The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on nearly all facets of life in Canada and sectors of the Canadian economy, including the real estate industry.
There has been a significant change in the construction rate, the number of home sales, and open houses across the country. The mortgage application process has also followed suit. On top of this, the pandemic saw interest rates drop to historic lows, although the Bond Yield is now increasing quickly post-election causing fixed rates to rise, variable rates still have large discounts, so let’s chat about how this can affect you and your home.
When trying to obtain mortgage financing, the last thing anyone wants to hear is that they can’t qualify for a mortgage or the mortgage amount expected. Being denied financing is frustrating, embarrassing, and disappointing. However, if this happens to you, it is important to clearly understand why your application was declined. Often, other financing options or opportunities could be considered depending on why your application was turned down or your qualifying amount reduced. At Keith Uthe Demystifying Mortgages, I understand that the mortgage process can get hard, especially when faced with rejection. This is why I have written down four ways to overcome not qualifying for a mortgage. Anyone seeking financing for a new home purchase or refinancing will find this beneficial.
A home is one of the most rewarding purchases you can make, but it definitely comes with its share of unpredictable expenses. As much as possible, you want to avoid being caught by surprise as a house is a large investment. So, before you proceed to purchase a house, make sure you have an idea of what you’re getting into and whether you can afford it. You don’t want to fall in love with a home only to find out that the cost of living there will overextend you. To help you take into account all of the expenses involved, Keith Uthe Demystifying Mortgages has created a Beginner’s Guide to the top five cost surprises for first-time homebuyers. We’ve also included other items you should be considering, so you’re not shocked when the bills start arriving.
If you want to purchase a house but are unsure about how much you can spend, knowing which homes are within your range is difficult. For example, you might find a property that looks exactly like your dreams but have no idea about whether it’s a realistic option for your budget. In such cases, it helps if you get a pre-approval. A pre-approval means that a lender has agreed, in principle, to lend you a specific amount towards the purchase of a house. However, they have not yet proceeded to the final approval. A pre-approval allows you to know the maximum funds available to you so you can narrow your search and negotiate with more certainty.
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed up the cost of building materials significantly. Consequently, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that high lumber prices are currently adding at least $24,000 to the price of a typical new single-family home.
Over the past twelve months, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Canadian economy significantly, which has had a knock-on effect on the mortgage industry.
If you are a Canadian with a mortgage, learn how to turn your biggest liability into your biggest asset. Is your mortgage reducing your tax bill? Is your mortgage enabling you to invest on a monthly basis? Would you like it to be?