Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

Find out your Credit Rating

Before looking at a mortgage, it may be a good idea to find out if you have a good credit score rating before approaching a lender, especially if you have any doubts.

Credit bureaus should provide a credit rating report to you at no charge. You can obtain a free copy through the mail by calling Equifax at 1-800-465-7166. You must fax two pieces of government issued identification, social insurance number, date of birth, current address as well as any address you have had in the last five years, and the name and number of your current employer.

Expect to wait at least ten days to receive your report by mail. Once you have your report you will know if there are any roadblocks in the way of your mortgage. Any mortgage broker can assist you with your credit report, but will also need to verify it by a credit check once you are ready to proceed with your mortgage.

Watch out, although any credit information you request personally has no effect on your rating, the number of credit checks you have banks or credit institutions perform will show up on your report and may lower your credit score.

Is Buying a Home a Good Investment?

Many first-time home buyers are inexperienced when it comes to investing and even wonder if buying a home is a good investment? Don't take our word for it! You can ask other home owners as they tend to agree that yes buying a home is a solid investment.

Investing in real estate gives a home owner both financial leverage and possible monetary gains upon selling the residence. Because you are not required to have the full purchase price you can borrow the money to finance the purchase and when if you sell, any money made on the residence above the purchase price is tax free and yours to enjoy.

Why Should I use a Mortgage Broker?

If you value your time and money then using a mortgage broker could be the service for you. At Alberta Equity, our trained and professional mortgage brokers have a vast resource of lenders at their finger tips. This means we can find the best possible rate and mortgage option to suit your needs without having to shop around. Our brokers are extremely accessible and willing to answer your questions and concerns through every step of the mortgage process.

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).

Lender vs. Broker...

Many people have asked us what the difference is between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender. A mortgage broker is a trained professional that has access to loan products of different lenders and is licensed to provide you with the best advice for your mortgage needs. Mortgage brokers do not lend money. Most brokerages are small firms providing expertise services and counseling rather than loans. The lender is the one who provides the money to the borrower at the closing table. The lender also makes the final decision regarding loan approval.

So why can't you skip the middle man and go straight to the lender? Many lenders will not deal with the public for a number of reasons. For one, the cost in promoting would be too great. For example, there are many mortgage lenders based in Calgary, Alberta alone. Bridgewater, MRS Trust, Gibraltar Mortgage just to name a few. But how many of those have you actually heard of? Another reason is administration. There is a lot of paperwork involved when you close a mortgage agreement, and it just makes sense dividing up the work amongst the brokers.

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