Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

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.

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.

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).

Have a Web Site? Need to Display Rates?

Are you a realtor, broker or financial planner with a website?

Do you need up-to-date Canadian mortgage rates displayed on your web page?

You can choose from over 200 free mortgage rate boxes to suit your web site. We also have many tailor-made rate boxes for existing real-estate companies and related websites.