There’s a lot of conversation again about where interest rates could be headed and I thought it made sense to write out my thoughts. The Bank of Canada is watching higher gas and energy prices and what they could mean for inflation. Does that mean rates are definitely going up?...
Author: Lisa Denyer, Mortgage Broker
Lisa Denyer has spent more than 25 years in the mortgage and finance industry and is the founder of Claystone Mortgage Team, Mortgage Architects. Lisa believes that understanding your options changes everything. Her approach is honest, straightforward and focused on education, helping people make informed financial decisions that make sense for their lives.
You Thought Retirement Would Feel Different.
I have been in the mortgage and finance industry for more than 25 years, and lately I have been having more and more conversations about reverse mortgages in Ontario with people who have done exactly what they were told to do. They worked hard, paid their mortgage, built equity in...
First-Time Home Buying Incentive – Ending March 31st
This Government incentive which was introduced in 2019 is coming to an end, sadly it did not help most home buyers as they did not meet the program qualifications. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a federal national housing agency, has ceased offering its down payment incentive for first-time...
Understanding the FHSA – First Home Savings Account
Securing a place to call your own is a dream that's becoming more attainable, even in the face of rising housing costs, inflation, and higher interest rates. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) has emerged as a beacon of hope for prospective first-time homebuyers. This innovative tax-free registered plan empowers...
5 Steps To Help When Separating
Separating from a partner can be a difficult and emotional process. Whether the split is mutual or not, it's important to take care of yourself and make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are five tips to help you through the process: Seek legal advice: If you and your...
Covid-19 – Keeping you Informed
We are committed to providing you with updates and information as we receive it. Together we will pull through this, more-and-more resources and solutions are being announced. Please read and save the following pdf with contacts for financial assistance. Download the PDF here
The Bank of Canada's Big Rate Drop – How does this affect you?
Part One - THE BENCHMARK RATE Last week, the Bank of Canada ( BoC) dropped their prime rate to 3.45% from 3.95%, the first rate cut since October 2018. Everyone by now has heard that news, but what does this mean to you? I’m creating a series of posts to...
Understanding the new First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI)
As of September 2nd 2019, the new FTHBI has launched and is now in effect. Here is a summary of key points: The closing date must be on or after November 1st, 2019.You must have at least 5% down payment from own resources, gifts are acceptable.Qualifying income cannot exceed $120,000...
7 Tips While you Wait for your Keys
Here are 7 important tips to remember while you wait for the keys to your new home or for your mortgage refinance to fund: Employment: Your mortgage was approved based on your current employment details, now is not the time to accept a new position in a new company and resign....