In the news

Many news outlets have published stories recently about the vast increase in the amount of private mortgages that Canadian’s are taking out in an effort to complete their real estate transactions or stay in their residences, increasing by 72% between 2019 and 2021. Many factors led to the increase in those taking out private mortgages, the boom in the housing market during the pandemic, the implementation of the stress test causing borrowers to have to qualify at much higher rates and not being able to qualify with traditional lenders due to credit or income.

While this is in the news, people have to realize that private mortgages are NOT long term financial solutions. They are short term bridge loans, meant to take you from point A to point B as quickly as possible. That’s it! If advised property and taken with the correct amount of caution then private mortgages are sometimes an ideal solution to help you get to where you want to go.

I have had clients use private mortgages to help them complete multi unit apartment buildings that were under construction, allow them to purchase a home as their current residence had not closed yet and also because their income did not allow them to qualify for traditional bank financing. They are a financial tool and when used wisely will allow people to reach their objectives. However they are not a one sized fits all solution. They are expensive and you are only paying interest payments on the mortgage. Ask lots of questions and know what you are signing up for, and most importantly plan your exit as to how you will pay off the loan in 12 months time.

It pays to have the right advice so contact me when considering whether taking a private mortgage is the right thing for you to do, and don’t forget to have your exit plan ready too.

Today I am thankful for a cool crisp run this morning to wake me up, another opportunity to sign up and do my annual ride for Cancer and private lenders who are trustworthy and provide a valuable service to my clients.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Bridge Loan

Every once in a while people need a bridge to get them from point A to point B. This can be required for any number of reasons from divorce, less than perfect credit, unable to accurately prove income due to self employment, fix & flip or need to take advantage of an opportunity.

Bridge loans are also described as private or hard money loans. While not inexpensive they do service their purpose in helping those who need it obtain financing when they would otherwise not have it. However take note that these are not long term solutions and should only be used as a bridge to get you from where you are to where you want to go.

In most cases these loans are interest only so you are not paying down any of the principal. So once your credit has improved, you are able to prove income for an A lender and your project is completed then it’s time to exit the bridge loan for a less expensive option.

One of the benefit of this product is that it puts more of its emphasis on the value of the property than on the strength of the borrower. For this reason rates are normally 12% in first position and lender’s fee’s can be as high as 8%. Downpayment or equity in the property must be at least 25% of the value for this to work as well. So while they are a viable solution to many problems they are not for everyone, this is why I always advise my clients in advance the risks and the costs of this option before proceeding.

Today I am thankful for having my daughter home from university last week, getting back on track on a few projects that I had put to the side and helping clients find solutions that worked for them.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

What goes up!

We all know that old expression “What goes up must come down”! In this day and age does this apply to our current variable rate mortgages. Before the Bank of Canada stepped in early last year our prime rate sat at 2.45%, we are currently at 6.7% after having gone up 8 times in the past year.

Inflation is now at the lowest level in a year, coming in at 5.9% vs the high of 8.1% back in June of last year. While still not the 3% target, it is still much better than where we were. In fact the price of gas has come down quite a bit since this time last year. In-fact most things are coming back to earth with the exception for the price of food.

The stubborn continued rise in the price of food I am blaming on the “Greedflation” of our grocery chains who are making record profits on the back of hurting consumers. While I am never against making a profit, they have crossed the line and continue to line their pockets in the process. After watching Clarkson’s farm on Prime recently this may be the ideal time to reach out and start getting subscriptions from our local farms and cut out the greedy grocery chains.

A quick google search will help you find many farmers or farm markets who are much more deserving of profits than any large corporation. I digress as this is still about inflation and many economists are predicting that we should be back at our 3% target by mid next year. So if this is the case then prime rate may start to come back down if the economy slows down too quickly or stalls. If you are still hanging on to your variable rate mortgage, use your best discretion about where you want to go, don’t let someone sell you on a fix rate that would come with a higher penalty to break it if that is not what you want.

Today I am thankful for a snow day to spend with my kids, neighbourhood kids who will shovel my driveway for $2, my dog who alerts us when Amazon arrives.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

January 2023 Inflation report

The inflationary report for January 2023 was released by Statistics Canada yesterday and we appear to be doing better than we expected. The market consensus had predicted that inflation would drop to 6.1% from 6.3% in December 2022. Actually we dropped to 5.9% which was the lowest rate since last February. So while we saw decreases in transportaion & shelter it is actually stubbornly high for food prices which are still accelerating at the fastest pace since 1981, up 10.4%.

Since the weighting of shelter & transportation in relation to food is higher ( based on spending habits from 2002) is why our overall inflationary rate dropped. The market is estimating that the rate will decrease again in February to 5.2%. If this is the case it will turn out to be the lowest rate in a year. Thus proving the the BOC’s actions are causing a reduction to spending and in turn slowing down the economy.

However it won’t be till March 8th when the Bank of Canada meets next until we know whether these new inflationary numbers are enough to cause them to pause on the rate increases. So while we can cut down on travel and other unnecessary expenses it is harder to cut back on the necessities like food. With the our dualolopy of Empire Group ( Sobey’s) and Loblaw’s ( Superstore) making record breaking profits on the backs of consumers there is little to no pressure on them to relent on increasing prices.

Bank of Canada governor even said after these numbers were released that companies must start to bring down these prices or he will be forced to keep raising rates until that happens.

Today I am thankful the rejuvenating power of exercise, kind words from clients and the knowledge that when one door closes another one is sure to open.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Update to Foreign Buyers

Two weeks ago I wrote about the new ban on foreign buyers here in Canada. You can read about it here. As new clarifications are coming out almost daily, here is an update based on what I have learned from my underwriters.

If you do not yet have your permeant residency status then you will need to provide your past 3 years of tax returns in order to get approved or pre approved.

Also we talked last about the area’s ( metropolitan and large centres) that you could not buy if you were brand new to the county. In the census data they are referred to as Census Agglomeration (CA) or Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) area’s. To see if the area that you want to purchase is outside of a CA or a CMA, then just click here and follow the steps.

If the property being purchased falls outside of a CA or CMA, then the new temporary resident guidelines DO NOT apply.  A temporary resident can purchase a property outside of a CA or a CMA without requiring three years employment history and other applicable requirements. 

Please click here to determine whether a property is located within a CA or CMA.  Please follow the guide below to determine whether the property is located outside, or within a CA or CMA.

Step 1: Identify the location of the subject property in the mapping tool. 
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Step 2: Determine whether the searched area falls under a Census Agglomeration (CA) or a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). 

Example 1:

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I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Commercial Mortgage Expert

If you are running a business then there is a good chance that you have an accountant to help you with your financials and your tax filings. You also have a lawyer who created your partnership agreement or created and filed your incorporation documents for you. You may also have someone doing your marketing & social media work.

This is all because that you should focus on what you do best which is running your business. So when it comes time to expand and grow your business and you need to purchase a commercial property to run it then you need to have us help you with your commercial mortgage.

We have years of experience in assisting clients obtain their commercial mortgage. We help you stream line the process so you can continue to focus on what’s important which is running your business. So it doesn’t matter if you are in the initial planning stages or finely ready to commit to you project, please contact us so we can help you make it happen.

Today I am thankful for having the opportunity to watch Wrexham play in the FA Cup yesterday, discovering and reading autobiography’s of people who really made a difference and having my daughter FaceTime me just to talk about music that we love.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Rate Announcement Jan 2023

The Bank of Canada did what many had predicted by increasing the overnight lending rate by .25% or 25 basis points. However it is their language in the press release that is providing some optimism going forward. This is key part “expects to hold the policy rate at its current level while it assesses the impact of the cumulative interest rate increases.” They also said that they expect that CPI inflation will come down to 3% this year and back to 2% in 2024.

While nobody wanted another rate increase, at least it was only 25 basis points and that going forward they expect to hold the rates where they are unless demand on goods and services proves much more bullish than currently projected. If this happens then they are prepared to increase the rates yet again. However knowing that it does take 8-10 months for the effects of the rate increases to work their way through the system, let’s hope that this last one does the trick.

By the way the next meeting for the Bank of Canada is March 8th so mark your calendars.

Today I am thankful that this could be the last of the rate increases, a tune up from my physiotherapist what just what my body needed and my girls looking out for each other away at university.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Presence

Far too often we live our lives thinking of how we could change, undo or glorify events of our past. On the other side of things we also spend way too much time dreaming, planning or dreading what the future may entail. All of this is to the detriment of being present to what is actually happening today.

I write this today being fully aware that the Bank of Canada meets tomorrow. Many economists are predicting at least a .25% rate increase after 7 rate increases in 2022. The point is we don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, next week or next year for that matter. All we can do is to master being present in the current moment and know with certainty that whatever happens you can deal with it.

The distractions of social medial play a big part in this, trying to shock or engage away from what’s really important. The thing is that we can’t change the events of our past and worrying about what may or may not happen in the future really does not help us either. So the only real logical option is to do the best we can at being present to what is happening in our lives right now.

Today I am thankful for discovering a great podcast to listen to while I workout, my dog who gets up with me at 5am and my daughter has found time to read more at university.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Inflation Rate update 01/17/23

The numbers have just been released and our inflationary rate dropped from 6.8% in November to 6.3% in December. This is .1% below expectations. This is just proof that we are headed in the right direction but will it be enough for the Bank of Canada to put a pause on future rate increases. We won’t have the answer on that till next week when the Bank meets on Wednesday January 25 to tell us what they are going to do.

Note of caution that we are still well above the 2% target rate for inflation and also still up from the 5.1% rate that we had in January of 2022. All in all we should be pleased that for the past 6 reporting periods the rate has come down from the high of 8.1% achieved in June of 2022. If we keep this up we may still achieve the soft landing that the BOC has been talking about rather than a hard landing which a recession would bring.

Today I am thankful for the inflation rate coming down from it’s peak last year, starting to notice the results since I have dialled up the intensity in my workouts and a new book with some new perspectives.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Foreign Buyers

A ban on Foreign Buyers commenced on Jan 1st/2023. This prevents non citizens and non residents from purchasing real estate here in Canada for a period of 2 years. This was passed as part of C-19 on June 23 of 2022. The purpose of this was to cool our hot housing market. However I don’t think it was needed as the rise in interest rates have taken care of that.

The law does state that anyone who knowingly assists non Canadian’s in purchasing real estate can be fined up to 10,000 for the offence. While nobody wants to receive such a fine, we are still waiting for the full explanation of the regulation, and I will do my best to explain what has been provided thus far.

There are some exceptions as outlined in this government publication.

  • Properties outside of Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) or Census Agglomeration (CA) To put this in common language, rural properties with populations less than 10,000 are exempt.
  • Recreational Properties like cottages ( outside of CMA or CA)
  • Vacant Land within large urban centre’s that has been zoned residential
  • Indigenous peoples
  • International Students on the path towards permeant residency
  • Those who are on work permits residing in Canada
  • Individuals fleeing international crises
  • Accredited members of foreign missions in Canada

It took a lot of digging to find this information, and if you still have questions it will be best to direct those to your Realtor or your lawyer representing you in your transaction.

Today I am thankful for a quiet stormy day yesterday, a great book to help fill my day and a very playful puppy who kept us busy if we sat down too long.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here