Canadian Homeowners – More Financially Fit

Jul 27th, 2010No Comments

Some Interesting Facts for you Homeowners Out There…

Canadian homeowners appear to be more financially fit than others in Canada, as 65 per cent pay off their credit balances each month compared to 48 per cent of non-homeowners.
A quarter of the homeowners with mortgages have also made a lump sum payment or accelerated their mortgage payments in the past year, according to a survey sponsored by Genworth Financial Canada.
Forty-four per cent of homeowners paid all their bills and saved money in the past year, suggesting a strong correlation between homeownership and financial fitness.
“Homeownership is an achievable goal for those who are prepared,” said Peter Vukanovich, president and chief operating officer of Genworth. “Homeownership helps people focus on their financial situation and get their fiscal house in order.”
The survey was conducted in partnership with the Canadian Association of Credit Counselling Services (CACCS).
“A mortgage is easier to manage when people have good personal finance skills,” said Henrietta Ross, CEO of CACCS.
The survey also found:- 49 per cent of homeowners made down payments of 20 per cent or more on their purchase- 13 per cent of homeowners say they are in great financial shape- 12 per cent of homeowners said they have requested a credit report in the past 12 months.

Is the Best Mortgage Rate Important?

Jul 27th, 2010No Comments

Courtesy of: http://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com

Mortgage clients constantly tell me “I need the best mortgage rate.  What rate do you offer?”

While the client is always right, and we always provide the best rate and terms, we do convey the need to look at the “extras” when selecting the best mortgage.  Extras include:

  • Low prepayment penalties
  • Generous pre-payment privileges
  • Cash back
  • Cash back clawbacks
  • Free home warranties
  • Professional mortgage planning
  • Low lender fees (if applicable)
  • Portability
  • Missed payment flexibility

Clients are attracted by even a 0.1% savings in mortgage rates.  But when you do the math, the relative importance of the “extras” become clear.  0.1% savings on the typical 5-year $250,000 mortgage equates to:

  • A difference in monthly payment of only $14
  • A savings of just $346 over five years on your mortgage balance

Just one of the extras above could offset this 10 times over.  Think about that next time you’re mortgage shopping.