When shopping for a mortgage, it’s easy to get lost in the fine print. And not all mortgages are created equal. There’s a major distinction that you should be aware of: collateral mortgages vs. conventional mortgages. With a conventional mortgage, the amount registered is the amount you need to borrow, so, for example, the value […]

‘Vague’ wording and ‘inappropriate’ calculations alleged in mortgage contracts By Glen Korstrom Tue Aug 5, 2014 12:01am PST At least 52,200 British Columbians will be entitled to refund cheques from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) if a recently certified class-action lawsuit succeeds, according to one of the lawyers involved in the case. The representative […]

Transitioning from renter to homeowner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout your lifetime. It can also be a stressful experience if you don’t plan ahead by building a budget and saving prior to embarking upon homeownership.   Budgeting is a core ingredient that helps alleviate the stress associated with money issues that […]

1. What mortgage term is best for me? Selecting the mortgage term that’s right for you can be a challenging proposition for even the savviest of homebuyers, as terms typically range from six months up to 10 years. The first consideration when comparing various mortgage terms is to understand that a longer term generally means […]

Mortgages in Canada are generally amortized between 25 and 30 year terms. While this seems a long time, it does not have to take anyone that long to pay off their mortgage if they choose to do so in a shorter period of time. With a little bit of thinking ahead, and a small bit […]

The purchase of a home is likely the largest financial expenditure you’ll ever make. And getting your home inspected is an essential step in the home-buying process. No one wants to buy a money pit – and once you have signed on the dotted line, there is no turning back. The best way to ensure you […]

Moving with kids doesn’t have to be chaotic. A little bit of preparation is all that it takes.   By: Limor Friedman, Vancouver In The Box Every day families with young children are moving from Vancouver to the North Shore. It is only a bridge to cross, but for young children the move can feel like crossing […]

Home prices in the Lower Mainland continue to be very high relative to both incomes and savings, making it difficult for buyers to find homes that suit their needs.  Many of the homes that are for sale are in need of substantial renovation work, including such things as new flooring, roofing, or landscaping.  Still more […]

With the high cost of holiday gift-buying and entertaining now behind you, this may be the perfect time to get the New Year off to a fresh start by refinancing your mortgage and freeing up some money to pay off that high-interest credit card debt.   By talking to mortgage professional, you may find that […]