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The latest thoughts and insights from Geoff Lee and GLM Mortgage Group | Dominion Lending Centres
Do The Math: Housing Costs Add Up
Are you trying to fully comprehend the REAL costs of Home Ownership? Most people feel surprised or even confused by some of the extra costs involved, so we are trying to make things completely clear for you as a consumer so that you can search for affordable housing...
10 Questions Mortgage Borrowers Should Ask (But Often Don’t)
Here are 10 questions mortgage borrowers should ask, but often don't: 1. If I have mortgage default insurance do I also need mortgage life insurance? • Yes. Mortgage life insurance is a life insurance policy on a homeowner, which will allow your family or dependents...
10 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
The purchase of a home is likely the largest financial expenditure you’ll ever make. And getting your home inspected is an essential step in the home-buying process. No one wants to buy a money pit – and once you have signed on the dotted line, there is no turning...
Tips for Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster
Mortgages in Canada are generally amortized between 25 and 35 year terms. While this seems a long time, it does not have to take anyone that long to pay off their mortgage if they choose to do so in a shorter period of time. Therefore, today's post contains ideas on...
10 Great Reasons to Use a Mortgage Broker
I am frequently asked why a mortgage broker and not a financial institution. Here's a list I found that answers this completely that I wanted to share with you: 10 Great Reasons to Use a Mortgage Broker Get independent advice on your financial options. As independent...
The Hidden Costs of Home Ownership
For as long as I've been doing this, I've rarely come across someone who has NOT been somewhat overwhelmed with the extra hidden costs that are associated with buying that new home and moving. Just to give you an idea, here is a list of the types of extra costs that...
More Mortgage Rules Changes
Just like you, I'm always learning and growing and listening to those that have gone before me. I've met some amazing mortgage broker colleagues along the way, and always love to share their knowledge and wisdom to my own readers and followers. Today is no exception....
Get Your Crystal Ball Out | Economist Predictions
From our friends over at CanadianMortgageTrends.com -- I just had to share! Economist Predictions & Term Selection No one truly knows where interest rates are headed. Yet, despite vast margins of error, all major financial institutions regularly publish rate...
Home Sales on the Rise?(!)
While home sales rose for first time since March, and the sales of existing homes rebounded in September the numbers are still down from last year and the group representing the country’s nearly 100,000 real estate agents is finding it hard to gather much enthusiasm...
The Clock is Ticking on HELOC’s
Along with the changes to mortgage rates this summer, there are also some changes being made to HELOC's that you'll want to pay attention to. These changes are coming up quickly, so the time to pay attention is now! Our friends over at CanadianMortgageTrends.com...
Act Now to Get a Bargain!
Have you noticed the Canadian dollar lately? It's well above par and that means, along with the lower cost of American homes (in general) that if you are INTERESTED in investing in the USA that NOW is the time for you to act! According to the FP.com: According to...
Bank of Canada is Status Quo
Today was a meeting with the Bank of Canada to go over all things financial in Canada, mortgages included. In today's canadianmortgagetrends.com article it reads: It’s Status Quo With the BoC Carney and company have again left Canada’s trendsetting overnight rate...
The Importance of Credit
A good credit report and credit score are important factors in determining whether you will be approved for a mortgage. Following are some simple steps you can take to maintain a good credit history and improve your chances of being approved. What is a credit score?...
Canadians May Have Overlooked Some Changes
Here is some GREAT advice from the voice of CKNW's "The Mortgage Show": "With the latest round of changes to insured mortgages, which came into effect July 9th, 2012, it appears that Canadians may have overlooked some changes that they should review more closely for...
Canadian Housing — In a Bubble?
I read an interesting article today that certainly needs to be shared with all my readers! If we think as Canadians that we are not about to burst our housing bubble, then I do believe we have another thing coming. David Madani, an economist with Capital Economics,...
The Wealthy Investor Workshop
Profit is created when expenses are minimal . Learn what to look for and the reasons for early repairs, it could save you a bundle and improve your bottom line. Be sure not to miss this presentation about this very important topic. Please join us for the next "Wealthy...
The Deadline is Approaching
July 9th it all changes! These changes were announced late in June, and now the time is near! Here's a brief rundown of the changes ... Reducing the maximum amortization period to 25 years from 30 years Reducing the maximum amount of equity homeowners can take out of...
Strategy vs. Rate
Greg Williamson posed a great question recently. "What do I have to do that would allow me to win even with a higher rate?" If you can answer this question you are likely already successful in the mortgage industry. The problem is most people cannot answer this...