Types Of Mortgages Every Canadian Homebuyer Should Know

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Types of mortgages

There are many mortgage products in the market today, and the options can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when buying your first home, as it may appear that the choices are endless. To assist you in this process, here are a few basic types of mortgages you should know.

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Variable Rate Mortgages

With a variable-rate mortgage, your interest rate can decrease or increase during the term. Most variable-rate mortgages have a five-year term.

When the Bank of Canada raises or lowers their overnight rate, banks will then adjust their prime interest rate, which affects your variable mortgage rate.

Within a variable interest rate, there are two main options, a closed and an open. An open variable rate mortgage is similar to a line of credit.

These types of mortgages are sometimes called a secured line of credit. The loan can be paid off at any time without a penalty, and the minimum payment requirement is interest only. People who need a mortgage for a short period of time or those who may need access to funds in the future can potentially look at an open variable mortgage.

Also, those who would prefer to only pay interest on the mortgage can look to this product. One downside of this loan compared to a closed variable mortgage is that the interest rate is higher. Typically it is priced between prime +0.5% to prime +1%.

In comparison, a closed variable rate mortgage is typically at a discounted rate off prime. Therefore it is prime minus a set number. As prime changes, the discount on prime will remain the same.

The penalty to get out of a closed variable-rate mortgage is typically lower than the penalty to get out of a closed fixed-rate mortgage. With a variable-rate mortgage, the financial requirement is usually three months of interest.

For example: The closed variable rate mortgage penalty on a $300,000 mortgage with a rate of 2.9% would be $2175.

If you feel interest rates are going to stay the same or decrease, you may consider a variable-rate mortgage in order to take advantage of the lower interest rates. A five-year variable rate typically has a lower interest rate than a five-year fixed rate with these types of mortgages.

Learn more: Bank of Canada

Pros 

  • Homebuyers may qualify more readily for this type of mortgage.
  • Some buyers may be better suited to a variable rate mortgage if they plan to sell in a few years or have the opportunity to make lump-sum payments since terms are more flexible.

Cons 

  • Monthly loan payments may fluctuate depending on the type of variable rate mortgage. The prime interest rate could significantly increase during the mortgage term, and if that is the case, it may put stress on your initial financial plan and budget.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage is one of the most popular mortgage options. This mortgage has the same interest rate for a set period of time. Usually, this timeframe ranges from six months up to 10 years. These types of mortgages are perfect for a significant amount of home buyers.

Typically, the longer you lock in an interest rate, the higher the interest rate. The reason for this is that having a rate held for a longer period of time gives you more security. However, it is also riskier for the lender if rates are to increase during that time.

During the term, your payment will stay the same regardless of changes in interest rates. Those who are cash-flow-sensitive may appreciate this factor when deciding what kind of mortgage to apply for.

Learn more: 5 year fixed rate mortgage

There is a penalty associated with paying a lump sum that is more than your allowed pre-payment amount on a fixed-rate mortgage. Unfortunately, cannot be known until the time you want to pay it off. This is due to fixed-rate mortgage penalties being the greater of three months of interest or an interest rate differential.

Learn more: What is an Interest Rate Differential (IRD) and how is it calculated?
Learn more: The most common reasons people break a mortgage

Pros

  • Payments on this type of mortgage remain constant. This can be easier for homebuyers to budget for monthly expenses.
  • Some fixed-rate mortgages allow you to port or move the mortgage to another home should you decide to sell during your term. This can help avoid increased costs.

Cons 

  • It can be difficult for some to qualify for this kind of loan if interest rates are high at the time of application.
  • Monthly payments could be higher than other mortgages depending on the current interest rate environment.

Private Mortgages and Alternative Lending

For those who do not meet traditional lending guidelines or whose needs are a bit more time-sensitive, there are options with private mortgages and alternative lending.

For example, perhaps you are new to self-employed income, have bad credit, or need to obtain financing within a few days. These may be scenarios where you want to look at different options compared to traditional mortgages.

Typically, to acquire a private mortgage or alternative lending mortgage, the down payment needs to be at least 20%. With these types of mortgages, you can potentially obtain a solution that you otherwise would not based on your current financial situation.

However, these options can come with higher interest rates and possible fees. Some alternative lending options can have amortizations of up to 40 years or interest-only payments to help offset the higher interest rates.

These types of mortgages can be looked at as great stepping-stone solutions. They can be ideal  for those who are not quite where they need to be financially to meet traditional bank guidelines but still want to proceed with a mortgage.

A private or alternative mortgage may allow you a little bit of time to get your finances in order, and from there, at renewal, you can look to refinance or with a traditional lender. 

Some of these options also require less documentation. For those who are having trouble obtaining the necessary paperwork, a lender like this may help.

Pros 

  • Potential homebuyers can have an easier time qualifying for this kind of loan since there is no stress test which allows more people the opportunity to get approved. 
  • The approval process is much shorter, which means you can move to purchase a home more quickly than with other mortgage options.

Cons 

  • Interest rates tend to be higher, meaning less of your monthly payment would go towards the principal amount.
  • This type of mortgage may have increased fees associated with the application. Borrowers can be required to pay more upfront in addition to their down payment.

Purchase Plus Improvement Mortgages

With the purchase plus improvements option, a homebuyer can typically work up to $40,000 in renovations into their home loan at the time of purchase, although some lenders may allow up to $100,000.

This can be a great option for those who have found a home they like, but it needs some updating. Instead of putting the renovation costs on credit cards and lines of credit after closing or using up your savings, the renovations can become part of your mortgage with the purchase plus improvements option.

Learn more: Tips for buying a home to renovate.

Pros

  • The cost of the improvements is included in the mortgage, so you don’t need to make additional payments to a credit card or line of credit but rather just pay your regular mortgage payment.
  • Homes that require this type of mortgage might be more affordable than those that require no additional work to update or improve.

Cons 

  • Lenders may offer different time limits on renovations. So, finding a construction company to complete your upgrades on schedule could be difficult.
  • The renovation costs must increase the property value, or else borrowers could find themselves having to pay costs out of their own funds.

Construction Mortgages

A construction mortgage or construction financing is an option for those looking to build a home or to buy a home and do substantial renovations.

If you’re having trouble finding a home that suits your specific needs, building your own home is a potential option. Construction mortgages are typically advanced to you in draws. The draws are done as the construction progresses. A few stages of a construction mortgage are:

Base

The first draw can cover the cost of preparing the base or slab of the home. This includes the foundation of the home as well as levelling the ground and putting in plumbing.

Framing

This draw will help cover the cost of framing the home. The stage can typically take up to a month to complete.

Lock up

The stage takes you to where you can lock up the home. With that, exterior walls, windows and doors have been installed. Also, the house is insulated.

Fixing

This is where they install all the various fittings and fixtures in your home. For example, cabinets, doors, flooring and more. Also, at this stage, the builder finishes the remaining plumbing and electrical systems.

Completion

The completion stage is where the final processes are complete. This can be painting, clean up, fence installation and so on.

At each stage, an inspector will need to go by to assess the progress of the build. Typically during this time, a lender will charge interest only, and once the build is complete, you need to convert the loan to a standard mortgage.

The documentation that is required for a construction mortgage can be more in-depth than the paperwork needed for standard types of mortgages. On top of the typical verifications such as employment and down payment confirmation, a lender will require the builder purchase agreement, plans, permits, and more.

Pros

  • You only need to pay interest on the loan during construction, which will lower your monthly payments until it is complete.
  • Flexible timelines allow you to customize your loan period based on your project, giving you more room to negotiate terms that work for you.

Cons

  • It can be more difficult to qualify for this kind of loan due to the requirements and documents associated with it.
  • Interest rates can be higher than traditional mortgages, meaning that once the initial construction period is over, a good amount of your monthly payment will go to this amount rather than the principal.

Conventional Mortgages

Conventional mortgages are a popular choice among homebuyers, financed through banks, credit unions, or mortgage companies. These mortgages typically require a down payment starting at 5%, depending on the home’s purchase price. While they offer flexibility and competitive terms, conventional mortgages may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it's crucial for prospective homebuyers to carefully assess their financial situation and explore all available mortgage options before making a decision.

Pros

  • Conventional mortgages typically offer more flexibility regarding loan amounts, property types, and borrower qualifications. This flexibility allows borrowers to finance various properties, from single-family homes to condominiums and investment properties.
  • Borrowers with good credit scores and a stable financial history may enjoy lower interest rates and fewer fees compared to government-backed loans. This can result in significant long-term savings over the life of the loan.

Cons

  • Mortgage loan insurance may be required for borrowers who put down less than 20% on home purchases. This insurance adds an extra cost to monthly payments until a certain equity threshold is reached. This additional cost can increase the overall cost of homeownership, particularly for those with smaller down payments.

High-Ratio Mortgages

For many Canadians, purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone that often requires borrowing. Among the various mortgage options, a high-ratio mortgage can be a viable solution for those who lack a large down payment. Here’s what you need to know about high-ratio mortgages and how they might fit your home-buying plans.

What is a High-Ratio Mortgage?

A high-ratio mortgage is defined by its high loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, meaning the borrower has made a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price. Because of the smaller down payment, these mortgages require mortgage default insurance, which protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan.

Mortgage Default Insurance

In Canada, mortgage default insurance is provided by organizations such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Sagen (formerly Genworth Canada), and Canada Guaranty. This insurance enables lenders to offer high-ratio mortgages while mitigating risk.

The cost of mortgage insurance varies, typically between 2.8% to 4% of the mortgage amount, which can be added to your mortgage principal or paid as a lump sum at closing.

Pros

  • One of the main advantages of a high-ratio mortgage is the ability to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 5%.
  • This type of mortgage can make homeownership accessible sooner, especially for first-time buyers who may not have substantial savings.
  • High-ratio mortgages often come with competitive interest rates due to the security provided by mortgage default insurance.

Cons

  • The requirement to purchase mortgage insurance increases the overall cost of borrowing. While it provides lender protection, the premiums can add a significant amount to your mortgage.
  • Since the mortgage amount is larger (due to the smaller down payment and added insurance premium), monthly payments are higher compared to a conventional mortgage.
  • Borrowers must meet stringent criteria set by both the lender and the mortgage insurer, which can include higher credit scores and proof of stable income.

Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages are designed for homeowners aged 55 or older who have significant equity in their homes. Unlike traditional mortgages, where the borrower makes monthly payments to the lender, with a reverse mortgage, the lender makes payments to the borrower through a lump sum, monthly installments, or line of credit. While proof of income and a high credit score aren't required, an appraisal, independent legal advice, and proper documentation are necessary. Existing loans must be paid off with the reverse mortgage proceeds, and property taxes and insurance must be current.

Furthermore, there are eligibility requirements and restrictions on how the funds from a reverse mortgage can be used. Failure to meet these requirements could lead to foreclosure. Borrowers must maintain the property, pay property taxes and insurance, and continue to occupy the home as their primary residence to remain in good standing with the reverse mortgage agreement.

Pros

  • Reverse mortgages provide a source of income for retirees who have substantial home equity but limited cash flow. This additional income can help cover living expenses, healthcare costs, or other financial needs during retirement.
  • Borrowers can continue to live in their homes without making monthly mortgage payments, freeing up cash for other expenses. This can provide peace of mind for retirees who wish to age in place and maintain their independence.

Cons

  • Interest and fees on reverse mortgages can accumulate over time, potentially reducing the equity available to heirs when the home is eventually sold. This means that borrowers may have fewer assets to pass on to their loved ones as part of their estate planning.

Let’s Find the Best Mortgage For You

By knowing the different types of mortgages available, you can make better decisions on finding the one that best fits you. Mortgage brokers in Ottawa can help review your needs and find you the best solution.

An Ottawa mortgage broker not only has access to the best mortgage rates in Ottawa but many different types of mortgages from banks, credit unions, private lenders and more. I’ve worked with many clients over the years with various needs and qualifications regarding their mortgage applications. I can help you better understand your options and ensure you are aware of all the details, terms, and conditions before moving forward with this kind of loan. Contact me for your mortgage needs.

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About Andrew Thake

Andrew Thake is a seasoned mortgage broker with over 15 years of industry experience. He’s assisted more than 2,200 clients in finding their ideal mortgage solutions. Recognized for his excellence, Andrew has received high honours and awards, including the National Rookie of the Year from TD Canada Trust and recognition as a Top 10 Ottawa Mortgage Broker in 2023. He has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame at Dominion Lending Centres and has consistently received their Platinum Award during his tenure as a mortgage broker.

Andrew’s dedication lies in serving his clients and prioritizing their needs with an empathetic approach. Throughout the application process, he provides tailored, informed, and efficient services to ensure the best mortgage solutions for his client’s unique circumstances. The best part of Andrew’s job is when he gets to see the joy on his clients’ faces following their mortgage approval.

Why not make your mortgage experience a comfortable one?

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