by Karen Wotherspoon | Nov 4, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, 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...
by Karen Wotherspoon | Oct 21, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
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...
by Karen Wotherspoon | Sep 16, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
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...
by Karen Wotherspoon | Aug 19, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership
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...
by Karen Wotherspoon | Jul 15, 2022 | Blog, Economy, Homeownership
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...
by Karen Wotherspoon | Jul 1, 2022 | Blog, Homeownership
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...