The Tribe Blog

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...
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...
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%...
How Can Garden Suites Help with Housing Affordability?
Toronto recently joined the roster of Canadian cities allowing for garden suites – secondary freestanding backyard homes that tie into a main residence’s services and utilities – which has many people wondering how this could help make housing more affordable. Garden...
Tips for Saving as Interest Rates Rise
As inflation soars to a 40-year high, and with interest rates expected to continue rising, many Canadians are feeling financially stretched. For those with a mortgage up for renewal, the prospect of dealing with higher mortgage payments is very real. That said, there...
Rates Expected to Continue Rising
In an effort to stabilize the economy and curtail rising inflation and hot housing markets, the Bank of Canada (BoC) has been steadily increasing interest rates – most recently on July 13th when the overnight rate rose a full percent, which was the fourth consecutive...
Interest-Free Canada Greener Home Loans Now Available to Homeowners
Ottawa has launched the first phase of its Canada Greener Home Loan program, which offers interest-free loans to Canadians planning upgrades that will have a significant impact in reducing their home’s environmental footprint. The program provides interest-free loans...
Single & Buying a Home? Here’s How to Boost Your Mortgage Approval Chances
As the number of Canadians living alone continues to rise and the average size of households shrinks, the idea of the “nuclear family” as the typical Canadian household isn’t as accurate as it has been in past decades. If you’re buying a home on your own and wish to...
Down Payment Options: Get Your Savings Working for You
Over the past few years, house prices have seen staggering growth, rising significantly faster than average incomes and making the dream of homeownership increasingly difficult. Rising interest rates and relentless competition are also contributing to a sizzling...
Looking to Buy a Home? Federal Budget Initiatives May Help
Buying a home can be challenging, especially when you’re saving up for a down payment based on higher property values in a hot market, as well as budgeting for closing costs, furniture, home improvements and so on. Fortunately, there were a number of new and renewed...
How to Hire the Right Property Manager
Rather than going it alone, you may want to consider hiring a property manager whose services can be indispensable. If, for instance, you aren’t inclined to dedicate your coveted free time to emergency requests, weekend repairs or filling vacancies, leave the details...
Check Out These Family-Friendly Earth Day Activities
In recognition of Earth Day on April 22nd, many households plan to get connected with the earth by helping create meaningful change and making the planet a healthier place to live. This is also a great opportunity to show your kids how being a responsible homeowner or...
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