’s talk see what can be done to prepare for high mortgage rates in Canada.

Real Estate Interest in Canada

The first step is to understand how interest rates work. The bank will give you a specific interest rate when you take out a loan. That is the percentage of your loan that you will have to pay each year. Of course, the higher the interest rate, the more you’ll have to pay back in the long run.

A thing to remember is that not all interest rates are created equal. For example, the Bank of Canada offers three types of mortgages: fixed, variable, and convertible.

  • Fixed Mortgages: A fixed mortgage means that your interest rate will stay the same for the entire term of your loan. That can be helpful if you’re worried about interest rates going up in the future.
  • Variable Mortgages: A variable mortgage means that your interest rate can go up or down, depending on the market. That could be either positive or negative, depending on your situation.
  • Convertible Mortgages: A convertible mortgage is a mix of fixed and variable. That means that your interest rate will start as a variable, but if it goes up too much, you have the option to switch to a fixed mortgage.

How High Mortgage Rates Might Affect You

Now that you understand how mortgages work, let’s talk about how high mortgage rates might affect you.

If you have a variable mortgage, there’s a chance that your monthly payments could go up. That could be a big problem if you’re on a tight budget.

If you have a fixed mortgage, your payments might go down. But the only downside is that you won’t be able to take advantage of lower interest rates in the future.

No matter which type of mortgage you have, it’s essential to make sure that you can afford your monthly payments. That means doing some math and seeing if your current budget can handle a higher interest rate.

What Causes Interest Rates to Fluctuate?

Now that you understand how high mortgage rates could affect you, let’s talk about what causes interest rates to fluctuate.

A few things can cause interest rates to go up or down.

The most common is the economy. The rates will surely go up when the economy is doing well because people are more likely to borrow money. But conversely, when the country’s economy is doing poorly, interest rates will decrease because people are less likely to borrow money.

Another thing that can affect interest rates is inflation. Inflation happens when the cost of goods and services goes up, so you’ll need more money to buy the same thing in the future. So if inflation is high, it’s more likely that interest rates will go up.

The last thing that can affect interest rates is politics. For example, if a new president is elected, they might change their economic policy and cause the interest rate to go down.

Tips for Preparing for High Mortgage Rates in Canada

Now that you know how high mortgage rates might affect you, it’s time to start preparing. Here are some tips:

  1. Start saving: An excellent way to prepare for high mortgage rates is to start saving. That means putting away a little bit of money each month, so you have a cushion if your monthly payments go up.
  2. Shop around: Another good way to prepare for high mortgage rates is to shop around for the best interest rate. It could help you save a ton of money in the long run.
  3. Get pre-approved: If you’re thinking about buying a house, getting pre-approved will help you know how much you can afford. That will make it easier to find a home that fits your budget.
  4. Stay informed: Finally, it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s going on in the world of mortgages. This way, you’ll be prepared for any changes that might happen in the future.
  5. Pay Off Your Debt ASAP: This is not specific to mortgages, but paying off your debt will help you no matter what happens with interest rates. When you have less debt, you’re in a better position to afford your monthly payments if they go up.
  6. Keep Your Budget Balanced: Another essential thing to remember is to keep your budget balanced. That means not overspending, even if interest rates do go up. When you have a tight budget, it’s easier to weather any storm.
  7. Build an Emergency Fund: Finally, another good way to prepare for high mortgage rates is to build an emergency fund. That is money that you can use in case of a financial emergency. When you have this money saved up, you don’t have to worry about going into debt if your monthly payments go up.

Closing Thoughts

The best way to prepare for high mortgage rates in Canada is to stay informed and be prepared for any changes that might happen in the future.

You can start by saving money each month, so you have a cushion if your monthly payments go up. Then, you can look for the best interest rate and get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Finally, you can pay off your debt, so you’re less burdened financially. By following these tips, you’ll be ready for whatever happens in the world of mortgages.

To get more and more updates on latest mortgage rates in Canada or Refinance rates in Canada visit our Best Mortgage Online Blog or Contact us through following button.