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Canadian mortgage news and rate updates

Canadian mortgage news, rate updates, policy explainers, and borrower-focused mortgage intelligence from the Pragmatic Mortgage Lending editorial team.

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Dec 12, 2023Credit

Mortgage Deselection: Navigating Economic Uncertainties

Mortgage deselection is gaining attention due to the heightened state of upcoming mortgage renewals. Particularly, financial institution Scotiabank recently announced incoming renewal strategies that will potentially reduce their book of high-risk borrowers.

Mortgage Deselection: Navigating Economic Uncertainties
Feb 24, 2023Mortgage

Housing affordability is a significant issue in Canada. Let’s fix it.

The complexity of building codes and obtaining building permits Housing affordability is a significant issue in Canada , with high housing costs making it difficult for many Canadians to afford a home. The issue has been amplified in recent years as housing prices continue to rise, and many people are being priced out…

Housing affordability is a significant issue in Canada.  Let’s fix it.
Feb 6, 2023Credit

Pros and Cons of cosigning a loan for family or friends?

What cosigning a loan means Cosigning a loan refers to the act of someone (the cosigner) agreeing to take equal responsibility for repaying a loan alongside the primary borrower . The cosigner acts as a co-guarantor, promising to repay the loan if the primary borrower fails to do so.

Pros and Cons of cosigning a loan for family or friends?
Jan 30, 2023Investment

What is a Goldilocks community, and why is this density “just right”?

Finding the Perfect Balance for Urban Development Urban development has become one of the most pressing issues facing modern societies, as cities continue to grow at a rapid pace. While cities offer numerous benefits such as employment, education and cultural opportunities, they can also lead to overcrowding, traffic …

What is a Goldilocks community, and why is this density “just right”?
Jan 22, 2023Credit

The History of the Canadian Banking System History and How It Works Today.

How it Started The banking system in Canada has a long and rich history that dates back to the early days of European settlement. The first banks in Canada were established in the late 1700s, and were primarily focused on providing financial services to the wealthy and powerful individuals and businesses of the time.

The History of the Canadian Banking System History and How It Works Today.
Jan 17, 2023Finance

Canada’s 6.3% Inflation: Gas Prices Fall, Grocery Prices Rise.

As Canadians brace for another potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada , new data released by Statistics Canada has revealed some promising news on the inflation front. According to the figures published on Tuesday, the country’s annual inflation rate cooled to 6.3 per cent in December, its lowest level sin…

Canada’s 6.3% Inflation: Gas Prices Fall, Grocery Prices Rise.
Jan 26, 2022Mortgage

Bank of Canada holds target rate at 0.25%. Until March.

The Bank of Canada’s decision Wednesday to keep interest rates near zero at least until early March will continue to add fuel to the country’s overheated housing market. The central bank said it “expects interest rates will need to increase,” but that cost of borrowing will continue to be cheap over the near term.

Bank of Canada holds target rate at 0.25%. Until March.
Dec 22, 2021Mortgage

Central Okanagan Open Letter | Solar Power Initiative 2022

The reason for this open letter is because I wish to encourage change through my personal habits related to the environment and climate change. I feel like most people want to do this, but they just don’t know where to start, or how to stay motivated.

Central Okanagan Open Letter | Solar Power Initiative 2022
May 21, 2021Mortgage

OSFI Stress Test Deadline | May 31st

OSFI has set the new stress test for uninsured (AND INSURED in the 11th hour, ouch) mortgages to take affect June 1st. The new stress test will affect your buying power by 5-10% in a purchasing power.

OSFI Stress Test Deadline | May 31st
Oct 28, 2020Finance

October 28th 2020 | Central bank announcement

October 28th 2020 | Central bank announcement This was the ninth interest rate decision of the year. The overnight rate remains at just 0.25 percent, which is incredible great news for borrowers currently in the market.

October 28th 2020 | Central bank announcement
Oct 15, 2020Finance

We are now Apple Business Chat Approved!

We are now Apple Business Chat Approved!  Apple Business Chat | We are live now!  But we are very excited to announce today that Apple has approved our business to use their integrated business chat platform!  Currently it is extremely difficult to get approved by Apple to use this platform.

We are now Apple Business Chat Approved!
Mar 18, 2020Mortgage

March 18 briefing: fiscal stimulus package announced

March 18 briefing: fiscal stimulus package announced Government pledges billions in support of Canadian workers and businesses The Prime Minister addressed the nation for a third consecutive day. Today’s comments included an announcement of a major fiscal stimulus package designed to provide financial assurances to th…

March 18 briefing: fiscal stimulus package announced
Mar 4, 2020Mortgage

.5% rate decrease from BOC – What does it mean for buyers?

Bank of Canada Delivers A (Double) Coronavirus Cut The Bank of Canada cut its policy interest rate by 50 basis points to 1.25% this morning (was: 1.75%). counterparts, the risks related to COVID-19 were front and center.

.5% rate decrease from BOC – What does it mean for buyers?
Feb 23, 2020Mortgage

DO NOT get a credit card for your child.

DO NOT get a credit card for your child.  It does nothing good for them. This is incorrect in Canada.  They’re are many regulations and laws, such as the consumer protection act; which protect minors from the responsibility of managing debt.

DO NOT get a credit card for your child.
Feb 14, 2020Mortgage

International Angelman Syndrome Day 2020

International Angelman Syndrome Day 2020 February 15th of every year is International Angelman Day! You may or may not know, my Son who is now 5 years old was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome 4 years ago.

International Angelman Syndrome Day 2020
May 21, 2019Budget

How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020

How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020 How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020 If you live in the Kelowna BC area.  This video will help you apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020.

How To Apply for the Home Owners Grant in 2020
Jul 23, 2018Mortgage

Questions to Ask a Realtor to Sell your Home

  Reach out to us today and tell us about your unique property you have interest in. These questions to ask a Realtor prove to be valuable during the interview stage. If you live in British Columbia, we have had experience with several professionals who will get the job done for you.

Questions to Ask a Realtor to Sell your Home
Jun 5, 2018Budget

Do I have to Pay Capital Gains when selling property?

How about this scenario:  You live in the property but you rent out the basement suite ? There may be even further unique circumstances and your property and living situation may not be so cut and dry.  A good mortgage broker can point you in the right direction!

Do I have to Pay Capital Gains when selling property?
Apr 18, 2018Budget

Why You Should Avoid a Joint Credit Card When Possible

Joint Credit means more Risk!  Why would you take on the risk of another persons credit like your spouse or Kid if you don’t have too? Like sourcing a Mortgage Broker or Finance Broker .  Just because one bank declined your family members application does not mean they do not qualify!  Banks and Credit …

Why You Should Avoid a Joint Credit Card When Possible
Apr 16, 2018Budget

Co Guarantor Vs Cosignor | Which Option Should I Pursue?

Co Guarantor VS CoSignor You apply for a Mortgage or Car loan and the bank says “sorry you need a CoSignor”.  Without explaining WHY you need this it can be difficult to know which one is the best scenario to fit your needs. See if a Co Guarantor Vs Cosignor is the right fit.  A Co Guarantor is when someone …

Co Guarantor Vs Cosignor | Which Option Should I Pursue?
Apr 11, 2018Budget

0 Financing | Is it worth it? | Zero Percent Loans

that’s 10 years) does not mean it’s a #gooddeal.  Dealerships like @kelownamercedesbenz and @sentesautogroup have a #transparent sales process that educates you on your options.   Finally, if you hate numbers:  Seek #advice from a finance professional.  A #mortgagebroker is a good source to rely on…

0 Financing | Is it worth it? | Zero Percent Loans
Apr 4, 2018Budget

Should I Save Money or Pay Off Debt?

The math is simple: Don’t save your money if the rate of return is LOWER than the interest rate your charged on debt. PAY OFF DEBT and take control of your long term goals and start saving!  There are some awesome tools out there now a days that help you get a grib on budgeting and paying off your debt.

Should I Save Money or Pay Off Debt?
May 30, 2017Credit

Property Tax Season | Apply for your Home Owners Grant!

Apply Annually for the Home Owners Grant Apply Annually for the Home Owners Grant Every year it is important to apply for the Home Owners Grant in your Municipality.  Please watch the video to learn how to apply online in the City of Kelowna !

Property Tax Season | Apply for your Home Owners Grant!