Buying a home is one of the largest investments you may ever make. In order to make your home hunting experience the best it can be, here are a few key items to keep in mind before you start your journey: Get Pre-Qualified: One of the most important aspects of buying a home is the […]

Safeguarding your property can be simple keeping a few ideas in mind.  The following is a list of security options for some of the key areas you’re likely to want to consider when planning to protect your home or investment property. Securing Windows Reinforce the windows on the first floor with window stops. Keep windows […]

As expected, the central bank held the overnight rate at 4.5%, ending, for now, the eight consecutive rate increases over the past year. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. This is the first pause among major central banks. Economic growth ground to a halt in the fourth quarter of 2022, lower than […]

  Changing your address is just one of your to-do’s when you move, but this can go smoothly with a bit of advance planning.  Before moving just be sure to notify the following groups on this list:   Personal Contacts Relatives Friends Employer Schools, colleges, universities, daycares Landlord (if necessary) Clubs, associations and charities   […]

Credit scores are a bit nebulous but can greatly impact whether you are approved for a loan and how much interest will be charged.  Where they come from and what affects them are not very intuitive and may surprise you.  Knowing more can help you leverage your score and put you in a better position […]

When it comes to mortgages, there is a common misconception that a low rate is more important than any other factor. However, while your rate does matter for your mortgage, it is not the only consideration. Other key factors you should look at beyond the interest rate include: Term: The term refers to the length of […]

Bruce Ball, FCPA, FCA, CFP November 21, 2022 The federal government has released new details about a new type of registered savings plan aimed at helping Canadians save for their first home. Find out who qualifies and other key features of these plans. The Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) was first proposed in Budget 2022. […]

A “guarantor” is someone who guarantees the repayment of a borrower’s mortgage if that borrower is unable to repay the loan. Typically, a guarantor is used in situations where the buyer lacks sufficient income to qualify for the value of the loan.  Adding a guarantor can help secure an approval as this lowers the lender’s […]

As expected, the Bank of Canada–satisfied with the sharp decline in recent inflation pressure–raised the policy rate by only 25 bps to 4.5%. Forecasting that inflation will return to roughly 3.0% later this year and to the target of 2% in 2024 is subject to considerable uncertainty. The Bank acknowledges that recent economic growth in […]

Choosing between a fixed and a variable rate mortgage requires a bit of thought.  Both have advantages but there are significant differences between the two.   Variable Rate Mortgages A variable rate mortgage has an interest rate that can fluctuate over time, while a fixed rate mortgage has an interest rate that remains the same throughout […]