Question 1

Why use a mortgage broker?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage broker is a mortgage expert who introduces buyers to a full range of mortgage products, interest rate options and payment strategies. He or she is independent of the bank and other lenders and acts as a personal representative and negotiator on behalf of the client. Working with a broker ensures personalized service and is by far is the most efficient way to get the best-structured and best-priced mortgage.

Question 2

Do mortgage brokers charge a fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Mortgage brokers are paid their fee by the lender, not the client. If for any reason a fee is charged, it must be disclosed full beforehand.

Question 3

How do I qualify for a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A lender will base their final credit decision based on several criteria including an applicant?s gross annual income, credit history, assets and liabilities. The most commonly required documents include paystubs, notice of assessments, bank account screenshots, job letters and purchase contracts.

Question 4

What are closing costs?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs are fees associated with the purchase of your home (additional to the purchase price itself). They can include include property transfer taxes, legal fees, and moving expenses and appraisal fees.

Question 5

I have a 5- year mortgage term. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Every mortgage has a start and end or maturity date. Together they determine the term (duration) of your mortgage. Terms can be range from 6 months to 10 years, and 25-30 years maximum.

Question 6

What is amortization and what amortization term should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Amortization refers to the total number of years it takes to pay off an entire mortgage. Term, on the other hand, refers to the duration or length of your contract. When a term ends, the mortgage amount, interest rate and amortization can be changed.

Question 7

What is a fixed rate mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage that has a fixed/set interest rate for the term of the mortgage.

Question 8

What is a variable interest rate mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage with an interest rate that?floats?(rises or falls) with the prime rate.

Question 9

What is an open mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage that can be prepaid partially or entirely at any time without penalty. Interest rates are usually higher for open mortgages.

Question 10

What is a closed mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage that allows little to no option of paying off your mortgage early. Borrowers are penalized for early payments.

Question 11

What is a high ratio or insured mortgage? And what are the mortgage insurance fees?

Accepted Answer

A high ration mortgage is a loan granted to an applicant who has put down less than 20% of the total purchase price as down payment. Unlike conventional mortgages, high ratio mortgages require a one-time default insurance fee.

Question 12

Is it important to insure my mortgage with life insurance and disability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is best to contact a professional life insurance consultant who can properly assist you with an insurance quote.

Question 13

What is the minimum down payment I can make?

Accepted Answer

Your down payment can be as little as 5 per cent of the total purchase amount and increase to any amount beyond that. With most lenders, down payments of less than 20 per cent are considered high ratio and requiremortgage insurance to be purchased. This insurance (provided by CMHC, Glenworth, or Canada Guarantee) protects the lender in the event the borrower defaults on the loan. The insurance premium represents a percentage of the total mortgage and is added to the total loan?simply put: the smaller the down payment, the higher the premiums.If, however, your down payment is 20 per cent or more, then the mortgage is classified as a conventional mortgage and there is no associated mortgage insurance cost. You may decide to go with a larger down payment so you can save on the insurance premium, but remember: you will need to keep some cash on hand to use for other purchase related expenses like legal costs, property transfer taxes, moving costs, renovations, and new furniture purchases.

Useful Links

Mortgage Insurers

Government Resources

Mortgage Industry

Legal and Property Services

Credit Reporting Agencies

Cities We Serve: