15 Aug

Second Mortgages: What You Need to Know

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Second Mortgages: What You Need to Know. One of the biggest benefits to purchasing your own home is the ability to build equity in your property. This equity can come in handy down the line for refinancing, renovations, or taking out additional loans – such as a second mortgage. What is a second mortgage? First […]

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8 Aug

After You Buy – Closing Tips

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

After You Buy – Closing Tips. Now that you have finished signing your mortgage paperwork and getting the keys to your first home, there are a few things to keep in mind after you buy to protect your investment and ensure future financial success! Maintaining your home and protecting your investment: Becoming a homeowner is a […]

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2 Aug

In Search of Financial Wellness?

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

In Search of Financial Wellness? Financial wellness is fast becoming the latest buzzword as soaring inflation and interest rates pile the pressure on Canadians. There is a strong connection between mental health and financial health, and financial stress is taking a heavy toll. So, what exactly does it mean to be “financially well”? Financial wellness […]

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6 Jul

10 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

10 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector. While home inspections might not be the most exciting part of your home buying journey, they are extremely important and can save you money and a major headache in the long run. In a competitive housing market, there can sometimes be pressure to make an offer right away […]

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28 Jun

Don’t Be House Poor

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Don’t Be House Poor. Having the biggest and best home on the block sounds great – but not if it is at the expense of your life and monthly finances! Be smart about your budget and avoid buying a home at the very top of your pre-approval value, which might lead to cash flow issues […]

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27 Jun

Make Sure to Stress-Test Your Financial Advisor

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Make Sure to Stress-Test Your Financial Advisor! Whether you use an investment firm or rely on the services available at your local bank, a lot of us have someone we commonly refer to as our “financial advisor”. It’s a generic term, but it usually equates to the person who “handles our investments”. However, the reality […]

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27 Jun

Top 8 Questions About Reverse Mortgages

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Top 8 Questions About Reverse Mortgages. Written by Mich Sneddon, CPA, CA – Reverse Mortgage Pros Having completed dozens of reverse mortgage deals, there are some questions that I find I get over and over again. So today I thought I’d write a piece on the 8 most common reverse mortgage questions that people in Canada […]

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27 Jun

Self-Employed and Seeking a Mortgage

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Self-Employed and Seeking a Mortgage. Approximately 20% of Canadians are self-employed, making this an important segment in the mortgage and financing space. When it comes to self-employed individuals seeking a mortgage, there are some key things to note as this process can differ from the standard mortgage. Qualifying for a Mortgage In order to obtain […]

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9 Jun

What You Should Know About Mortgage Amortization

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

What You Should Know About Mortgage Amortization. Your mortgage amortization period is the number of years it will take you to pay off your mortgage. Depending on your choice of amortization period, it will affect how quickly you become mortgage-free as well as how much interest you pay over the lifetime of your mortgage (longer […]

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5 Jun

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster. When it comes to homeownership, many of us dream of the day we will be mortgage-free. While most mortgages operate on a 25-year amortization schedule, there are some ways you can pay off your mortgage quicker! 1. Review Your Payment Schedule: Taking a look at your payment schedule can be […]

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