The Tribe Blog
Worried About a Low Credit Score?
If your credit has taken a hit due to missed or late payments, high debt levels, etc, there are things you can do to help repair it. The key is to start right away. The longer you leave it in disrepair, the worse your credit situation will become. And, as we know,...
Takeaways from CMHC’s Latest Housing Market Outlook
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) expects home prices to bottom out this year, but they aren’t expected to fall below pre-pandemic levels. That was the takeaway from the agency’s spring Housing Market Outlook, which said weaker growth and higher mortgage...
Takeaways from CMHC’s Latest Housing Market Outlook
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) expects home prices to bottom out this year, but they aren’t expected to fall below pre-pandemic levels. That was the takeaway from the agency’s spring Housing Market Outlook, which said weaker growth and higher mortgage...
New First Home Savings Account Now Available!
First-time homebuyers can now take advantage of an extra downpayment savings tool as of April 3rd, 2023 in the form of the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) courtesy of the federal government. The FHSA combines the benefits of both a registered retirement savings plan...
Foreign Homebuyer Ban Amendments Announced
On March 27th, the federal government announced amendments to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act’s accompanying Regulations to enhance the flexibility of newcomers and businesses looking to add to Canada's housing supply,...
When are Alternative Mortgage Lenders Helpful?
Are you worried about being turned down for a mortgage or not being able to renew with your existing lender? If so, you’re not alone. Mortgage qualification is more difficult right now due to higher interest rates and lower property values. Fortunately, mortgage...
Bank of Canada Publishes First Summary of Deliberations
In its very first summary of deliberations released this month, the Bank of Canada (BoC) pointed to a tight labour market, strong GDP growth and the risk of inflation getting stuck above 2% as the rationale for raising its key rate by a quarter of a percentage point...
Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit Available
The federal government is providing a new tax credit to help make it easier for Canadians to care for adult relatives in their own homes. The multi-generational home renovation tax credit took effect January 1st for expenses related to building a secondary suite for a...
Bank of Canada Publishes First Summary of Deliberations
In its very first summary of deliberations released this month, the Bank of Canada (BoC) pointed to a tight labour market, strong GDP growth and the risk of inflation getting stuck above 2% as the rationale for raising its key rate by a quarter of a percentage point...
Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit Available
The federal government is providing a new tax credit to help make it easier for Canadians to care for adult relatives in their own homes. The multi-generational home renovation tax credit took effect January 1st for expenses related to building a secondary suite for a...
Three New Regulatory Proposals Could Restrict Mortgage Borrowing Power
Canada’s banking regulator – The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) – announced three new regulatory proposals in January that could further limit mortgage lending pending a consultation period. OSFI’s three proposals are focused on debt...
Where’s the Housing Market Headed in 2023?
Most regions of the country (60%) are expected to shift into balanced market territory in 2023 – a trend that’s already starting to materialize as a result of current economic conditions – after a seller’s market dominated for much of the pandemic, says RE/MAX...
It May Be Cheaper to Buy Than Rent Right Now
There are many benefits to homeownership in any market. It’s important not to let the media tarnish your homeownership journey. And with average rent in Canada rising nearly 12% year-over-year in October 2022 to almost $2,000 – according to the National Rent Report –...
Are You a Subconscious Spender?
More than half of Canadians surveyed are concerned about their personal financial situation but they haven’t changed their subconscious spending habits, according to a new report – The Quiet Spend – by FP Canada. Most people are spending money subconsciously by...
What’s a Trigger Rate?
In a rising rate environment like we’re currently experiencing, chances are you’ve heard the word “trigger” a lot lately, especially if you’re in a variable-rate mortgage. A mortgage is made up of two components: 1) Interest; and 2) Principal. Each payment you make...
Does it Make Sense to Pay Property Taxes with Your Mortgage?
While first-time homebuyers are often required by their lender to pay property taxes as part of their mortgage payments, many people continue to pay them like this throughout their time as mortgage holders. Once you’re no longer required to pay taxes with your...
What’s a Rent-to-Own Program?
Rent-to-own programs enable borrowers to build equity in a specific property as tenants with an option to buy the property within an established timeframe – typically between one and five years. As with any program, it’s important to understand how it works before...
More Lender Choices Means Easier Mortgage Approval
Whether you’re in the market for a mortgage on your new home or you’re looking to renew or refinance an existing mortgage, it’s important to work with a mortgage agent who has access to multiple lender types – including, banks, credit unions and monolines, as well as...
Could You Benefit from a Mortgage Refinance? Let’s Check!
The Bank of Canada (BoC) has raised its benchmark interest rate five consecutive times this year – most recently increasing 0.75% on September 7th. And while these increases are coming after years of historically low rates, some borrowers may be feeling the increases...
What’s Happening with Inflation?
Everyone seems to be talking about inflation more than ever these days. And while Inflation in Canada has come down a little recently, it remains far too high. After rising rapidly to reach 8.1% in June, inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) was 7.6%...
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