With the new mortgage qualification rules coming into effect January 1, 2018, we’ve summarized how they’ll be implemented below: Real Estate If a legally binding Purchase and Sale Agreement is dated/signed prior to January 1, 2018, regardless of closing date, you will qualify under the old rules.  

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OFSI) has released its finalized B-20 Update to the mortgage industry. Below is a quick summary of the new changes that will go into effect January 2018. 1. A new minimum qualifying rate, or “stress test” for uninsured mortgages

Principal Residence Tax Exemption and Canadian Homeowners For the 70 per cent of Canadians who own a home, it is a place to live, raise our family, and it connects us to our community. Due to Canada’s tax system’s Principal Residence Tax Exemption, when we sell our homes, any increased value or “capital gains” are

US Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision – March 15, 2017 The US Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (the Fed) raised its target overnight rate to between 0.75 and 1 per cent this morning. In a statement accompanying the Fed’s decision, it was noted that the labour market continues to strengthen and economic activity

The Bank of Canada has, once again, decided to maintain its policy rate at 0.5%, but the good news my be short-lived The Bank cites “significant uncertainties”, particularly in the United States, and “persistent economic slack” as the key reasons for holding the rate. But many see this as simply a placeholder until its The […]

CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) will increase its homeowner mortgage loan insurance premiums effective March 17, 2017. Premiums are calculated based on the loan-to-value ratio of the mortgage being insured. Lenders typically require mortgage loan insurance when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20 %. The premium can be paid in […]