February Home Sales Hint at Recovery
A report recently released by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) showed home sales were up 2.3% in February despite 7.9% fewer homes being listed on the market.
Jill Oudil, Chair of CREA was cautiously optimistic about these numbers. “February’s data contained the potential of a more robust market to come,” she said. She explained the CREA won’t have a full grasp on trends for this year until the busy spring season has arrived.
CREA’s Senior Economist Shaun Cathcart also saw reason to be hopeful about this year’s prospects. He said, “The similarities between 2023 and the recovery year of 2019 continued to emerge in February, with sales up, the market tightening, and month-over-month price declines getting smaller.”
Implications for First Time Buyers
The CREA report stated that on average homes continue to be priced roughly $135,000 less than at the same time last year (excluding Toronto and Vancouver).
For those who have room in their budgets for higher interest rates, and can pass the stress test, this may be a good time to opt in to the market.
But remember that the interest rates on mortgages are currently ranging from 4.6% to 6.2%.
It’s also important to take note of the dip in inventory. If there are fewer houses on the market going forward, buyers may face more competition for homes.
Implications for Current Home Owners
If you already own a home, this latest news from the CREA could mean good things ahead for you too. If the market is poised for recovery, it could mean that the value of your home will be on the rise again.
The lower inventory in February may mean there will be fewer homes on the market this year. If you are thinking of selling, this could put you at an advantage.
If you are also buying, know that competition for homes may be a bit stiffer again this year. Though we hopefully won’t see the crazy bidding wars of 2021.
Home Affordability in Ottawa
Although home prices in Ottawa aren’t as expensive as Toronto, Ottawa is still one of the top 5 most expensive cities for real estate in Canada. According to a Ratehub.ca report, home prices in Ottawa were down just over $72,000 on average in January.
The Ratehub report stated Ottawa’s average home price was $603,900 in January, 2023. This means a family would need an income of $122,440 to afford a home in this price range.
Although home prices are down, according to the report, this year’s higher interest rates had a negative impact on affordability. People in Ottawa need to earn $8,370 more than last year to afford a home in the average range.
It’s important to remember that these prices reflect the average sale price. If you are considering a smaller home like a condo, for example, you won’t need to earn as much.
The Takeaway
With the real estate market showing signs of recovery, this could be a good year for buyers and sellers. The market has cooled from its fevered pitch of 2021, and sales activity may be brisk but level-headed.
If you are thinking of buying a home, or need advice on managing your mortgage as you sell, please get in touch. We’d be happy to help.
Should You Consider an Alternative Mortgage Lender?
A recent report from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) found that more people in 2022 renewed their mortgages with alternative lenders than in previous years. The report cites increased interest rates and stricter rules around borrowing for this change. It’s simply more difficult to qualify for a mortgage with traditional lenders in the current environment – even for people who have been paying off a mortgage successfully for a few years.
The alternative lending mortgage market has been an important part of the economic landscape in Canada since at least the 1990s. Borrowers who are unable to secure mortgages at one of Canada’s top tier banks can sometimes get into the housing market through alternative lenders.
But what exactly are alternative lenders? And should you consider using one?
What is an Alternative Lender?
Alternative lenders (also called B-lenders) are financial companies. They are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
While the term alternative lender may bring to mind a shady, back-alley mortgage company, that isn’t usually the case. Alternative lenders can include credit unions and second tier banks like Laurentian Bank of Canada and the National Bank of Canada. They also include monoline institutions that only offer one type of mortgage product.
Who Should Try an Alternative Lender?
People who have tried unsuccessfully to secure a mortgage through one of Canada’s top six banks (TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, or Desjardins) often turn to alternative lenders.
This may include people who are self-employed and don’t have the regular income banks like to see, people new to Canada still establishing credit, or those who have less than ideal credit scores.
It’s important to note that you may need more of a downpayment (20%) in order to qualify for a mortgage through an alternative lender.
Pros
The advantage to using an alternative lender is the ability to get into the housing market, even if you don’t tick all the boxes on an A-lender’s list. Many people are responsible and up to making mortgage payments, even if their credit scores are less than perfect, or their income is untraditional. Alternative lenders help meet this need.
Once in the housing market, most people are able to switch to A-lenders after a few years, though in today’s financial climate, this may take a little longer than expected.
Cons
Naturally, there are also downsides to consider. Alternative lenders usually charge higher interest rates than other institutions. With Canada’s prime lending rate already increased compared to previous years, this can be a heavy burden.
Some lenders offer interest-only loans, which means you won’t be paying anything on the principal of your mortgage. As a result, you’ll be paying off your mortgage longer.
Before signing on the dotted line with a B-lender, make sure you have an exit strategy in place. You don’t want to be paying higher interest rates for more than a few years.
The Takeaway
Alternative lenders can provide a valuable service by helping people get into the housing market for the first time. Before going down this path, make sure you do your homework. Read all the terms a lender is offering, and crunch the numbers before signing on the dotted line.
If you’re thinking of trying an alternative lender, drop us a line. We’d be happy to take a detailed look at your financial picture and give you tailored advice.
Everything You Need to Know About Ottawa’s New Vacant Unit Tax
The deadline to declare your residency to avoid Ottawa’s new vacant unit tax is approaching. Home owners have until March 16, 2023 to submit their declarations or face a 1% increase on their property taxes.
The tax was approved by city council in March of 2022 with support from the Hintonburg Community Association. The purpose of the tax is to discourage people from investing in real estate and leaving buildings unoccupied.
Similar taxes are rolling out in Toronto this year and in Hamilton in 2024. Vancouver implemented a comparable tax in 2017. And it was effective. From 2017 to 2020, the number of vacant homes there decreased by 30%.
The tax roll-out has not been trouble-free. Some Ottawa residents are upset with the process of submitting a declaration. They say the city should have used utility bills to determine residency instead. Home owners who speak English as a second language, or with diverse abilities could be unfavourably affected.
As of January 9, 25% of Ottawa’s homeowners had submitted their declarations. With less than one month to go, city officials are likely crossing their fingers that the rest are submitted in good time.
Who is Exempt?
If you live in the home you own, or rent out a property, you are exempt from the tax. Owners whose property was vacant more than 184 days in 2022 will be subject to it. But the city does allow some exceptions including residing in a care facility, sale of the home, construction or renovation, and death.
For more information, check the city’s website.
How to Submit Your Declaration
Residents should have received two letters in the mail notifying them of the need to submit a declaration. You can declare your residency by returning the included form by mail, or submit the information online.
Late Declarations
This year, late fees have been waived. Beginning next year, there will be a $250 fine for missing the deadline.
Owners of homes deemed vacant as of April 30 will be taxed an additional 1%. The amount will be added to their final tax bill, which will be mailed out in June.
Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
If you are thinking of buying a home this year, chances are this tax won’t affect you. But there are a couple of things to look out for.
Did the Owner Declare Residency?
If a home sale closes between January 1 and April 30 of this year, it is the seller’s responsibility to declare residency.
Before closing on a home sale, buyers (and their legal professionals) should make sure the owner declared residency and the extra taxes won’t be charged. If the owner skipped this step, you could be on the hook for extra property taxes this year.
Is the Property Vacant?
If you buy a home that was unoccupied last year, the tax could be added to this year’s property taxes. Check in with a legal professional before closing the deal to find out if there are ways to avoid the extra fees if you intend to live in the home.
The Takeaway
New taxes and procedures always take some getting used to, but for most homeowners, this new tax will cost them nothing more than a little time to submit their declaration.
Ultimately, it may help the housing market in Ottawa by making more units available to people who want them.
If you are thinking of buying a home this year, drop us a line. It’s never too early to discuss your mortgage options.
Mortgage Market 2023: What’s in Store?
According to financial experts, 2023 could be a more stable year for mortgages. That’s good news for many homeowners, who could use a break after the Bank of Canada’s (BOC’s) multiple interest rate hikes in 2022.
While it’s impossible to tell the future, there are some signs that calmer weather is ahead. Here we take a closer look at what 2023 might have in store for interest rates and mortgages.
Interest Rates
The BOC raised its policy interest rate eight times last year. The rate went from 0.25% in January of 2022 to 4.5% in January of 2023.
The BOC has hinted it may leave rates at current levels for the foreseeable future. According to Global News, BOC Governor Tiff Macklem said, “We’ve raised rates rapidly, and now it’s time to pause and assess whether monetary policy is sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation back to its two per cent target.”
The rate of inflation is currently just over 6%. It could take some time to bring it back down to the BOC’s 2% goal. So, interest rates may stay higher, but remain more stable throughout the year.
The higher rates will likely mean fewer people are able to qualify for mortgages. This could have a cooling effect on the housing market.
For those who do qualify, their mortgages may be processed faster because there are simply fewer applications going through the system.
Where are mortgage rates now? They are hovering from around 4.6% to just over 6% depending on the type.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
Those with fixed rate mortgages who are planning to renew this year should be prepared to pay more interest and possibly higher monthly payments.
However, fixed rate mortgages remain a good bet as the interest rates are typically lower. Many experts are advising people interested in fixed rate products to consider locking in for a shorter term (2-3 years) in case interest rates go down.
Variable Rate Mortgages
Those with variable rate mortgages likely felt a squeeze this year as the interest rates rose. According to BOC data, eight out of 10 people have hit their “trigger rate,” meaning they are paying more interest than principal on their loans. This typically results in higher monthly payments
The good news is that if the economy remains stable this year, rates aren’t likely to go much higher. Those with variable rate mortgages can be cautiously optimistic, knowing that their monthly budgets may be relatively stable over the course of the year.
Variable rate mortgages are a good option, especially with signals that rates may come down in the future. But some patience will be required.
The Takeaway
With these rate changes, the fever that gripped the Canadian housing market may finally have broken. This year promises a more measured approach to housing and mortgages.
Of course, mortgages come in many different packages. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. If you’re going to be renewing this year, or if you’re thinking of getting into the market for the first time, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help!
Things First-Time Home Buyers Do That Can Cost Them $$
Getting A Mortgage Can Be Challenging
The process of applying for a mortgage comes with many rules and new terms. It’s easy for first-time buyers to take costly missteps.
Here are a few first-time home buyer mistakes to avoid if you want to save money.
Shop Only Rate
Rates are relatively easy to discover from lending institutions and to compare. But mortgages have a number of other features that are important to consider.
Prepayment Privileges
Putting extra money towards your mortgage on a monthly or yearly basis can save you a money over the long term. But many mortgages restrict how much extra you can pay on your mortgage and when.
Open mortgages tend to be the most flexible, but they usually have higher interest rates. Variable rate mortgages typically offer good prepayment terms. Some fixed rate mortgages offer prepayment privileges too. Check your contract carefully to find out how much you can repay, and when.
Penalties
Most mortgages have penalties for breaking the contract before the term ends. Variable rate mortgages usually ask for three months of interest. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, you would likely be asked to pay three months of interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), whichever amount is highest.
If you think there might be a move in your near future, opt for a shorter term, and find out what the penalties are before you sign on the dotted line.
Portability
To avoid penalties, some lending institutions allow you to “port” your mortgage. If you buy a new house, porting allows you to transfer your mortgage to the new property.
However, this process is not always as easy as it sounds. Fixed mortgages are easier to port than variable rate. In some cases, the new property has to be the same price as the initial property. If the new property costs more, you may need to consider a blended mortgage.
Cash Back
When you purchase a house, there are a number of unexpected costs such as legal fees, land transfer tax, and more.
Some lenders provide cash back on their mortgages, loaning you money on top of your mortgage amount. Many people use this money towards closing costs, renovations, or movers.
It’s important to note that opting for cash back may trigger a higher interest rate.
HELOC
Some institutions offer a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) which becomes available after the house purchase is complete.
With a HELOC, you normally pay interest only on the money you use. While you do need to pay the interest regularly, you can pay the principal back on your own time, as long as you borrow less than 65% of your home’s value.
In order to qualify for a HELOC you need to put in a down payment of at least 20%, and have a good credit rating.
Don’t Wait To Get Credit In Check
Many first-time buyers don’t stop to consider their credit rating before applying for a mortgage.
Financial institutions use credit scores to determine whether to issue a mortgage, and also to decide what interest rates to charge. If you have a poor score, you will likely find it difficult to secure a mortgage. If your score is adequate but not good, you may pay higher interest rates.
You can get a ballpark idea of your credit score before you start shopping for a mortgage. If your score is below 660, consider holding off for six months or more. To improve your score, pay your bills on time, stay within your credit limit, and keep your oldest credit card accounts.
Closing Credit Cards
Since credit scores are partially calculated from your credit card history, it’s not a good idea to cancel cards before applying for a mortgage.
If you do need to cancel a card, choose one with the shortest history, and pay off all balances first. Cancelling more than one card at a time can raise red flags, so avoid this if you can.
Trusting Online Credit Score
Even though online credit scores can give you a rough idea of where you stand, these scores are not totally reliable.
Organizations that provide either free or paid credit scores use their own calculations to determine the final number. Financial institutions use a different set of calculations.
Credit reports can also contain errors. Check any report you receive to make sure it’s accurate.
Getting Online Pre-Approvals
Opting for a pre-approval is a good way to find out if you could qualify for a mortgage. It can also tell you the maximum amount an institution may be willing to lend you.
Although there are many websites advertising fast and painless pre-approvals online, they are not always trustworthy. It can also be difficult to tell the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification.
To get a true pre-approval, work with a lender directly.
Waiting To Save More Than Is Necessary
It may seem like a good idea to wait to buy a home until you can afford to make a large down payment. In the long run, you’ll save money, but this strategy isn’t always ideal. In Canada, minimum down payments are 5%, and 20% is often recommended.
First, it can cause you to lose liquidity in your finances. Once you pay for a home, the money is locked in and you won’t be able to invest it elsewhere.
Another drawback is time. While you wait to save, you won’t build up equity in your home.
Everyone’s situation is unique. If you’re thinking about buying a home for the first time, get in touch with us. We can give you an honest assessment of your situation, and make sure you get the best value for your money.
More People Are Carrying Mortgages Into Retirement. Is This A Good Idea?
More Older Canadians Have Mortgages
Between 2016 and 2021 the number of Canadians with a mortgage over the age of 65 increased. With the Bank of Canada raising the interest rate over the past year to curb inflation, these numbers may continue to rise.
Conventional wisdom advises entering retirement debt-free. However, this view is beginning to shift. While there are drawbacks to paying a mortgage after 65, in some cases, there can also be benefits.
The Pros
There are many reasons someone may decide to either keep paying off an existing mortgage into retirement, or opt for a reverse mortgage.
Staying At Home Longer
Many Canadians are choosing to age in place, staying in their homes throughout their golden years instead of downsizing. For some, this means continuing to pay a mortgage.
Boosting Income
Some people choose to keep an existing mortgage or take on a reverse mortgage in order to invest their money elsewhere, providing cash flow in retirement. While homes prices typically appreciate over time, historically the return on investment isn’t as high when compared with a well-managed portfolio of stocks and bonds. Also, stocks and bonds can be sold piecemeal as financial needs arise.
Using money to purchase an investment property and rent it out is another way to ensure income in retirement, as long as individuals are prepared for the responsibilities of being a landlord.
Helping Adult Children
Since the costs of getting into the real estate market have gone up significantly in the past decade, more older Canadians are helping their adult children with down payments.
Opting for a reverse mortgage or paying a current contract down more slowly can help free up funds to help the next generation.
The Cons
Having a mortgage in retirement isn’t for everyone, and there are drawbacks.
Higher Interest Rates Mean Higher Expenses
Canadians with variable rate mortgages, and those who renewed their fixed rate mortgages in the past year, likely felt the discomfort of higher interest rates. Escalating mortgage rates can hurt anyone, but when living on a fixed income, they can be especially hard to manage.
Unstable Financial Markets
The last few years have led to more uncertainty in the financial markets. Talk of a recession is ongoing as markets experience volatility. If you need to generate cash flow in retirement, it’s best to be cautious when considering stocks and bonds to supplement income.
Reduced Estate
Interest on a mortgage does add up over time and can depreciate the value of an estate.
It’s also important to note that any debt owed, including a mortgage, will be deducted from the estate after death. If you choose to have a mortgage now, you may have less money to pass on to your loved ones.
What Type of Mortgage is Best After Retirement?
Finding the right mortgage for you depends on your unique financial and life circumstances. Generally, mortgages with fixed rates are good for retirees because the interest remains stable for the term in your contract. However, if interest rates come down in the near future, you’ll be paying a higher rate for longer.
If you want to pay off your mortgage faster, or believe interest rates will come down in the next year or two, you may prefer the flexibility of a variable rate.
For those who already own their own homes, you may want to consider a reverse mortgage if you need to access funds. Reverse mortgages do typically come with higher interest rates, but there’s no set repayment schedule.
Still have questions, or want to find out more? Call us today at 1-855-695-9250.
5 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make
1. Underestimating Costs
Using a mortgage calculator is an important first step in deciding whether or not you can afford to buy a home. However, there are many hidden costs to home ownership that mortgage calculators and first-time buyers don’t take into account.
Remember to budget for property taxes and home insurance. You’ll also have to pay city utility bills on top of your monthly phone and cable costs.
If you’re looking into buying a condo or townhome, there will also be fees for common expenses such as maintaining amenities, building insurance and repairs.
The process of buying a home can also be expensive. Be sure to budget for home inspections, lawyer’s fees and closing fees. Closing fees alone are generally 1.5% - 4% of the final selling price.
2. Assuming They’ll Never Get Laid Off
When you’ve got a great job, it can be easy to be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking those monthly paycheques will always be there. But circumstances can change quickly.
When you own a home, you are on the hook for your mortgage payments, even if your employment changes. Skipping payments, or making them consistently late can affect your credit score.
Before you buy, make sure you have an emergency fund with enough money to cover your expenses for at least 3-6 months. Also look into mortgage insurance that can cover you and your loved ones in case your health status changes.
3. Skipping Due Diligence
Competition for homes can cause many first-time buyers to close on an offer without taking the proper steps to ensure a property is in good condition. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap.
Make sure you have the home inspected before you buy it. It can be easy to make a property look good for an open house with cosmetic changes. The inspection will give you invaluable information on the home’s condition. Without it, you could be facing unanticipated costs for repairs.
Before you sign the papers to close the sale, ask your realtor for a walkthrough. This process lets you examine the home one last time before you take full possession. If anything has been damaged, repair costs can be deducted from the final sale price.
4. Taking Pre-Approval For Granted
Mortgage pre-approvals tell you the maximum amount of money a bank will loan to you. It doesn’t guarantee that you will get a mortgage when you make an offer.
Many first-time buyers are surprised when their mortgage applications are denied after being pre-approved. This can happen for a number of reasons.
The condition and age of the home can impact the financial institution’s decision. Each lender has different criteria. For example, if the property’s wiring or pipes are not up to modern standards, your application can be denied. This is something to be especially aware of if you’re considering an older home.
Any changes in employment can also cause problems, even after a pre-approval. If possible, wait to quit or change your job until after the sale has closed.
Taking on any new debts can also be a red flag to financial institutions. If you need a new car, it’s best to wait until your home purchase has gone through.
5. Making Mortgage Decisions Alone
Yes, you can walk into a bank and apply for a mortgage, but you may not get the best rates, or the type of mortgage that best suits your needs. Mortgages are complicated, and it’s always best to get professional advice when shopping for one.
A qualified mortgage broker can guide you through the process and help save you money. If you’re a first-time home buyer with questions about purchasing a home or applying for a mortgage, contact us today. We’d love to help!
The Growing Reverse Mortgage Market
Reverse Mortgage Assets Grew 194% Over Last Year
Equitable Bank, one of Canada’s only reverse mortgage providers, recently issued a statement showing 194% growth in reverse mortgage assets year over year.
It is clear that interest in reverse mortgages is growing. This may be due in part to changes in demographics. Over 30% of Canadians are 55 or older, according to the most recent census.
A recent article in the Globe and Mail pointed out that the rise in popularity of reverse mortgages could also be a result of societal changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. More senior citizens may be looking for ways to stay in their homes longer, instead of opting for more communal living arrangements.
What Is A Reverse Mortgage?
Reverse mortgages provide an opportunity for Canadians 55 years of age and older, who own their homes, to take out loans against the value of their property. They can borrow up to 55% of a home’s equity.
Houses must be in good repair, and the owners must have no other outstanding debt on the property such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a mortgage.
Reverse mortgages don’t require any regular payments. Interest does accrue, but the total value of the loan can be paid off when the home is sold or after the owners have passed away.
Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?
Reverse mortgages are best for those with a defined plan, who intend to use the funds strategically.
One example is using a reverse mortgage to purchase an investment property. The income from the rental can be used to pay off the loan and provide valuable cash flow in retirement. A Wilson Team client was able to borrow $210,000 from the value of her $625,000 home to purchase a rental property. As a result, she increased her cash flow while leaving other investments untouched.
Another Wilson Team client used a reverse mortgage to repair the roof on her house and pay her home insurance. This allowed her to stay in her home longer than she believed possible.
Reverse mortgages can also help top up retirement income and cover healthcare costs.
Drawbacks
Like any loan, it is important to ensure this product is right for you before signing on the dotted line. Reverse mortgages do have their drawbacks.
They can have higher interest rates than other types of mortgages, and can cost more up-front. Lenders require a home appraisal and there are start-up fees.
It is also important to remember that the interest on the loan will compound over time. Even though you don’t have to pay off the loan right away, the interest will continue to increase. If you intend to defer payments for a significant time, it could reduce the amount of money that goes to you or your beneficiaries when the home is sold.
Having a reverse mortgage can also complicate matters after death. There is often a limited time-frame for the loan to be repaid after someone passes away. Many estates can take a long time to settle, which could lead to complications for your executor.
Look For Expert Advice
Your situation is unique and financial products like reverse mortgages are complicated. Always be sure to seek out good advice, and make sure you understand all the terms before committing to anything.
If you are wondering if a reverse mortgage is right for you, call us today at 613-440-0134 or 1-855-695-9250. We’re always happy to help.
Have Canadian Home Prices Bottomed Out?
October Home Sales Were Up
According to an article published by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) this month, home sales in Canada may be rebounding after falling since March, when the first interest rate hike from the Bank of Canada (BOC) was announced.
Jill Oudil, Chair of CREA said, “In October, sales across the country increased for the first time since before interest rates started to rise last winter.”
Robert Hogue, assistant chief economist with RBC was cautiously optimistic about this development. He wrote, “Canada’s housing market may be entering the latter stages of its cyclical downturn.”
Will Prices Rise Too?
Although Hogue thought the October statistics signalled reason for optimism, he cautioned that prices did fall in October, and this trend may continue. “Rising interest rates and the loss of affordability will keep market activity quiet into early-2023 and prices will bottom around spring,” he predicted.
In an interview with the Financial Post, Chris Alexander, president of Re/Max Canada, corroborated this. When asked if he believed this news signalled the end of the current price correction in the real estate market he said, “I think that it’s still really early to tell,” and noted that the October increase in sales was “marginal.”
Should Home Owners Be Concerned About Falling Prices?
The steadily falling home prices have been met with concern by homeowners, especially those who are thinking of selling their homes in the coming months.
The latest statistics can be alarming. For example, the CREA’s data show that, on average, home sale prices in Canada were 9.9% lower in October of this year than in 2021. However, Alexander explained that the real estate market in 2021 was inflated. “The market was in runaway territory for almost 18 months,” he said, “And so this reprieve we’ve seen is welcomed.”
And the decline in prices seems to be slowing. Hogue noted, “Property values are still clearly coming down at this stage but last month’s drop was the smallest since May.”
Silver Linings For First-Time Homeowners
While people already in the market may be worried about falling prices, the cooled market could be good news for people looking to get into it for the first time.
Even though interest rates are high, lower prices could make owning a home within reach for some. In Ottawa, for example, the average price of a home was $624,003 in October. This represents a substantial change compared to the peak average price of $757,225 in March.
Also, a cooling market could mean fewer bidding wars, and the time to complete due diligence like home inspections before purchasing a property.
This time of year can also be advantageous. Since many people prefer to move in the spring or summer, buying in the winter can mean better value and less competition.
Thinking Of Buying?
If you are considering purchasing a new home, you probably have many questions. You may find the answers in our videos, blog posts for first-time buyers, or even better, get in touch with us today! Despite high interest rates, owning your own home may be within reach.
The Gap Between Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages is Narrowing.
Rising Interest Rates Are To Blame
With the Bank of Canada’s prime lending rate currently at 5.95%, the cost of variable-rate mortgages is almost on par with fixed rates for the first time since 2019.
Fixed mortgage rates, which are locked in at the beginning of a term, and stay the same during that term, are typically higher than variable rates since they offer more stability to investors.
Since the Bank of Canada (BOC) has raised its interest rates six times in the past year, the costs of variable mortgages have soared. The rates for variable mortgages are tied to the BOC’s prime lending rate (usually plus or minus some percentage points).
Another rate hike is expected next month, which could push the cost of variable mortgages even higher.
What This Means For Home Owners
Many Canadians continue to prefer variable rates, even in the current climate. Variable rates tend, on average, to be less expensive over time. They also offer more flexibility.
However, if variable rates do begin to exceed fixed rates, this may change.
Homeowners with signed fixed-rate mortgages are likely breathing a sigh of relief since their interest rates were likely relatively low compared to today’s rates.
Those with variable-rate mortgages may feel the strain on their budgets with the recent increases and may wonder if switching to a fixed rate is right for them.
If you are considering buying a home or applying for a mortgage, you may be wondering which option is best for you. The answer is that it depends on your current situation and risk tolerance.
Fixed Rate Pros And Cons
Fixed-rate mortgages offer peace of mind knowing your monthly mortgage payments won’t change over your term. The downside is that if the current rates do go down in the next few months or years, you could be stuck paying a higher rate.
These mortgages are typically recommended for people with little wiggle room in their budgets, and who are starting out with their mortgages, meaning that a higher proportion of their monthly payments go to paying off interest.
Variable Rate Pros And Cons
Variable rate mortgages do tend to be less expensive over time. However, if you decide to go with this option, be sure you have the money in your budget to handle higher costs if the interest rates go up. The current rate of 5.95% may seem high now, but historically rates have gone as high as 21% in Canada.
These mortgages also have greater flexibility. If you would like to pay off your mortgage faster than the allotted time, this could be a good option for you. Variable mortgages are also good choices for those who have been paying off their mortgages for a while, and are paying less interest as a result.
Don’t Do It Alone
Your situation is unique, and having a trusted advisor on your side can make all the difference. If you have any questions about your current mortgage, or are looking for a new one, get in touch with us today. We’re always happy to help!