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%.

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.

Can I use Funds from my RRSPs as a Down Payment without Tax Penalty?

The answer is yes. Through the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), Revenue Canada permits you to use up to $25,000 of your RRSP funds as a source of down payment towards buying or building a new qualifying home. Revenue Canada will not view your eligible withdrawal amount as income therefore, that amount will not be taxed. However, there is a catch. The amount withdrawn from your RRSP must be repaid into your RRSP within a 15 year period. If you fail to make the repayment by the specified deadline, the amount that was withdrawn will then be counted as income for that year and you will be taxed.

If you use your RRSPs within the specified guidelines of the Home Buyers' Plan, you will see both immediate and long term benefits. For example, you are immediately able to increase your down payment amount which in turn decreases your principal amount owing. By owing less on the principal, you will gain substantial savings on interest alone over your mortgage term.

Taking the Stress out of Home Hunting

Purchasing a new home can be a major decision for many and it can also be extremely stressful. Don't let stress ruin this exciting time.

By pre-qualifying and taking all of your mortgage needs into consideration prior to house hunting, you can then focus on the small details when you are ready to start looking.

The perfect home within your price range is waiting for you, but if you need more help taking the guess work out of mortgage shopping and home buying, our brokers at Alberta Equity Mortgages will work for you.