Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

Before Looking to Purchase Get Pre-Approved!

It is always a good idea to get pre-approved (or pre-qualified) for a mortgage before you decide to look at a new home.

A pre-approval will not only let you know if and for how much you are approved for, but also gives you better negotiating power and will to keep you within your budget.

Knowing that you are a serious buyer because you have already made that first important step, many home sellers will consider reducing a listed price to match your approved budget.

And by knowing how much your monthly payments are, you can then easily factor in additional cost like property taxes, utilities and insurance.

Another major advantage to pre-qualification is the rate hold. A rate hold means that you can secure an interest rate at today's current rates and keep these rates for up to 120 days or a full year on new construction. Even if interest rates drop during that time, you will still automatically qualify at the new lower rates. And, if the rates should ever go up, you would then get the secured rate.

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.

What is a BEACON Mortgage Score?

The BEACON® Mortgage Score is a brand of FICO credit score rating issued by Equifax, the largest credit-reporting agency in Canada, designed specifically to help mortgage lenders make the best possible risk decisions when addressing both current homeowners and those aspiring to own. The score identifies up to 25 percent more of the high-risk mortgages and home equity lines-of-credit that later became seriously delinquent then that of the general risk BEACON score.

BEACON Scores are the first thing mortgage brokers look at when determining what mortgage rates and products are available to the consumer. These credit scores can range from 300 (worst) to 850 (best). The average Canadian adult over 30 has a beacon score of around 680. Banks lend based on this score. The better the score the better the term and rate you will receive. A mortgage agent can assist you in determining where you fit with the lenders as well as guide you in improving your beacon score.

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

Interest Rate Guarantees

Many lending institutions will guarantee you an interest rate as soon as they receive your application. The guarantee means that if mortgage rates go up, you will get the old, lower rate. If you are buying a house, or switching your mortgage (also called transferring), the guarantee can last from 60 to 120 days (2 to 4 months).