Expert advice, market reports, and tips from the Niagara Region real estate professionals.

The fall is the perfect time for a credit clean-up so that you are ready for the holiday spending season – and anything else the year can throw at you!

Canada has seen a surge of international migration over the last few years. With all these new faces in town wanting to plant roots in this great country, it’s a good time to review some of the details surrounding mortgages and how individuals new to Canada can qualify to be homeowners.

If you are dreaming of your very own vacation home, there are ways to make it happen! Let me walk you through your options. When it comes to taking on a vacation property, you will need to have a minimum down payment of 5% of the purchase price. If you are purchasing a non-winterized vacation home, or will not have year-round access, then you will be required to put down 10%.

When it comes to shopping for your perfect home, it can be hard to find the exact one ready to go! In fact, most homes come with flaws of a sort whether it is old paint or flooring, outdated fixtures or perhaps more extensive repairs are needed. While some buyers have no issues dealing with these deficiencies in a home or perhaps do not consider them dealbreakers, other house hunters might.


Mortgage News - Understanding Insurance

Make 2022 the year of finance by improving your financial direction from the start! Even if you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, a few changes to the way you spend and look at money can make all the difference. It’s never too late to start again and reverse course! Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

April 2022 - Market Watch - MORTGAGES FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED

MORTGAGE NEWS - LOW CREDIT IS SPOOKY - GET BETTER CREDIT WITH THE 5 C’S

Whether you qualify for a mortgage through a bank, credit union or other financial institution, you should be aiming for a credit score of 680 for at least one borrower (or guarantor), especially if you are putting under 20% down. If you are able to make a larger down payment of 20% or more, then a score of 680 is not required.

A vast majority of parents are currently supporting their children (ages 18-35 years) financially, spending an average of $5,623 per year! This is an extensive additional cost that most parents cannot afford. In fact, over 30% of parents are seeing delayed retirement in order to help kids with post-secondary costs and are facing an inability or delayed timeframe in paying off their own debts.

