Great news, Edmonton remains one of the most affordable cities in Canada, and the median income per economic family is the highest in Canada *per Stats Canada Income Survey in 2020..

To purchase an average-priced single-family home for $425,000 in Edmonton with a minimum 5% down payment ($21,250), with today’s qualifying interest rates, borrowers would require a combined income of approximately $95,000. Additional qualifying criteria apply.

The approximate monthly payment on this mortgage is $2253/month based on a 5-year fixed rate of 4.19% and a 25-year amortization.

If you’re in the early stages of planning to buy either your first home or your next home, having the right people on your side is your first step, and you have come to the right place! Even if you have purchased a home before, the home buying process can be intimidating, and at ETown Mortgage Team, we will guide you, and make the process stress free.

What is your credit like?

Having an established credit history is extremembly important when applying for a mortgage. For your credit to be considered established, you should have a minimum of two trade lines (credit cards, loans, or lines of credit) with a minimum limit of $2500, reporting for at least two years. Too much debt can also impact your credit and limit your borrowing options.

Once you get your mortgage, there are several different ways you can repay your loan. Some of the payment options are more beneficial than others, but whatever suits your situation the best is recommended.

As more and more people start using Cryptocurrency, we are seeing more and more demand from clients who want to use their Crypto towards their down payment for their home purchase.

Low mortgage rates, pent-up demand, and reduced supply during the pandemic have ignited a fire in the Canadian housing market. It is too early to tell if the real-estate market will continue at this record breaking pace in 2022, however being prepared for the home buying process and knowing what to expect will help you stay organized and be in a better position to eventually and successfully buy your home.

Understanding the Difference Between Insurance Offerings

There are many types of insurance related to the purchase of a home - let's explore what they are and how to acquire them...

You’ve worked so hard to save up enough money to put towards buying a home, how do you show the lender you have your down payment ready?

Shopping for your home can be an exciting time. It can also be a bit deflating if you find a property that comes so close, but doesn't quite tick all the boxes. That's where the Purchase Plus Improvement Mortgage comes in. This type of mortgage allows homeowners to renovate a newly-purchased or refinanced home and roll the cost of the improvement into the balance of the mortgage. Borrowers can benefit from (lower) interest rates associated with a mortgage while enjoying the simplicity of one payment and the added benefit of avoiding additional debt (via higher interest rate options). How does it work?…

Last month my blog post was about 5-year fixed-rate mortgages, this month I’d like to explain the features of a 5-year variable or adjustable-rate mortgage.

You’ve found that house and now it's time to decide what mortgage rate fits your budget and your lifestyle so you have two options - a fixed or variable rate mortgage. Today I will break down the most common type of mortgage - a fixed-rate mortgage.

When you are playing a game of golf or chess you are always anticipating and planning your next move, that is what I am here to do for you. I am here to help plan for each move and adjustment you make with your mortgage - let’s make you the winner!

Mortgage brokers have stories to tell, and while we keep your privacy paramount, we do love to talk amongst ourselves about specific mortgage deals we’ve been able to get approved against all obstacles! Mortgages are complicated (despite what some might try to tell you), but as mortgage brokers, we LOVE the challenge of a complicated mortgage application and the thrill we get when we are able to tell our clients that their mortgage is approved, and the thrill of telling our colleagues how smart we are, is almost as good! 

There are hundreds of financial institutions and financial experts who want your business. They all claim to have the best rates and the best service. They all have plans and promotions. They all have angles.

Have you considered PORTING your Mortgage?

PORTING your mortgage and/or PORTING your default insurance premium (CMHC, Genworth or Canada Guaranty) can save you THOUSANDS of $$$.

Now that your financing is all approved and you have met all conditions of your offer to purchase the next step is to meet with your lawyer to complete the transaction. You can expect to see your lawyer approximately two weeks prior to your scheduled possession date. The following are a few of the costs and other things you will need to consider for that meeting. Please keep in mind that these costs are an estimation - your lawyer will have the firm numbers.

Many of us are still struggling with how the Covid 19 Crisis is going to impact our lives. If you are still uncertain about your mortgage and how to plan for the future, please don’t hesitate to contact me so that we can review your options and decide if any of the options below might help to ease your mind and put you in a more comfortable financial...and mental position!

In the spring of 2020, in order to keep you safe, mortgage brokers, lenders, lawyers, appraisers and title companies, realtors and home inspectors have all come together to offer you mortgage solutions that are either contact free or require minimal contact with your safety in mind.

I hope everyone is well and remaining sane during this time of isolation and stress. For those of you who are still working in positions that are essential or where you are at risk, please know that I am so grateful for you and I hope that before anything else you are able to look after your own health and do not feel uncomfortable about doing that.

Homeownership may play a large part in your “Canadian Dream.” The good news is that buying your first home is not as difficult as you may think. Here are three things that will help you get started on your journey to homeownership:

Have a plan and save yourself some money!