Real Estate Blog

For most people, the hardest part about buying a home (especially the first one) is saving for the down payment. Many people will not have 20% of the purchase price saved for a down payment. With mortgage loan insurance you can put as little as 5% as a down payment.

Mortgage loan insurance protects the lender from default; most Canadian lending institutions are required by law to have it. If the borrower defaults (fails to pay) on the mortgage, the lender is reimbursed by the insurer. The cost for this coverage is in the form of an insurance premium which is often added to the mortgage, or you can choose to pay in a single lump sum at the time of closing. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Sagen and Canada Guarantee are three major providers of this type of insurance in Canada.

CMHC premiums are as follows:

Minimum Down Payment: Homes Over $500,000

This applies to home buyers who have a down payment of less than 20% and thus require mortgage default insurance. The minimum down payment is 10% for the portion of a house price that exceeds $500,000.

Example:

To break this down, the minimum down payment for a $600,000 home would be $35,000. That's 5% on the first $500,000 ($25,000) and 10% on the next $100,000 ($10,000) in price. That would be a blended down payment of 5.8%.

51% of Canadians who put their home buying plans on hold the last two years say they will return to the market when Bank of Canada reduces key lending rate

The increased cost of borrowing over the last two years has forced millions of Canadians to reconsider or readjust their plans to purchase a home. Since the Bank of Canada began raising its key lending rate in March of 2022, more than a quarter of the country’s adult population (27%) has been active in the market, and more than half of them (56%) say they’ve been forced to postpone their property search as a result of rising interest rates, according to a recent Royal LePage survey, conducted by Leger.1

With the rate of inflation having come down over the past year, close to the desired 2% target, it is expected that the Bank of Canada will make its first cut to the overnight lending rate later this year – a welcome relief for variable-rate mortgage holders and those who have been forced to put off their home buying plans. Among those who have had to postpone their purchase, 51% say they will resume their search if interest rates reverse – 10% say a mere 25-basis-point-drop will prompt them to jump back in, 18% say they are waiting for a cut of 50 to 100 basis points, and 23% say they need to see a cut of more than 100 basis points before they will consider resuming their search.

“Following the first rate hold by the Bank of Canada in March of last year, we saw an immediate surge of activity in the market as consumer confidence strengthened. I expect a similar wave of buyer demand at the first indication that highly-anticipated cuts by the central bank are on the horizon,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “Buyer behaviour is strongly linked to their confidence that the home they want to buy today will not be less expensive tomorrow. We expect the spring will mark that pivotal moment.”

One fifth (20%) of sidelined buyers say they no longer plan to purchase a home, while another 12% say they are prepared to jump back in if the BoC’s key lending rate remains unchanged.

Among those who plan to re-enter the market once rates come down, 44% intend to obtain a four-year or five-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular mortgage type and term in Canada. That’s double the number of respondents who say they will choose a variable-rate mortgage (22%). Another 12% say they will obtain a short-term fixed-rate mortgage.

“In the first few weeks of the year, we have seen activity pick up in markets large and small, right across the country. Appointment bookings, property showings and requests for mortgage pre-approval through our lending partners are all up sharply. Our people on the front lines report that today’s real estate consumers are well informed, watching trends and fully prepared to engage when they perceive conditions are improved,” added Soper.

Of those who have postponed their home buying plans due to rising interest rates, 65% remain engaged in the home buying process. This includes those who are casually browsing listings (39%), continuing to save for a down payment (19%), have applied for a mortgage pre-approval (12%) or have obtained a mortgage pre-approval (7%). However, some have disengaged from the home shopping process entirely – 26% of respondents say that they have abandoned their home buying plans for the time being. 

The Bank of Canada’s overnight lending rate currently sits at 5.0%. The next interest rate announcement is scheduled for March 6th.

In the complex landscape of real estate financing, selecting the right mortgage type is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact a homeowner's financial journey. As individuals start on the path to homeownership, they are confronted with a plethora of mortgage options, each with its unique features and considerations. This article aims to simplify the diverse array of mortgage types available, giving clarity on the distinctive characteristics of conventional mortgages, high ratio mortgages, open mortgages, fixed-rate mortgages, and variable rate/adjustable rate mortgages. By exploring the nuances of these financial instruments, prospective homebuyers can make informed choices tailored to their specific needs and financial goals.

Conventional Mortgage

A conventional mortgage is one where the down payment is equal to 20% or more of the property's value/purchase price. A low-ratio mortgage does not normally require mortgage loan insurance.

High Ratio Mortgage

A high ratio mortgage is one where the borrower is contributing less than 20% of the value/purchase price of the property as the down payment. High ratio mortgages must be insured through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Sagen or Canada Guaranty, the three mortgage insurance companies in Canada.

Open Mortgage

An open mortgage allows the mortgagor to prepay all or part of the principal amount at any time without penalty. Open mortgages usually have shorter terms of six months or one year, but can include some variable rate/longer terms as well. Interest rates on open mortgages are typically higher than on closed mortgages with similar terms.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

A fixed rate mortgage is one where the interest rate is determined and locked in for the term of the mortgage. Lenders often offer different prepayment options allowing for quicker repayment of the mortgage and for partial or full repayment of the mortgage.

Variable Rate/Adjustable Rate Mortgage

A variable rate or adjustable rate mortgage is one where the interest rate can increase or decrease during the term. The interest rate varies with changes in prime lending rates. How changes in the interest rate affect your payments will depend on whether your payments are fixed or adjustable.

With there being many different types of mortgages, it really depends on your specific situation. Depending on things like: income, future income, house price, other debts, down payment etc... Different mortgages may be more suitable for you than others. The best way to find out which is right for you, is to talk to your mortgage broker or agent, however, it is good for you to know what the different types are and what they mean.

Pets provide a lot of benefits to their owners. But owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. In addition to the care and time you need to give to an animal, there’s also a civil liability that comes with adoption.

Is my dog covered under my home insurance?

When you adopt a dog or if you already own a dog and you sign up for a new home insurance policy, the first thing to do is to inform your insurer. That way, you’ll be protected if your pooch happens to cause some damage.

Nearly 50 percent of animals are not declared by owners, even though it’s mandatory. Not informing your insurance company that an animal is living under your roof could have serious consequences. You could be denied a claim and some insurers could even refuse to insure you.

Generally speaking, your pets are covered under your home insurance. Your insurer may be reluctant to insure certain breeds of dogs, though, so discuss it with your insurance agent. When you tell your insurance company that you own a pet, you’ll need to choose a home insurance policy that suits your needs, one that covers your home (to cover your property) and your liability (to cover damage to others, for example).

One thing animals have in common is that they’re unpredictable. Even if you’ve done your best to train your dog impeccably, you can never be sure that an accident or damage won’t happen. It’s a risk to you, to your property, to others and therefore to your insurer.

Am I responsible for damage caused by my dog?

You’re responsible for the animal you own. This responsibility includes property damage, but also injury to others. In addition, according to Éducaloi, a person who is looking after an animal may also be considered responsible for the animal. For example, if your friend looks after your dog while you’re on vacation and during that time your pet tears up your new sofa, your friend could also be responsible. Or, if you look after your neighbour’s dog and it attacks another dog while you’re out walking, you could also be held responsible since you were looking after it at the time the incident occurred.

What happens if your dog attacks someone?

As mentioned above, you’re responsible for your dog and its actions. So if your dog bites your visitor’s ankle or attacks the neighbour’s dog, they have the right to sue you. You may have to pay compensation to the person who was bitten or to the owner of the attacked dog. If you have reported your dog to your insurance company and they have agreed to cover it, your liability insurance should provide coverage for this type of claim.

If your dog causes damage, contact your insurance agent to file a claim.

Tips for preventing damage

Although your pet’s behaviour is unpredictable, it’s still possible to reduce the associated risks. If your dog requires special precautions, don’t hesitate to apply them.

First, keep your dog on a leash when you leave your home. It’s now mandatory to have dogs on a leash at all times when on public property. If your dog tends to be aggressive, put a muzzle on it and be sure to warn people who approach it.

It’s best to have a fenced yard, so your dog can expend energy and learn better behaviour. You’ll also prevent your dog from running away or making unannounced visits to a neighbour’s yard.

Indoors, avoid leaving things lying around. If your pet tends to chew and nibble, put away your shoes and spray chair legs and furniture corners with a repellent solution.

Keep your pet in a cage, at least initially. For the pet’s safety and for the sake of your furniture, this can prevent a lot of damage.

Think about training courses if your pet’s behaviour is hard to manage. Dogs can meet other dogs and humans to socialize there and learn to listen to you.

Lack of mental and physical stimulation is often what causes bad behaviour in dogs. Make time for daily exercise and regular mental stimulation. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your pet’s behaviour improves.

Pets require a lot of care, time and attention. We know how much your pets mean to you. Owning a dog is a long-term commitment, so it’s best to be fully aware of all the responsibility it entails.

When you’re shopping for a new home, you’ll likely have a list of "must-haves" that are essential to your ideal living space. However, there are circumstances in which it may be worth compromising on your list of non-negotiables.

Location

While having four bedrooms or a large backyard may be high on your priority list, a desirable location with easy access to schools, work, and amenities could outweigh those specific features. Keep an open mind and consider adjusting your must-haves if it means securing a home in an ideal neighbourhood.

Budget

Sometimes, your dream home may exceed your price range. In such cases, it can be beneficial to explore properties that may lack a few desired features but offer the potential for customization or renovation in the future. This way, you can gradually transform the house into your dream home while staying within your financial means.

Feeling

What if you walk into a home and it just feels right, even though it’s lacking a feature on your must-have list? It might be worth going with that feeling. Keep in mind that what a property is lacking today may be remedied over time with improvements and renovations.

Outdoor living spaces have become the new heartbeat of homes — even in the winter. They now serve as an extension of the indoors, a place where homeowners can dine, entertain, and relax. So, it’s smart to emphasize the outdoor living potential of your home when you list.

Your garden is the first outdoor element potential buyers see. Well-maintained, colourful plants can make a fantastic first impression, so keep the garden lush and appealing. Include a variety of perennial and annual plants that bloom at different times in the season. Consider planting in containers or raised beds for easy maintenance, and use garden ornaments sparingly to keep the focus on the natural beauty of the space.

Next, your patio or deck can act as an outdoor living room. Consider staging it to make it look that way. Highlight any attractive, weather-resistant furniture you have. String lights or solar lanterns add a touch of warmth and make the space usable even after the sun sets.

And don’t forget about your barbecue or outdoor kitchen. A well-equipped, clean, and functional outdoor cooking area can be a big draw. Ensure grills, burners, and other cooking appliances are in good condition.

Finally, remember that not all outdoor spaces need to be elaborate. Sometimes, simple lawn chairs or a modest patio set can add to the appeal. The key is to make the outdoor space inviting, no matter how small it is.

One last tip: If you plan to list during winter, ensure you have pictures of your outdoor space during good weather, ideally in summer. Those will be a helpful addition to the listing materials.

Imagine you see a home advertised for sale in a desirable neighbourhood. However, you find out the property is listed well above comparable sales in the area. In other words, above its market value.

Is that listing still worth seeing?

There are many reasons why sellers might list their property for a price that seems way above the market. The home might have highly desirable features that make it worth a premium, such as a spacious backyard or a finished basement. Or, the seller might assume (often mistakenly) that listing high will result in higher-priced offers.

In either case, the home is likely worth a closer look, especially if it otherwise checks most or all of the boxes on your wish list.

If there are additional features that have driven up the price, you may find it’s worth that premium — particularly if those features are important to you.

What if the high price is artificial? Then, chances are, the home will ultimately sell at close to its actual market value anyway – regardless of the list price. So, if you make an offer that reflects the real value, you might win.

The bottom line? These listings are usually worth the time to investigate further. So, schedule that viewing appointment!

Many seemingly small things can be a big turn-off to prospective buyers. So, it’s wise to identify and fix these issues when you list. Here are a few examples.

1. OutdatedorNeglectedExterior:Chippingpaint,atired-looking façade, or uninspired landscaping will impact a buyer's all-important first impression. The solution? Fresh paint, power washing, landscape trimming, or even adding new plants.

2. OldorDamagedAppliances:Outdatedorbrokenapplianceswillget noticed by prospective buyers. The solution? Repair and thoroughly clean them. It might also make sense to invest in new appliances. If you go that route, buy energy-efficient models that look great and they will become a selling point.

3. UnpleasantOdours:Webecomesoacclimatedtosmellsinourhome that we often no longer notice them. But buyers will! Odours from pets, smoking, perfumes, and exotic cooking are especially detracting to buyers. The solution? Reduce odours by avoiding scent-producing activities (such as cooking) prior to viewing appointments.

4. OverlyPersonalizedInterior:Buyerswanttoenvisionthemselves living in the home, not you. The solution: Eliminate as many personal items as possible. Make the style and décor attractive but neutral.

5. OldorPoorlyMaintainedHVACEquipment:Buyersoftenaskforthe age of furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioning units. They’re concerned about potential maintenance issues. The solution? Get older equipment inspected by a professional. Then have that documentation available to buyers.

As you can see, investing in a few repairs and upgrades can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells – and for how much.

Imagine you’ve listed your home and get a fantastic offer. The price is VERY good. The buyers have attached a hefty deposit and a pre-approved mortgage certificate. The only drawback? There is a condition. The buyers want to sell their home before the offer to buy yours becomes firm.

Hmm. Should you accept that offer? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

PROS

• A Bird in the Hand. While a conditional offer comes with a string

  attached, it still means a buyer is keenly interested in your property.

• Room for Negotiation. You might be able to negotiate a compromise. For example, accept the condition but with a more favourable (to you) closing date.

• Slower Market. What are the chances another buyer will offer you the same price? In a slower market, it might be worth accepting the conditional offer — particularly if the risk of the deal falling through is low.

CONS

• Potential delays. There’s always at least some risk that the condition

  won’t be met, which means the sale won’t go through.

• Missed opportunities: While waiting for a condition to be met, other potential buyers may move on.

  Deciding how to handle a conditional offer can be tricky. I can help you make the right decisions when you sell. Call me today!

Although prospective homeowners are typically responsible for the cost of their home appraisal, many are unaware that they usually won't receive a copy of the appraisal report. The reason behind this lies in the fact that the professional appraiser hired to assess a home's value doesn't actually work for the prospective homeowner.

In the world of mortgage lending, the saying "he or she who holds the gold, makes the rules" holds true. In other words, the party responsible for commissioning the substantial loan for mortgage financing has the authority to determine who pays for the appraisal.

This can be confusing for homeowners, especially when compared to other financial processes. For instance, financial institutions are obligated to provide clients with copies of their credit score assessments, even if a third party requests it. This transparency ensures that everyone involved understands a person's creditworthiness.

So, who owns the appraisal report? According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), which represents most appraisers, the appraisal report belongs to the entity that commissioned it. In the context of financing, this means it belongs to the lender.

Keith Lancastle, interim CEO at the AIC, explains that even though homeowners foot the bill for the appraisal, they are not the appraiser's client. The appraiser's primary obligation is to their client, which is the entity that contracted them for the appraisal, typically the lender.

The Canadian National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (CNAREA) shares a similar stance on appraisal ownership. They follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), where the report is considered the property of the client, which may not always be the party that pays for the appraisal. However, the client has the authority to share the report with other parties as long as confidential or l icensed data is not compromised.

These strict guidelines on appraisal report ownership are in place to ensure that lenders receive the specific information they require. Different lenders may have distinct lending criteria, so an appraisal tailored for one lender may not be suitable for another.

Christopher Bisson, founder of appraisal tech company Value Connect, notes that appraisers prefer to know who the report is intended for to align it with the criteria that specific lenders typically request. This avoids unexpected discrepancies when switching from one lender to another.

While it's possible for appraisers to release the results of an appraisal with their client's permission, this doesn't happen frequently. However, clients may access appraisal reports in their early stages. Some mortgage representatives receive draft copies and make them available to borrowers.

Bisson recommends this approach when it's unclear which lender will handle a mortgage application. By informing the appraiser about the likely lender type, the report can be prepared according to that lender's criteria, reducing surprises.

Lancastle suggests that lenders may be hesitant to release appraisal reports to maintain a competitive advantage. Thispractice of homeowners paying for the appraisal has become a standard in the mortgage industry, forming part of the business model established by the lending community.

Buyers will notice closets, storage rooms, and other storage spaces. So, it pays to make those areas look as spacious and functional as possible. Here are some tips on how to maximize your storage spaces and make them more appealing to buyers:

1. Declutter and organize: A cluttered and disorganized storage space can give the impression that there isn't enough room. Start by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need. Then, organize what's left by using shelving, baskets, or containers to keep everything in its place.

2. Paint or replace shelves: If your shelves are looking worn or outdated, consider painting or replacing them. Adding a fresh coat of paint can give the space a clean and updated look. Replace old, sagging shelves with sturdy and adjustable ones to make the space look more functional.

3. Maximize vertical space: Don't overlook the space above your head. Use the full height of your closets by installing additional high shelves or hanging organizers from the ceiling. This will free up space on the floor and make the area feel more spacious.

4. Add lighting: A well-lit storage space not only looks more inviting but also helps you find what you need. Consider adding lighting fixtures or even battery-operated LED lights to your closets and basement storage rooms.

5. Create a designated storage area: If you have items that you don't use regularly, create a designated storage area in your basement or garage. This will keep them out of sight and make your living space feel less cluttered.

By implementing these tips, you can make your storage spaces look more spacious and functional, which can ultimately help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

Are you thinking about finding your next home? It can be tricky balancing what you want with what you can practically afford. Here are some tips that can make buying your dream home more doable:

1. Save for a larger down payment. A larger down payment can lower your monthly mortgage costs and possibly help you get a better interest rate.

2. Look at neighbourhoods that are less “in demand.” Some areas have the reputation of being desirable or exclusive and – as a result – expensive. But, there may be neighbourhoods that are not as in-demand and yet ideal (and more affordable) for you. Explore that possibility.

3. Consider a fixer-upper. A home that needs some work may be more affordable, and you can save money by doing some of the renovations yourself.

4. Think about buying a smaller home. A smaller property can be more affordable and easier to maintain, especially if you’re downsizing.

5. Research mortgage options. Shop around for the best mortgage rates and consider different types of mortgages. A better mortgage rate and terms may make an out-of-reach home affordable for you.

Any of these tips will help increase the probability that you’ll be able to buy your dream home at a price that works for you.