Canadian banks to improve disclosure

Canadian banks will improve certain disclosure practices as urged by the G7 in its recent Financial Stability Forum report. The severity of the financial crisis has prompted an extraordinary meeting of the heads of the central bank, the country's banking regulator, the federal Finance Department and the big banks, who will gather this morning to talk about what Canada should do to prevent another liquidity crisis. Within 100 days, Canadian banks will establish and adopt "leading practices for disclosure" by tweaking the way they disclose bank securities at mark-to-market values, among other items. Policy makers and regulators are under pressure to show they are taking action in the wake of the financial turmoil that's reverberated in markets around the world.

Renegotiate Mortgage Rates

Renegotiating interest rates on a mortgage is one of several options available to property owners who want to keep their houses but have problems paying. It sounds simple, yet a lot of borrowers in trouble with mortgage payments never consider the possibility when it comes to renegotiating home loan rates. Most people consider refinancing their home mortgage to take advantage of lower interest rates and reduce their monthly mortgage payment. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off your old mortgage and signing a contract for a new loan. Whether to refinance your mortgage is a difficult question to answer. It might be possible to renegotiate your mortgage at a lower interest rate with your current lender, usually for a set fee. Renegotiating a mortgage is technically not refinancing, but it is an amendment to your existing mortgage. Although the interest rate may not be as low as the current refinancing rate, renegotiating can save you money because you pay no closing costs.

Missing Mortgage Payments

Each year thousands of homeowners mortgage payments get behind because of job loss, divorce, illness etc. If you're reading this you know that once you fall behind on your payments the amount of money needed to catch up grows each month and it becomes harder and harder to do. Avoid foreclosure and losing your home with some tips during this period. First the most important thing is to take action as soon as possible. If your mortgage payment is behind is communicate with your mortgage lender. If you stick your head in the sand and allow yourself to miss payments, you lose one potentially valuable option: the ability to stay current by raising cash against your equity. Once your mortgage payment is behind, the mortgage lender can elect not to accept partial payments of the mortgage payments your are behind and outstanding. Borrowers who are current on their mortgage can stay current by borrowing against their equity. The best instrument for this is a HELOC, a credit line, which you can draw on as needed. Try to get money together as soon as possible to bring the mortgage payments current.You may try to refinance your mortgage to bring it current and and pay-off the lender.If you are unable to do a mortgage refinance to bring the mortgage payments current you should seriously consider selling the home before going to foreclosure. If you go through the foreclosure process that will stay on your credit report for 10 years and you will have difficulty buying a home for up to five years after the foreclosure.

Australians Pay Higher Mortgage Termination Fees

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission reveals that Australian home buyers face some of the highest "early mortgage termination" fees in the world — as well as a complex array of other fees and charges. The federal Government released details of a review of mortgage entry and exit fees which it says will help boost competition in the banking sector and make it easier for unhappy borrowers to switch lenders. The report recommends that mortgage contracts be standardised so borrowers know what fees they face, if they attempt to switch institutions during the life of a loan. ASIC examined set-up fees, service fees and discharge fees in cases where borrowers decided, within three years of taking a mortgage, that they wanted to change lenders. Early termination fees have been blamed for dampening competition in the banking sector by making it prohibitively expensive for disgruntled home owners to switch to cheaper loans.

Mortgage markets healthy in Canada

Canadians remain untouched by the severe credit woes gripping the U.S., where the collapse of the mortgage market has triggered rising delinquency and foreclosure rates and left households saddled with debt, says a report from CIBC World Markets. Household credit is rising at an annual rate of well over 10% with both mortgage and consumer credit growing strongly while short-term business credit is expanding at close to 20-year highs, figures from the Bank of Canada and chartered banks show.The borrowing trend speaks to the strength of Canada's domestic economy, even as overall economic growth is slowing significantly this year.The report, prepared by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, supports the Bank of Canada's view that the country has been less affected than Europe and the United States by the financial market breakdown that originally stemmed from the U.S. subprime mortgage market.

Tougher Rules For US Mortgage Industry?

US financial regulators are recommending a series of tougher new regulations for mortgage brokers and financial institutions as part of their efforts to minimize the risk of repeating the mortgage and credit crisis. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson outlined policy recommendations from the President's Working Group on Financial Markets (PWG) with the aim of creating more transparent, better-functioning and better-managed markets. The report recommends higher capital requirements and better disclosure of risky investments. It also outlines new consumer protections for the mortgage lending industry. Implementing national licensing standards at the state level for mortgage originators and encouraging credit ratings agencies to differentiate between ratings on structured products and traditional bond ratings are also among the recommendations.

What You Need To Get A Mortgage These Days

Lenders have become more cautious because they can no longer be sure of unloading dicey mortgages on big investors. That means they could get stuck holding them on their books. While all lenders have become more cautious, the biggest turnaround has been in the sub-prime and jumbo mortgage markets. The sub-prime markets lend money to people with less-than-perfect credit while the jumbo market serves people with good credit who want to borrow more than $417,000. If you have good credit and want a smaller mortgage, you should have no problem qualifying. Banks are still willing to make "conforming" loans because they know they can sell them.

Now-a-days Lenders are offering more straightforward deals and requiring their borrowers to meet these updated standards:

Clean Credit

Now lenders are back to what they used to be known for: scrutinizing credit scores. Out of a perfect score of 800, borrowers in the jumbo market must generally have a score of at lest 660, up from 560 since August.

Lower Debt Service Ratios

If your credit card debt, student loans, car loans and would-be mortgage payments come to more than 40%, your application will most likely be a bust.

Prove Your Income and Assets

Be prepared not only for requests for documentation from your employer, but also for records of all savings and investment financial accounts.

More Downpayment

Generally, you can't get away with putting nothing down these days. Figure on at least 5%, and up to 20% depending on your profile."You can also forget about taking out a second loan for the down payment.

Pre-arrange your mortgage

Fewer people are getting their mortgage pre-approved when buying a home for the first time according to a survey done by Canadian lenders. Survey shows that percentage of first-time home buyers who pre-arranged a mortgage has declined from 73 percent in 2001 to 62 percent today. This trend shows that almost half of first-time home buyers are not doing any planning for their mortgage. Home mortgage should be part of your overall financial plan or you could end up paying thousands of dollars extra to your lender. A pre-arranged mortgage gives you time to negotiate the terms and conditions of the mortgage other than the interest rate, And not to mention the protection against fluctuating interest rate for up to 120 days. Getting a mortgage pre-arranged doest not cost you anything. Talk to your mortgage broker to pre-qualify and shop for a home with confidence.

High-ratio mortgage threshold changed

Canada is reducing the cost of home buying by raising the threshold for compulsory mortgage insurance. An amendment to the Bank Act allows borrowers to access conventional mortgage financing with a 20% down payment. Previously, home buyers were required to make a down payment of at least 25% or they had to pay mortgage default insurance premiums. Bill C-37 raises the loan-to-value ratio requiring mortgage insurance from the current 75 per cent to 80 per cent. High-ratio mortgage insurance will still be required for mortgages greater than 80 per cent of the home’s value. Homebuyers could save an estimated average of $2,500 in insurance premiums, based on an average home price of $300,000. The new limit also affects individuals who intend to refinance their mortgages. In addition to insurance savings, the change will also make it easier to obtain a larger mortgage than previously possible under similar circumstances for a borrower. For refinancing at 80 per cent, there is an extra five per cent equity available to the borrowers for their financing needs.

FIRST NATIONAL FINANCIAL OFFERS AIG UNITED GUARANTY PRODUCTS

Reflecting a dynamic, changing mortgage landscape and trying to meet the demands of the growing mortgage industry First National Financial LP announced that it will offer clients mortgage insurance through AIG United Guaranty. First National Financial is the country’s largest non-bank originator and underwriter of residential mortgages. The combination of Canada’s largest non-bank mortgage originator with a member company of one of the world’s largest insurers will certainly mean more mortgage choices for Canadians. AIG United Guaranty is expected to sign up with other major lenders as well. More choices in the mortgage insurance field will certainly be good for consumers in the coming years as AIG United Guaranty tries expand its market share in the industry. Mortgage default insurance industry in Canada is currently dominated by 2 major players, CMHC (Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation) and Genworth. Ask your mortgage broker about the mortgage default insurance options available to you when buying a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage.

ING - UNMORTGAGE

Unmortgage is just another mortgage product offered by ING Direct. They have confused many people with this new "brand name". It's not not a reverse mortgage, its not a mortgage out of this world, it is just another mortgage product. It does have some good features attached to it. ING DIRECT UNMORTGAGE offers many payment frequencies, which include monthly, bi-weekly and accelerated bi-weekly. Many other banks offer the same type of options. In fact, many lenders also offer the option of weekly payments. Unmortgage also offers flexible terms (1-10yrs), amortization periods and prepayment options just like any other lender. ING also advertises best rates and terms, but I don't think they can beat all lenders out there all the time. If you are looking for a mortgage that offers the best interest rate at good terms, I recommend that you talk to your mortgage broker. The Mortgage Group in Vancouver has access to many lenders and mortgage products including ING's UNMORTGAGE.

Canadians making bad mortgage choices?

RBC (Royal Bank) released it annual homebuyers survey few days ago. According to the survey many Canadians seem confused about the mortgage choices available to them, especially when they have to choose between a fixed rate mortgage and a variable rate mortgage. RBC's survey shows that most people will stick to the fixed rate mortgage products even when a "safe" variable rate mortgage is available that will save money. Majority of people find it difficult to choose between a fixed rate and a variable rate mortgage. The top reason for opting for a fixed rate mortgage is the preference for payments that don't change every month. Some 76% respondents believe that their mortgage payments will change each time the prime rate changes, even though its not true. Variable rate does not necessarily mean a variable payment each month. A mortgage broker can be a great help when it comes to understanding you mortgage needs. Ask your mortgage broker about the benefits of variable rate mortgage products.

Why use a Mortgage Broker?

Most of think that mortgage brokers are only for people who have bad credit or were turned down by a bank. Unfortunately, anyone with this kind of outdated thinking could be losing thousands of dollars! New home buyers and all homeowners can save time and money by using the services of a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker has access to many competing lenders, including banks, pension funds, trust companies and even private individuals. While you may arrange a mortgage every five years, mortgage brokers are completing thousands of mortgages each year. This enables them to negotiate better interest rates, which can be passed on to their clients. There are other potential cost savings. On any given day, a particular lender may have a special rate offer for a specific mortgage term.

Many home buyers take the quote from their bank and choose a term and rate offered by the lender without realizing that a mortgage broker may be able to save them up to one percentage point off the posted rate. To ensure you get the best rate, it’s best to contact a mortgage broker at least three or four months before you renew your mortgage or consider a new home purchase. Mortgage brokers can usually guarantee an interest rate for 90-120 days. If rates go up you'll get the guarenteed rate, should rates drop in the meantime, you would get the lower rate. You also need to consider that when you shop from lender to lender, there is an accumulation of inquires on your credit bureau report, affecting your credit rating. This isn’t the case with a mortgage broker who only does one inquiry yet can still get many competing lenders to quote on your business.

What About Fees?

Some people think that using a broker will cost them lots of money. Mortgage brokers usually don't charge any fee because the lender that provides the mortgage pays the mortgage broker a fee for seding a client to the mortgage lender. A fee may still be charged to clients with impaired credit, or when private money is used. Mortgage brokers usually charge a fee to arrange a commercial mortgage. A mortgage broker can potentially save you lots of money. I suggest that you talk to a professional mortgage broker before getting any kind of mortgage. Most of them don't charge any consultation fee, so you got nothing to loose.

Bank of Montreal Stops Using Mortgage Brokers

Canada's fourth largest lender by assets,Bank of Montreal, has stopped using outside mortgage brokers and will instead expand its own network of mortgage salespeople. Bank of Montreal (BMO)has been losing market share in the home lending business after it stopped discounting mortgages to compete with rivals last year. The Toronto-based bank made the decision on brokers last month, saying it wasn't as lucrative as selling mortgages through the bank. The bank is also no longer buying third-party mortgages. Bank of Montreal may take a hit in market share from the change. BMO may launch new mortgage products to compete with mortgage brokers, who are increasing market share every year. For more information on mortgages and related products, talk to your mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers have access to a wide range of products.

Check out Abbotsford real estate financing options at Abbotsford Real Estate site or contact the Abbotsford realtor.

Mortgage Basics

There are many stresses associated with home buying – both financial and emotional. And frankly speaking, it doesn’t help that the process comes with its very own foreign language. While your mortgage broker can help de-mystify these terms, it helps to have a bit of a primer on what some of these terms mean. After all, it’s your money and your home we’re talking about; as a Mortgagor, you have a right to understand what you’re reading. (You didn’t know you were a mortgagor? Read on…)

We’ll start with “Amortization” and “Term”. Both refer to periods of time in the life of your mortgage, and you’ll want to be sure that you understand the difference.

The “amortization” of your mortgage is the length of time that would be required to reduce your mortgage debt to zero, based on regular payments at a specified interest rate. The amortization period is typically 15, 20 or even 25 years, although it can be any number of years or part-years. You could establish that you are able to make a certain payment each month of say $950 for your $130,000 mortgage at 5.5%. In this case, your amortization period will be just under 18 years. Or you could tell your broker that you’d like to be mortgage-free in just 10 years. With an amortization period of 10 years at the same interest rate, your $130,000 mortgage will cost you about $1,407 per month. That’s a tougher monthly payment, but you would save thousands of dollars in interest. (More than $35,000, in fact.) As you arrange your mortgage, then, keep in mind that your amortization period may be fairly long -- although the shorter you can make it, the less you’ll wind up paying for your home in the long term.

The “term” of your mortgage will typically be shorter. The “term” is the duration of your mortgage agreement, at your agreed interest rate. This will be a very specific length of time, although you will have several choices. A 6-month mortgage is a very short-term mortgage. A 10-year mortgage will be one of the longest terms, generally with a higher rate of interest to represent the higher degree of uncertainty in the economic outlook. After your mortgage term expires, you will need to either pay off the balance of the mortgage principal, or negotiate a new mortgage at whatever rates are available at that time.

Now, back to the term “Mortgagor”. This is one of three very similar terms: “Mortgagee”, “Mortgagor”, and “Mortgage”. A Mortgagee is the lender of the money: a bank, company, or individual. A Mortgagor is the borrower: the person or persons (or company) that is borrowing the money, and who will pay it back to the mortgagee. The Mortgage, of course, is the legal document that pledges the property as a security for the debt.

Still confused? Speak with a mortgage professional. Get the best mortgage suited to your needs and all your questions answered in plain talk.

Check out "The Condo Seller" for financing a condo in Abbotsford BC

UK mortgage sales higher, rates may rise.

Strong retail sales and an unexpectedly big rise in British mortgage lending suggest three interest rate hikes since August have failed to curb consumer spending. Another rate hike may be coming due to this new development. The Bank of England said mortgage lending rose more than 10 billion pounds ($20.1 billion) in February versus forecasts of 9.4 billion. Mortgage approvals held steady at 119,000 when analysts had expected a fall. A survey by the Confederation of British Industry showed retail sales volumes rose at their fastest pace in more than two years this month, twice as fast as expected. The strong lending performance was echoed elsewhere, with the number of approvals, often seen as a good indicator of future demand in the property sector, holding up pretty well during the month. The number of approvals was unchanged at 119,000, just ahead of market expectations.The housing market is a key factor in BoE rate decisions. Rate setters are hoping that the three interest rate increases since last August, which have taken the key repo rate up to 5.25 pct, will rein in consumption and inflationary pressures stemming from a buoyant housing market. Financial markets are fully pricing in another quarter point increase to 5.50 percent.

Can't make that mortgage payment?

More than 2.1 million Americans with home loans missed at least one payment last year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The rate of new foreclosures hit a record. The problem is likely to get worse, as variable rate mortgages adjust to higher rates, many borrowers are finding they can't afford their payments. And the collapse of the subprime mortgage market has made it even harder. But be aware, If you are unable to carry your mortgage, letting the bank foreclose could lead to a lifetime of hardship. Losing your home is just the beginning. A foreclosure will damage your credit for years, making it impossible or at least extremely expensive to buy another home. If the proceeds from the sale of your home don't cover your mortgage loan, your lender might sue you to recover the unpaid balance. Many borrowers who lose their homes to foreclosure haven't tried to negotiate with their lenders. Lenders are usually willing to work with borrowers to avoid foreclosure. You should call your lender before you miss your first payment. The longer you wait, the fewer options you'll have. Once your loan is declared in default, typically after you've missed three or four payments, you're past the point of no return. At that point, most lenders won't accept a partial payment of what you owe. Unless you can come up with the money to cover all your missed payments, plus any late fees, your lender will start foreclosure. Put your home up for sale. The proceeds from the sale might cover your mortgage balance and selling costs. If you have no equity or your local real estate market is depressed, ask your lender to consider a "short sale.' In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept the proceeds from the sale of your home, even if they don't cover the amount you owe.Ask your lender to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure. If you can't sell, your lender may agree to take the deed to your home and cancel your debt.

Tax deductible mortgages in Canada

Is you mortgage tax deductible?

If you are like most Canadians the answer is NO. The interest you pay on your home mortgage is not tax deductible in Canada. But if you do some smart planning, the interest paid on a mortgage can become tax deductible, even when the mortgage is on your principal residence. I will be writing about how to make your mortgage tax deductible and how to pay off your mortgage faster than you think is possible. Check back in few days for these mortgage tips.

Mortgage Brokers In Abbotsford BC

Persistent Mortgages is the place to go for mortgages in Abbotsford BC. It is associated with The Mortgage Group of Vancouver. 6 brokers, Dave, Ken, Raj, Aman, Hakam, and Ray are available to help you with all your mortgage needs. The company is owned and managed by Dave McDonald. Dave specialises in commercial mortgages.

Persistent Mortgages can help you get any type of real estate financing. Check out Persistent Mortgages if you are looking for first mortgage, 2'nd mortgage, 3rd mortgage, line of credit, debt consolidation loan, commercial mortgage or business operating loan.

CMHC - Mortgage Insurance For Self Employed

There is a good news for self employed people looking to get a mortgage in Canada. Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation (CMHC)is improving its mortgage loan approval system that can help self employed people qualify for a mortgage. New program will be available next month.

"Self-Employed Simplified" will make it easier for certain self-employed borrowers to obtain a mortgage loan insurance and as a result enable them to take advantage of of lower interest rates. Commissioned sales people will also benefit from this program. Program is designed for borrowers who have minimum 2 years of experience in the same type of work and good credit record. This product will be available for 1 or 2 unit owner occupied properties and will also be available for refinance for upto 90% of the homes value.

Talk to your mortgage broker for more info.

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