Category: Mortgage (90 posts)
May 4, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
A friendly guide for Canadian homeowners who are about to renegotiate one of the biggest contracts of their lives.
Introduction - Why Everyone Is Talking About 2025 Renewals
If your mortgage is co...
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April 16, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%.
The major shift in direction of US trade policy a...
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April 5, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
You might be surprised to learn how tariffs-taxes on imported goods-can affect your mortgage or home-buying plans. Tariffs can indirectly influence interest rates, which impacts mortgage payments and ...
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March 21, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
If retirement is approaching, you may be considering whether it's wise to pay off your mortgage early. As with many significant financial decisions, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. However, ...
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March 12, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%.
The Canadian economy entered 2025 in a solid position, with infl...
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March 7, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
If your mortgage renewal date is approaching, it's important to take action. You might notice something that's hard to ignore: interest rates are significantly higher now than five years ago. You're n...
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February 26, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
As a mortgage broker in Canada, I often get questions about how global economic events might affect our financial landscape, particularly when it comes to interest rates and the cost of borrowing. One...
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February 5, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
With interest rates in Canada decreasing, many homeowners are considering whether this may be the ideal time to refinance. Refinancing involves replacing your current mortgage with a new one, idea...
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January 29, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3%, with the Bank Rate at 3.25% and the deposit rate at 2.95%. The Bank is also announcing its plan to complete the no...
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January 21, 2025
by: Robb Flannery
Hello there, and welcome! As a mortgage broker here in Canada, I know that diving into the world of mortgages can feel like stepping into a labyrinth of numbers and jargon. Today, let's have a fri...
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December 16, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Canadians work hard to be able to afford a home. However, the high cost of mortgage payments is a barrier to homeownership, especially for Millennials and Gen Z. To help more Canadians, particularly...
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December 11, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3¼%, with the Bank Rate at 3¾% and the deposit rate at 3¼%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet norma...
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November 4, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Canadian dream of home ownership is evolving. With fluctuating property values and shifting market dynamics, understanding the real estate landscape is more crucial than ever for prospective hom...
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October 23, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3¾%, with the Bank Rate at 4% and the deposit rate at 3¾%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization.
Th...
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October 8, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
A reverse mortgage is a great financial tool for homeowners over 55 who want to stay in their homes while accessing the value they've built up over the years. It provides additional income, eliminates...
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September 6, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
With interest rates dropping, many homeowners ask the same question: Is now the right time to refinance my mortgage?* The simple answer? It could be! But as with most financial decisions, a few factor...
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September 4, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization.
T...
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August 23, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
As a Canadian homeowner, you're probably hearing a lot of buzz about falling interest rates. You might be wondering, "Is this the right time to refinance my mortgage?" The short answer is, it could be...
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August 8, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
In the dynamic world of real estate, securing a mortgage can often be daunting, especially for individuals with unique financial situations. This is where alternative mortgage lenders come into play...
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July 24, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4½%, with the Bank Rate at 4¾% and the deposit rate at 4½%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization.
T...
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July 8, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Purchasing a cottage or vacation home can be an exciting venture, offering a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, it's essential to approach this purchase with careful con...
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June 21, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Hello, and welcome to our blog! If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for ways to make your mortgage more manageable. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, findin...
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June 7, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada recently made headlines by lowering its interest rates for the first time in over two years. This decision has significant implications for Canadians, particularly t...
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June 5, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4¾%, with the Bank Rate at 5% and the deposit rate at 4¾%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization.
...
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May 23, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Navigating the world of Canadian mortgages can be scary, especially when traditional lenders, like banks and credit unions, close their doors. This is where private mortgages come into play. For...
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May 8, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
As a mortgage professional, we often work with clients who are eager to improve their credit scores. A higher credit score not only increases your chances of getting approved for a mortgage bu...
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April 24, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
In 2024, the Canadian government made significant changes to the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), aiming to make homeownership more accessible, particularly for...
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April 10, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Certainly! Paying off your mortgage early is a significant financial decision that many Canadians grapple with. It can be an appealing goal, offering both financial freedom and peace of mind. That sai...
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April 10, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
The Bank e...
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March 27, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Navigating the world of mortgages can sometimes feel like trying to predict the weather in Canada: just when you think you've got it figured out, things change. But unlike the weather, understanding...
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March 20, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Hello, homebuyers and financial enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a topic that's as crucial as it is misunderstood: your credit score. Think of your credit score like a key. The higher it is, the ...
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March 6, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
Global e...
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February 10, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
Hello homeowners. With interest rates higher than they have been in many years, many of you might be anxious about your upcoming mortgage renewal. It's completely understandable, and you're not alon...
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January 24, 2024
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
Global e...
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December 19, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Introduction
In today's economic landscape, we're seeing a trend that can be quite intimidating for anyone looking to step into the world of home ownership – high interest rates. But fear not! This b...
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December 14, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Managing a mortgage is a journey that requires careful navigation. Mortgage brokers understand the challenges and uncertainties homeowners face when it comes to their mortgage payments. Today's e...
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December 6, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
The ...
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December 3, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dinin...
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November 23, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
The Canadian Mortgage Charter spells out the rights consumers have when they are renegotiating mortgages. It calls on financial institutions to provide better relief measures over the next three y...
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November 15, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
If you're on the cusp of getting a mortgage, or if you're considering refinancing, you've likely encountered the terms "fixed rate" and "variable rate" mortgage. These are the two primary pathways i...
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November 2, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
So, you made some cash selling your property or stocks at a higher price than you bought them for? High five! But before you start celebrating, there's this thing called capital gains that might show ...
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October 25, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%...
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October 24, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Hello dear readers,
Let's have a coffee chat, shall we? If we were sitting in a cozy café, sipping on lattes (or your beverage of choice), today's hot topic of conversation would undoubtedly revolv...
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October 6, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Navigating Parental Assistance in Home Purchases
The concept of parents aiding their children in stepping onto the property ladder is not a new one yet it is not ubiquitously adopted. A 2021 ...
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October 1, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
If you've consistently made mortgage payments over the years, you've been accumulating home equity. As this equity grows, homeowners can access it, converting it into cash for various purposes, from h...
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September 17, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Can New Home Buyers in Canada Use a Mortgage Co-Signer?
Struggling to secure a mortgage or need a financial boost? Consider bringing in a co-signer. Dive deeper into this and other home-buying tact...
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September 6, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
Infla...
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August 23, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Refinancing a mortgage means replacing your existing loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. Canadians often consider refinancing for various reasons, such as ...
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August 5, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Introduction
As your trusted mortgage broker, I understand that the current economic backdrop in Canada is presenting challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates on the rise and inflation p...
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July 27, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Introduction
In Canada, your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, especially when it comes to major transactions like securing a mortgage. A credit score is a numerical r...
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July 12, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
Gl...
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June 13, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
A home for most all Canadians is likely the most significant purchase you will make in your lifetime, so it is essential to be well-prepared.
It is crucial to understand how to budget and save for ...
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June 3, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Those of us who desire to own a home often long for the time when our mortgage is paid off. Although the majority of Canadian mortgages are usually amortized over the course of 25 years, there are a...
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April 20, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
As a first-time home buyer, budgeting is an essential part of the home buying process. By carefully planning your finances and considering all of the costs associated with purchasing a home, you can e...
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April 12, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4....
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March 8, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at ...
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March 5, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
Selling your home in the winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With fewer houses on the market and motivated buyers who are eager to mov...
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February 27, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
When something goes wrong with your home and you suffer a loss, you need to be able to rely on your insurance coverage. Knowing which of your insurance policies to turn to isn't always easy. Title ins...
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January 25, 2023
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4½%, with the Bank Rate at 4¾% and the deposit rate at 4½%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
...
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December 28, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not ...
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December 8, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
When it comes to choosing a mortgage, borrowers in Canada have two main options: a fixed rate mortgage or a variable mortgage. But which type is best for you? Here, we'll take a look at the pros and c...
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December 7, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
...
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October 26, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.75%, with the Bank Rate a...
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October 19, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment
Do mortgages seem unaffordable? These tips will help you plan for your down payment so you can start talking to a private lender mortgage broker in no time.
...
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September 16, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power?
Do You Know How Your Mortgage Rate Affects Buying Power?
To maximize your purchasing power, you should understand how interest rates impact your home buying p...
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September 7, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 75 basis points, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.25%, with the Bank Rate...
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August 24, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside? While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so. This article will explore some o...
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July 13, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 100 basis points, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 2.5%, with the Bank Rate...
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June 1, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1½%, with the Bank Rate at ...
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May 26, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
With interest rates rising, it's important to lock in a lower rate as soon as possible. You can do this with the right home mortgage pre-approval. Find out how!
Do you plan on searching for and buy...
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May 4, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Understanding the difference between private mortgages and traditional bank mortgages can help you make the best decision for financing a new home. Each option provides the money to secure real estate...
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April 13, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, begins quantitative tightening
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1%, with the Bank Rate at 1¼% ...
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March 2, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada Increases Policy Interest Rate
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to ½ %, with the Bank Rate at ¾ % and the deposit rate at ½ %. The Bank is continuin...
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January 26, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, removes exceptional forward guidance
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ %, with the Bank Rate at ½...
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January 19, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker
The mortgage world can sometimes be difficult to navigate when buying a home. However, an experienced Mortgage Broker can help walk you through the proces...
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January 5, 2022
by: Robb Flannery
How Much of a Mortgage Can You Afford?
Mortgage Application: How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford?
The mortgage application process involves a buyer's due diligence in calculating how much mortgage...
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December 15, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
What is the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?
Prequalification and Pre-Approval-What is the Difference?
Prequalification is a basic review of the borrower's information to deter...
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December 8, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ percent, with the Bank Rate at ½ percent an...
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November 24, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage
Main reasons Why your mortgage application is Denied and What to do If Mortgage lenders reject Yours
Mortgage lenders often reject loan application requests f...
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November 3, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
How to Know if it's Time to Refinance
According to mortgage advisors, mortgage refinancing is one of the ways to make and save money from your home loan. When done right mortgage refinancing benefits...
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October 27, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance, ends quantitative easing
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ percent, with t...
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October 6, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Home equity is an essential asset for creating wealth and income. Learn how home equity is calculated, why it's important, and five steps you can take to build it.
As you make monthly mortgage paymen...
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September 8, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues forward guidance and current pace of quantitative easing
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower boun...
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August 18, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Purchasing a home is most likely one of the most sizable purchases most of us will ever make, and finally, buying a home is a dream come true for most.
For students, it may seem like this dream is fo...
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August 4, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
A job loss a few days or weeks prior to closing your home purchase can be distressing; especially when you have no alternative source of income. Getting a new job can ease the situation, but it's not ...
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July 21, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
When you make a deal to buy a home, in addition to thinking about how much money to provide, you likewise need to think about any conditions that you want to include. Some common conditions deal with ...
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July 14, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance, adjusts quantitative easing program
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ perc...
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July 7, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Risks of Putting Down a Firm Offer with a Pre-Approval
Today, the real estate market is competitive and homebuyers need all the help they can get to secure their home at the right price. Once you fin...
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June 28, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Home prices may be astronomical in certain parts of the country, but historically low mortgage rates are allowing borrowers to pay off their mortgages faster than ever.
At today's average rates, 61% ...
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June 9, 2021
by: Robb Flannery
Bank of Canada will hold current level of policy rate until inflation objective is sustainably achieved, continues quantitative easing
The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rat...
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