Tag: Mortgages

  • Bank of Canada’s Rate Cut: What’s Next for Mortgage Holders?

    Bank of Canada’s Rate Cut: What’s Next for Mortgage Holders?

    March 12th, 2025: The Bank of Canada has lowered its overnight rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%, marking its seventh consecutive rate cut. While this move was anticipated, it comes amid ongoing economic uncertainty and the potential fallout from U.S. trade tensions. The central bank has signaled that further adjustments may be necessary, but…

  • Trump’s Tariffs Spark Trade War and Economic Uncertainty

    March 5th, 2025: President Trump has officially implemented sweeping tariffs, placing a 25% tax on goods from Mexico and Canada, a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, and an additional 10% on Chinese imports. He claims these measures will pressure Mexico and Canada to address concerns related to undocumented migration and drug trafficking. However, while fentanyl…

  • Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rates: What It Means for Homebuyers and Homeowners

    Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rates: What It Means for Homebuyers and Homeowners

    Jan 29th, 2025: The Bank of Canada (BoC) has officially lowered its policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 3.0%. This widely expected move comes amid ongoing economic uncertainty and growing concerns over potential U.S. trade tariffs. But what does this rate cut mean for Canadian homebuyers, homeowners, and the broader housing…

  • Positive News on Inflation: December 2024 Update

    Jan 21st, 2025: The latest inflation update for December 2024 brings some encouraging news! The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in prices over time, increased by 1.8% compared to last year. This is a slight drop from the 1.9% rise we saw in November, thanks to lower prices for food at restaurants and…

  • Stress-Test-Free Low-Ratio Switches: Updates to the New Rules

    Stress-Test-Free Low-Ratio Switches: Updates to the New Rules

    Dec 17th, 2024: The Government of Canada has introduced a significant change to mortgage insurance rules, effective December 16, 2024. This update allows stress-test-free switches for low-ratio (“bulk insured”) mortgages at renewal, creating new opportunities for borrowers and reshaping how mortgage renewals are approached. What Does This Mean for Borrowers? Traditionally, borrowers switching lenders at…

  • Navigating the Latest Mortgage Changes: Insights and Opportunities for 2025

    Navigating the Latest Mortgage Changes: Insights and Opportunities for 2025

    Dec 12th, 2024: As we wrap up 2024 and step into the holiday season, significant changes in the Canadian mortgage industry are creating new opportunities for homeowners and borrowers alike. From interest rate cuts to the removal of the stress test for certain mortgage transfers, these updates have far-reaching implications for anyone looking to optimize…

  • Unlocking New Housing Opportunities: Federal Actions on Secondary Suites and Vacant Land Development

    Unlocking New Housing Opportunities: Federal Actions on Secondary Suites and Vacant Land Development

    Oct 8th, 2024: The Canadian government has introduced new initiatives to tackle the housing crisis by expanding opportunities for homeowners and developers. A key part of this announcement is the support for homeowners to build secondary suites and the use of vacant land for housing development. Building Secondary Suites: Transforming Underused Spaces Starting January 15,…

  • OSFI’s Decision to End the Stress Test for Uninsured Mortgage Switches: What It Means for Borrowers

    OSFI’s Decision to End the Stress Test for Uninsured Mortgage Switches: What It Means for Borrowers

    Sept 26th, 2024: The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is set to eliminate the stress test requirement for uninsured mortgage switches, starting November 21, 2024. This change, which has drawn attention from both mortgage professionals and borrowers alike, applies to those looking to switch lenders at the end of their mortgage term.…

  • Federal Government Increases CMHC Mortgage Cap to $1.5M and Extends 30-Year Amortizations

    Federal Government Increases CMHC Mortgage Cap to $1.5M and Extends 30-Year Amortizations

    Sept 16th, 2024: The federal government has unveiled major reforms to Canada’s mortgage landscape. Key measures include raising the CMHC-insured mortgage cap from $1 million to $1.5 million, which aims to improve access for Canadians in high-priced markets. Additionally, all first-time homebuyers will now have access to 30-year amortization periods, helping reduce monthly payments and…

  • Unlock the Power of Your Home’s Equity to Achieve Financial Freedom

    Unlock the Power of Your Home’s Equity to Achieve Financial Freedom

    Sept 9th, 2024: For many homeowners, the idea of equity can seem abstract, but it’s a powerful financial tool that could improve your financial well-being. If you have debt and equity in your home, you may be sitting on an opportunity to consolidate debt, fund investments, or simply gain more financial flexibility. At The Mortgage…