2 Oct

Mortgage Portability

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

When it comes to getting a mortgage, one of the more overlooked elements is the option to be able to port the loan down the line. Porting your mortgage is an option within your mortgage agreement, which enables you to move to another property without having to lose your existing interest rate, mortgage balance and […]

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25 Sep

Choosing Your Ideal Payment Frequency

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

Your payment schedule is the frequency that you make mortgage payments and ranges from monthly to bi-monthly, bi-weekly, accelerated bi-weekly or even weekly payments. Below is a quick overview of what each of these payment frequencies mean: Monthly Payments: A monthly payment is simply a single large payment, paid once per month; this is the default […]

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18 Sep

Market Beware: Subject Free Offers

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

When it comes to purchasing a home, most offers include conditions or subjects, which are requirements or criteria to be met before the sale can be finalized and the property is transferred. Some of the most common subjects include: Financing approval Home inspection Fire/home insurance protection Strata document review if appliable The purpose of these […]

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11 Sep

Home Renovations – Reality vs. Television

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

Watching home renovation shows is inspiring, often providing us with ideas for our own spaces. However, there is a bit of a downside when it comes to these shows – they can be misleading when it comes to the renovation process. While we may want to recreate something from one of these shows, without knowing […]

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4 Sep

Strata Insurance: The Importance of Deductible Coverage

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

Strata insurance has been steadily rising across Canada, but many homeowners are unaware of changes to their policies. In some areas, deductibles are doubling (or even tripling!), which can result in extremely high costs if you are not updating your individual policy. To ensure that you remain up-to-date with your strata insurance policies, it is […]

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28 Aug

What is Alternative Lending?

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

When traditional lenders (such as banks or credit unions) deny mortgage financing, it can be easy to feel discouraged. However, it is important to remember that there is always an alternative! If you’re seeking a mortgage, but your application doesn’t fit into the box of the big traditional institutions, you’ll find yourself in what’s commonly […]

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21 Aug

Understanding Mortgage Rates

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

While not the only factor to look at when choosing a mortgage, interest rates continue to be one of the more prominent decision criteria with any mortgage product. Understanding how mortgage rates are determined and the differences between your typical fixed-rate and variable-rate options can help you make the best decision to suit your needs. […]

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14 Aug

Find Your Perfect Home Type

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

When it comes to finding your perfect home, there are so many more options for potential homeowners! From a single-family dwelling to a townhouse to a modular home, the choices are seemingly endless. But, before you start widening your search, let’s take a look at what makes these home types different – and which one […]

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7 Aug

Title fraud is a danger in B.C., and home insurance can’t protect you from it

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

It’s not just Ontario: title fraud cases are on the rise in B.C. as well. Daniela DeTommaso, President of FCT, recently sat with Weekend Mornings with Stirling Faux on 980 CKNW to discuss the rising threat. “[Fraud has become] so sophisticated,” Daniela explains. “If you were to look at some of the [forged] identification that’s being used, an […]

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31 Jul

After You Buy – Closing Tips

General

Posted by: Clarissa Yap

Now that you have finished signing your mortgage paperwork and getting the keys to your first home, there are a few things to keep in mind after you buy to protect your investment and ensure future financial success! Maintaining your home and protecting your investment: Becoming a homeowner is a major responsibility. It’s up to you […]

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