Where Will Rising Interest Rates Hurt Most?

General Michele McGarvey 6 Sep

Rising inflation combined with a strengthening post-pandemic economy gives both reason and opportunity for the Bank of Canada (BOC) to further raise interest through to the end of 2022 and beyond. The 1% increase to the benchmark overnight rate in early July was a wake-up call that they were not bluffing and are prepared to […]

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Advice for Single Homebuyers

General Michele McGarvey 6 Sep

Buying a home is an exciting experience for anyone, and even more of a milestone when you’re doing it solo, but it can be a little different when you’re purchasing on your own. While it can be easier to tailor your mortgage and home search to exactly your needs, it can be somewhat more stressful […]

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Construction and Pre-Construction Mortgages

General Michele McGarvey 29 Aug

Building or renovating your own home is such an exciting time and allows you to create something tailored to you and your family!  But when it comes to construction mortgages, there are a few different types of loans: new construction and even pre-construction.  Let’s break it down so you can determine the best choices for […]

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5 Reasons You Don’t Qualify for a Mortgage

General Michele McGarvey 22 Aug

When it comes to shopping for a mortgage, it is important to know what you need to qualify – but it is just as important to understand some of the reasons why you DON’T qualify so that you can make some changes and budget accordingly for when the time is right. If you are in […]

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TFSA vs RRSP – No Losers in This Battle!

General Michele McGarvey 9 Aug

The worst financial mistake you can make is believing that a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is something to look into when you are a little older and more able to set some money aside. The fact is, you don’t use these accounts for saving at all, you use them […]

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3 Things You May Not Know About Cash-Back Mortgages

General Michele McGarvey 2 Aug

It can get pretty exciting to see campaigns around “cash-back mortgages” but, before you get too far along, here are three things you might not know about these types of mortgages: Occasionally you will see campaigns on cash-back mortgages, so don’t jump at the first one you see! These types of mortgages are available through […]

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Could an Investment Property Be Your Pension?

General Michele McGarvey 25 Jul

An investment (or rental) property, can be a great option for generating additional monthly income and growing your wealth over time, if done properly. This strategy has multiple options and outcomes that can benefit Canadians such as: Supplementing income now and boosting pension in the future creating more financial freedom Allowing you to buy your […]

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Financial Advice that Never Gets Old

General Michele McGarvey 18 Jul

It’s difficult to find timeless advice in the ever-changing world of personal finance but these five are about as close as you can get. 1. Start small and start early with investing Only around 5% of Canadians under 25 have a TFSA, which means 95% have already missed out on 7 years of compounded returns. […]

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3 Advantages of a Pre-Approval

General Michele McGarvey 18 Jul

While getting pre-qualified can give you a ballpark estimate on what you can afford, getting pre-approved is where the real magic happens. Mortgage pre-approval means that a lender has stated (in writing) that you do qualify for a mortgage and what amount, based on submitted documentation of your current income and credit history. A pre-approval usually specifies […]

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Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage

General Michele McGarvey 4 Jul

When it comes to shopping for your perfect home, it can be hard to find the exact one ready to go! If you are looking into a home that requires improvements, there is a mortgage product known as Purchase Plus Improvements (PPI). This type of mortgage is available to assist buyers with making simple upgrades, […]

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