by Ana Costa | Jan 1, 2021 | Blog, Economy, Homeownership, Mortgage
Many of us drew a collective sigh of relief when putting 2020 behind us, concentrating on the hope for better days to come in 2021. From a financial perspective, 2020 definitely had its challenges. One of the best ways to benefit from a new year is to look at ways to...
by Ana Costa | Dec 18, 2020 | Blog, Finance, Homeownership, Mortgage
Ensuring homeownership remains an affordable option stretches well beyond monthly mortgage payments. There are numerous recurring expenses known as ‘carrying costs’ that help you maintain your investment and, therefore, must be factored into your budget to avoid...
by Ana Costa | Dec 4, 2020 | Blog, Economy, Finance, Homeownership, Mortgage
Determining what you can comfortably afford to spend on a home is important to define well before you head out home shopping. Otherwise, you could waste time looking at homes that stretch you outside your financial comfort zone or, worse yet, are completely beyond...
by Ana Costa | Nov 20, 2020 | Blog, Mortgage
Becoming a First-Time Homebuyer & Landlord at Once In Canada, there are nearly 4.5 million adults and families who live in rental housing – representing approximately one third of total households. If you’re looking to purchase a home, particularly your...
by Ana Costa | Nov 6, 2020 | Blog, Homeownership, Mortgage
How Does Skipping a Mortgage Payment Work? Many lenders provide the option for you to skip a mortgage payment each year to help alleviate those tight financial months where everything seems to come due at once. But this also may be an option to help you push...
by Ana Costa | Oct 16, 2020 | Blog, Economy, Finance, Homeownership
Property taxes are levied to homeowners as a way to help maintain services in your community that ensure your neighbourhood continues to thrive and remain an attractive place to live and work. Property taxes represent a key source of funding for municipalities...
by Ana Costa | Oct 2, 2020 | Blog, Homeownership, Productivity
The arrival of COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we live our lives – from the way we work, think, dress, shop and interact with others. As a society, we’re also spending more time in our homes than ever before. The days of leaving the house from 9 to 5,...
by Ana Costa | Sep 18, 2020 | Announcements, Homeownership, Mortgage
One of the most challenging obstacles to homeownership is saving enough money for a down payment. Thankfully, mortgage default insurance provides a break to homebuyers that enables you to put less money down. The minimum down payment required to purchase a...
by Ana Costa | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Homeownership
Both a home appraisal and an inspection are important steps within the home buying process, so it’s well worth your effort to distinguish the differences between them and learn how they can both be used to your advantage to uncover detailed information about a...
by Ana Costa | Aug 21, 2020 | Blog, Economy, Finance, Homeownership
The Canadian real estate market was in good shape heading into 2020, but the busy spring season was delayed a bit thanks to COVID-19. The good news is that it has come back white hot, breaking records throughout the summer and showing no signs of slowing down anytime...
