16 Sep

Is Now A Good Time to Make Changes To Your Mortgage?

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Refinancing/Switching/Transferring Your Mortgage

With housing prices increasing and mortgage rates dropping to record lows, right now may be the best time to change your mortgage.

 

HOW MUCH CAN I GET WITH A REFINANCE?

Current mortgage rules allow a maximum amount of up to 80% of the appraised value to be available for a refinance.  If you qualify, the rates will not be the advertised rates that you see from major lenders.  Typically, the rate for a refinance mortgage is about 0.3 – 0.4% higher than the advertised rates on a 5-year fixed term.  You also have the option of getting an extended amortization of 30 years to help offset the higher monthly payments.  The longer amortization may also help with having to qualify the payments at 2% over the interest rate you will pay (stress test).  However, if you have been laid off due to COVID-19, or if you are currently deferring your existing mortgage payments, some lenders may not accept your income at this time.  We do have a list of lenders that are still accepting income from clients that are on temporary COVID lay-offs.

WHAT IS A SWITCH/TRANSFER?

If you do not want or need to take any equity out of your home and you are just looking for a better rate with a different lender, then we can look at the option to Switch/Transfer your mortgage.  In this case, we simply transfer your existing mortgage amount to a new lender that is offering a lower rate.

WHAT IS THE COST?

If you are refinancing/switching/transferring your first mortgage and it is not time to renew yet, there will probably be a penalty.  The amount of the penalty will vary so your best option is to call your current lender and ask what the penalty would be to payout the current mortgage.  The other possible costs with refinancing/switching/transferring the first mortgage is an appraisal (Cost around $350) and legal fees to discharge the current mortgage and register the new mortgage (Cost around $1200).  There are many lenders who will cover the costs of a switch/transfer.

EVEN WITH A LARGE PENALTY AND COSTS, YOU MAY SAVE MORE WITH THE LOWER RATE

With rates dropping to the low 2% at this time, if you are currently paying over 3% on your current mortgage, the savings may be more than what the penalty would cost you.  As always, each case is different.

If you would like to find out if you can save more money by refinancing your mortgage now, please contact me at 613-551-0639 or complete an online application at www.jmacdonald.ca. 

I can compare all of your numbers and let you know if now is a good time to pull out some equity for a refinance or get a switch/transfer to a new lender at a lower rate.

Getting good advice from a Mortgage Broker is the best first step to make when you are considering different mortgage options… and our advice is FREE!

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

23 Jun

CHMC Announces Changes to Underwriting Criteria

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

On June 4, 2020, CMHC announced that they were tightening the underwriting policies for insured mortgages.  This means that if you have less than 20% down payment on the purchase of a new home, the rules will make it harder to qualify and you will qualify for less financing than before July 1, 2020.

The July 1, 2020 changes that CMHC have announced are:

  1. A minimum credit score of 680 will be required instead of the current 600, keep in mind that the credit score you get to see on Credit Karma is a Trans Union score and consumer scores are only based on 6 months of history whereas the score CMHC is referring to is a Bank Equifax score and is based on 6 years of history.  If you have questions on how to build your credit score, please visit my blog called “Credit Scores – How Do you Score?”
  2. Will reduce the total gross debt servicing ratios (cost of owning that house compared to income) to 35% of annual income, compared to the current 39% percent, and total debt servicing (all debts including the new house to income) to 42% versus as much as 44% now. This means currently a household income of $50,000 with no other debts could currently qualify for a purchase price of around $220,500.  With the new CMHC ratios that same household income of $50,000 with no other debts would be limited to a purchase price of about $191,700.  That’s about a $30,000 difference.  If you have other debts such as credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.  Your purchase price would be even lower.
  3. Borrowed down payments will no longer be acceptable. This was a rarely used option that very few lenders or banks ever used mainly because adding the monthly payment for the down payment loan or line of credit caused the ratios to be too high for clients to qualify for the mortgage they desired.  Gifted down payments are still allowed, as are 5% down payments from own resources.

Fortunately, CMHC is not the only insurer that Banks can use for insured mortgages.  There are two other companies, called “Canada Guaranty” and “Genworth” that provide insurance for lenders on insured mortgages.  The good news is that on June 8, 2020 both Genworth and Canada Guaranty have confirmed that they will not be changing their policies as CMHC has announced.  There are many Banks and lenders that will continue to use the other insurers during this time of change in Canada.

If you are wondering about the process to get a preapproval, we can complete a full process via online contact.  If you are looking for a list of documents that would be required for a full preapproval, please see my blog post “Documents”.

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲  View current mortgage rates

📲  Apply for a mortgage

25 May

Why Use a Mortgage Broker During COVID-19 Restrictions?

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Going to your Bank is a hard habit to break.  We are used to going to our bank for all things mortgage, but is this really the best option when you are searching for a mortgage during the COVID-19 restrictions?

Here are some reasons that my clients would recommend using the services of a Mortgage Broker:

1. Reduces Your Stress – A Mortgage Broker can complete the full application process online and with phone and text so there is no need to leave your home or stand in a separate line up at your branch.  We can collect your paperwork via email and fax and text.  We keep in good communication with you (often even late nights and weekends!) so that there are no surprises on closing day.

2. Saves You Time and Gives You More Options – Mortgage Brokers have relationships with many lenders. We work with lenders you have heard of and some you probably haven’t.  Mortgage Brokers already know most of the products that are out there to choose from so you don’t have to spend the time researching them yourself and wondering if there is something better somewhere else.  Also, mortgage payments can come from any of your existing accounts so there is no need to change your regular banking habits no matter which lender you decide to work with.

3. Finds a Lender That Will Consider Your Current Income – Not all lenders will accept income that is not guaranteed during COVID-19 restrictions, so your branch may not be able to approve you until your income is back to normal.  A Mortgage Broker has access to lenders that will accept your pre- and post- COVID-19 income.

4. Saves You Money – Mortgage Brokers often have access to rate discounts because of a high volume.  In many cases, a Mortgage Broker can get you a better rate at your branch than you can.

5. Services Are Free and Your Opinion Matters – Mortgage Brokers are paid by the lender and not by you.  If you, as a client, are happy, you will tell your friends about the service. Mortgage Brokers rely on referrals to succeed in their business so your opinion of their service will always matter.

6. Studies Mortgages and are Regulated – When you visit your local bank branch, you meet with someone that is well versed in all of the products available to you from that branch.  Their training includes a broad spectrum of products so that they can offer you the best product for your needs.  When you work with a Mortgage Broker, you are working with someone that has studied only mortgages and has completed annual mandated courses that are required to maintain a license to sell mortgages.

7. Have Access To Private Lender Options – There are specific situations (especially to get through the COVID-19 restrictions) where a short term private mortgage may be needed to get through.  Mortgage Brokers have access to Private Lenders that will accept less stringent documentation than a Bank will to approve a mortgage.

8. Considers All Situations – As Mortgage Brokers, we see every scenario out there. Damaged credit, low household income, low net worth might be a deterrent for the bank, but a Mortgage Broker knows lenders that consider all types of unique situations.  A plan and strategy are usually suggested to make sure there is a mortgage option available in the future.

Rather than traveling to your Bank, why not try a Mortgage Broker now?

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

11 May

Need Some Funds To get Through the Devastation of COVID-19?

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

A refinance can help!

This is a challenging time for many of us.  But help is out there.  If you’re struggling financially, a refinance might net you some extra cash.

Refinancing Your Home

While the Government and Banks have provided some programs to help with cash flow through this difficult time (please contact your lender for a 6 month deferral of your mortgage payment if you need it), you may still need some extra funds to make it through. With the uncertainty of when our economy will recover from the devastation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be wondering if you can use some of the equity in your house to help with your other monthly commitments.

HOW MUCH CAN I GET?

Whether it’s for some new furniture, some house upgrades or to cover some monthly costs, the new mortgage rules allow a maximum amount of up to 80% of the appraised value to be available for a refinance.  If you qualify, the rates will not be the advertised rates that you see from major lenders.  Typically, the rate for a refinance mortgage is about 0.3 – 0.4% higher than the advertised rates on a 5-year fixed term.  You also have the option of getting an extended amortization of 30 years to help offset the higher monthly payments.  The longer amortization may also help with having to qualify the payments at 2% over the interest rate you will pay (stress test).  However, if you have been laid off due to COVID-19, some lenders may not accept your income at this time.  We do have a list of lenders that are still accepting income from clients that are on temporary COVID lay-offs.

WHAT IS THE COST?

If you are refinancing your first mortgage and it is not time to renew yet, there will probably be a penalty.  The amount of the penalty will vary so your best option is to call your current lender and ask what the penalty would be to payout the current mortgage.  The other possible costs with refinancing a first mortgage is an appraisal (Cost around $350) and legal fees to discharge the current mortgage and register the new mortgage (Cost around $1200).

WHAT IF THE PENALTY IS TOO HIGH?

In rare cases, you may need to consider looking at a private mortgage in a new first mortgage position or getting a private second mortgage.  Private mortgages in first position are usually at higher rates (8% – 10%  plus fees).  Private mortgages in second position are even higher at 12% – 15% interest plus fees.

WHAT IF I AM A SENIOR AND DON’T HAVE ENOUGH INCOME TO QUALIFY?

If you are over 55 years of age and have limited income and owe less than 50% of the value of your home, you may want to consider a CHIP Reverse Mortgage.  This option has become the best choice for some clients that have lost their part-time jobs.  Please contact me for details regarding your specific situation to make sure it is the best option for you.

While I don’t always recommend a refinance; in specific cases, it may be your best financial option to get through a crisis.  Getting good advice from a Mortgage Broker is the best first step to make when you are considering the refinance option.

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

19 Mar

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Mortgage?

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

We are in the middle of a worldwide roller coaster ride.

With unprecedented restrictions being implemented to deal with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, what do these extraordinary measures mean for you and your mortgage?

BANK OF CANADA RATE

With adversity comes opportunity – and our current mortgage situation is no different.  In order to keep our economy afloat, the government reduced the Bank of Canada rate on March 4, 2020 to 1.25%.  As a result of that decrease, most lenders also reduced their 5 year fixed mortgage rate.  Due to that rate drop, many buyers and refinancing clients were able to secure a great mortgage rate.  On March 13, 2020, the government dropped the Bank of Canada rate another 50 bps to .75%!  To my surprise, many lenders started to increase their rates immediately after this announcement!  If you are currently looking to purchase a property or refinance your current mortgage, this is an excellent time to see your Mortgage Broker about locking in a low rate.

 

MISSING A MORTGAGE PAYMENT

So what happens to your mortgage payment if you are not earning any income?  The government has waived the waiting period for Employment Insurance benefits for those who are quarantined (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html).  But what if your workplace is shut down or you have to stay home to be with your children or you are in the service industry and you rely on tips to meet your monthly financial obligations?  If there is a chance that you cannot pay your mortgage payment due to an income reduction as a result of the COVID Pandemic, my first advice is to contact your lender immediately.  Many lenders have implemented emergency measures to help clients through this uncertain financial scene.  Putting a plan in place with your lender as soon as possible will help you avoid relying on credit that may ultimately hurt your credit score.  In most cases, your lender will allow you to miss some mortgage payments…. Please keep in mind that the interest you “miss” will still be added to the amount you owe on your mortgage.

INSURED MORTGAGES

If you originally purchased your property with less than a 20% down payment (and have not refinanced your mortgage since), your mortgage is most likely insured by CMHC, Genworth or Canada Guaranty.  Contacting your lender the moment that you feel you will not be able to make your mortgage payment is vital.  CMHC and other mortgage insurers offer tools to lenders that can assist homeowners who may be experiencing financial difficulty. Their default management tools default management tools include: payment deferral, loan re-amortization, capitalization of outstanding interest arrears and other eligible expenses and special payment arrangements.  (https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/Notices/2020/cmhc-statement-covid-19).

DEFERRED MORTGAGE

Canada’s six largest banks announced plans to provide financial relief to Canadians impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19.

Effective immediately, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and TD Bank have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as pay disruption due to COVID-19; childcare disruption due to school closures; or those facing illness from COVID-19. (Read more https://www.scotiabank.com/corporate/en/home/media-centre/media-centre/news-release.html?id=3510&language=en)

There is no need to panic.  The government, the lenders, and the insurers are all aware of this time of uncertainty.  If you are not sure about your circumstance, please reach out for advice.

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

20 Feb

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Have you heard about a Reverse Mortgage product called “CHIP”? 

There is a lot of misinformation about this great mortgage product because of some reverse mortgage schemes in the United States.  This product can be useful for yourself or for your parent(s).

Let me answer some questions about the benefits of the CHIP product offered exclusively through HomEquity Bank.

How much can you get and when can I apply?

Once all owners are over the age of 55, you can apply for a CHIP mortgage.  You must have at least 55% of the value of the property available.  The funds are tax-free!

What is a reverse mortgage and how does it work?

A CHIP is a loan secured against the value of your home.  Unlike a traditional Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or a second mortgage, you are not required to make monthly mortgage payments for as long as you live in your home. You always maintain ownership and control of your home.  The mortgage payments can be added back into the mortgage. The full amount of principal and interest is payable when the home is sold or the homeowner(s) die.

Can your estate owe more than your home?

A CHIP mortgage cannot seek any further compensation from the borrower – even if the property does not fully cover the full value of the loan upon payout of the mortgage. Therefore, when the last homeowner dies (and the reverse mortgage is due), the estate will never be responsible for paying back more than the fair market value of the home. The estate is fully protected – this is not the case for almost any other mortgage loan.

Why get a reverse mortgage?

Here are some examples of how clients commonly use it:

  • eliminate debt payments
  • help a child or grandchild with a down payment on a home
  • purchase a new home (right-sizing instead of having to downsize the home)
  • increase cash flow to improve lifestyle (e.g. vacation, new car)
  • pay healthcare costs so you or your parent can stay in your home
  • pay for an unexpected expense (e.g. home repairs)
  • save on taxes by taking out a CHIP mortgage at the beginning of your retirement
  • take monthly draws to improve monthly cash flow for you or your parent

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

24 Sep

Cornwall, a hub for travellers!

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

21 REASONS WE LOVE CORNWALL, ONTARIO & AREA

Why Do We Love Cornwall, Ontario?

A local Century 21 Real Estate Agent, Mike VanderMeer, and I have compiled a list of the reasons we love Cornwall, Ontario.  We’ve compiled 21 reasons, which we will share with you, one at a time.  We would love to hear the reasons you love to live here too!

REASON #15 – Travel

If you do a lot of travelling for business or pleasure, Cornwall is a great place to be.  We are located within one hour from two major airports offering flights all over the world.  For those who often travel to the United States, there is a commuter airport in Ogdensburg offering cheaper flights to American destinations.  There is also the Cornwall Regional Airport for recreational flying as well as smaller private airports scattered throughout the 3 United Counties of SD&G.  We are also a stop on the VIA railway line that connects Montreal with Toronto.  Taxis and a local bus system make getting around the City easy and convenient as well.

Check out the first 14 reasons to Love Cornwall & Area 📲 http://jmacdonald.ca/blog/

and stay connected with me on Facebook to see the rest as I post them 📲 https://www.facebook.com/JenniMacDonaldMortgages/


If you are interested in relocating to Cornwall, Ontario or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

21 Aug

Great Golfing in Cornwall & Area

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

21 REASONS WE LOVE CORNWALL, ONTARIO & AREA

Why Do We Love Cornwall, Ontario?

A local Century 21 Real Estate Agent, Mike VanderMeer, and I have compiled a list of the reasons we love Cornwall, Ontario.  We’ve compiled 21 reasons, which we will share with you, one at a time.  We would love to hear the reasons you love to live here too!

REASON #13 – Golf

If Golf is your game, Cornwall and the surrounding area have you covered.  We have a 9-hole par 3 just minutes from anywhere in the city and many 18 hole courses to choose from.  Here is a list of the closest ones from the city.

Archies Family Golf Centre

Archie’s has been part of the Cornwall landscape for over 50 years! Work on your golf game or challenge your friends and family to a game of mini-putt. They also boast the first aqua range in Canada where you can work on your swing, take a lesson or just watch ‘em splash. Afterwards, of course, ice cream is always waiting for you.

Find out more 👉🏼 www.facebook.com/archiesgolf

Summerheights Golf Links

Voted Cornwall and areas’ favourite Golf Course consecutively since 1997. Established in 1962, Summerheights Golf Links is family owned and operated, featuring 36 holes, leading and excelling in the ever-changing golf environment, while providing the most entertaining and enjoyable golf experience.

Find out more 👉🏼 www.summerheightsgolf.com

Cornwall Golf & Country Club

This eighteen-hole course features beautiful tree-lined and lush fairways, challenging water hazards and strategically positioned bunkers. As well, players will be additionally challenged by the small, speedy and tricky greens. Golfers can enjoy a stimulating round of golf and the tranquil beauty of one of the finest and oldest golf courses in Eastern Ontario.

Find out more 👉🏼 www.cornwallgolf.com

To see additional golf courses in the surrounding area visit www.cornwalltourism.com

Check out the first 12 reasons to Love Cornwall & Area 📲 http://jmacdonald.ca/blog/

and stay connected with me on Facebook to see the rest as I post them 📲 https://www.facebook.com/JenniMacDonaldMortgages/


If you are interested in relocating to Cornwall, Ontario or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

 

15 Aug

Great Fishing in Cornwall, Ontario

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

21 REASONS WE LOVE CORNWALL, ONTARIO & AREA

Why Do We Love Cornwall, Ontario?

A local Century 21 Real Estate Agent, Mike VanderMeer, and I have compiled a list of the reasons we love Cornwall, Ontario.  We’ve compiled 21 reasons, which we will share with you, one at a time.  We would love to hear the reasons you love to live here too!

REASON #12 – Great Fishing

A sport for both young and old and a good variety of fish such as

Ontario Perch

Musky

Catch the next world-record musky by trolling large crankbaits and inline spinners at 4 to 5 miles per hour to cover the large expanses of the river and entice a strike.

Northern Pike

Reel in some impressive northern pike using a more traditional method of casting slender minnow profile crankbaits along weed edges, rocky points and shoal tops.

Walleye

Troll deeper water breaklines and humps using slender minnow profile crankbaits to reel in some massive walleye.

Smallmouth Bass

One of the most effective ways to attract the smallmouth bass is to dropshot four to five-inch paddletail soft plastics in darker patterns to mimic gobies, one of the smallmouth bass’ main food sources.

Carp

Attracting angler’s from around the globe, the carp found in Cornwall and the Counties are always up for putting up a fight. 30 to 40-pound carp are common for shore anglers and can be caught with bait as simple as corn kernels.

Check out the first 11 reasons to Love Cornwall & Area 📲 http://jmacdonald.ca/blog/

and stay connected with me on Facebook to see the rest as I post them 📲 https://www.facebook.com/JenniMacDonaldMortgages/


If you are interested in relocating to Cornwall, Ontario or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage

 

22 Jul

Timmies, Cornwalls favourite Coffee

General

Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

21 REASONS WE LOVE CORNWALL, ONTARIO & AREA

Why Do We Love Cornwall, Ontario?

A local Century 21 Real Estate Agent, Mike VanderMeer, and I have compiled a list of the reasons we love Cornwall, Ontario.  We’ve compiled 21 reasons, which we will share with you, one at a time.  We would love to hear the reasons you love to live here too!

REASON #11 – Timmies

It is as Canadian as hockey and toques and Cornwall has lots of them – at least 14 of them within the City limits. It’s not very rare to see a lineup at any of the Tim Hortons locations in Cornwall of thirsty patrons waiting to get their morning Double Double fix. Starbucks is more to your liking, we have one of those now too!

_

“Tim Hortons Inc. (known as Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop in some countries) is a fast food restaurant chain, specializing in coffee and donut items.[5][6] It is Canada’s largest quick service restaurant chain; as of December 31, 2018, it had a total of 4,846 restaurants in 14 countries.[4][7][8][9]The company has its headquarters in Toronto.

The company was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton (1930–1974) and Jim Charade (1934–2009), after an initial venture in hamburger restaurants.[10][11] In 1967, Horton partnered with investor Ron Joyce (1930–2019), who assumed control over operations after Horton died in 1974. Joyce expanded the chain into a multibillion-dollar franchise. Charade left the organization in 1966 and briefly returned in 1970 and 1993 through 1996. – via www.wikipedia.com”

_

Here’s a list of all the Tim Hortons locations in Cornwall & area.

Restaurant Open Until 9:00 PM
1 Water St East
CornwallONK6H 6M2
Restaurant Open 24 Hours
Drive-thru Open 24 Hours
1233 Brookdale Ave
CornwallON K6J 4P7
Restaurant Open Until 10:00 PM
Drive-thru Open Until 10:00 PM
1320 Second St East
CornwallON K6H 2B7
Restaurant Open Until 11:00 PM
Drive-thru Open Until 11:00 PM
1380 Marleau Ave
CornwallON K6H 2W8
Closed Today 
Drive-thru Open Until 5:45 PM
2690 Brookdale Ave
CornwallON K6J 5Y2
Restaurant Open Until 11:00 PM
Drive-thru Open Until 11:00 PM
373 Montreal Rd
CornwallON K6H 1B6
Restaurant Open 24 Hours
Drive-thru Open Until 11:00 PM
6215 Boundary Rd South Glengarry
Unit A
CornwallON K6H 7V5
Restaurant Open 24 Hours
Drive-thru Open 24 Hours
81 Tollgate Rd West
CornwallON K6J 5L5
Restaurant Open 24 Hours
840 Mcconnell Ave
CornwallON K6H 5S1
Restaurant Open Until 11:00 PM
Drive-thru Open Until 11:00 PM
851 Pitt St
CornwallON K6J 3S4
_

 

Check out the first 10 reasons to Love Cornwall & Area 📲 http://jmacdonald.ca/blog/

and stay connected with me on Facebook to see the rest as I post them 📲 https://www.facebook.com/JenniMacDonaldMortgages/


If you are interested in relocating to Cornwall, Ontario or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to look at your mortgage options with you.

📲View current mortgage rates

📲Apply for a mortgage