Do you remember when you were a kid and you stood on the train tracks on a hot summer day peering into the distance for the coming train? Then suddenly, in the distance, a single light appeared suspended in mid air and the shape of a massive train hurdling towards you sent your heart racing. It was the ultimate game of chicken. How long could your nerves last before you had to step off those tracks and into safety?

While mortgages are nowhere near as exciting as that childhood thrill, we can draw a parallel to the game of chicken and staying in a variable rate mortgage today. Current economic data indicates that the era of historic low interest rates may come to an end promptly and it is advisable to reassess your mortgage to determine if it is time to lock in.

Currently it is possible to lock your variable rate mortgage into a 5 year fixed at a rate anywhere between 3.89-3.99%. The train is on the tracks… what will you do?

Mortgages are very dynamic and the guidance that we offer is based on the circumstances of each individual. If you would like to review your mortgage to make sure that you are still on track please call us to have a quick chat. 416.461.0204

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

Although bond yields rose last Friday as of Monday March 8th Toronto Mortgage Interest rates remain unchanged. Over the weekend some lenders have warned of the possibility of fixed rate mortgages increasing. This weekend I decided to deliver my Monday Mortgage Minute from the slopes of Mont Tremblant Quebec, however I am back in the office this week refreshed and recharged after a nice little ski vacation. If you would like to contact me please write or call 416.461.0204 ext 2.

Chris Molder – Son of A Broker

1 year fixed – 2.65%

3 year fixed – 3.35%

5 year fixed – 3.79%

3 year variable – Prime-.40% (1.85% effective rate)

5 year variable – Prime-.30% (1.95% effective rate)

RATE SPECIALS

5 year fixed – 3.69% (must close by April 26th 2010, purchase & refinance only)

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without warning at the lender’s discretion.

To start the month, there is a new variable rate mortgage! I can now offer Prime minus 40 (1.85%) on 3 year variable mortgages. It was also announced after I recorded my video, that the 5 year fixed rate special that I was offering at 3.69% has been extended for closings up until April 26th. Tomorrow, March 2nd, the Bank of Canada will be making their announcement on the prime rate. They are widely expected to leave the rate unchanged. If you are looking to be approved for a mortgage or have questions about your existing mortgage, get in touch with me.

Christopher Molder - Son Of A Broker

1 year fixed – 2.65%

3 year fixed – 3.50%

5 year fixed – 3.79%

3 year variable – Prime-.40% (1.85% effective rate)

5 year variable – Prime-.30% (1.95% effective rate)

RATE SPECIALS

5 year fixed – 3.69% (must close by April 26th 2010, purchase & refinance only)

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without warning at the lender’s discretion.

Again Merix Financial is the first “kid on the block” to introduce a new variable rate. Fresh off the press Merix is now offering P-.40 on their 3 year variable rate mortgages! The effective mortgage interest rate is currently (2.25-0.40) = 1.85%. The mortgage is available for 90 days and is available to purchasers who purchase with as little as 5% down. The mortgage is also available for refinance and transfers of mortgages.

Merix only deals through qualified mortgage brokers. To find out how you can secure a Merix mortgage please contact me.

Christopher Molder – Son Of A Broker

Mortgage interest rates in Canada haven’t changed for the past two weeks. The bond yields have remained relatively stable and low which is good if you are in the mortgage market. Currently there is little pressure on rates so we should enjoy these current low interest rates for a while. Currently I can offer the following:

1 year fixed – 2.65%

3 year fixed – 3.50%

5 year fixed – 3.79%

3 year variable – Prime-.10% (2.15% effective rate)

5 year variable – Prime-.30% (1.95% effective rate)

RATE SPECIALS

5 year fixed – 3.69% (must close by March 26th 2010, purchase & refinance only)

3 year variable Prime-.30% (1.95% effective rate closing in 30 days, purchases & refinance only)

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without warning at the lender’s discretion.

Licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario under Lic#M08010066

This week Jim Flaherty and his Federal Department of Finance announced some important reforms to the rules governing mortgage qualification. See my reaction in the video below.

We started off this morning with the lowering of the fixed 5 year special offered by mortgage lender Merix Financial leading all the lenders down. The “quickclose” special is now at 3.69% for a fixed 5 year rate. The only condition is that the mortgage must close by March 26th 2010. Other than that this is a mortgage with full privileges. Most other lenders have followed suit and are currently offering 3.89% for their standard rates. You can currently lock in your variable at 3.89%. If you are looking for a mortgage and need somebody to lead you through the confusion that is the mortgage market please feel free to contact me. Also keep in mind that I am donating my services to the Hatian Relief.

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

1 year fixed – 2.65%

3 year fixed – 3.50%

5 year fixed – 3.79%

3 year variable – Prime-.10% (2.15% effective rate)

5 year variable – Prime-.25% (2.00% effective rate)

RATE SPECIALS

5 year fixed – 3.69% (must close by March 26th 2010, purchase & refinance only)

3 year variable Prime-.30% (1.95% effective rate closing in 30 days, purchases & refinance only)

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without warning at the lender’s discretion.

Licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario under Lic#M08010066

I have joined a group of Toronto volunteers who have committed themselves to offering their professional services in exchange for donations to the Haiti relief effort. www.TorontoWorksForHaiti.com Our group includes professionals and entrepreneurs offering a wide range of services all the way from Artists, to Japanese translation services, to Style Consultants and Social Media services.

I personal am committed to donating $200 from every mortgage that I arrange under this initiative to our goal of raising $5,000 by March 18th, 2010. Irrespective of the size or type of mortgage. Although a month has almost passed since the devastating earth quake in Haiti, and the main stream media has moved on to other stories, Haitians are still with out food and water and much needed assistance.

If you are in need of mortgage financing over the next 60 days, please consider our cause and help me help those in Haiti. As a Toronto mortgage broker my service will not cost you, I don’t serve the interest of any bank, I only serve the interest of my clients and of course I will be able to offer you the most competitive rates in the market today.

Please e-mail me or fill out a secure online mortgage application to get started.

Thank you for your consideration.

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

Mortgage interest rates have remained pretty stable over the last week and there are no signs of any changes to come. It looks as though the trend is downwards as the majority of lenders have begun to adjust their fixed 5 year rates to match the most competitive rates in the market. Given the economic outlook variable rate mortgages may be a good choice.

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

1 year fixed – 2.65%

3 year fixed – 3.50%

5 year fixed – 3.89%

3 year variable – Prime-.10% (2.15% effective rate)

5 year variable – Prime-.25% (2.00% effective rate)

RATE SPECIALS

5 year fixed – 3.75% (must close by Feb 23rd 2010, purchase & refinance only)

3 year variable Prime-.30% (1.95% effective rate closing in 30 days, purchases & refinance only)

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without warning at the lender’s discretion.

Licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario under Lic#M08010066

I’ve recently picked up the classic novel The Foutainhead by Ayn Rand (1943). Reading it this afternoon I came across an unusually insightful quote by one of the lesser characters in the book; Kent Lansing.

“When facing society, the person most concerned, the person who is to do the most and contribute the most, has the least to say. It’s taken for granted that they have no voice and reasons they could offer are rejected in advance as prejudiced – since no speech is ever considered , but only the speaker. It’s so much easier to pass judgment on a person than on an idea. “

The context of the quote was to express how Lansing was going to sell his conservative board of directors on selecting the protagonist of the novel Howard Roark as the architect for their mega Manhattan hotel.  Roark is a very risque, non traditional architect who is a rebel and individualist.

The quote got me thinking on how business decisions are made and specifically decisions to select a mortgage broker over the bank. Could it be that not everyone uses a mortgage broker over their bank because its easier to pass judgment on the individual rather than the idea of the bank as an institution? A good mortgage broker is better educated, has only your interest to serve, is highly specialized in his or her area, can offer better guidance, and the service doesn’t cost a borrower anything and yet approximately only 35% of mortgages in Canada are serviced by brokers.

Highly philosophical question for a mortgage blog! Especially for a Saturday… but feel free to add your 2 cents! If not at the very least add the Fountainhead to your to read list.