27 Feb

How to Afford that Home Renovation!

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Dreaming of home renovationHow to Afford that Home Renovation!

Is your home in desperate need of an upgrade? Are you dying to renovate your bathroom, kitchen or other space but not sure how to fund this renovation project? Did you find a home you’d like to buy but it needs work?

We’ve got good news! When it comes to covering the costs of renovating, there are some options available to you outside of some good ole savings!

Mortgage Refinancing
One option for funding a renovation could be through mortgage refinancing. Keep in mind, you’ll want to do this at the end of the mortgage term to avoid breaking your mortgage and owing penalties. Some mortgage products may allow you to refinance outside of that, but you will want to check with your mortgage professional. Refinancing will allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s appraised value (less any outstanding mortgage balance). Refinancing your mortgage (if approved) will allow you to access funds immediately and tends to have lower interest rates than a standard credit card or personal loan. This is best suited to larger scale renovations or remodels.

Purchase Plus Improvements (PPI) Mortgage
If you haven’t yet bought that home, financing your renovation at the time of purchase with a purchase plus improvements mortgage can save you some hassle down the line. This type of mortgage is available to assist buyers with making simple upgrades, not conduct a major renovation where structural modifications are made. Simple renovations include paint, flooring, windows, hot-water tank, new furnace, kitchen updates, bathroom updates, new roof, basement finishing, and more. Depending on whether you have a conventional or highratio mortgage, if it is insured or uninsurable, and which insurer you use, the Purchase Plus Improvements (PPI) product can allow you to borrow between 10% and 20% of the initial property value for renovations.

Financing Improvements Upon Purchase
Similarly to the PPI mortgage solution above, there is another option allowing you to finance your renovation project at the time of a new purchase by adding the estimated costs to your mortgage with CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance. You can obtain financing with only 5% down payment for both the purchase of your home and the renovations for up to 95% of the value after renovations! Plus, there are no additional fees or premiums and you can earn added rebates for energy-saving renos.

Line of Credit or Home Equity Loans
Lastly, you always have the option of utilizing a secured line of credit or home equity loan to pay for your renovation. Securing your renovation loan against the equity in your home can typically be up to 80% of the property value; accessible at any time. This will typically provide lower interest than non-secured financing and allows you to access funds at any time.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

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3 Oct

Creating a Living Legacy with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Creating a Living Legacy with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage.

What does it mean to build a rich legacy? Many Canadians think of their legacy in terms of the assets they leave behind—in other words, money. However, legacy is not just about wealth; it’s about enhancing the lives of our loved ones and making meaningful contributions to our community.

This blog will explore living legacies and how the CHIP Reverse Mortgage can support these goals.

Supporting the Next Generation

Many young Canadians face financial challenges, especially when it comes to homeownership. One solution for helping the next generation is the “Bank of Mom and Dad.”

Helping with a Down Payment

With rising housing prices, saving for a down payment can be a significant hurdle for young Canadians trying to purchase their first home. This is where the “Bank of Mom and Dad” comes into play. Using a portion of your home equity through the CHIP Reverse Mortgage will give your children the financial boost they need to enter the housing market. Not only does this support them during a critical life stage, but it allows you to witness the joy and stability homeownership brings to their lives.

Creating Educational Funds

Another meaningful way to establish a living legacy is by creating educational funds for your grandchildren. Education is essential for personal and professional growth and opens new opportunities. Investing in your grandchildren’s education safeguards their future and empowers them to pursue their dreams. Imagine the joy of witnessing their achievements, knowing that your generosity played a role in their success.

Helping With a Wedding

If you have children or loved ones you support, their wedding is a special milestone you’ll want to help make unforgettable. With weddings being so expensive, it can be overwhelming for the couple. By accessing your home’s equity with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage, you can contribute to their big day and create lasting memories, all while keeping your finances secure.

Charitable Donations

Giving back is a powerful way to leave a legacy. By actively participating in charitable causes, you care about, you help those in need and strengthen your connection to the community. Whether you contribute financially or donate your time and skills, charitable giving can provide personal fulfillment and happiness. Charitable donations also offer valuable tax benefits.

Family Traditions and Memories

A living legacy isn’t solely about financial support; it’s also about creating lasting memories and traditions with your family. Memories are some of the greatest treasures in life. Whether planning special family trips, capturing life’s precious moments in a photo book, or simply spending more time with loved ones, these intangible gifts often bring the greatest joy and comfort.

How the CHIP Reverse Mortgage Supports Your Goals

For Canadian homeowners aged 55 or older, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage is an innovative financial solution that allows you to access up to 55% of your home’s equity without the need to make monthly mortgage payments. The best part? You can stay in the home you love.

By accessing your home’s equity, you can fund your living legacy goals—helping your children with a down payment, setting up educational funds, contributing to charitable causes, or investing in family traditions. The CHIP Reverse Mortgage provides you with the financial flexibility to enrich the lives of your loved ones today while maintaining your financial independence.

If you’d like to learn more about how the CHIP Reverse Mortgage can help you leave a legacy, contact us, your DLC mortgage expert.

Published by HomeEquity Bank

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next:  Expert Tips for Staging Your Home

2 Oct

Expert Tips for Staging Your Home

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Expert Tips for Staging Your Home.

Even in a sellers’ market, there are some ways you can improve your chances of increasing the number of offers and selling your home for the best value.

Check out these expert tips for staging your home to help make the best first impression possible:

  1. Clean and Declutter: Clean, clean, and clean some more! While you might not be able to stage each room in your home, it is vital to ensure that each space is cleaned and decluttered. Especially ensure that counters, carpets, flooring, and appliances are spotless! This not only signals pride of ownership, but it helps display the potential of the spaces to buyers.
  2. Depersonalize: While you’re working through and cleaning your spaces, make sure to depersonalize along the way. Ideally, any family photos, kids’ drawings, etc, should be removed or replaced with more general photography to better appeal to potential buyers.
  3. Focus on Key Spaces: The primary areas in your home are your living room, kitchen, dining room, and master bedroom. If you are not able to get to each room, these are the ones you should focus on to ensure your home is represented as best as possible.
  4. Consider a Fresh Coat: Did you know? According to a RE/MAX Canada Renovation Investment Report, 36% of buyers prefer a fresh coat of paint! This can go a long way to making your home look new and revitalized.
  5. Boost Curb Appeal: While you’re staging your home, don’t forget about curb appeal! The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior – if not MORE important for first impressions. A good place to start would be renting a power washer to scrub down your driveway and exterior walls.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

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9 Sep

Small Home Improvements That Make a BIG Impact

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Small Home Improvements That Make a BIG Impact.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home this year, or just want to make some updates, I have put together six small home improvements that can make a BIG impact on your space! From improving salability to refreshing your home, here are some simple and affordable ideas to help get you started:

  • Painting: One of the easiest ways to spruce up your home for a refreshed vibe or sale is to add a new coat of paint! While it is a relatively simple task for a new homeowner to take on, you might be surprised at how many people will pass on a house because they are not a fan of the paint colors or the flooring. A fresh coat of paint – especially more neutral colors such as beige, cream, light grays, and soft blues or greens – can do wonders to make a home feel appealing.
  • Light Fixtures: I don’t know about you, but I haven’t taken a good look at my light fixtures in a while. However, potential buyers will! Light fixtures are another low-cost and relatively easy improvement you can make to your home. Upgrading to newer styles and ensuring they are clean, with fresh LED bulbs, will help add an extra sparkle to your home!
  • Update Your Hardware: Another overlooked aspect of a home are light switches and door handles. If your home is 20 years old, most likely your white light switch covers are not so “white” and your door handles are a little worn down. These are a cheap and easy replacement that will go a long way to boost your interior!
  • Swap Out Your Window Coverings: Just like with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware, swapping out your window coverings is a small change that can make a big impact. Change your stale, white plastic blinds for wooden slats, or update your curtains to something fresh and vibrant!
  • Refinish Your Cabinets: The kitchen is known to be a central space in most homes, but did you know roughly 80% of homebuyers feel that it is the most important space to consider when deciding on a new home? While a full kitchen renovation may be out of the question and all-new kitchen cabinets can cost thousands, there is a third option. Refinishing or repainting your cabinets is a great alternative for breathing new life into your kitchen!
  • Curb Appeal: They say don’t judge a book by its cover but, when it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. This is where curb appeal comes in! If a potential buyer pulls up to see overgrown weeds, clogged gutters, or cracked concrete, they are already going to have a negative impression of the home and it will be harder to impress them once they are inside. Attending to landscaping and any outside maintenance needs will go a long way in making your home more appealing. A pressure wash and a new coat of exterior paint can also do wonders to give your home a facelift!

By putting the effort into completing a few small changes around your home, you can reap big rewards when it comes time to sell – and increase your comfort in the interim!

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next:  2024 Fall Market Update

15 May

Yard Appeal Ideas for The Biggest ROI

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Yard Appeal Ideas for The Biggest ROI.

Summer is the time to get outside and enjoy your yard. To help you make the most of your space, I have broken down some of the top yard appeal ideas with the biggest ROI giving you the most bang for your buck and increasing your home’s equity and curb appeal at the same time!

  • Embrace Sustainable Landscaping: Incorporating native plants, drought-resistant foliage, and xeriscaping techniques not only reduces water consumption but also creates an eco-friendly landscape. Consider installing a rain garden or a drip irrigation system to conserve water and enhance the natural beauty of your yard.
  • Install Outdoor Structures: Adding functional outdoor structures like pergolas, arbors, or gazebos can provide shade, define spaces, and add architectural interest to your yard. These structures can serve as focal points and create inviting outdoor living areas for entertaining or relaxation.
  • Upgrade Your Lawn: A lush, well-maintained lawn instantly elevates the appearance of your yard. Invest in professional lawn care services, aerate and overseed to fill in bare patches, and regularly fertilize and water your lawn to keep it healthy and green. Consider alternatives like artificial turf for low-maintenance options.
  • Incorporate Water Features: Incorporating a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or waterfall adds visual interest, tranquility, and a sense of luxury to your yard. The soothing sound of running water can create a serene ambiance and attract wildlife, enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space.
  • Enhance Privacy: Increase the comfort and enjoyment of your yard by enhancing privacy with strategic landscaping, fencing, or screening options. Planting tall hedges, installing lattice panels, or adding trellises with climbing plants can create secluded areas and block unsightly views while adding beauty and greenery to your yard.

By implementing these additional ideas alongside the ones you’ve already outlined, you can transform your yard into a welcoming oasis that not only enhances your enjoyment but also offers a significant return on investment.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next: 5 Ways to Turn Your Home into a Staycation Paradise

8 May

Let Your Home Work for You

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Let Your Home Work for You.

As Canadians approach their retirement years, many are exploring the potential of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage solution to allow them to enjoy the retirement they’ve worked so hard for. Many retirees face financial challenges with lower Canada Pension Plan payments, diminished or non-existent company pensions, inadequate retirement savings, and the ever-rising cost of living. However, there is a solution that allows your home to work for you – the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank.

Understanding the CHIP Reverse Mortgage

The CHIP Reverse Mortgage is a financial solution specifically tailored to Canadian homeowners aged 55 and better. It is a loan secured against the appraised value of your home. This innovative approach enables you to convert up to 55% of your home’s value into tax-free cash while staying in the home you love. What sets this financial solution apart is its flexibility; you can choose how you’d like to receive your funds. Whether you prefer a lump sum or regular monthly deposits, the choice is yours. Moreover, you won’t be burdened with making regular mortgage payments or repaying the loan until you decide to move or sell your home.

Meeting Your Financial Needs

In retirement, a limited income and the escalating cost of living can cause stress. Thankfully, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage provides a lifeline by offering versatile funding options. The funds you receive can serve various purposes, such as:

  • Increasing Monthly Cashflow
  • Consolidating Debt
  • Purchasing Another Property
  • Covering Medical Expenses
  • Renovating Your Home
  • Fulfilling Your Dream Vacation
  • And More!

Embrace a Richer Retirement with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage

When your home has the potential to unlock financial security, it can help you live the retirement of your dreams. To tap into the power of your home’s equity and enhance your retirement, contact us your Dominion Lending Centres mortgage experts today!

Published by the DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next: Tips to Improve Your Credit Score

2 Apr

Escrow and What You Need to Know

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Escrow and What You Need to Know.

Let’s talk about escrow! While this arrangement may not necessarily impact your mortgage, it can be helpful to understand should anything come up throughout your term.

What is Escrow

Starting with the basics, what IS escrow exactly?

Escrow refers to a financial agreement where assets or finances are held by a third party on behalf of two other parties (such as a homeowner and bank). The escrow party is a neutral entity that holds funds during the transaction process.

Homebuyer’s Escrow

Most of you will likely be familiar with this from a real estate and notary perspective, which is known as a homebuyer escrow. This is when you sell or purchase a home, your money is transferred to the notary for processing property transfer taxes, existing overdue payments, real estate fees, etc. Once they have processed it and the transaction is completed, the remaining funds then get deposited to you and your mortgage begins.

Escrow is also the instance where you put a deposit down on a property and the cheque or deposit is held until the transaction is completed.

Homeowner’s Escrow

There is also another escrow known as homeowner escrow. This is slightly different from your homebuyer’s escrow whereby the agreement ends when the sale is closed. For homeowner escrow, the account is designed as a holding area for funds to pay off various property-related costs, such as:

  • Homeowners insurance premiums
  • Private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums
  • Flood or wildfire insurance premiums
  • Property taxes

Homeowners may choose to have their funds in escrow for these expenses to avoid missing any payments. Lenders would generally collect these expenses as part of the borrower’s monthly mortgage payment.

Benefits of Escrow

There are a variety of different benefits for using an escrow depending on whether you are a buyer, seller or lender including:

  • Buyers:
    • Buyer may get their earnest money back if a sale falls through.
    • Earnest money is often applied to down payment or closing costs.
    • Mortgage escrows break insurance premiums and property taxes into monthly payments.
    • A lender manages the mortgage escrow account on the homeowner’s behalf.
  • Sellers:
    • Escrow ensures that a property doesn’t change hands before the sale is complete.
    • If the buyer doesn’t uphold the purchase agreement, the seller could keep the earnest money.
  • Lenders:
    • Can ensure payments are made on time and reduce lending risks.
    • Managing the account can help avoid late fees or liens against the property.

Drawbacks of Escrow

As with any potential agreement, there can be drawbacks to escrow that are important to consider and understand before you jump in. These disadvantages include:

  • Setting up your escrow account may require an upfront deposit.
  • You may be charged additional fees for escrow services.
  • Insurance premiums or property tax increases could affect monthly mortgage payments.
  • Moving your money into escrow can limit the amount of cash flow on hand.

If you are looking at buying or selling in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out to a DLC mortgage expert to determine how escrow could affect the process and your mortgage agreement! They would be happy to review your situation and recommend the best course of action before you move ahead.

Published by the DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

14 Mar

Mortgage Types 101

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Mortgage Types 101.

Get to know the important basics before you choose your mortgage.

You have to be sure you select what is most important to you – lower rates or flexibility. Before you choose a mortgage, take some time to study mortgage types:

Closed Mortgage: If you want consistency with respect to rates and the length of your mortgage agreement, a closed mortgage is best for you. Interest rates are typically lower (and do not change with the length of the term). However, a closed mortgage does not offer much flexibility in paying off your mortgage sooner – with the exception of a once-a-year lump sum payment up to 20% of your entire mortgage.

  • Predictability and consistency with respect to payment amount
  • Often comes with lower interest rates
  • Limited flexibility with paying down the mortgage faster
  • Cannot change interest rate during the term of mortgage

Convertible Mortgage: Want the best of both worlds? Then consider a convertible mortgage. Convertible mortgages are flexible yet offer minimal risk. Often with a lower interest rate than an open mortgage, convertible mortgages provide the opportunity to switch to a longer-term closed mortgage without penalty.

  • Provides an opportunity to take advantage of lower interest rates and switch to a closed rate without penalty
  • Offers lower interest rates than an open mortgage

Open Mortgage: If you are looking for flexibility with regard to paying off your mortgage, consider an open mortgage. No penalty is incurred if you decide to make lump sump payments or pay off your mortgage before the term expires; however, this flexibility comes often with a higher interest rate – which can result in higher monthly payments.

  • Maximum flexibility; no penalty for making lump sum payments or paying off your entire mortgage before the term expires
  • Higher interest rate
  • Best for those looking to pay off their mortgage as soon as possible

Still not sure which type of mortgage is best for you? Contact Jennifer Koop your DLC Mortgage Expert today!

Published by the DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

22 Feb

Advice on Buying Historic Homes

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Advice on Buying Historic Homes.

For those of us with a flair for aesthetics or a penchant for history, historic homes offer a unique chance to own something special.

What is a Historic Home?

Typically, for a home to be considered “historic”, it needs to demonstrate rare or outstanding architecture. Typically, historic homes are at least 50 years of age, but it can be younger depending on what it represents in relation to Canadian design.

In addition, the home must be a landmark or hold historical value connected to a notable event, person, or institution in Canadian history.

Considerations for Historic Homes

When it comes to buying a historic home, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind.

The first is that there are generally special bylaws, permits, and rules for historic homes. Features such as “character-defining” elements of the home, for example, cannot be changed, destroyed, or removed. Depending on the history of the home, there may be other features that require preservation per the story of the home and its significance to history. In some cases, trees or the lawn may also be assigned for conservation.

Due to the preservation goal of historic homes, there are limited things that you can do if you purchase one in terms of renovations. There will be special considerations for any expansions or modifications that will often need to be approved to ensure it does not impact the historical aspects of the home.

Another thing to consider when looking at historic homes is merely the age of the building. This can result in more costly maintenance, especially if the home has outdated elements or structures.

A proper home inspection can help to reveal any areas that may be cause for issues in the future or advise potential updates and renovations that are doable. Overall, you want to evaluate the home to ensure it has solid bones and structural integrity.

Benefits of Historic Homes

For individuals who are highly interested in history and culture, these homes can be an incredible opportunity to own a unique piece of history. Whether from an emotional or intellectual standpoint, this can be a very fulfilling purchase resulting in a one-of-a-kind home with a special link to Canada’s past.

In addition to owning a piece of history, there are more benefits such as joining a community that is committed to preservation with like-minded individuals.

Before diving into homeownership, especially that of a historic home, it is important to ask yourself if you are ready for the responsibility of owning a culturally significant property. Ownership of these properties is a privilege and must always be treated as such.

Published by the DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502
Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka

16 Feb

Avoid Costly Mistakes When Building a New Home

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Avoid Costly Mistakes When Building a New Home.

Building a new home is a super exciting endeavor as you opt to create the perfect space for you and your family. However, building a home is not without its costs and potential surprises… to mitigate bumps on your homebuilding journey and avoid costly mistakes, consider the following tips:

Set a Realistic Budget

When building your own home, it is vital to be realistic about your budget and what you can afford. Making a list of wants versus needs can be a good way to determine what is required, and where you can spend extra money should your budget allow for it. When constructing your budget, don’t forget to include construction costs from materials to labour, as well as permits, inspections, landscaping and unforeseen contingencies. The contingency fund should be approximately 10-15% of your budget put aside to cover unforeseen issues or changes.

Hire Reputable Individuals

From your architect and your contractor to your landscaper and inspector, it is vital to have the right people in the right positions. This will ensure that you not only get the best advice, but experienced individuals will also help to steer you through the process and mitigate potential issues. Be sure to do your research, ask for references and ensure the individual(s) you hire are licensed and insured.

While you’re researching individuals, it can also be a good idea to get multiple quotes. While you may have a contractor you like, reaching out to other individuals can help ensure you’re getting the best rate.

Review Contracts Carefully

Read and understand all contracts and agreements thoroughly between your contractor and yourself, your designer, your home inspector, etc. Ensure that everything is in writing and that you and your builder are on the same page regarding expectations, timelines, and costs.

Make and Follow Your Plan

Once you have your budget and the right people on the project, it is time to make a plan. You must work with an architect or designer to ensure that your new home aligns with your needs, lifestyle and budget. This should also include future plans – do you want to have children? Plan on adopting a pet or two? Possibly need space for an older family member in a few years? Getting this right from the beginning will help to avoid potential changes to the plan down the line, which will reduce expansions to cost and timelines.

Choose Your Materials Carefully

Choosing to invest in energy-efficient features and materials can help you to reduce long-term utility costs. While initially these installations may be more costly, they will work to save you money in the long run. Whenever possible, make sure these materials are also as durable as possible to ensure longevity and low maintenance requirements.

Secure the Necessary Permits

Ensure that you obtain all required permits and approvals before starting construction. One of the most important reasons to do this is to ensure that the work being done is safe, but having permits and inspections is also vital to ensure you can get insurance on your new build. Non-permitted renovations or build additions, changes, etc. can result in trouble securing insurance, on top of fines and other potentially costly issues.

Invest in Inspections

Having inspections done throughout the process of building your home can save you issues down the line by ensuring that all the installations are done correctly and safely and that your house meets the proper codes for electrical, plumbing, etc.

By taking proper steps and being proactive throughout the home-building process, you can minimize the risk of costly mistakes and ensure that your new home meets your expectations while staying within your budget.

Published by the DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today705-349-0502
Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka