Blog

November 14, 2022

The Bank of Canada is warning Canadians to brace for a rough winter

CBC News ~ November 12th, 2022 For years now, central banks around the world have helped consumers and businesses weather economic storms. In crisis after crisis, they cut interest rates to help people get through. They printed money and bought bonds to prop up markets. This time, those same banks […]

September 28, 2022

Big banks hike short-term fixed mortgage rates as their popularity grows

Canadian Mortgage Trends Over the past week, nearly all of Canada’s Big-6 banks have increased their shorter-term fixed mortgage rates. The rate hikes have largely been limited to 1-, 2- and 3-year fixed mortgage products, including both special offer and posted mortgage rates. The hikes were seen at TD, Scotiabank, […]

September 19, 2022

As rates rise, is now the time to lock in a fixed mortgage? Here’s what to know

Global News ~ September 17th, 2022 The Bank of Canada’s rising interest rates have some variable-rate mortgage holders thinking about the upside of locking in a fixed rate, according to experts who spoke to Global News. But the peace of mind that comes with a steady rate has trade-offs that […]

September 15, 2022

Interest rate hike to ‘intensify’ Canada’s housing market downturn

Globe and Mail ~ September 7th, 2022 Canada’s real estate slump is about to deepen, as the rising cost of borrowing pushes more buyers out of the market, economists predict. In announcing its latest interest-rate hike on Wednesday – to 3.25 per cent from 2.5 per cent – the Bank […]

August 30, 2022

Robert McLister: You’re unlikely to qualify for ultralow mortgage rates

Globe and Mail ~ August 24th, 2022 Look online and you’ll see mortgage rates as low as 3.44 per cent for a five-year variable and 4.19 per cent for a five-year fixed. Seems like a steal, right? Especially in a world where the best deals that our megabanks are advertising […]

August 14, 2022

Variable? Fixed? Static? Picking the right mortgage as interest rates rise

Global News ~ August 12th, 2022 Should you go with a variable-rate mortgage or opt for the old reliable five-year fixed rate? How can you make sure your payments are predictable while also paying down your principal? Are static payments a good idea? The questions around mortgages are overwhelming at […]

July 15, 2022

Bank of Canada hikes rate to 2.5% — here’s what it means for you

CBC News ~ July 13th, 2022 The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate by the largest amount in more than 20 years, sharply increasing the cost of borrowing in an attempt to rein in runaway inflation. Canada’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday by a […]

June 1, 2022

Bank of Canada raises benchmark interest rate to 1.5%, signals more hikes on the way

CBC ~ June 1st, 2022 The BoC raised its benchmark interest rate to 1.5%. This means that those with a variable rate mortgage or a line of credit will see an increase by .50%, resulting in a a change in payment depending on the specific product. Most variable rate mortgages […]

May 25, 2022

Monthly payment for new mortgage on a typical home is up nearly $800 from October, one analysis shows

Globe and Mail ~ May 23rd, 2022 For more than a decade, the biggest financial obstacle for many homebuyers in pricey markets was coming up with the cash for a down payment. But with rapidly rising borrowing costs, being able to afford mortgage payments is increasingly becoming an additional hurdle. […]

May 19, 2022

Canada’s banking regulator to tighten mortgage-HELOC rules to curb rising homeowner debt

Globe and Mail ~ May 19th, 2022 Will potential changes to the mortgage – HELOC rules impact you? The trendiest type of home equity line of credit is in the crosshairs of Canada’s banking regulator, which is looking to curb risky borrowing as rising interest rates put added pressure on […]