If you're a first-time homebuyer in Canada, 2025 is shaping up to be a promising year. Over the last six months, several new and expanded initiatives have been introduced to help Canadians step into homeownership. From tax credits to extended amortization options, here's a roundup of what you need to know. First Home Savings Account (FHSA) Launched in April 2023, the FHSA combines the best features of an RRSP and a TFSA, specifically designed for first-time homebuyers. You can contribute up to $8,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $40,000. Contributions are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for your home purchase are tax-free, making this a powerful savings tool for building your down payment. Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) – Enhanced Limits The HBP now allows you to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP, up from the previous $35,000 limit. Couples can combine their withdrawals for a total of $120,000. This expanded program offers even more flexibility to boost your down payment and make homeownership more accessible. 30-Year Amortization for First-Time Buyers Starting August 1, 2024, first-time buyers purchasing new homes can now opt for a 30-year amortization period instead of the standard 25 years. This change helps lower

What does it mean to subdivide Land in Alberta? Subdivision is the legal process of dividing a single parcel of land into two or more parcels, each of which will be given a separate land title upon completion. Approval of subdivided land parcels must always be received by the local municipality before registration processing at Alberta Land Tiles Office can occur and new land titles issued. Reasons for subdivision of a parcel of land: Increase value/equity in owned land – each additional land title created adds value/equity to the same physical lands as they can be sold separately. The most valuable acre on a land title is the 1st acre. Each additional acre adds value at a diminishing rate closer to the original per acre price of the single intact parcel which typically begins as an unsubdivided 160+/- acre parcel in rural areas. Provide residential building site for family member when there is a desire for a family member to build a residence on rural farm/ranch or recreational land, a subdivision is a method of protecting your original land base from future risks, such as divorce or resale. Settles estates involving farmsteads where beneficiaries receive either the bare land or the created serviced

When house hunting, many buyers overlook new construction homes, assuming their only advantage is that they’ve never been lived in before. While that’s certainly a perk, it’s far from the only benefit. In fact, new construction homes offer a range of features andadvantages that make them a fantastic choice for many buyers in Airdrie, Cochrane, Calgary and the surrounding area. Here are five compelling reasons to consider new construction homes: 1. Strong Resale Value New construction homes are highly desirable due to their modern designs, layouts, and amenities. These homes typically maintain a strong value from the moment you purchase them and often appreciate over time. This makes them a sound investment for anyone looking to secure their financial future. 2. Minimal Maintenance Since everything in a new construction home is brand new, you won’t need to worry about costly repairs or replacements for years. No leaky roofs, outdated plumbing, or surprise fixes—just a home you can enjoy stress-free. 3. Energy Efficiency New construction homes are built to meet today’s energy efficiency standards, often featuring eco-friendly appliances, upgraded insulation, and advanced heating and cooling systems. This not only lowers your utility bills but also helps reduce your environmental

Lately, there’s been a lot of misinformation floating around online, especially on social media, regarding interest rates in Canada. You’ve probably seen posts mentioning that the Bank of Canada rate is 3.00%, which might sound low and encouraging if you’re considering a mortgage or refinancing. But here’s the thing: that’s not the rate that affects your mortgage or line of credit. The rate that truly impacts you is the prime lending rate, which currently sits at 5.20%. So, what’s the difference between these two, and why is it causing so much confusion? Let’s break it down. Bank of Canada Rate (3.00%) – What Is It? The Bank of Canada rate, often called the overnight rate, is the rate at which banks borrow money from each other. It’s a benchmark used by financial institutions, and while it has a big influence on the economy, it’s not the rate you’ll see when applying for loans, credit lines, or mortgages. When the Bank of Canada raises or lowers this rate, banks follow suit by adjusting their own lending rates. But it’s not the rate you, as a consumer, borrow at. It’s more of a behind-the-scenes figure that impacts the overall economy,

As we head into the final quarter of 2024, the Canadian mortgage market continues to evolve amidst rising economic uncertainty and changing interest rate expectations. With the Bank of Canada's (BoC) next rate announcement approaching, homeowners, buyers, and investors are keeping a close eye on potential shifts that could affect mortgage rates. What to Expect from the Bank of Canada’s Upcoming Announcement The Bank of Canada is scheduled to make its next interest rate announcement in late October, and speculation is growing about whether we will see another rate hold or a potential cut. So far in 2024, the BoC has held its key overnight rate at 5.00%, after a series of rate hikes last year aimed at controlling inflation. With inflation starting to cool—though still above the target rate of 2%—the BoC is at a crossroads. Recent economic data, including slowing consumer spending and a softer housing market in some regions, may prompt the Bank to consider a rate cut, but that move is far from certain. Many experts believe the BoC will maintain rates for the time being, given concerns over sticky inflation and global economic uncertainty. How Will This Impact Mortgage Rates? Variable-Rate Mortgages Variable-rate

This week, the mortgage world got hit with some major updates, leaving everyone with a collective, "Whaaaat?!" Don’t worry, I’m here to break it down and simplify the changes, so you can stay ahead of the game without needing a law degree to understand. 1. No More Stress Test for ALL Renewal Mortgages The big news here is the removal of the stress test when renewing your mortgage. That means for transfers or switches on renewal, you’ll qualify at your contract rate—not some higher, imaginary number. It applies to the same loan amount and same amortization, you’re just moving your mortgage to a new lender. However, not all lenders might be on board with this change. For instance, one major bank already doesn’t qualify insured switches at the contract rate, even though this rule was announced in October last year. So, just because the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) says it's good to go, doesn’t mean every lender will jump on board. Keep that in mind! Effective Date: November 21st 2. Insured Mortgage Cap Increased from $1M to $1.5M Ready for this? The cap for insured mortgages is jumping from $1 million to $1.5 million.

When you're applying for a loan, whether it’s for a new car, a home, or to start a business, lenders don’t just look at your credit score and call it a day. They use a comprehensive evaluation method known as the 5 C’s of Credit to determine your risk as a borrower. This method provides a well-rounded picture of your financial health and reliability. By understanding the 5 C’s—Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions—you can better prepare yourself for the loan application process and improve your chances of securing the funds you need. In this blog post, we'll dive into each of these criteria, explaining what they mean, how lenders assess them, and what you can do to make yourself a more attractive candidate for credit. 1. Character Lenders need to get a sense of who they are lending to, so it’s crucial that the application is filled out thoroughly and accurately. By understanding your client’s background, we can build a complete picture of their situation. Some questions to ask your client: What is your marital status (e.g., married, common law, divorced/separated)? Are there support payments involved? Are they working their way out of a difficult financial situation

When it comes to choosing a mortgage, many homebuyers focus solely on the interest rate, often overlooking other crucial factors like pre-payment penalties. This can be a costly mistake. Today, we'll explore the benefits of using a monoline lender—available exclusively through mortgage brokers—versus a traditional bank, particularly in the context of pre-payment penalties. We'll also discuss how taking the lower rate upfront might not always be the best decision in the long run. What Are Pre-Payment Penalties? Pre-payment penalties are fees charged by lenders when you pay off your mortgage early, either through refinancing or by selling your home. These penalties are designed to compensate the lender for the interest they would have earned if the mortgage had remained in place for the full term. Monoline Lenders vs. Banks: A Comparison **Monoline Lenders** - **Specialization**: Monoline lenders specialize exclusively in mortgages, which often allows them to offer more flexible and borrower-friendly terms. - **Pre-Payment Penalties**: Generally, monoline lenders have more lenient pre-payment penalty structures. They often use a three-month interest penalty or an Interest Rate Differential (IRD) calculation that is more transparent and fair to the borrower. - **Customization**: Since monoline lenders are focused on mortgages, they can

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to push aside the less appealing tasks, especially those that remind us of our mortality. However, creating a will is a crucial step in responsible adulting that should not be overlooked. While the thought of planning for our passing is not particularly exciting, the peace of mind that comes with having everything in order is invaluable. Having a will ensures that your assets and belongings are distributed according to your wishes, sparing your family from the potential stress and conflict that can arise when these decisions are left unmade. More importantly, during a time of grief, your loved ones will not be burdened with the added stress of legal complications or financial uncertainties. It’s a final act of care and consideration for the family and friends you leave behind. Understanding that drafting a will can seem daunting, I am excited to share that we are offering a 15% discount on services provided by Willful, an online platform that simplifies the process of creating a legal will. With Willful, you can arrange your affairs without even leaving your home, and their services are designed to be straightforward and affordable.

Purchasing a home in today's market can be daunting for many young individuals due to soaring home prices and the high cost of living. As parents, there are several ways you can assist your children in achieving their dream of owning a home. Here are some practical ways you can support them in their first home purchase: Gift of Funds: Consider gifting your children money towards the down payment or closing costs. This financial boost can make a significant difference in their ability to afford a home. If you don't have cash available for this we can look at an equity take out on your property to access the funds needed. Co-Signing or Guarantor: If your children are struggling to qualify for a mortgage on their own, you can offer to co-sign the loan or act as a guarantor. This can help them secure a mortgage with more favorable terms. (note there maybe future tax implications for this with changes in Revenue Canada reporting). Financial Advice: Share your knowledge and experience in managing finances and investing. Help them create a budget, improve their credit score, and understand the financial implications of homeownership. Homebuying Education: Guide your children through the homebuying process. Offer