Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Re-Sale

If you decide not to build brand new and have opted for purchasing a re-sale, it is extremely important to carefully assess the following pros and cons before purchasing:

• You usually get a lower price due to wear and tear
• You get the benefit of upgrades (finished basement, pool, etc.) at a depreciated price
• Your neighborhood is generally established and amenities are in place

• Others have lived in the home
• There is no warranty for repairs required by law (unless it is a condition of purchase)
• The décor might require changes and can be costly or time consuming

Shopping the banks for best rates might damage Your Credit Score!

Did you know that every time a lender checks your credit, it lowers your beacon score? So if you go to four or five banks, you just lowered your beacon score because each bank had to check your credit history.

The difference between having a mortgage broker shop for the best mortgage rates rather than you is that the mortgage broker only checks your credit history once.

Consider using a mortgage broker when shopping for the best deal. It costs nothing and it won't damage your credit score.

Can I use Funds from my RRSPs as a Down Payment without Tax Penalty?

The answer is yes. Through the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), Revenue Canada permits you to use up to $25,000 of your RRSP funds as a source of down payment towards buying or building a new qualifying home. Revenue Canada will not view your eligible withdrawal amount as income therefore, that amount will not be taxed. However, there is a catch. The amount withdrawn from your RRSP must be repaid into your RRSP within a 15 year period. If you fail to make the repayment by the specified deadline, the amount that was withdrawn will then be counted as income for that year and you will be taxed.

If you use your RRSPs within the specified guidelines of the Home Buyers' Plan, you will see both immediate and long term benefits. For example, you are immediately able to increase your down payment amount which in turn decreases your principal amount owing. By owing less on the principal, you will gain substantial savings on interest alone over your mortgage term.

Open Mortgage vs. Closed Mortgage

OPEN MORTGAGE
An "open mortgage" can be paid back in full at any time prior to maturity, without penalty. You will find most variable rate mortgages with deep discounts are closed for a pre-determined time. After this time frame the mortgage can become an open mortgage. A qualified mortgage agent can clarify the differences for you.

CLOSED MORTGAGE
A "closed mortgage" can not be terminated or paid out before the end of the term without penalty. A "closed mortgage" provides payment stability but penalizes a mortgager who wishes to terminate the mortgage before the end of the term. Terms can be for six months, one to five years, or for seven, ten, fifteen, eighteen and twenty-five years, with the five year term being the most common. Interest rates generally rise with the length of the mortgage term. Most fixed rate mortgages are closed.