
Frequently Asked Questions
The mortgage calculator does not include all potential costs associated with homeownership. Some expenses not typically considered by the calculator include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, private mortgage insurance (if your down payment is less than 20%), homeowner association fees, and closing costs.
While the calculator’s result provides a reasonable estimate of how much your mortgage payments will be, it does not reflect the final payment amount. The final payment amount can vary due to additional expenses and may be subject to change during the mortgage process.
You can absolutely use the calculator to compare different scenarios. These tools allow you to input various parameters, such as different interest rates and amortization periods, and instantly see how each scenario affects your monthly mortgage payments.
This mortgage calculator excludes property taxes and insurance. As mentioned, the mortgage calculator is an estimate based on set inputs. Therefore, it’s essential to factor in other variables, like property taxes and insurance, to get a more accurate picture.
It’s essential to keep in mind that mortgage calculators provide estimates. Therefore, the calculated result for your monthly payment may not be 100% accurate due to other factors and costs, like property taxes or homeowner’s insurance. For precise financial planning, it’s important you consult with a mortgage broker like me to ensure all angles are considered.
Ottawa mortgage brokers are there to assist you with home financing. A mortgage broker can assist with purchases, renewals and refinances for example. As a mortgage broker typically works for you for free. This is similar to a realtor who is helping you buy a home as the seller pays them. This is a great way to have an expert by your side at all times at no cost to you.
Learn more: Purchase mortgage
Learn more: Mortgage refinance
The amortization period is the total length of time, usually measured in years, to repay your mortgage in full. During this period, you make regular monthly payments that cover the loan’s principal and interest. The amortization period can impact your monthly payment amount and the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
The interest rate is the percentage a lender charges for borrowing money to purchase a home. It represents the cost of the loan and has a significant impact on your monthly mortgage payments.
In the context of a mortgage, the purchase price is the total cost of the property you intend to buy or the total amount you paid for a house you already bought.
To use the mortgage calculator, all you need to do is input your purchase price, down payment, loan interest rate, and amortization period.
A mortgage calculator takes key inputs, like your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term, and then applies a formula to calculate the monthly mortgage payment. It factors in the principal amount and estimates how much you can expect to pay each month. This is an excellent tool to help with financial planning.
A mortgage calculator is a valuable online tool that helps prospective homebuyers, or current homeowners estimate their monthly mortgage payments. You can get a rough idea of how much you’ll owe each month by inputting essential information, like your purchase price, down payment, interest rate, and amortization period.
Recently Landed Immigrants
If you’ve been in Canada for less than three years, are employed with a full-time job, there may be options for you via the New to Canada mortgage program even without established credit. Explore the eligibility criteria and find more information about it in my blog on the subject.
Otherwise, those who do not fall under the New to Canada program’s guidelines may have a harder time securing approval for a mortgage, which is then when private mortgage lenders may come in handy. That said, some private mortgage lenders are sympathetic to these circumstances and may make exceptions. There could potentially be downsides, for instance, such as a higher required down-payment amount, so be sure to work with a mortgage broker who can walk you through all the terms and conditions and find an ideal private lending option.
Self-Employed Individuals or Those with Changing Incomes
Most financial institutions require two years of proven, relatively consistent income, but if you don’t hit the mark in terms of regular earnings, a private lender may be a better option. For example, if you’ve been self-employed for two years but don’t have a regularly strong income, then I’d recommend looking into private mortgage lender options. This may the case if you run your own business, freelance and work on a contractual basis, or otherwise. If your income changes regularly, or should you be your own boss, private lenders can sometimes effectively come to the rescue, whereas bigger banks otherwise must adhere to their requirements.
Individuals Earning Income in Another Country
Should you have a source of a foreign income, again, you aren’t earning within Canada. Some lenders may have solutions available to you, but there could be conditions including potentially higher down-payments (upwards of 35 percent in some cases). If you don’t meet the criteria with a traditional lender, then a private one may be able to accommodate for foreign income or allow for a smaller down-payment, helping to ensure you don’t miss out on your dreams of homeownership.
Although there are some possible benefits to private mortgages, there are also potential risks with these mortgages. Some rest can be: Higher interest rate. Typically private mortgages come with higher interest rates as well as the lender fees. Shorter terms: As these mortgages are sometimes with one year terms, you may need to re-qualify at the end of the year or pay another lender fee. Less ability to pay the mortgage off faster: If you are borrowing the money for a one year term, for example, if you have the ability to pay it off sooner some lenders do not have the option. Or, they would charge a penalty to do so.
A private lender mortgage is it worth reviewing if you are flipping a house and only need money for the short term. Also, if you have bad credit and feel some additional funds will help you get on the right track. For example, improving your credit score and paying off higher interest rate debts first.
Some other benefits include:
- Faster turnaround time: Second mortgages typically can be advanced in as little as 48 hours. When you cannot wait for a traditional lender review and approval, a private mortgage may be the way to go.
- Bad credit assistance: If your credit score is below traditional lending guidelines however you are still in need of money. A private mortgage may help you get through these times.
- A unique loan: Your reason for your financing may be quite specialized. With that, it may not be within a lender’s guidelines. Private mortgages can to help with the outside of the box lending. For example, it may be hard to secure a loan against an expensive personal item however you could get a private mortgage to finance the item.
A private mortgage is the mortgage that is not lent by a bank or traditional lender. The mortgage usually comes from a business or an individual. If from a business, typically the business has a collection of funds that is lent for private mortgages. Private lenders typically focus on providing financing for the short term. There are three main types of private mortgages that private lenders offer.
They are: Bridge loan A bridge loan is a short term loan that is typically needed when you have bought a new home before selling your existing home. Traditional bridge loan needs to have a firm sale and purchase agreement on the purchase and the sale. Without that traditional bridge loan is not possible. You can however explore a private mortgage for a bridge loan.
These mortgages are typically interest only and you can pay them back once your existing property sells. These loans come at a higher interest rate however even with a traditional bank, the interest rate on a bridge loan is higher than the interest rate on a regular mortgage. This may not be as much of a concern however as you are borrowing the funds for a small amount of time. Sometimes even for just a few days. When deciding if you should go this route, you can weigh the pros and cons of having the bridge loan versus getting the closing dates to align if possible. Bad credit mortgage If you have bad credit from having debts in collections, failing to pay your financial obligations on time and so on, a bad credit mortgage may be the option for you. These type of mortgages can be used for the consolidation. Also, just to help provide some financial breathing room.
Traditional lenders and banks have minimum credit score requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, then if still wanting financing, bad credit lender can assist. These loans come with higher interest rates due to the increased risk to the lender. Second mortgage A second mortgage is a mortgage that goes into second position behind a current mortgage you have. Second mortgages are sought for a variety of reasons such as financing a vehicle or your kids tuition. Also, borrowing equity to invest or buying a rental property and so on.
When the banks aren’t your best friends, it can feel as if you’re facing an uphill battle. But the battle isn’t lost – private mortgages are excellent alternatives for folks from all walks of life. It can be difficult to meet every specific requirement of a mainstream lender, so don’t feel bad if you can’t secure a preapproval from one. A private mortgage is exactly what it sounds like – the procurement of repayable funds from a smaller, private lender that has fewer clients. They can be useful when refinancing or renewing at the most competitive rate possible, typically consisting of shorter-term loans.
Instead, private lenders tend to focus more on what you’re buying rather than merely what your credit score is, so an instant no is less likely. You won’t see any 20-year amortization periods here, but you also won’t endure any headaches – I’ll be there to help you make sense of everything, from meeting private lender preapproval requirements to ensuring terms and conditions are borrower-friendly.
Enlisting the help of professionals can make the home-buying process smoother. A real estate agent can help you search for suitable properties, negotiate offers, and guide you through the intricacies of the local market. A mortgage broker can assist in securing suitable financing options, considering your unique circumstances. A qualified home inspector is also essential to assess the property’s condition. You can also consider hiring legal experts to assist in transactions.
When choosing the right neighbourhood for your first home, it’s crucial to consider different factors, all contingent on your preferences and priorities:
- Begin by listing your must-haves and deal-breakers. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, public transportation, shopping, healthcare, parks, and safety.
- Determine your budget and explore neighbourhoods that align with it. Keep in mind that home prices can vary significantly across Ottawa, so it’s essential to understand your financial limits.
- Research different neighbourhoods online, read reviews, and seek recommendations from friends, family, or local real estate professionals
- If you have children or plan to in the future, research the quality of local schools and their proximity to your chosen neighbourhood.
As a first-time homebuyer, getting pre-approved for a mortgage clarifies how much you can afford to spend on a home. It helps you set a realistic budget and prevents you from wasting time looking at properties beyond your reach. Additionally, sellers and real estate agents often view pre-approved buyers as more serious and reliable, which may give you an edge over other buyers in the competitive market.
First-time homebuyers have various mortgage options to choose from, catering to different financial preferences and risk tolerances. For example, a fixed-rate mortgage offers a stable interest rate throughout the term, providing predictability in monthly payments. It’s ideal if you prefer budget certainty. With a variable-rate mortgage, your interest rate fluctuates with the market—which means it can rise and fall over your term.
To explore your mortgage options as a first-time homebuyer, I can shop around on your behalf to find a fit that works best for your needs.
The amount you need for a down payment when buying a home in Ottawa can vary, but the standard minimum requirement throughout the country is:
- 5% of the purchase price for homes up to $500,000.
- For properties over $500,000, your minimum downpayment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the amount above $500,000 to $999,999.
- For homes over $1 million, the minimum down payment is 20% of the purchase price.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that a larger down payment can offer advantages, such as lower mortgage insurance premiums. A 20% down payment is often considered ideal because it allows you to avoid mortgage default insurance.
Your specific down payment will depend on your financial situation, the home’s purchase price, and your mortgage lender’s requirements.
In Canada, there are different incentives in programs to assist you in buying your first home:
- The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive offers 5% to 10% of your home’s purchase price for a down payment. This helps increase your down payment—which can lower your mortgage. The incentive must be paid back in full after 25 years or when you sell your home.
- The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered account that allows you to save tax-free for your first home purchase. The annual limit is $8,000.
- The Home Buyers’ Plan allows you to withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP to buy or build a home.
Keep in mind that conditions may apply.
Refinancing involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new one, often with different terms or lenders. This can be a wise choice if you need to access home equity. Renewing, on the other hand, is an update to your contract, potentially with the same lender. However, you can also transfer your agreement to a new lender with better terms. This option is beneficial if you want to maintain the existing loan structure and don’t want to borrow more money.
Yes. In fact, mortgage renewal is an excellent opportunity to reevaluate your mortgage terms with your new financial situation in mind. If your income has decreased, for example, you can discuss different options with your current lender. Keep in mind that if you want to switch lenders, you’ll have to re-qualify. So, a negative change in your financial situation may make re-qualification more complicated than a positive change.
Mortgage insurance is typically not required during renewal if you’ve already gone through the initial approval process and obtained the necessary insurance. Mortgage insurance is generally mandatory for high-ratio mortgages where the down payment is less than 20% of the property’s value. Renewal involves renegotiating the terms of your existing mortgage, so if you’ve already met the insurance requirements, it doesn’t need to be reevaluated.
Negotiating better terms involves a few steps. Start by researching current interest rates and mortgage offers from various lenders. You can take this information to your current lender and express your intention to explore other options. This can often lead to a more competitive offer. Additionally, having strong credit and financial stability can improve your bargaining position. Keep in mind that when you work with me as your mortgage broker, I can negotiate these better terms on your behalf.
If you miss the renewal deadline, many lenders will renew it to a six-month mortgage at a higher interest rate. If you switch lenders during those six months, there would be a penalty. But if you change mortgage products with that same lender during those six months, there typically wouldn’t be a penalty. If you want to switch lenders, you’ll have to wait for the six months to lapse to avoid a fee.
When you’re mortgage is in a fixed contract, you can typically pay off an extra 15 to 20% per year without a penalty. If you switch lenders, the same is true. If you renew into an open mortgage, you can pay your entire mortgage off without a penalty.
There are typically no costs associated with mortgage renewal as long as the changes are made at your renewal date. If you decide to switch lenders, however, there may be a fee to discharge the mortgage from your existing lender.
Several factors determine the interest rate during mortgage renewal. The most significant influence is the current economic conditions, including the market interest rates set by the Bank of Canada. Your lender may also consider your credit score, financial stability, and the terms of your existing mortgage.
Yes, it’s possible to make changes to your mortgage during renewal. These changes can include adjusting the interest rate, term length or even switching from a fixed-rate to a variable-rate mortgage, and vice versa. You can also consider making additional payments and altering the amortization period.
The documents required for the mortgage renewal process may vary by lender and your individual circumstances. Typically, you’ll need to provide proof of income, a statement of your existing mortgage, and information about any outstanding debts or assets. Lenders may also request credit reports.
Mortgage renewals offer several benefits:
- If rates are lower at renewal, you can secure a new interest rate, potentially saving money on your mortgage payments. Keep in mind that the opposite is true if you renew in a higher-rate environment.
- You can adjust the term length or amortization period to better align with your financial goals.
- You can switch lenders to access better terms or new features.
- You can reevaluate your mortgage in light of changing financial circumstances.
Yes, it’s possible to move your mortgage to another lender at renewal. However, it’s not guaranteed they’ll have better terms and conditions. When your current term ends, you can shop around and explore your options. While there are typically no costs associated with switching lenders at renewal, keep in mind that there may be penalties for breaking the mortgage before the renewal date.
At the end of your current mortgage term, several options become available. You can choose to renew your mortgage with your existing lender or explore refinancing opportunities with different ones—a mortgage broker can help you decide. This is a critical time to reassess your financial goals, evaluate your current interest rate, and potentially negotiate better terms.
You should consider renewing your mortgage when your current term is nearing its expiration date, typically within the last 120 days of your term. This allows you to explore new interest rates from various lenders. It’s a crucial time to review your financial goals, assess your current contract, and consult with me to determine the best option for your situation.
Ottawa mortgage brokers are there to assist you with home financing. A mortgage broker can assist with purchases, renewals and refinances for example. As a mortgage broker typically works for you for free. This is similar to a realtor who is helping you buy a home as the seller pays them. This is a great way to have an expert by your side at all times at no cost to you.
Learn more: Purchase mortgage
Learn more: Mortgage refinance
An Ottawa mortgage broker has access to a variety of different types of lenders. For example, banks and credit unions and monoline lenders. Ottawa mortgage brokers also have access to options to a bank may not be able to assist you with such as private lenders.
Learn more: Monoline lenders
Learn more: Private Lender Mortgage – What you need to know
Ottawa mortgage brokers are paid a commission from the lender who’s mortgage you proceed with. The commission can vary slightly from lender to lender. It is typically a percentage of the loan amount. It is important to note that most lenders pay approximately the same amount of commission. This removes the incentive for brokers to send a majority of their mortgages to one lender over another.
There are two main ways that a mortgage broker will receive commission:
Trailer commission:
This is a commission that is paid to the broker on an ongoing basis. The mortgage broker may receive commission monthly, annually or with each renewal. Typically with a trailer commission there is also a lump sum that is paid on the advance of the initial loan.
Upfront commission:
This is a one time commission that a broker receives on the closing of the mortgage. This amount is usually a percentage of the loan itself.
There may be times where mortgage brokers charge a fee for their service. Typically with traditional lending there is no fee for a broker’s services. However, with alternative or private lenders the lender and/or mortgage broker may charge a fee. This fee can vary depending on the type of mortgage. A broker should always inform you of any possible fees upfront. Also, you will have to sign and agree to the fee prior to closing. This assures that no hidden fees can be added during the process.
Learn more: Private Mortgage Ottawa
Learn more: How does a mortgage broker get paid?
Let’s put your mortgage on my mind instead of yours.
Let’s put your mortgage on my mind instead of yours.
