by Allen Ehlert | August 5, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
A non-recourse loan is a type of loan where the lender’s recovery options are limited to the collateral securing the loan. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can only seize and sell the collateral (such as a home or property) to...
by Allen Ehlert | August 4, 2026 | Mortgages
When it comes to mortgages in Canada, there are three main categories: insured, insurable, and uninsurable. The type of mortgage you choose can have a significant impact on your home purchase and financial future. It’s essential to understand the differences...
by Allen Ehlert | August 3, 2026 | Mortgage Terms
A zero-percent loan is a type of loan where the borrower is not charged any interest over the life of the loan. Essentially, the borrower repays only the principal amount borrowed, with no additional cost for interest. Zero per cent loans are often used as promotional...
by Allen Ehlert | August 2, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
An emergency fund is an essential financial safety net designed to cover unexpected expenses or financial disruptions without the need to incur debt. It acts as a buffer that can help you maintain your financial stability during unforeseen circumstances such as job...
by Allen Ehlert | August 1, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Personal Finance
An open-end lease is a type of vehicle lease agreement where the lessee (the person leasing the vehicle) is responsible for the difference between the residual value of the vehicle (the estimated value of the vehicle at the end of the lease term) and the actual market...
by Allen Ehlert | July 31, 2026 | Mortgage Terms
A term loan is a type of loan where the borrower receives a lump sum of money upfront and agrees to repay it over a specified period, or “term,” with fixed or variable interest payments. The term can range from a few months to several years, depending on...
by Allen Ehlert | July 30, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
In Canada’s diverse mortgage landscape, borrowers have a plethora of options ranging from traditional prime lenders to innovative alternative lending solutions. The rise of alternative lenders has been particularly notable, offering unique advantages that cater...
by Allen Ehlert | July 29, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
… Keep the Rate, and the House 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? One of the most elegant solutions is something called a mortgage...
by Allen Ehlert | July 28, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
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...
by Allen Ehlert | July 27, 2026 | Mortgages
Imagine that you have finally moved into your ideal home and are enjoying the security and comfort it provides. Before you know it, however, it will be time to renew your mortgage. Suddenly, the anticipation transforms into anxiety as the prospect of a payment shock...
by Allen Ehlert | July 26, 2026 | Real Estate
Rent prices continue to surge across the country begging the question, “what effect and how much are temporary rentals like AirBnB driving up the cost of rent, and even driving up the cost of housing? Conference Board of Canada’s Findings The Conference Board of...
by Allen Ehlert | July 25, 2026 | Mortgages, Real Estate
Finding a realtor is not just about hiring a professional to help you buy a home; it’s about choosing a partner for one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. I used to be a realtor with Royal LePage, then later Sutton Group. I was a...
by Allen Ehlert | July 23, 2026 | Insurance, Mortgages, Personal Finance
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...
by Allen Ehlert | July 22, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
… When It Makes Sense to Consider an Alternative or Private Lender 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...
by Allen Ehlert | July 21, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
In an increasingly globalized world, transferring funds across borders has become a routine task for many. Whether for personal reasons, business transactions, or supporting loved ones abroad, international money transfers are more accessible than ever. However, each...
by Allen Ehlert | July 20, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
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...
by Allen Ehlert | July 19, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
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...
by Allen Ehlert | July 18, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
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...
by Allen Ehlert | July 17, 2026 | Mortgage Terms
In the context of finance, alpha is a technical indicator used to measure the performance of an investment relative to a benchmark index, such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index in Canada. Alpha represents the excess return of an investment compared to the return...
by Allen Ehlert | July 16, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
… When You Can’t Simply Refinance Sometimes divorce math simply doesn’t cooperate. You want to keep the house, the monthly payment is manageable, but the refinance limit of 80% stops the deal from working. That’s where the spousal buyout purchase structure...
by Allen Ehlert | July 15, 2026 | Commercial, Investing, Real Estate
… The Quiet Costs That Can Make or Break a Deal When you are buying real estate in Canada, the purchase price gets all the attention. It is the big shiny number everyone talks about. But the real story often lives in the closing costs. That is where buyers can get...
