Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

Fixed Rate vs. Variable Rate

FIXED RATE
A "fixed rate" mortgage simply means that the interest rate on the money you borrow stays at a locked or "fixed" rate. This means that your interest rate is not subject to change and the rate at which you pay back your loan is always the same. There are some advantages to having a fixed rate when you consider the nature of the inflation rate. The value of your home should continue to increase year to year while the principle amount will continue to decrease.

VARIABLE RATE
A "variable rate" mortgage or below prime rate mortgage is a mortgage where the interest rate is subject to change depending on the prime rate. Most of these mortgage products are based on a formula using the prime interest rate less a discount. For example, if you choose a below prime rate mortgage with a rate of Prime minus 0.5% then your rate would be calculated at any given time using this formula. So if prime were 4% then the interest rate on your mortgage would be 3.5%.

Why deal with a Mortgage Broker?

Mortgage Broker represent you, the customer, not the lender. Because they are not employees of a lending institution, Brokers are not limited in the product they can offer you. Brokers seek out the best lender package to suit your specific situation, whether it's with a Chartered Bank, Trust or Insurance Company, or Private Funds.

There is a wide assortment of options and features available to homebuyers today. Shopping around takes a lot of time and effort. The mortgage process within today's very competitive marketplace intimidates many Canadian homebuyers. It pays to work with a mortgage professional who will represent you and ensure the mortgage you get is the one best suited to your needs.

Choosing the wrong mortgage can cost you thousands of extra dollars. Mortgage Brokers are trained professionals who can help you save on your mortgage dollar.

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.

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