Blog
The Biggest Mortgage Decision: Bank or Broker?
Posted by Brad Speniel | May 24, 2015 at 6:45 pm
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 minutes
If you’re like most Canadian homeowners, chances are you didn’t buy the first house you saw. You browsed some listings, you walked around some neighbourhoods, or drove around to find a few spots. Then you probably hit a few open houses, and you walked through several. Maybe even dozens. If you’re looking for your first home, you’ll likely do the same.
Buying a house is a big decision. You want to make the right choice. So when it comes to making one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make – your mortgage – you might want to give it some serious consideration, too. So what will it be? Bank or broker? Here’s a little comparison between a mortgage broker vs. bank that we hope will encourage you to shop around.
Must-Know Tips for Buying a Home
Posted by Brad Speniel | May 24, 2015 at 6:34 pm
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 2 minutes
Buying a house is an exciting, but overwhelming, time. There are many things to think about before you even start shopping, so be prepared. The decision to purchase a house is a big, life-changing step, and we want you to know exactly what you are getting into. Here are the top 7 tips for buying a home that you need to think about in advance. After all, you can’t start shopping until you know what you’re looking for.
Make Sure your Home Renovations are Worth It
Posted by Brad Speniel | May 24, 2015 at 6:18 pm
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 3 minutes
I have previously talked about the benefits of making a house into your dream home with
home renovations. But when considering investing in renovations, you want to make sure you are taking on a project that will be worth it in the end. Before you decide to buy that fixer-upper you have your eye on, consider these tips to ensure it is the right house for you and that the planned renovations will prove profitable in the end.
Consult a real estate agent to find out more about the neighbourhood
The real estate history — that is, recent sales, pricing, etc. — of a neighbourhood will tell you if investing in this fixer-upper is worth your time and money. Your agent can advise you on community news, including property development, environmental projects and other factors that will have positive and negative effects on your home’s resale value.
RESPs — How will your Child Escape Student Loans?
Posted by Brad Speniel | May 23, 2015 at 8:50 am
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 2 minutes
Since it’s back to school month, I thought it would be timely to talk about your kid’s college fund and student loans. According to MoneySense magazine, experts forecast that the cost of a four-year university education in Canada, including tuition and accommodation, will run upwards of $100,000 by the time today’s toddlers graduate from high school.
But if you start planning while your kids are young, the costs of education can be affordable. Plus, you’ll save them from being burdened with thousands of dollars in student loan debt! Here are some ways to start.