Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

What is a Home Inspection Report and do I need one?

A Home Inspection Report can be used by a qualified buyer or a property owner to verify the condition of the property prior to being bought or sold. Those conducting home inspection reports are not required to be licensed and they are not regulated by a governing body other than the general consumer protection legislation.

Qualified home buyers are not required to have a home inspection done, but it is recommended to ensure the property is a sound investment. In order to get an accurate report, ask for the resume of the inspector and check references if possible. The report should contain details specific to issues or problems with the property and include the cost to repair these items.

To learn more about Hiring a Home Inspector search our website or call one of our Alberta agents for a list of inspectors. We will assist you and answer any questions you may have.

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.

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.