Risks Of 5 Year Fixed Mortgages

Have rates ever been this low? With historic lows for the 5 year and 10 year terms, it is very enticing to take advantage of today's low interest environment.  The question is whether one should go for 5 or 10 year. Before I answer the question, consider the following:

• US Federal Reserve stated its benchmark rate will remain at or near zero till the end of 2014
• Canadian household debts is at an all time high and will continue to increase since Bank of Canada has to remain close enough to the US Federal Reserve benchmark rate, otherwise the Canadian dollar will skyrocket negatively affecting exports in a sluggish global economy
• Governments around the world have been "stimulating", printing, money since late 2008 to get the global economies growing again which has lead to high government debts and deficits. Basically, governments are carrying the load until the private sector feels it is their time to start spending again.
• The European zone is in crisis and it is taking on huge amounts of debt by bailing out countries

These factors will eventually lead to inflation, but when will it happen? in 2015? 2016? 2020? No one really knows, but it will happen.  In my opinion, the longer the rates remain superficially low, the more aggressive the increases will be to control inflation.

Homeowners who are taking on or renewing their mortgages in 2012 will renew in 2017 (if they take a 5yr term).  Based on the fact the US Federal Reserve will keep its rate at or near zero and the Bank of Canada will stay relatively close till end of 2014, it is likely aggressive rate increases will commence in 2015 to control inflation and slow down Canadian household debt.

Today's 10 year fixed mortgage term is at an all time low and provides a good protection from economic and rate shocks.  Consider this: would you take a 5 year fixed at 3.99% in 2017? What's the risk of a 10 year term one might ask?  The mortgage is portable and assumable and the day after the 5 year anniversary, the penalty is based on 3 month interest NOT interest rate differential. I believe it is a great time to consider a long term safe mortgage strategy. To run your personal mortgage analysis comparing 5 year term versus 10 year term, please contact me.

It Feels Like The 2008 Credit Crisis!

What's Happening To Variable Mortgages?

What Was That Lender's Name Again?

Mortgage brokers promote dealing with 20 or more lenders.  However, many homeowners only recognize the big 6 banks they have seen on street corners.  So who are these other lenders that brokers promote?In Canada, approximately 25% of homeowners use the services of a mortgage broker.  These lenders are Canadian owned and operated, but choose to fund their mortgages through the broker channel to cut overhead costs on "brick and mortar".  Afterall, having full-time salaried employees with benefits cost money, not to mention the costs of operating a bank branch.  Due to the reduction of expenses for the "non-bank" lenders, they tend to pass on the savings to borrowers through lower rates.

What are The Risks of Dealing With Non-Bank Lenders?

There is a mis-conception, especially after the financial credit crunch in late 2008, that borrowers will lose their homes if the mortgage is funded by a non-bank lender.  This is absolutely not true.  The risk is assumed by the lender since they are the ones giving out their money with the understanding the borrower will repay the mortgage on time.  Also, keep in mind these lenders function under the Canadian Government rules and laws.

Why Should I Choose a Non-Bank Lender Over A Bank?

You don't have to.  A non-bank lender is an option that is presented by your mortgage professional to consider.  Other important factors to consider when choosing a lender are:

• How is the mortgage penalty calculated?
• If I decide to lock in, do I get the posted or discounted rate (typically 1.5% difference)?
• What features are built into the mortgage (pre-payment, increased payment, portable, assumable...)?
• What are the fine print terms that I should be aware of?
• Who & how will my mortgage be managed? Afterall, getting a mortgage is one thing but working with someone who will oversee the mortgage and optimize it to reduce overall interest is another skill (click here for inflation hedge mortgage strategy)

Bottom line, if you pay your mortgage on time no on will take your home away!  This is Canada afterall.

To discuss your personal mortgage financing situation, please contact me.

How You Can Buy A Home With $24.95?

A client approached me a few weeks back with interest of getting pre-qualified for a mortgage to buy their first home. During our initial meeting, we discussed their goals, where they see themselves in 5 years and cash flow projections based on mortgage interest rates over the next 5 years.  One of the questions I ask, is how the person's credit score is. The client stated they had no outstanding debt with very little credit card balance that is paid off every month.  Once all the necessary information was gathered, a credit check was completed and I was shocked to what I saw in their report.There was an outstanding student loan which showed delinquency for over 21 months which literally had destroyed the client's credit score and history.  I contacted the client to notify them of the issue and they were surprised to hear there was a balance since they stopped receiving a bill after they moved to their new address. They had thought the loan was paid off. Unfortunately, the outstanding balance was minimal but had accumulated lots of interest over the 21 months.

In this case, the client will have to re-establish their credit and show 2 years of good credit history to qualify for a mortgage at a decent mortgage interest rate. There are other alternatives, but are more costly.

By checking your own credit score annually from Equifax (http://goo.gl/5xqCP) these type of issues would be resolved. Similar to a medical annual check up, an annual credit check is important to verify there aren't any errors or items that need to be addressed immediately.  The cost of checking your credit score is $24.95.

To discuss your personal mortgage financing needs, please contact me.

Why Ultra Low Mortgage Rates Are Not Good?

We have experienced low mortgage rates since the financial credit crisis in late 2008.  The purpose of the low rates is to stimulate consumer spending which will result in economic growth and recovery out of the recession.  In the last few weeks, there have been talks regarding the European debt crisis and how similar it looks like the 2008 credit crisis.  It started with Ireland and Greece, which are considered small economies in Europe. The credit crisis talks have shifted to Spain and Italy which are large economies.  As Germany and France continue to bailout their Euro zone counterparts, they accumulate more debt.  There were talks last week that France is in financial trouble which resulted in a stock market sell off among other bad economic news.  The bottom line there is a storm brewing in Europe which will come to fruition sooner or later.  This uncertainity has resulted in bond yields dropping to historic lows which will result in lower fixed mortgage rates.

There are now possibilities the Bank of Canada might hold or even consider cutting its benchmark rate (which sets prime rate) to stimulate the Canadian economy just in case Canada gets dragged into a slowdown due to what's happening in US & Europe.  This means continued low rates for the foreseeable future.

So What You Might Ask?

The concern with even lower interest rates, is creating more demand in the Canadian real estate market.  This is good news for first time home buyers since the affordability requirements will drop, however, more bidding wars might result (I can only comment on Toronto's real estate market since this is where I conduct my business) and some would lose out.  Canadian household debt is already at an all time high and taking on further debt could result in an unpleasant consequences for all (http://goo.gl/zzcDH).  The lower rates will pull the future demand into the present and leave a void in the future.  The other concern is Canadians getting used to these low mortgage rates and not plan for higher interest rate environment when mortgages renew in a few years from now.

Finally, taking on debt with a responsible plan to pay if off can be a good thing. However, taking on debt and not planning for higher interest environment will have dire consequences.

To discuss your personal mortgage financing situation, please contact me.

Are Mortgage Interest Rates Dropping?

The Roller Coaster Market And Your Mortgage

It has been a roller coaster for the last few days in the market!  There has been a lot happening over the last month or so in the global economy which has resulted in some serious volatility in the market (stocks & bonds).

The majority of homeowners, unfortunately, get a mortgage from their local branch, set the payment and forget about it till renewal.  I call it "set it & forget it" approach.  Since 2008, there has been a lot volalitility which is anticipated to continue as the western economies deal with unprecedented levels of debt.  Here is a number to put things into perspective: Between today and September 1, 2011, European countries have to pay 57 billion euros of interest!  These numbers will have a huge impact on the recovery of Europe, not to mention the US which is dealing with its own fiscal challenges.

Why Should You Care?

A mortgage, whether it is for a home, cottage or rental property is an investment vehicle.  Similar to one's RRSPs, which I am sure lots of Canadians are now reviewing on a daily basis, a mortgage needs to be reviewed on a regular basis to optimize it for what's happening in the economy. This means someone overseeing the mortgage, notifying the borrower when to adjust the mortgage payment to reduce the mortgage amortization and save thousands of interest dollars as well as adjusting the mortgage for renewal at a higher interest environment.  These low rates will not be around forever.  The beauty of all this after mortgage funding service, is it comes at no cost to the borrower from a mortgage professional, believe it or not.  Unfortunately, the majority of homeowners don't utilize this free service.

This is a great opportunity for Canadian homeowners to take advantage of this low interest rate environment and set up a plan to achieve mortgage freedom and save thousands of unnecessary interest dollars.  Afterall, it is your hard earned dollars!

To discuss your personal mortgage finance situation, please feel free to contact me.

My Commentary On What The Bank Of Canada Said Today

What's Your Best Interest Rate?

Typically, one asks for the best mortgage rate when looking for a mortgage.  In this video, other questions to be considered are discussed to help one decide since a mortgage is an investment vehicle not a commodity.

Where Is Prime Rate Going?

Why Fixed Rates Move So Much?

Are You Ready For 6%?

Today's mortgage rates remain to be extremely low due to the uncertainity in the global market (risk of Greece defaulting), anemic job creation in the US and massive government debts and deficits.  In Canada, we have been lucky not to experience the pain of our neighbours to the south or across the pond in Europe.Fixed mortgage interest rates are hovering in the mid to high 3% which are historically low.  Over the last 25 years, fixed rates average around 6% (see chart below which shows posted rates. Typically, there is 1.5% difference between posted and discounted)

It is important to budget ahead for the time when mortgages are up for renewal at the 6% level. Inflation hedge strategy, is a pro-active plan where the mortgage is reviewed annually and adjusted according to the projected renewal rate.  This strategy saves the borrower thousands of interest dollars and accelerates paying down the mortgage principal.  At renewal, the borrower's mortgage balance is reduced and adjusted for higher interest rate environment eliminating any payment shock.

For variable mortgage holders, the savings are even greater, since the mortgage is paid at the fixed interest rate level which contributes more monies towards paying down the mortgage principal.

For your personal mortgage review and inflation hedge analysis, please contact me.

Is That The Best Rate You Have?

In today's competitive mortgage market, there is lots of "lowest interest rate" and "best mortgage rates" advertising in the media. I even saw a jeweler offering mortgages!!  Is the best rate really what's best for one's situation?

Asking for and making a decision strictly on lowest rate is similar to someone walking into a financial planner's office and asking for the lowest MER mutual fund.  Mortgages are investments and need to be chosen based on where the economy is currently, what's expected to happen with interest rates over the next few years (inflation, job creation and global factors), personal and financial situation and borrower's risk tolerance. The fine print of the mortgage such as compounding, prepayment priviliges, increased payments, portability, assumability and how the penalty is calculated are important features to be understood upfront prior to commiting to a mortgage product.  It's unfortunate that homeonwers have been programmed to get the lowest rate, set the payment and not look at the mortgage till renewal time. There are significant opportunities in optimizing the mortgage to reduce the amortization and build significant equity in a shorter period of time if the mortgage is managed properly by a professional.

The next time you are in the market for a mortgage whether you are buying a home or an investment property, renewing, or refinancing, please email me to send you a checklist of factors to consider in choosing what's right for you and your family.

Please contact me should you have any questions regarding your mortgage.

What Drives Variable Rate Mortgages?

My previous blog post discussed factors driving fixed rate mortgages.  What about variable rate mortgages?Variable mortgages are driven by prime rate (which is based on Bank of Canada's benchmark rate) and the discount a lender would provide. For example, 5 year variable mortgage at prime less 0.75%.

The benchmark rate, is set by the Bank of Canada on eight set dates annually.  Bank of Canada targets inflation around the 2% level, if inflation is higher then the benchmark rate is increased to control inflation and in cases where there is low inflation (or deflation), the benchmark rate is lowered to stimulate consumer spending and business investments due to the low cost of borrowing.

What does the dollar have to do with prime rate?

Canada's benchmark rate cannot be at a much higher level than the US benchmark rate since a substantial difference between the two would drive foreign investors to buy the Canadian dollar and appreciate its value.  A stronger Canadian dollar would reduce Canada's competitiveness by making Canadian products more expensive therefore reducing exports and slowing economic growth.  The US economy has and will continue to experience tough and slow economic recovery. The US Federal Reserve will keep its benchmark rate low to stimulate the economy, create jobs, promote consumer spending and increase housing demand through low interest rate environment.  With the upcoming US elections in 2012, the US will keep rates low to aid re-electing the current president (historic data shows in re-election years US interest rates are kept low).  This low US interest rate environment will exert more pressure on the Bank of Canada not to increase the Canadian benchmark rate aggressively till the end of 2012 which makes variable interest rates favourable. Having said that, the Bank of Canada will have to increase the benchmark rate to control inflation and high consumer debt levels, however it will be gradual. My prediction is 0.5% increase for this year.

For your personal mortgage review, please contact me.

What Drives Fixed Rate Mortgages?

Since January of this year, fixed rate mortgages have been volatile (see chart below) with many increases followed by decreases whereas prime rate (which affects variable mortgages) has been stable over the same period of time. What drives fixed interest rates to be this volatile?

Fixed rates are driven by the bond market.  Bond yields decrease with bad news such as the recent Japanese natural disaster and the Libyan crisis. These events which occured in mid March resulted in lower fixed rates for a short period of time. On the other hand, news such as higher inflation and positive job creation drive up bond yields since investors move their money into the stock market and for bonds to be attractive for investors, they would have to provide a higher yield (ie. fixed rates would increase).

Good economic news with respect to job creation, lower number of Canadians filing for unemployment insurance, US economoy creating jobs and trimming its deficit, result in increased bond yields and therefore higher fixed rates.

In my opinion, the number one risk over the next few years as the global economy recovers is inflation. Governments spent billions of dollars to stimulate the economy by providing liquidity into the market which has to be paid for by the taxpayers eventually.  High inflation would drive up fixed rates accordingly.

To review your personal mortgage situation, please contact me.

Why Everyone Should Have A Re-Advanceable Mortgage?

What's a re-advanceable mortgage?Typically, homeowners get a mortgage on their home or investment property and should they need to access their home equity for investment or personal reasons, they would have to break the mortgage, pay a penalty and legal fees to refinance their mortgage.  A great way to continuously access their equity, homeowners can get a re-advanceable mortgage.

The homeowner will need to have 20% equity in their home.  Based on qualifications, a mortgage up to 80% of the appraised value can be obtained and split into a fixed or variable mortgage with a line of credit.  As the homeowner pays down the mortgage principal, the line of credit increases by the principal amount for a total of 80%. This product can be obtained on primary residence and one rental property.

Example

Home value: $400,000

80% mortgage: $320,000

Mortgage portion: $300,000, line of credit portion: $20,000

As the mortgage principal is reduced, eg. $319,500, the line of credit increases to $20,500.  Another benefit of this product is the homeowner does not pay interest on the line of credit until funds are borrowed which allows the homeower to aggressively paydown their mortgage knowing that all the available principal would be accessed via the line of credit.

For your personalized mortgage review, please contact me.

Do You Really Need A Mortgage Broker?

When meeting a potential client, one of the first questions I ask is: "Have you worked with a mortgage broker in the past?"Here are statistics based on Maritz research completed for Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP) in 2010:

• 25% of Canadians arrange their mortgage with a mortgage broker
• 40% of first time home buyers arrange their mortgage with a mortgage broker
• 33% of Canadians have a good or full understanding of the services provided by mortgage brokers

Working with a professional mortgage broker who holds an accredited mortgage professional (AMP) designation can provide the following to a homeowner:

• Access to various lenders (options with respect to products)
• Discounted rates based on volume of business placed with lenders
• Unbiased advice on products depending on client's goals and personal situation (5 year terms do not make sense sometimes)
• Mortgage management strategy after funding

Some might argue that dealing with their institution is the way to go.  Here are items to consider when negotiating with your lending institution:

• Is the employee loyal to me (the client) or employer who pays their paycheque?
• Does the product being presented to me make sense for my personal situation or is it what's most profitable for the institution?
• Will the employee manage my mortgage and let me know what's happening in the market that could affect my mortgage?
• Am I getting options with an explanation of pros & cons of each option?
• Am I being told to shop around and they will match what I get? Is so, do they deserve my business if I am doing their work? Shouldn't they offer me the best deal upfront to earn my business?
• Are the fine terms being explained to me? And what type of costs I might incurr due to the terms in the mortgage?

Working with a professional mortgage broker does not cost money to the client as the broker is compensated by the lenders they place the mortgage with. The mortgage broker's loyalty is with the client, since happy clients refer their family, friends & colleagues.

When deciding which mortgage broker to work with, consider the following:

• Length of time in the business and whether they are in the business full time
• Do some research on the net to find out more about them
• Ask for references from previous clients
• Ask how will they manage your mortgage once it is funded to reduce the total cost of homeownership
• If they promise "best rates and work with 20+ lenders" run away

And the most important factor, is work with someone you trust, share similar values and connect with.  Afterall, our homes are the largest investments we make in our lives.

To discuss your mortgage options please contact me.

Why Having A Portable Mortgage Can Save You Money?

For the past few years, we have enjoyed historically low fixed rates (3.4% - 4%).  Many homeowners have taken advantage of these rates and locked in for a 5 year term.  As the economy has stabilized and is in a growth mode, fixed rates have started and will continue to increase as more jobs are created and inflation picks up pace.

What is a portable mortgage?

A portable mortgage allows the homeowner to move the mortgage with them to their new home as long as they qualify (good income & credit). This feature saves the homeowner thousands of penalty dollars by avoiding the need to break the mortgage.

Personal and family situations from having a family, moving due to a new job or moving to a bigger home may happen within 5 years.  Having a portable mortgage is important to avoid paying a penalty.

The next time you are about to get a mortgage whether you are a first time home buyer or acquiring an investment property, ensure your mortgage is portable.

To discuss your personal mortgage or answer questions regarding mortgage financing, please contact me.

Will You Qualify For A Mortgage After March 18?

Today, Finance minister Jim Flaherty announced the following:

• Effective March 18th, mortgage amortizations will be reduced from 35 years to 30 years
• Effective March 18th, homeowners can refinance their homes up to 85% of its market value from current 90%
• Effective April 18th, government will not longer insured home equity lines of credit

Here are the good news:

• Minimum downpayment requirement of 5% was not changed for buying a home
• Self employed homeowners refinance was not lowered from 85% (per last year changes)
• 100% of condo fees will not be used in mortgage qualification (currently 50% of condo fees are used)
• For real estate investors, there will be more rental demand due to the difficulty in qualifying for a mortgage
• Canadians will own their homes faster and pay less interest

The bad news:

• It will be difficult to qualify for a mortgage if you are a first time homebuyer due to the reduction of amortization to 30 years
• Homeowners with debt outside their mortgage who want to improve their cash flow situation will be limited to 85% of their home value

The result of the new rules is the creation of an active real estate market for the next 2 months.  These changes will have minimal impact on real estate investors as 20% downpayment is the requirement and self employed homeowners who require 10% downpayment to purchase a home.

I have two concerns as we move forward with these changes:

• What will happen to homeowners who bought their homes at zero down with 40 year amortization at renewal? Will they be forced to renew with current lenders at higher rates since they can't move their mortgage to another lender?
• How will homeowners qualify for a mortgage when posted rates climb up to 7-8% as the global economy improves in the next few years?

Finally, we should be grateful that we live in Canada where the pendulum never swings too far one way or the other and we have escaped the great recession fairly well.