Son Of A Broker » mortgage broker

Monday Mortgage Minute – Interest Rates July 5th 2010

chris — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:15:36 +0000

All signs are pointing to lower fixed rate mortgages again for the 3rd time this year. Bond yields are low and as a result we are seeing fixed rate mortgage prices dropping just a little bit further this week. The Bank of Canada has also dropped its benchmark qualifying rate for high ratio mortgages by 0.10%.

As a mortgage broker I get paid a steady finders fee from the lender. It doesn’t matter which lender we go to, the fees are similar so there is no incentive to take you to one lender over another. The only incentive I have is to give you honest open advice to make sure that you tell your friends and family about your positive experience. Send me a quick e-mail to get the ball rolling!

2.70% – 1 Year Fixed

3.49% – 3 Year Fixed

4.09% – 5 Year Fixed

3.13% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.65 3 Year Variable

P-.60 5 Year Variable

Prime Rate is currently 2.50%.

Bench Mark Qualifying rate is 5.89% (Used to qualify high ratio mortgages)

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Files Of The Broker: Oddball Property Private Mortgage Financing

chris — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:39:56 +0000

What do you get when you try to buy a property that was once a jail, fire hall, dance hall & town hall? A financing conundrum.

This is exactly what one of our clients purchased, where we provided private mortgage financing. The purchase is even more remarkable when you consider that the jail, fire-hall, town-hall and dance hall are joined as one property, on one deed.

The property has an interesting history going back to the early days of Ontario, when towns sprung up around employment opportunities of budding industries. The property is located in a small sawmill town, along a railway line, and developed to serve the needs of the town’s people. Construction of the town-hall was considered for obvious administrative functions with an office on the ground floor, town hall and stage on the floor above to function not only for meetings, but also on weekends for dances, theatre and other festivities.

The fire-hall evolved from the voluntary fire brigade of citizens who were ready to spring into action when needed. But the jail is more intriguing and amusing. Crime was not a big problem but there were plenty of people who liked to have a good time with alcohol. When they became a nuisance they were simply put up for the night in the specifically constructed cell, adjacent to the office on the ground floor. It has three-foot-thick walls of field stones and a solid, heavy wooden door, making escape virtually impossible and muffling any sound such as singing from the intoxicated revelers.

Over the years the building became redundant, not for lack of drunks, but through amalgamation of administrative functions and services with a nearby, larger town.

In time the building deteriorated and was in need of maintenance and upgrading for which there was no money in the budget. In addition the lack of income, via property taxes persuaded the Town to sell via a judicial sale.

Our handy purchaser obtained the entire property, bounded by a park on two sides, for less than $100,000 when it was offered for sale to the highest bidder. He now lives there happily after renovating and restoring the property extensively with ‘sweat money’ and converted the jail into a wine cellar.

Such situations require private mortgage financing not only due to the zoning but also in circumstances of judicial sales. Because we are over 30 years in business as mortgage brokers we have come into contact with many situation that require private mortgage financing. Over the years, we forged long term relationships with private investors who approach lending, besides concerns over security, with a lot of common sense.

This story serves to illustrate our pivotal broker-role in transactions. Furthermore, it shows how borrowers can benefit from our experience and connection with private mortgage investors with whom we have developed, over the years, trusted relationships.

If you are a private investor looking for opportunities to invest, or a borrower needing help with your own unique and challenging circumstances, we invite you to call us with your story.

From the “Files of the broker”

Monday Mortgage Minute- Toronto June 21st

chris — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:41:04 +0000

It looks like the fixed mortgage rate market has stabilized after the bank of Canada’s decision to increase the prime rate earlier this month. While rates aren’t as low as earlier this year, mortgage interest rates still remain low historically speaking.

With signs that the housing market is cooling and interest rates are staying low you have decided that now is the time to buy your first home. But what is the first step? Unless you are lucky enough to have the cash available to purchase without financing you should talk to a mortgage broker before you even talk to a real estate agent or search on MLS. By sitting down with a mortgage professional you can eliminate uncertainty and save yourself a lot of time when searching for a home. In many cases it takes only a 10 minute conversation to get assessed. You’ll be able to set a realistic price range and become aware of any potential pitfalls that could arise when satisfying conditions for the lender. Visit my website www.TridacMortgages.com to submit a quick & secure online application or send me an e-mail if you have any questions?

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

2.80% – 1 Year Fixed

3.75% – 3 Year Fixed

4.25% – 5 Year Fixed

3.13% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.65 3 Year Variable

P-.60 5 Year Variable

Prime Rate is currently 2.50%.

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Monday Mortgage Minute June 14th- Interest Rates

chris — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:26:01 +0000

World Cup fever is on in Toronto and mortgage interest rates are remaining low and stable. While a variable rate mortgage may not fit everyone’s needs it remains a good option in today’s market. Give me a call to discuss whether it is right for you?

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker 416.461.0204

2.80% – 1 Year Fixed

3.75% – 3 Year Fixed

4.25% – 5 Year Fixed

3.13% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.65 3 Year Variable

P-.60 5 Year Variable

Prime Rate is currently 2.50%.

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Monday Mortgage Minute June 7th 2010

chris — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:02:36 +0000

Following the Bank of Canada’s interest rate announcement last Tuesday we weren’t too sure in which direction the fixed rate market would move. Mortgage lenders responded by lowering their fixed rate mortgage rates. They also increased the spread on the 5 year variable rate mortgage from P-0.50 to P-.60 giving an effective rate of 1.90% based on the new prime rate of 2.50%. If you are just entering the interest rate market because you are considering buying or your mortgage is coming up for renewal it may not be obvious whether to go fixed or variable in this market. The circumstances are individuals are unique and there is a mortgage solution to suit your circumstances give me a call to discuss. 416.461.0204ext2

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

2.80% – 1 Year Fixed

3.75% – 3 Year Fixed

4.25% – 5 Year Fixed

3.10% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.50 3 Year Variable

P-.60 5 Year Variable

Prime Rate is currently 2.50%.

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Monday Mortgage Minute – May 31st

chris — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:56:57 +0000

Toronto mortgage interest rates haven’t changed over the past 7 days. However tomorrow morning after the Bank of Canada makes their decision regarding the prime rate we could see some interesting movement in the fixed rate mortgage market. Stay tuned for more.

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

2.85% – 1 Year Fixed

3.85% – 3 Year Fixed

4.35% – 5 Year Fixed

3.10% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.50 3 Year Variable

P-.50 5 Year Variable

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Monday Mortgage Minute – Toronto Interest Rates May 24th

chris — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:25:31 +0000

I didn’t manage to get this post up yesterday it was way too nice of a day! As explained in past videos, fixed rate mortgages are dependent on bond yields. Over the past 2 weeks the yields have suffered as a result of the economic turmoil in Europe caused by the Greek crisis. Even positive economic data like increased inflation and record breaking retail sales in Canada weren’t enough to bolster interest rates. This of course is good news if you are buying or remortgaging. A recent article in the Toronto Star “Rate Hike Not Guaranteed“ by Emily Mathieu argues that the Bank of Canada may not have the ability to increase the prime rate on June 1st. If you are stumped on how to position your mortgage in these unique times get in touch with me.

Chris Molder – Son Of A Broker

2.85% – 1 Year Fixed

3.85% – 3 Year Fixed

4.35% – 5 Year Fixed

3.10% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.50 3 Year Variable

P-.50 5 Year Variable

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Understand Your Credit Score

chris — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:17:51 +0000

If you are applying for a mortgage or any other type of credit, a lender will always want to see your credit score. Having a strong credit score is so important to a mortgage application. When I sit down with clients and it comes to checking credit, there is often a sense of uneasiness because people simply don’t understand what is contained in a credit report. Here is a little breakdown to help you understand what a credit bureau is.

In Canada there are two major credit reporting agencies, Equifax and TransUnion. It is their role to gather a financial history about you that includes information about your credit and bank accounts, public records that reveal bankruptcies or court judgments, and any debt that went to a collection agency.

This information is used to generate a score between 300 and 900 which lenders then use to determine whether or not to extend credit to you. The higher your score the lower your risk.

Its a good idea to check your credit score at least once a year to ensure that your information is correct because mistakes do happen and it can be difficult to have them corrected. You can visit Equifax.ca or TransUnion.ca to learn more. If you are thinking of applying for a mortgage in the next 12 months and you are concerned about your credit score give me a call to discuss and we can look at your credit together to determine how to improve your score.

Monday Mortgage Interest Rate Minute May 10th

chris — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:14:48 +0000

2.65% – 1 Year Fixed

3.85% – 3 Year Fixed

4.35% – 5 Year Fixed

3.25% – Merix 50/50 Mortgage (Fixed/Variable hybrid)

P-.40 3 Year Variable

P-.50 5 Year Variable

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Maximize the Benefits of Your Credit Card

chris — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:15:42 +0000

One of the keys to successfully qualifying for a mortgage or any other type of credit is learning how to use your credit card. Credit cards can be a very useful tool when used properly but unfortunately credit cards don’t come with instructions.

When I work with first time home buyers the most common blunder that I see is someone who got a credit card when they were in University or College went out on a shopping spree then remembered that they didn’t have any income to pay for it all and defaulted on the card. The sins of yesterday always have a way of coming back to haunt you and that little mistake 10 years ago can make it very difficult for you to get financing. Here are some simple tips on how to use your credit card to maximize its benefits:

Limit your number of cards. It’s easier to keep track of expenses, and reduces the chance of a missed payment.

Transfer credit card debt. It’s a good idea to always pay your credit cards in full each month. If you are carrying a balance, a personal line of credit offers a much better interest rate.

Don’t spend what you don’t have. Use the convenience of a credit card only knowing the money is in the bank.

Be diligent with payments. Never pay the minimum only. Your original purchase could end up costing you twice as much.

Avoid missed or late payments. You could incur additional fees and a black mark on your credit rating.