Category: Mortgage Tips (95 posts)
Can I Get a Mortgage if I Have a Car Loan?
September 19, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Your life has forward momentum. You’ve got a good job and prospects are looking bright. As a result you recently got a car loan and are now looking at the most important purchase decision of y ... [read more]
Safest Place to Buy a Home in Canada to Avoid Climate Change
September 19, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Even the most steadfast critics of the effects of climate change have come around in recent years. The threat is real, and it is impacting households across Canada on an annual basis. Look no furthe ... [read more]
Home Loan Memes to Make You Think (and Laugh) 2023
July 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Earlier in the month we created and published some funny mortgage memes to launch the new year. We've already received some great feedback, which is why we're following up with a few more, with a focu ... [read more]
Short Term Fixed Mortgage in Winnipeg? Why It Might Make Sense
June 22, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
After the Bank of Canada seemingly flip-flopped on their spring season indication that they may hold the prime rate steady through rest of the year by raising it this month, buyers are wondering wha ... [read more]
How to Maximize Home Equity for Renovations in Winnipeg MB
May 9, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
You’ve weighed the advantages of using your home equity and have decided that renovating your home is the way to go. That being said, you want to get as much value as you can, which leaves you ... [read more]
Mortgage for Artists in Canada | What You Need to Know
February 23, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Thanks to the efforts of the Winnipeg Arts Council, patrons, supporters, and professional artists such as yourself, the arts and culture scene is thriving in the greater Winnipeg area. This has allo ... [read more]
Second Mortgage Memes to Make You Think (and Laugh) 2023
January 23, 2023 | Posted by: Ron Chan
February is set to be a dramatic month for mortgage rate news. The Bank of Canada will have made its first prime rate announcement of the new year, and we’ll have the first month of 2023 real es ... [read more]
Mortgage Memes 2023
December 30, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Typically at the onset of the new year, we provide an editorial rundown of why home buyers, investors, and others should connect to a mortgage broker. This time we thought we’d have a little m ... [read more]
Buying a Home During the Holidays (2022 Edition)
November 22, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
November has come to a close, with Black Friday becoming a distant memory. We're now staring down the barrel of the Holiday season. While you're busy enough with gift shopping and party planning, ... [read more]
Black Friday Mortgage Tips for New Buyers 2022
November 21, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Black Friday has become a phenomenon in Canada, as citizens have joined our neighbors to the south in their demand for deals on pretty much anything and everything. Not surprisingly, a number of y ... [read more]
Horror Movie Houses a Mortgage Broker Could Have Helped Protect Buyers Against
October 19, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
While masked villains and evil spirits get the credit for ensuing mayhem in your favorite horror movies, not enough blame is given to the houses themselves. Or more aptly, the sellers, agents, and ... [read more]
How to Buy a Home That Doesn't Turn into a Pumpkin
October 18, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage is Scary, But It Doesn't Need to Be
October 18, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
We're in the thick of the woods of Halloween. Followers of our Winnipeg real estate blog know that we enjoy the season as much as the kids who go trick or treating. We are known to share tips on t ... [read more]
How to do Mortgage Stress Test in 2022-23
October 14, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
You're ready to move forward with buying a Winnipeg area home, but are nervous about Canada's mortgage stress test. In fact, you may not even know exactly what it is, which has you feeling even mo ... [read more]
Mortgages for Influencers
September 19, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
A new profession has arisen with the proliferation of social media and user-generated-content (UGC). That profession has been given the name 'Influencer'. While older generations are quick to dism ... [read more]
Mortgage for Farmers in Winnipeg Manitoba
August 29, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
According to a recent Census of Agriculture there are nearly 15,000 farms in Manitoba, many of them near the Greater Winnipeg area. As such, there are currently hundreds of farmers and agricultura ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate Market Cooling? What it Means for Buyers
August 23, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
After two successive record breaking years of sales, reports indicate that the Winnipeg real estate market is finally cooling down. Sellers understand what this means, but what does the news infer ... [read more]
Switching Mortgage Brokers | 5 Signs It's Time for a Change
July 19, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
There comes a time when people and households consider a change of their doctor, dentist, or other healthcare practitioner. The same goes when it comes to their financial advisor, legal representa ... [read more]
Mortgage for Used Mobile Home in Winnipeg Manitoba
June 27, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
With the prices of Winnipeg area homes on the rise, some buyers are considering an existing mobile/modular home purchase. Although, the motivation for buying one may be the flexibility they offer. ... [read more]
Mortgage for Unfinished House in Winnipeg MB
June 17, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Our Winnipeg mortgage brokerage covers more topics than any other in the province, perhaps even Canada. Today we're going to address one question that comes up from time to time - can you get a mo ... [read more]
Mortgage for Unmarried Couples in Winnipeg
June 10, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Marriage isn't for everyone. In fact, recent data finds that there are nearly 90,000 residents in Manitoba who report that they are living in a common-law relationship. There are countless others ... [read more]
Mortgage You Can Afford in Winnipeg | How to Make it Happen
May 21, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
A mortgage you can afford shouldn't be a mortgage you don't want. Unfortunately that's what happens when you don't appear to have the funds to find the home you truly desire. However, with the rig ... [read more]
Mortgage for Rental Property in Winnipeg Manitoba
May 20, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Despite unrelenting winters, Winnipeg keeps growing at a rapid pace. The job market is solid, the economy is exceedingly sustainable, and real estate is ridiculously affordable no matter what happ ... [read more]
Mortgage for Pilots in Winnipeg Manitoba
May 9, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
There are three internationally recognized flight training centers in Manitoba, including Winnipeg Aviation, Harv's Air Academy, Brandon Flight Academy, F&G Aviation Ltd., Lakeside Flight School ... [read more]
Mortgage Broker for Doctors in Winnipeg Manitoba
May 3, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
We recently covered mortgages for first responders in Manitoba. Today we're going to dig deeper with a look at the medical field, in particular doctors and physicians. You're lifestyle has always be ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage for Airbnb in Winnipeg Manitoba
April 25, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
You've done the research and have decided that it's a good idea to pay down a mortgage by placing a home on Airbnb. You've even done some homework on how to make the future property more marketabl ... [read more]
New Construction Mortgage Winnipeg
February 19, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
With inventory of single detached homes getting lean after a record breaking year for sales, prospective buyers are looking at one key alternative - new construction. While there is a shortage of ex ... [read more]
Mortgage for Uber Drivers | What You Need to Know
January 10, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
On July 7 of 2020, Uber was finally launched in Manitoba. It started off slow, then all of a sudden both demand (passengers) and supply (drivers) revved up. Nowadays you can't drive through Winnip ... [read more]
Mortgage for Truck Drivers | What You Need to Know
January 6, 2022 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Truck drivers are the heart and soul of commerce and consumption across the country. Without their tireless days and nights on the road the supply chain would break. Businesses and households alik ... [read more]
What the Ghosts of Christmas Are Telling You About Getting a Mortgage
December 8, 2021 | Posted by:
Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is a Holiday season classic that is chock full of valuable lessons that we can all apply to the social, familial, and professional relationships we have in thi ... [read more]
Buying a Home During the Holidays (2021 Edition)
November 30, 2021 | Posted by:
We have already covered the general benefits of buying a home during the Holiday season. Banks typically lower borrowing rates to squeeze in some last minute business before their fiscal annum com ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage with Foreign Income
October 12, 2021 | Posted by:
This article is not about foreign investors who are looking to buy a home in Winnipeg. That’s a whole other (and ever-changing) conversation that begins with the Federal Government’s c ... [read more]
Buying a House in Low Inventory | How a Mortgage Broker Can Help
September 15, 2021 | Posted by:
With every Winnipeg real estate news update that we release, there has been one consistent message over the last year. No, we’re not talking about the historically low mortgage rates that buye ... [read more]
What to Use Home Equity for When Manitoba Reopens
July 12, 2021 | Posted by:
Manitoba is in the midst of its reopening. Residents are getting ready to execute on plans that they have had while pondering #lifegoals throughout the varying stages of lockdown. Some are strategic ... [read more]
Mortgage Broker for Self-Build Construction Loans in Winnipeg
June 7, 2021 | Posted by:
You’ve identified your dream lot and want to get a mortgage for a self-build construction project. You’ve also made the wise decision to work with a broker instead of approaching a lende ... [read more]
How a Mortgage Broker Can Help…You Enjoy Your Vacation
May 10, 2021 | Posted by:
By the summer (2021) most of the Canadian population will be vaccinated. When asked about the first thing they’ll do when things are finally back to normal, the answer is almost always - take ... [read more]
Mortgage Broker for Low Income Households
April 19, 2021 | Posted by:
“Low income” is a relative term, especially in Canada where the cost of living varies significantly from city to city and province to province. That said, if you’re searching for i ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage When Working from Home
April 5, 2021 | Posted by:
With workplace practices changing significantly after the events of 2020-21 many people are working from home on a full time basis. Companies have found that with the right technology productivity n ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage on Maternity Leave
March 22, 2021 | Posted by:
Congratulations on your bundle of joy! You’re entering the most exciting (albeit sometimes sleepless) time of your life. But beyond the glow and glee of being a new parent there is most certai ... [read more]
How to Lock in Low Mortgage Rate in Canada
March 4, 2021 | Posted by:
Let’s begin by stating that this summary of how to lock in a low mortgage rate is for those who have already come to terms with their preference for fixed-rates over variable rates. If you&rsq ... [read more]
Tiny Home Mortgage in Winnipeg - What You Need to Know
February 9, 2021 | Posted by:
The HGTV trend has spawned tiny houses throughout Canada. Winnipeg has embraced the concept, with mini-homes popping up in every nook and cranny of our city’s limits. Sustainability and afford ... [read more]
Family Mortgage - What You Need to Know
February 5, 2021 | Posted by:
Most of Canada is celebrating Family Day this coming February 16th (2021). While in Manitoba we instead recognize Louis Riel on the same day, this marks the perfect time to discuss something that ma ... [read more]
How Home Equity Renovations Can Help You Hit Your New Year Goals
January 5, 2021 | Posted by:
Turn your vision into a reality with a home equity loan We’ve already provided reasons why a home equity loan for renovations is a good idea, but did you know that remodeling your home can al ... [read more]
Mortgage Predictions 2021
December 28, 2020 | Posted by:
What can you expect for the calendar year ahead? 2021 is upon us. Coming out of the most challenging year in recent history you have a lot of big plans for the annum ahead. One of them for many Man ... [read more]
Christmas Mortgage - Why It’s Time to Buy!
December 15, 2020 | Posted by:
This could be yours! Well, maybe with a few less lights? It’s the most wonderful time of the year for so many reasons, despite the lump of coal that COVID-19 has tried to stuff into the stock ... [read more]
What's the Best Thing to do with Home Equity…This Year?
September 21, 2020 | Posted by:
Here's a hint. It should lead to this... We’ve discussed home equity quite a lot here on our blog. There’s one article titled When to Use Home Equity to Your Advantage and another about ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate News Updates - Sept 2020
September 4, 2020 | Posted by:
All of a sudden it’s September. Households are preparing for back to school (maybe) and getting ready to enjoy the autumn season. A significant number of you have real estate on the mind howev ... [read more]
Winnipeg Mortgage Rates in a Free Fall - Act Now!
August 27, 2020 | Posted by:
After an odd rise in late March and early April, Winnipeg mortgage rates are dropping - and we mean dropping. Last month we reported on a 5-year fixed mortgage rate being offered at an unprecedented ... [read more]
Mortgage Broker for Rural Property in Winnipeg MB
August 10, 2020 | Posted by:
The desire to escape densely populated parts of Winnipeg has new buyers and investors alike looking to the rural grounds of the city limits. While you may be seeking solace in the simple life the ru ... [read more]
Mortgage Broker for Pensioners
August 4, 2020 | Posted by:
Because life is just getting started… While the word “pensioner” may pigeonhole a group of people in the eyes of some, we prefer to look at it as a title for those who get to enj ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate News Updates - July 2020
July 27, 2020 | Posted by:
We’re thick in the middle of a balmy Winnipeg summer which means that it’s time to kick back in some shade and read the latest news of local real estate and mortgage rates. Sound excitin ... [read more]
Mortgage Broker for Professionals - What You Need to Know
July 20, 2020 | Posted by:
People from all walks of life depend upon a mortgage broker when buying a home, and there’s really no demographic that can benefit from the relationship more than another. That said, the deman ... [read more]
Condo Mortgage Winnipeg - Best Time to Buy in History?
June 23, 2020 | Posted by:
Unless you have a particular 1982 model DeLorean you will not find a better time in recent history to buy a condominium in Winnipeg. Of course, this is happening in the strangest economic time in hi ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate News Updates - June 2020
June 15, 2020 | Posted by:
We’re at the midpoint of June which marks the perfect opportunity for a Winnipeg real estate (and mortgage) news update. The timing could not be better! Why? Mortgage rates have neared ( ... [read more]
Lakefront Mortgage in the Greater Winnipeg Area
June 8, 2020 | Posted by:
It’s World Oceans Day (June 8) and while there isn’t saltwater for over 2000 miles from Manitoba that has done little to keep flocks of beach lovers from moving to Winnipeg. What we don& ... [read more]
Buying a Home in COVID 19 Era
June 4, 2020 | Posted by:
We’re just as tired as most people when it comes to discussing COVID 19. Everyone is eager to get back to their lives, and for the most part we’re headed there, especially in Winnipeg Ma ... [read more]
How to Market Your Vacation Home in Winnipeg After the Lockdown
May 19, 2020 | Posted by:
Despite the economic lockdown of 2020, vacation home mortgages in greater Winnipeg are a very wise investment. It offers a forward thinking income opportunity that addresses the market we can expe ... [read more]
Vacation Rental Home Mortgage - Why it’s a Wise Investment
May 12, 2020 | Posted by:
Investing in a vacation rental in the greater Winnipeg area amidst the craziness of 2020 is quickly becoming a smart idea. Is this contrary to what you were actually thinking in light of the COVID 1 ... [read more]
Mortgage During COVID 19 - Leveraging Home Equity
April 13, 2020 | Posted by:
Many Winnipeg homeowners are looking for a way to gain access to cash during the temporary economic shutdown driven by COVID 19. This is especially true of residents who run their own business and d ... [read more]
Winnipeg Mortgage and Homebuyers Guide (DOWNLOAD)
February 27, 2020 | Posted by:
Hot off the presses! My new guide to help you understand the ins and outs of mortgage financing. In this guide we'll discuss topics such as: Getting Pre-Approved and determining your purchasing ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage When Separated - 5 Helpful Tips
January 8, 2020 | Posted by:
A marriage separation can be a trying time, but when you add another life-changing event such as a mortgage to the mix it becomes a lot more daunting. Should you proceed, wait, or abandon the prospe ... [read more]
Getting Mortgage Before Quitting Job
December 12, 2019 | Posted by:
You’ve heard about people losing their employment soon after getting a mortgage, but who in their right mind would voluntarily walk away from a steady source of income after entering into a bi ... [read more]
How to Surprise Someone With a New Home for the Holidays
November 7, 2019 | Posted by:
The Holiday season is upon us and some of you have a VERY grand gesture in mind for the family. Whether it’s for your household (companion or spouse and kids) or your retired parents, the gift ... [read more]
Advantages of Buying a Home in a Commercial Zone
November 7, 2019 | Posted by:
Traditional commercial areas (Downtown Winnipeg, the Exchange District, etc.) are becoming hot spots for conversions along with new residential and mixed-use construction. The demand is certainly th ... [read more]
Mixed Residential Commercial Property Home Mortgage
November 7, 2019 | Posted by:
There’s nothing new about homes found attached to commercial properties. Residences have been found perched above corner stores, dry cleaners, and other brick & mortar businesses over the ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate News Updates - Autumn 2019
October 29, 2019 | Posted by:
We’re rounding the corner on the fall season. That means it’s time to check in on local real estate news to see what’s in store for prospective buyers in the weeks/months ahead. Is ... [read more]
Investing in Winnipeg Real Estate - When is it a Good Idea?
September 17, 2019 | Posted by:
Whether you are a Manitoba resident, reside in a neighboring province, or have an address outside of the country for that matter, you’re considering taking advantage of the piping hot Winnipeg ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate News Updates - Summer 2019
August 12, 2019 | Posted by:
image: economicdevelopmentwinnipeg.com We spend a lot of time discussing mortgage rate news regarding the greater Winnipeg area, most recently here, but we also like to keep buyers informed about d ... [read more]
Why Buy a Vacation Rental in Winnipeg MB
June 6, 2019 | Posted by:
Homeowners in Manitoba are taking note of the steady economy in the Greater Winnipeg area. Armed with equity in their current property, they are setting sites on the very exciting prospect of buying ... [read more]
How to Increase Vacation Rental Bookings in Winnipeg This Summer
May 6, 2019 | Posted by:
We just released an update regarding the impending new tax rules for Airbnb properties in Winnipeg, and how it may impact hosts who use homestay services to pay down their mortgage. The conclusion o ... [read more]
Airbnb Rules Winnipeg - Will Tax Increase Impact Host Mortgages?
May 6, 2019 | Posted by:
We’ve been pretty vocal about the potential benefits of using Airbnb and VRBO to pay down a current or prospective mortgage. We’ve even provided some important tips to increasing your oc ... [read more]
How to Travel the World with a Mortgage
April 23, 2019 | Posted by:
Winnipeg is home to a large number globetrotters. In fact, many of the city’s residents have become so after discovering Canada’s amazing central metropolis on their own travels. But whi ... [read more]
Why You Should Renovate Your Home (via Equity)
April 1, 2019 | Posted by:
In our recent article about when it’s a good idea to tap into your home equity, we named a home renovation as one of the top reasons. Of course, before you decide to do that, you need to come ... [read more]
Unexpected Benefits of a Mortgage Broker
March 17, 2019 | Posted by:
What we strive to do, for you. By now, you already know the key benefits of using a mortgage broker. They provide access to different lenders and therefore rates, can assist with loan pre-approvals ... [read more]
Winnipeg Mortgage News - Early Spring 2019
March 13, 2019 | Posted by:
The month leading into spring has started off with a bang and on the right foot for buyers and investors of Winnipeg real estate. Today we’re going to review the most recent updates for those ... [read more]
5 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates in Winnipeg to Drop Again?
March 6, 2019 | Posted by:
Rememberback in January when we announced that the 5 year fixed mortgage rate dropped after the bond yield fell (December) and the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady at the onset of the new y ... [read more]
Mortgage for a Single Person - What You Need to Know
February 20, 2019 | Posted by:
We covered a lot of bases when discussing the mortgage possibilities for Winnipeg residents. We’ve provided explicit advice for young couples, new parents, and empty nesters, but what about wh ... [read more]
Mortgage for Young Couples - What You Need to Know
February 8, 2019 | Posted by:
Whether common law or newly wed, young couples all over Winnipeg are pondering the next most important step in their lives together - a mortgage. It’s a big step to take as you seek to leave y ... [read more]
How to Choose a Mortgage Broker in Winnipeg MB
January 29, 2019 | Posted by:
You already know the importance of using a mortgage broker (vs going at it alone) but now that you’ve made the wise choice to work with one, how do you go about appointing a broker to help wit ... [read more]
Winnipeg Real Estate News - Mortgage Rates 2019
January 23, 2019 | Posted by:
Buyers in Winnipeg are doing backflips over the recent news There’s been some big news for prospective buyers of Winnipeg real estate at the onset of 2019. Whether you’re looking for a ... [read more]
Winnipeg Tech Sector - Positive Impact on Mortgage Investment
January 16, 2019 | Posted by:
One walk through Winnipeg’s Exchange District and you’ll note something is buzzing within the windows of the mid-nineteenth century construction. Buttoned down suit-and-tie types ha ... [read more]
Commercial Investment Mortgage - What You Need to Know
January 8, 2019 | Posted by:
Last week we discussed the positive outlook for residential investment mortgages in the greater Winnipeg area. In doing so, we touched on the concept of using a residential investment property to ea ... [read more]
Residential Investment Mortgage - Why It Makes Sense in 2019
December 27, 2018 | Posted by:
For the purposes of this article, the concept of a residential mortgage investment applies to buying a single detached home or condo in Winnipeg, as opposed to getting involved with a mortgage inves ... [read more]
Why Mortgage a Winter Cabin in Winnipeg
November 30, 2018 | Posted by:
Have you always dreamed of owning a quintessential winter cabin? Something in the woods, but not too far removed from civilization that you can’t get wifi while enjoying at latte at a local ca ... [read more]
Why Buy a Home for the Holidays
November 23, 2018 | Posted by:
There are a lot of purchase decisions to make over the holidays. Decorations, gifts, tickets to a wide variety of festivities, and perhaps seasonal travel plans. However, for some of you, buying a h ... [read more]
How to Increase Vacation Rental / Airbnb Bookings During the Holidays in Winnipeg
November 16, 2018 | Posted by:
Are you putting your Winnipeg home on the short term rental (STR) market and Arbnb to pay of your mortgage? It can absolutely be an effective strategy once you factor in the key considerations. In f ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage When Relocating / Moving to a New City
September 25, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Stats Canada’s recent economic indicators prove a Winnipeg population growth that is greater than the country’s average. That means if you are moving/relocating from somewhere in Canada, ... [read more]
Green Home Mortgage Benefits
September 12, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Whether touting greater energy efficiency than traditional builds or outright claiming NetZero status, green homes are the talk of the town in ever major city in Canada, Winnipeg included. Real esta ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage After Retirement
September 5, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
In what seems to be a never-ending “Getting a Mortgage After…” content series that has touched on getting a mortgage after having a baby, after starting a new business, and after ... [read more]
Getting a Mortgage After Having a Baby
August 29, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with a hearty congratulations on your current or future bundle of joy! Now, as all parents know, in addition to all of the awesomeness, havi ... [read more]
When Not to Use Home Equity
July 26, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Last week, we provided some advice to Winnipeg homeowners out there who are thinking about tapping into their home equity to take advantage of opportunities. For many of you, doing so is a wise choi ... [read more]
When to Use Your Home Equity to Your Advantage
July 23, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
One of the reasons people hold off on making a downpayment to buy a home is that they want to have liquid funds to allocate towards some other opportunity or quality of life improvement. However, th ... [read more]
5 Reasons Not to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
July 11, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Last week, I published an important article on the good reasons to pay off your mortgage early. And while absolutely valid, there is certainly a flip side to the story, which is why I’m follow ... [read more]
5 Good Reasons to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
July 3, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
There are some compelling reasons for not paying down a mortgage early, with lucrative alternative investments being the primary one. If the same money you plan on using to pay off the debt on your ... [read more]
Using Airbnb to Pay Mortgage - 5 Things to Consider
June 27, 2018 | Posted by: Ron Chan
Homestay services such as Airbnb (and VRBO, etc.) have become a popular means to not only generate revenue from a home, many people are using them to effectively pay down their mortgages, which can ... [read more]
