Personal Finance

Securing Your Today and Tomorrow

Alternative vs Prime Lenders

Mortgage Assumption in Divorce

Mortgage Assumption in Divorce: When a marriage ends but the home still makes sense financially and emotionally, the question becomes: how do you keep the house without blowing up the mortgage?

Does the Stress Test Apply to Private Mortgages?

The mortgage stress test, as mandated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), primarily applies to federally regulated financial institutions, such as banks. However, private mortgage lenders, which are not federally regulated, are not...

Home Insurance Essentials

Home insurance is an essential safeguard for homeowners, providing financial protection against unexpected damage or loss due to a variety of risks. This article explores the critical aspects of home insurance, including its necessity for mortgage holders, coverage...

Divorce: Alternative or Private?

Divorce: Alternative or Private mortgages. Divorce can turn even the strongest household balance sheet upside down. One income disappears, support payments appear, debts get divided, and suddenly the mortgage that worked perfectly before no longer fits the lender’s rules.

Sending Money Internationally

Learn about the differences in international payment systems, what is SWIFT, and how to send money internationally to a Canadian account

Canada’s Mortgage Stress Test

The implementation of the mortgage stress test in Canada has been a significant regulatory measure with far-reaching implications for the mortgage industry, housing market, social dynamics, financial stability, and the broader Canadian economy. This article provides...

Insider’s Look into Mortgage Terms

Navigating the world of mortgages can be daunting for both new and seasoned homeowners. A fundamental aspect of any mortgage is the "mortgage term," which dictates several key financial decisions and outcomes over the course of homeownership. My goal in this article...

Who Are Canada’s Mortgage Finance Corporations?

Mortgage Finance Companies (MFCs) in Canada are financial institutions that specialize in providing mortgage lending and related services. MFCs offer an alternative to traditional bank mortgages (prime lenders) and cater to a variety of borrowers, including those who...

Spousal Buyout Mortgage

Spousal Buyout Mortgage: You want to keep the house, the monthly payment is manageable, but the your refinance limit says no…

Mortgage Assumption in Divorce

Jul 29, 2026

Mortgage Assumption in Divorce: When a marriage ends but the home still makes sense financially and emotionally, the question becomes: how do you keep the house without blowing up the mortgage?

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Ontario’s Credit Lock/Freeze Law

Ontario Credit Lock/Freeze Law: Ontario has just added a powerful new consumer-protection tool to your financial toolbox: the ability to lock or freeze your credit file. Think of it like putting a digital deadbolt on your credit report. It will not stop every form of fraud, and it will not replace common sense, strong passwords, or careful monitoring, but it can make it much harder for someone to open new credit in your name.

Understanding Mortgage Loan to Value (LTV) Ratio

As a professional mortgage underwriter in Canada, I often emphasize the importance of the Loan to Value (LTV) ratio in the mortgage qualification process. The LTV ratio is a critical factor in determining the terms of the mortgage for which a borrower qualifies,...

HELOCs and Hidden Land Tax

“Wait… We’re Paying Land Transfer Tax Again?” A lot of homeowners think adding a HELOC is just paperwork. You sign a few documents, the lawyer registers a new charge, and away you go. Easy peasy, right? Well… sometimes. But every now and then, a refinance or HELOC...

Housing as Income Percentage

Financial planners generally advise spending no more than 28% to 30% of your gross monthly income on housing. This guideline is known as the "front-end ratio" and primarily covers housing expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and...

Accessing Your Credit Score

In Canada, understanding and monitoring your credit score is crucial for managing your financial health. This score, a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, impacts various aspects of your financial life, from securing loans to negotiating better terms on...

Mortgages: You Better Shop Around

When shopping for a mortgage it is important to think like a bank. Don’t pay the loyalty penalty, get the advantage of having Allen Ehlert shop the market and get you your best mortgage

Property Tax Calculations

Understanding property taxes and their calculations in Canada is essential for homeowners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals alike. Property taxes are a significant source of revenue for municipalities and directly impact local services and...

Is It a Scam to Pay a Full Year’s Rent in Advance?

Learn what is legal and what is practised when competing for a place to rent.

10 Commandments of Mortgages

Looking to buy your new home is an exciting experience. All the possibilities. You look and you look and you look. You go to open houses, have your realtor take you into house after house, then all of of sudden you walk into one house and bang it hits you, home! You...

Basis Points: Key to Smarter Mortgage Decisions

Learn what basis points are, why they are used and their impact on the mortgage application process.

Canadian Utilities Costs

Explore the cost of utilities in Canada to manage your household expenses better. Gain insights into average rates and cost-saving strategies.

Using a Cash-Back Realtor

In today’s real estate market, many Canadian homebuyers don’t know about the benefits of a cash-back realtor. Imagine getting a part of the agent’s commission for every property deal. This is what cash-back home buying offers, making homes more affordable in Canada.