Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

Stop! Don't Renew Your Mortgage...

Have you received your mortgage renewal in the mail? Don't just sign the form and send it back to the lender.

Over 70% of mortgage holders in Calgary and Edmonton do just that, and what is the usual result — a higher mortgage rate and a product that might not be best suited to their needs.

Make sure you are getting the best mortgage renewal rate in Alberta. Learn More

Choosing the Right Type of Home

After you have decided that home ownership is right for you, it is important to fully understand which type of home will best suit your needs.

Not all individuals or families belong in a three bedroom, split-level house in the suburbs. Some might prefer condo or town home living for added convenience, so it is important to assess your needs fully before deciding on the type of property to purchase.

Each type of housing will have pros and cons, so weigh them all carefully and make an informed decision. If you are finding the choices overwhelming, our professional mortgage brokers at Alberta Equity Mortgages can offer advice about the different kinds of housing available and steer you in the right direction.

Tips on Saving for a Down Payment

If saving for a down payment seems impossible, think again. The following tips will help you achieve this realistic goal:

• Set a goal by determining what you can afford to spend on a home
• Calculate how much you need to save (generally 5% of the purchase price, although more is better)
• Remember to include closing costs and other expenses related to the purchase into how much you need to save
• Be realistic and pace your savings according to your desired purchase date (e.g. If you want to purchase your home within a year, take the calculated down payment amount, add the amount for closing costs and other expenses, then divide by the number of months until the purchase date).

Having Difficulty Managing your Monthly Bills?

For many Canadians, it is easy to let the monthly bills get out of control and it becomes difficult to make ends meet. Making multiple payments to credit cards and other credit lenders can be overwhelming. Our mortgage brokers at Alberta Equity are qualified professionals who are trained to find the perfect solution for your unique situation, so why not make things much simpler with one easy payment? Here are some options to consider:

• Refinance your existing mortgage and use the equity in your home to pay off high interest credit cards
• Obtain a short time second mortgage for a if you are unable to refinance your existing mortgage

Is Mortgage Insurance Required?

First time home buyers are generally required to have mortgage insurance if their down payment is less than 25% of the purchase price for the property. The home buyer can either get private or public mortgage insurance through the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation known as CMHC or through GE Capital.