13 Dec

WHAT IS A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT VS A HOME APPRAISAL?

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

It’s the time of year when many homeowners are getting their property assessments. The real estate market is the single biggest influence on market values. Market forces vary from year to year and from property to property. The market value on an assessment notice may differ from that shown on a bank mortgage appraisal or […]

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12 Dec

7 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO GROW YOUR CREDIT SCORE

General

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

Have you ever wished for a simplified guide on how to actually GROW your credit score? Well today is your lucky day! We have had years of experience working with individuals who come to us with poor or damaged credit and we have found 7 steps that prove to be tried and true in fixing […]

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11 Dec

6 HOME PURCHASE CLOSING COSTS

Purchasing

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

When you purchase your home, there are 6 additional costs to account for. They include: Home Fire and Flood Insurance Title Insurance Legal Fees Adjustments Land Transfer Tax GST Here’s an overview of what you can expect. Home and Fire Insurance. Mortgage lenders will require a certificate of fire insurance to be in place by […]

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10 Dec

FIXED VERSUS VARIABLE INTEREST RATES

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

Fixed Interest Rates This is usually the more popular choice for clients when it comes to deciding on which type of interest rate they want. There are many reasons why, but the most unsurprising answer is always safety. With a fixed interest rate, you know exactly what you are paying every month and you know that […]

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6 Dec

DOCUMENTS YOU NEED FOR YOUR MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL

Purchasing

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

Being fully pre-approved means that the lender has agreed to have you as a client (you have a pre-approval certificate) and the mortgage broker has reviewed and approved ALL your income and down payment documents (as listed below) prior to you going house hunting. Many bankers will say you’re approved; you go out shopping and […]

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5 Dec

WHAT’S AN ACCEPTABLE DOWN PAYMENT FOR A HOUSE?

Purchasing

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

Ask people this question and you will get a variety of answers.  Most home owners will say 10% is what you should put down. However, if you speak with your grandparents, they are likely to suggest that 20% is what you need for a down payment. The truth is 5% is the minimum down payment […]

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4 Dec

MORTGAGE PREPAYMENT(S)- THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT!

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

Do you know what kind of prepayment privileges you currently have with your mortgage? Does your current lender allow you to make a 10% prepayment or a 20% prepayment on your principle amount? Can you double your monthly payment? Or can you even increase the amount you are paying monthly? This is important information, and […]

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3 Dec

THE #1 MISCONCEPTION ABOUT MORTGAGE FINANCING!

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

It is a reoccurring but common misconception that you will qualify for a mortgage in the future because you have qualified for a mortgage in the past. This is not accurate! Do. Not. Assume. Anything. Even if your financial situation has remained the same or has improved, securing mortgage financing is more difficult now than […]

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29 Nov

WOULD A CO-SIGNER ENABLE YOU TO QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE?

First Time Home Buyers

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

There seems to be some confusion about what it actually means to co-sign on a mortgage… and any time there is there is confusion about mortgages, it’s time to chat with your trusted Dominion Lending Centres mortgage professional! Let’s take a look at why you would want to have someone co-sign your mortgage and what […]

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29 Nov

VARIABLE RATE? TO LOCK IN OR NOT?

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Tracy Luciani Price

This post applies if you are taking a new mortgage, whether it’s for a purchase, refinance, or renewal. The variable remains the main contender. But what about all the economists saying if you are currently in a variable rate mortgage then you should rush to ‘lock in’? You mean the economists that are employed by […]

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