10 Worst Mortgage Mistakes You Must Avoid At All Costs
A mortgage is a major financial commitment that can help you build equity and secure a home. However, mistakes in the process can lead to serious financial consequences. This article highlights the 10 worst mortgage mistakes to avoid for long-term financial stability.
What Happens To My Parents’ Mortgage When They Die? – Explained
Losing a parent is emotional, and dealing with financial matters like a mortgage can feel overwhelming. Many Canadians wonder: Does the mortgage disappear? Can the home be inherited? What if there's still a large balance owing?
Refinancing Your Mortgage After Death of a Spouse - What To Do
Losing a spouse is one of life’s most painful and disorienting experiences. Amid grief, you may also be faced with difficult financial decisions, especially if you shared a mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage after the death of a spouse can help stabilize your financial future, but the process can be overwhelming without the right information. This guide will walk you through what to do and what to expect.
Refinancing the Family Home After a Divorce in Canada — What You Should Know
Divorce is tough—emotionally, legally, and financially. When real estate’s involved, it adds another layer of complexity. Many Canadians choose to keep the family home after a split, whether for the kids, emotional ties, or practical reasons. But refinancing it solo comes with its own unique challenges.
Cottage Country Zoning Risk: What Buyers and Brokers Need to Know
As Ontario's housing crisis continues, more buyers are turning to traditional vacation spots like Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Haliburton, and the Bruce Peninsula, where seasonal cottages are being transformed into year-round homes. This shift is fueled by factors like remote work, rising real estate prices, and the appeal of rural living. However, the transition from seasonal zoning to full-time habitation can create challenges around mortgage financing, insurance, and zoning, potentially causing delays, unexpected costs, or even mortgage denials if not handled carefully.
Canada’s Housing Crisis and Residential Zoning: A Critical Analysis
Canada is facing an intensifying housing crisis that has become one of the most pressing socio-economic issues of our time. As housing prices soar and rental availability tightens across major cities and even smaller towns, Canadians are left grappling with the reality that homeownership—or even stable housing—may be slipping out of reach for an entire generation.
Ontario Regulation 462/24 and ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units) – Key Points for Homeowners
Ontario Regulation 462/24, which came into effect in 2024, represents a significant shift in housing policy for the province. By making it easier for homeowners to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or secondary suites to their residential properties, the regulation aims to increase the availability of affordable rental housing and help accommodate Ontario's growing population. This change has important implications for urban densification, affordable housing, and the practicalities of homeownership.
Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program – Explained
The housing affordability crisis in Canada has prompted governments at all levels to explore innovative solutions that increase the availability of housing without requiring extensive new developments. One such initiative is the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, which aims to make it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites—such as basement apartments, garage suites, and laneway homes—to their existing properties.
Your Guide to Tiny House Mortgage Loans in Ontario
The dream of owning a home is evolving, and for many Ontarians, the appeal of tiny house living is gaining popularity. A tiny house offers an affordable, sustainable, and minimalist lifestyle, but for those seeking to purchase or build one, navigating the financing process can be a bit more complicated than with a traditional home.
Chattel Loans vs Mortgages in Canada: Key Differences and Considerations for Borrowers
In Canada, securing a loan is often a significant financial decision, especially when it comes to large purchases. Whether you’re buying a home, a vehicle, or another form of movable property, understanding the differences between a chattel loan and a mortgage can help you make an informed decision.
Mortgage Default Insurance in Ontario: Is It Worth It?
When buying a home in Ontario, many first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) or those looking to finance a home with a smaller down payment are faced with a decision: Should they opt for mortgage insurance? This is a question that often stirs up a range of emotions, as mortgage insurance can be an additional cost that many would rather avoid. However, it can also provide peace of mind and a way to navigate the complex and often expensive landscape of homeownership.
Capital Stack in Financing - Explained
In the world of finance, the capital stack refers to the structure of the different layers of capital that a company or a real estate project raises to fund its operations or development. This stack is crucial for understanding how investments are structured and how returns are allocated among investors and lenders. The capital stack is often discussed in the context of real estate, but the concept applies to businesses across various sectors. By breaking down how the capital stack works, we can gain insight into how different types of investors and lenders are prioritized, what risks they bear, and how their returns are calculated.