Real Estate Articles
Your Home, Your Life!
What is Your Principal Residence
Everybody needs a place to live, a place to call home. Legally, a principal residence is defined as a property that you, your spouse or common-law partner, or your child ordinarily inhabit at some point during the year. The property can be a house, cottage,...
FNF & FCT: Lender’s Title Insurance
In the intricate world of mortgage financing, ensuring the security and legitimacy of property transactions is paramount. Fidelity National Financial (FNF) and First Canadian Title (FCT) play critical roles in protecting lenders, homebuyers, and financial institutions...
How to Lock in a Good Rate
Locking in a good mortgage rate is a key step in the home-buying process, especially in a fluctuating interest rate environment. Here are steps and strategies to help you secure a favourable rate: Understand Rate Locks Monitor Interest Rates Improve Your Credit Score...
What is a Trigger Point
The "trigger rate" in the context of a mortgage, particularly a variable rate mortgage with fixed payments, is a specific interest rate at which the fixed monthly payments are no longer sufficient to cover both the interest and principal repayment. When the interest...
Ontario’s Top Lifestyle Cities
Desirability and lifestyle play pivotal roles in determining real estate prices, as they directly influence a buyer's perception of value. In real estate, desirability often stems from a combination of location, community amenities, and the intrinsic charm of the...
The Most Wanted Community Amenities
In the realm of real estate, the value of a property is significantly influenced by its proximity to key amenities and services. Buyers prioritize certain features based on lifestyle needs, family dynamics, and personal preferences, making the surrounding facilities...
Non-Conforming Apartment Income
As a mortgage agent who underwrites mortgages, I’ve come across countless applications where homeowners and investors alike want to leverage rental income from basement suites or converted spaces to boost their borrowing power. It's a smart move in theory, but the...
Ontario’s 10 Most Affordable Cities
Affordability remains a cornerstone of housing decisions, often outweighing even employment factors when individuals and families consider relocating. In Ontario, a diverse province with a wide range of urban and rural settings, certain cities stand out for their...
10 Shortest Ontario Commute Cities
A short commute to work really improves the quality of your life. Workers don't push for remote work if they can live in a community where the commute is short and pleasant. However, if your employer is in a major city, or worse yet, Toronto, and the demand is for you...
Ontario’s Worst Crime Cities
Economic conditions, law enforcement practices, and community involvement are just a few of the variables that can affect and fluctuate crime rates. It's also important to consider the type of crime (violent, property, etc.) when evaluating these statistics. However,...
Bank of Canada’s March 2025 Rate Decision
In its latest announcement, the Bank of Canada has reduced its target overnight interest rate to 2.75%, with the corresponding Bank Rate now at 3.00% and the deposit rate set at 2.70%. This strategic decision reflects the bank's proactive approach to managing an...
10 Factors Impacting Housing Supply
A complex interplay of various factors affects the supply of housing in Ontario. These factors can affect the availability, type, and affordability of housing in the province. Here are ten key factors impacting the supply of housing in Ontario: 1. Land Availability...
Ontario’s Top Historical Cities
Ontario is rich in history and several communities are renowned for their historical value and prestige. These areas are often sought after for their unique character, architectural heritage, and cultural significance. Here are 10 Ontario communities notable for their...
10 Fastest Growing Ontario Cities
Due to factors like economic growth, population growth, and infrastructure expansion, several cities in Ontario are expanding quickly. The fastest-growing cities often attract new residents due to job opportunities, quality of life, and relatively affordable housing...
10 Ontario Cities with Strong Property Value Appreciation
Several communities in Ontario have experienced strong property value appreciation over the years, and they are expected to continue this trajectory. Keep in mind that the future performance of real estate markets can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as...
Is Ontario’s 407ETR the World’s Most Expensive Highway?
Real Estate > Personal Finance > Mortgage The 407 ETR (Express Toll Route) in Ontario, Canada, is renowned for its cost, often considered one of, if not the most expensive toll roads in the world. If you ask a person in Ontario, they will tell you they think the...
Featured Publications
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Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) - Minimum Qualifying Rate for Uninsured Mortgages
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) - Residential Mortgage Underwriting Practices and Procedures
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) - Guideline on Existing Consumer Mortgage Loans in Exceptional Circumstances Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
Book: “The Program”
- Part 1 – Building Your Down Payment
- Part 2 – Mortgage Payoff Strategies
- Part 3 – Building Wealth Through Real Estate