Changes to the mortgage stress test have been announced by Federal Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, on February 18, 2020. In short, the stress test is used to determine the minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages. The changes announced have come in effect as of April 6, 2020. The new benchmark rate will be the weekly median five-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insured applications, plus 2%.

As a result of a review by federal financial agencies, it has been determined that the minimum qualifying rate should be more dynamic to better reflect the evolution of market conditions. The change to the stress test will allow it to be more representative of the mortgage rates offered by lenders, and more responsive to market conditions.

“For many middle class Canadians, their home is the most important investment they will make in their lifetime. Our government has a responsibility to ensure that investment is protected and to support a stable housing market. The government will continue to monitor the housing market and make changes as appropriate. Reviewing the stress test ensures it is responsive to market conditions.”

Contact us at info@wesellvancouver.ca or 604-716-6155 for any of your buying or selling needs. 

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association and Government of Canada

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has useful tools for homebuyers to get a better understanding of the housing market.

Mortgage Calculator

Some homebuying tools the CMHC has includes the Debt Service Calculator which gives homebuyers the opportunity to evaluate their current financial situation in order to determine how much they can comfortably afford to spend on a mortgage. Another tool is the Mortgage Payment Calculator that calculates the mortgage amounts and their frequency. For a look at more tools, click here.

Ready Set Home

This mobile app put out by the CMHC allows homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers, to make informed choices during the homebuying process. This is available to iOS, Android and Blackberry.

Housing for Newcomers

This resource provides information for newcomers in regards to renting or purchasing a home in Canada.

For all your real estate needs, contact Amalia Liapis at 604-618-7000 or alternatively at amalia@wesellvancouver.ca.

Premier Christy Clark has recently announced a new loan program called the BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity (HOME) Partnership Program that will assist first-time home buyers by contributing to your personal down payment. The government will lend the buyer funds equal to the down payment up to $37,500, or 5% of the purchase price. This new loan would be granted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have never previously owned a property and is only applicable to residences with a maximum purchase price of $750,000. This will be an interest-free and payment-free loan for the first five years. After that period, buyers can then either repay their loan or enter into monthly payments at current interest rates. These loans will become due after 25 years, which is the typical length of most mortgages.

Applications will be accepted on January 16, 2017 and the program comes to an end on March 31, 2020. Additional information can be found here.

As mentioned previously, this program is for first-time homebuyers. All individuals applying that have a registered interest on title must reside in the home. In addition, you will find other requirements as seen below.

Eligibility Requirements:
   » Have been a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for at least five years 
   » Have resided in British Columbia for at least one year immediately preceding the date of application
   » Be a first-time buyer who has not owned an interest in a residence anywhere in the world at any time
   » Use the property as their principal residence for the first five years
   » Purchase a home that has a purchase price of $750,000 or less (excluding taxes and fees)
   » Obtain a high-ratio insured first mortgage on the property for at least 80% of the purchase price
   » Have a combined, gross household income of all individuals on title not exceeding $150,000
   » Have saved a down payment amount at least equal to the loan amount for which the buyer applied

As of February 19, 2014, the BC Government has implemented a tax break for first-time home owners and can be used in conjunction with the BC HOME Partnership Program. The First Time Home Buyers’ Program reduces or eliminates the amount of property transfer tax paid on your first home. We blogged about this back in 2014 and you can view it here. Our blog outlines both homeowner and property requirements.

For all your real estate needs, contact the WeSellVancouver team at 604-801-6654 or alternatively at info@wesellvancouver.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!

Join us in this three part series on Canada's financial perspective featuring blogs on the (1) Mortgage Rate Outlook (2) Economic Outlook and (3) Interest Rate Outlook. 

Economic Outlook

Looking back at 2015, the first half of the year saw negative growth but looking at the big picture reveals a registered economic growth of 1.2%. Multiple factors attributing to the slow economic growth in 2015 has trickled into 2016 as well such as the low oil prices and the related adverse effects on income and job growth. With the newly elected federal government in place, there is an effort to utilizing old-fashioned fiscal policy in order to boost economic growth.

The range for the estimate of the fiscal multiplier for Canada ranges from 0.5 to 1.5. The fiscal multiplier is a ratio that shows the effect of government spending on economic activity. However, the level of impact of fiscal policy is highly interdependent on the state of the economy. BCREA's current forecast for the Canadian economy is for economic growth of 1.6% in 2016 and 2.5% in the following year, taking into account the impact of expansionary fiscal policy. 

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association

Stay tuned for the last part of the blog series where we'll dive into the Interest Rate Outlook. For all your real estate needs, contact Amalia Liapis at amalia@wesellvancouver.ca or alternatively, at 604-618-7000.

Join us in this three part series on Canada's financial perspective featuring blogs on the (1) Mortgage Rate Outlook (2) Economic Outlook and (3) Interest Rate Outlook. 

Mortgage Rate Outlook

The financial markets have seen tremendous volatility thus far with record low oil prices with consumers and investors being more risk averse as a result. This risk aversion has overwhelmed any potential pressure on yields from bonds that may have arisen due to the US Federal Reserve tightening the monetary policy. In Q1 of 2016, Canadian bond yields dropped to a low of 0.48% but have bounced back to 0.8%. Bond yields may continue to see a rise due to the anticipation of economic growth towards year end. 

Despite the volatility in the financial market, there is a silver lining for home buyers as it is keeping the mortgage rates low for the time being. Take a look below at the forecasts for both 2016 and 2017. The one-year mortgage rates are seeing a slight increase towards Q4, however, the five-year rates are expected to be stabilized at 4.64% for the entirety of 2016 which is good news for home buyers! 

Note: Rates are based on an average of weekly rates
Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association

Stay tuned for the next part of the blog series where we'll dive into the Economic Outlook. For all your real estate needs, contact Amalia Liapis at amalia@wesellvancouver.ca or alternatively, at 604-618-7000.

With a major decrease in Canadian bond yields to 0.52 as of March 27, 2015. The plummet in bond yields is in part due to the surprise rate cut at the Bank of Canada's meeting in January. In spite of that, posted mortgage rates have moved slightly lower and banks passed through only a partial amount of the 25 basis point rate cut to prime rates that govern variable mortgages. The forecasts for future rate decisions have seen fluctuation. The five-year bond yield hit a record low of 0.59% but has since rebounded. The five-year fixed mortgage rate is currently at 4.74% which may be the absolute floor. The 0.75% decline in the five-year bond yield translated to only a 0.04% reduction in the qualifying rate.

It may be a while before mortgage rates move substantially higher. The mortgage rate forecast for 2015 and 2016 are shown below. Projections show that mortgage rates will continue to stay at historic lows for the remainder of the year. As the Canadian economy rebounds from the decline in oil prices and if the US Federal Reserve begins to tighten in the summer months, we may see some upward pressure on long-term interest rates in the last quarter of this year and into 2016.

Source: Bank of Canada, BCREA Economics

We've outlined "green" location decisions in our previous blog which can be viewed here: Ways to Save $$$ with Location Decisions

Once you have chosen a location and narrowed down your housing choices to *the* one, you have to think about financing options. Lucky for you, most financial institutions offer "green" mortgages. Making eco-friendly decisions will save the environment and some money while you're at it.

[1] Bank of Montreal Eco Smart Mortgage

This is a five-year fixed closed mortgage that rewards you for planning to purchase or already owning a home with energy efficient features. Members are qualified for a great rate when they apply under a BMO representative. This mortgage features prepayment options that will allow you to pay down your mortgage faster and reduce your interest costs. Have peace of mind in knowing that your mortgage rate will not rise during the term.

For additional information, check out the BMO Eco Smart Mortgage.

[2] RBC Energy Saver Mortgage

If eligible, you could receive a $300 rebate on a home energy audit. What exactly is a home energy audit? It is a report assessing your home's major heating and cooling systems. A licensed professional will be able to make recommendations as to how you can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy costs.

For more details on energy and money saving tips, visit RBC's Energy Saver Mortgage.

[3] Vancity's Bright Ideas Home Renovations

Making energy-efficient renovations has its advantages, both economically and environmentally. With these renovations, you can increase your home's re-sale value by having an energy efficiency rating which informs buyers that your home is more energy efficient. You will also be able to improve the efficiency of your home in the short and long-term. These renovations translate into cost-savings by offering you a personal loan at prime + 1% rate for up to ten years. Mortgage rates are low and the payment options are flexible! 

More details can be found here: Vancity's Bright Ideas Home Renovations

[4] Pay-as-you-Save (PAYS) Financing Model

Innovative programs are being launched to help home owners and businesses leverage home renovations for energy efficient improvements. This financing model spreads out the cost of the renovations over a substantial period of time in which the energy savings from said renovations will help pay for the financial loan through BC Hydro or FortisBC. 

Further details can be found here: PAYS Financing Model

Contact us today if you have any questions and we'll be more than happy to assist you in any way possible. E-mail us at info@wesellvancouver.ca or give us a ring at 604-801-6654.

Mortgage rates currently remain at historically low rates, however, they are expected to increase in the last quarter of the year and will continue to increase into 2015. It is sitting at 3.14% (for a one-year term) and is forecasted to stay stable in this upcoming quarter. As per the BCREA, the mortgage rate forecast is as follows:

*Data is average of weekly rates. Source: Bank of Canada.

In response to bond yields seeing a downwards trend, lenders have offered historically low mortgage rates, which is great news for homebuyers.

Economic Outlook
In relation to Canada's economy, its weak start was quickly overturned by strong economic growth in the second quarter with a 3.1% real GDP increase. This growth was largely attributed to the number of exports. It is expected that the economic growth will remain relatively strong. 

Interest Rate Forecast
The current labor market is still seeing high unemployment rates and unstable employment growth. The BCREA expects that the Bank of Canada will "continue to take a cautious approach to monetary policy until it sees concrete signs that the economy is growing sustainably above trend". It is predicted that the Bank will lower interest rates however, a tighening of interest rates are forecasted for the second half of 2015.

Purchasing a home in itself can be stressful enough. Being bombarded with unfamiliar jargon can add to that stress. Fortunately for you, we've created a helpful cheat sheet that will make you a mortgage expert in no time!

Collateral Mortgage
While this financing tool is generally not in the forefront in terms of mortgage plans, it has definitely been around for quite some time. With a collateral mortgage, you still have some elements of a conventional mortgage such as a predetermined interest rate and term. This loan agreement is secured by the collateral security of a mortgage against your home. Depending on the lender, you may be able to have your mortgage registered for up to 125% of its value. 

Advantages of a Collateral Mortgage
- You're able to diversify your mortgage with multiple components (Ie/ Part fixed-rate, part variable-rate, part secured line of credit)
- You're able to separate different portions of your mortgage for tax purposes.
- Easy to tap into your equity for debt consolidation, renovations or to invest in property or investments easily and in a cost effective manner. In addition, there are no legal fees associated with this.

Disadvantages of a Collateral Mortgage
- Having a collateral mortgage ties you to one bank
- No freedom to switch or transfer to another lender like a conventional mortgage. If you're wanting to switch to another lender for their attractive interest rates or features, you must start from the beginning which generally means incurring legal costs of $500-$1000.
- Not offered by all lending institutions

 This concludes our 4-part series. Hopefully we have equipped you with the tools necessary to be able to make wise decisions on what plan is best suited for your needs. Good luck in choosing a plan that is perfect for you!

Purchasing a home in itself can be stressful enough. Being bombarded with unfamiliar jargon can add to that stress. Fortunately for you, we've created a helpful cheat sheet that will make you a mortgage expert in no time!

No-Frills Mortgage
It is a basic, bare-bones fixed-rate mortgage. While the rates quoted are generally quite low, there are some downsides to the low rates which we will touch base on below. 

Advantages of a No-Frills Mortgage
- Low interest rates (Generally cheaper than fully-featured mortgages)
- Stability in payment amounts

Disadvantages of a No-Frills Mortgage
- Very limited prepayment privileges (Restrictions on how many prepayments you're allowed to make)
- High penalties incurred for refinancing or paying out the mortgage
- No added flexibilty for payment options 

 By the end of this 4-part series, you'll be well informed on the various elements involved in mortgage plans and you'll be able to decide on what plan is best suited for your needs.

Purchasing a home in itself can be stressful enough. Being bombarded with unfamiliar jargon can add to that stress. Fortunately for you, we've created a helpful cheat sheet that will make you a mortgage expert in no time!

Prepayment Privileges
Your mortgage has an option to make extra payments up to a certain percentage of the whole without incurring any penalties. There are 3 ways you can make extra payments towards your mortgage:

[1] Additional Payments: This option is simply where you can opt into making additional payments towards your mortgage with one lumpsum payment or several lump sum payments. 

[2] Increased Payments: This option allows you to increase the payment amount arranged annually. This can often be done in conjunction with the additional payments.

[3] Lump Sum Payments: Most lending institutions allow you to make large lump sum payments towards your principal. In doing so, you will rapidly decrease your balance owing. 

Advantages of Prepayment Privileges
- You'll be able to pay off your mortgage faster 

Disadvantages of Prepayment Privileges
- No real disadvantage considering these are just options that are available for mortgage repayments. 
- If you don't foresee any extra money in your budget, you may not want to consider the options available for prepayment privileges. 

Every lending institution has different policies on their prepayment privileges terms so consult your lender to determine what mortgage plan is right for you. 

By the end of this 4-part series, you'll be well informed on the various elements involved in mortgage plans and you'll be able to decide on what plan is best suited for your needs.

Purchasing a home in itself can be stressful enough. Being bombarded with unfamiliar jargon can add to that stress. Fortunately for you, we've created a helpful cheat sheet that will make you a mortgage expert in no time!

Variable-Rate Mortgage
Your mortgage rate will fluctuate with any changes with the current prime interest rate. In essence, if the prime rate declines, more of your payment will go towards paying off your principal. However, if the prime rate increases, more of your payment will go towards covering interest costs.

As a whole, you may end up paying a lower average rate in comparison to a fixed-rate mortgage. If interest rates are cliombing, you can switch over to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Advantages of a Variable-Rate Mortgage
- Due to the fluctuations, any decreases in the prime rate will work in your favor.
- Generally variable-rates are lower than fixed-rates as a way to compensate for the risk factor.

Disadvantages of a Variable-Rate Mortgage
- More risk involved due to the lack of security & stability.
- Financial uncertainty - Significant increases in prime rate will increase your interest payable which will consequently increase your financial burden.

By the end of this 4-part series, you'll be well informed on the various elements involved in mortgage plans and you'll be able to decide on what plan is best suited for your needs.

The withdrawal of monetary and fiscal stimulus from the Canadian economy in coming months will result in slower growth in both the second half of 2010 and into 2011. This growth slowdown may be further exacerbated by weaker than currently anticipated US and global economic growth as well as a higher Canadian dollar resulting from a rise in Canadian interest rates relative to the United States.