13 Jun

How Bridge Financing Works

Mortgage Tips

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

In life, things rarely go as planned. This is especially true when it comes to real estate! When it comes to buying a new home, in a perfect world, most of us would like to take possession of their new residence before having to move out of the old one. This makes moving a lot easier and allows you time for painting or renovations prior to moving into your new digs. Unfortunately, this is where things get complicated.

Most people need the money from the sale of their existing property to come up with the down payment for the new house. This is where bridge financing comes in. Essentially, bridge financing allows you to ‘bridge’ the financial gap between the firm sale of your current home and the firm commitment to purchasing your new home.

WHAT ARE BRIDGE LOANS?

Bridge loans are short-term solutions that range from 90 days to 12 months, with an average of six months in length. This type of financing allows you to access some of the equity in your existing property, to put towards the down payment of your new home. However, to be eligible for a bridge loan, a firm sale agreement MUST be in place on your existing home, meaning all subjects have been removed. You will also require a purchase agreement for the new home to verify the amount required.

If you have not yet sold your home, you will not be eligible for bridge financing as the lender needs that to accurately calculate how much equity you have available and if you can afford your new home.

If you are currently looking to sell, or are in the midst of selling your home and considering bridge financing, it is important to understand that unless you can qualify and pay for two mortgages, you should always sell your existing home before purchasing a new one. There are a couple reasons for this:

  • Property values are constantly changing. You won’t know how much money you have until you sell your home as a home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it NOW. Past sales and future guesses don’t count!
  • You need the proceeds from your existing home to help pay for the down payment on your new home, as well as renovations, moving costs and (if required) the size of mortgage you qualify for.

However, if you have firm sale and purchase agreements in place and are adamant about bridge financing, there are some things you should know.

getting bridge financing

If you have sold your existing home but the closing date comes after the closing date of the new property you just purchased, then bridge financing will likely be your best option.

Remember – in order to qualify you must have a firm sale agreement for your current home and a purchase agreement for the new home. If you don’t have a firm selling date you may need to consider a private lender for the bridge loan.

If you do have firm sale and purchase agreements and want to move forward with bridge financing, you also need to consider the lender. Your new lender may not allow for bridge financing as not all lenders do. It is important to consider whether or not you think you need bridge financing so you can ensure you sign with the appropriate lender. Utilizing a Dominion Lending Centres mortgage broker can help you find a lender that provides the options you need.

COSTS OF BRIDGE FINANCING

It is important to mention that bridge financing typically costs MORE than your traditional mortgage. It is best to expect the Prime Rate plus 2, 3 or 4 percent, as well as an administration fee.

Also, in some cases, if you require a loan over $200,000 or a loan for more than 120 days, your lender may register a lien on the property until the loan is repaid. In order to remove this lien, you will need to consider the added costs of paying for a real estate lawyer.

PRIVATE FINANCING

If you have purchased your new home and are closing the deal, but your existing home has not yet sold, you would not qualify for bridge financing and would therefore need to consider a private loan.

Private financing is expensive, but it is generally a more affordable option versus lowering the asking price of your existing home and losing out on tens of thousands just to sell quickly. Seeking out a specialized mortgage broker who has access to individuals that lend money out privately to get the best rate and terms available to you.

COSTS OF PRIVATE FINANCING

Private loans are dependent on having enough equity in your current property to qualify and are more expensive than traditional mortgages. Private loans have a much higher interest rate than traditional mortgages, which averages anywhere from 7-15 percent. The costs associated with a higher interest rate is in addition to an up-front lender fee and potential broker fee. These amounts will vary based on your specific situation with consideration to: time required for the loan, the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, credit bureau, property location, etc.

When it comes to bridge financing and selling and buying of your home, don’t waste your time trying to figure it out on your own. Give us a call and we can help you determine your best option!

24 Mar

Spring Into Action in 3 Simple Steps

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

Spring is here and that means we’re embarking on the best time to start getting outside and enjoy more of what the beautiful outdoors has to offer. From weekend hikes, to community running events, don’t underestimate the power of a quick ‘at-home workout’ to compliment leg, ankle, and core strengthening before you hit the trails. With no need for any equipment, all this Mandy Gill APP workout calls for is 20 minutes on the clock.

burpees

Only 10 reps! Begin standing with your legs shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on the floor and kick your legs, back so you end up with your stomach and thighs on the floor. Your elbows should be bent. From this position, press up like you’re doing a push-up and push your hips up. Jump your feet under your hips and stand. Finish the movement by jumping in the air and bringing your hands over your head. Repeat. Want to blast fat and tone up quickly? This is the movement to get you there!

donkey kicks

While still on all fours, keep your right knee bent at a 90 degree angle and flex the foot as you pull your knee towards your right elbow. Then extend your right leg to a straight position, and repeat for a total of 50 reps on the right side. Once you’ve completed that, switch to the left leg for 50 reps.

leg lifts

This move and the next primarily target the glutes, hip flexors, and abs. Position yourself on all fours on a mat, with your hands underneath your shoulders, and your knees under your hips. Lift the right leg up towards the ceiling while keeping your leg as straight as possible, and your glutes squeezed. With control, bring down your leg to tap your right toe to the ground and then return it back up towards the ceiling to complete a total of 25 reps. Then complete 25 reps on the left side.

 

DLC Marketing Team
10 Mar

Investment Properties

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

So, you are looking to purchase a second property! Congratulations! This is a great opportunity for you to expand your financial portfolio and ensure stability for the future. However, before you launch into this purchase there are a few things you should know, depending on which type of second property you are looking to purchase.

SECOND PROPERTY WITH INTENTION TO RENT

Buying a property for the purpose of renting it out to someone else comes with different qualifying criteria and mortgage product options than traditional home purchases. Before you look at purchasing a rental property, there are a few things to consider:

  1. The minimum down payment required is 20% of the purchase price, and the funds must come from your own savings; you cannot use a gift from someone else.
  2. Only a portion of the rental income can be used to qualify and determine how much you can afford to borrow. Some lenders will only allow you to use 50% of the income added to yours, while other lenders may allow up to 80% of the rental income and subtract your expenses.
  3. Interest rates usually have a premium when the mortgage is for a rental property versus a mortgage for a home someone intends on living in. The premium can be anywhere from 0.10% to 0.20% on a regular 5-year fixed rate.

Rental income from the property can be used to debt service the mortgage application, but do bear in mind that some lenders will have a minimum liquid net worth requirement outside of the property. Also, if you do eventually want to sell this property it will be subject to capital gains tax. Your accountant will be able to help you with that aspect if you do decide to sell in the future.

VACATION PROPERTY

While vacation properties are not always the perfect investment, they are popular options for people who want to get away from it all and build memories in! If you’re motivated to head down that road, buying a vacation property is essentially like purchasing a second home.

If you are considering buying a unit within a hotel as a vacation spot (known as “fractional ownership”), it is important to note that if there is any mention of using your vacation home to provide rental income it will be treated like an investment property.

SECONDARY PROPERTY

Most people are trained to stay out of debt and don’t tend to consider using the equity in their home to buy an investment property, but they haven’t realized the art of leveraging. If you’re using equity from your primary residence to buy a secondary property, keep in mind that the interest you’re using is tax deductible. Consider that you’re buying an appreciating asset, and if you put a real estate portfolio and a stock portfolio side-by-side, they don’t compare.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to make six figures to get in the game. Essentially, you just have to be someone who wants to be a little smarter with their down payment. Before taking on a secondary property remember that the minimum down payment is 5% of the purchase price – unless you are intending to rent, in which case it is 20% down.

When it comes to purchasing a secondary property, whether for investment or rental or vacation, it can be a great opportunity! As your mortgage broker I can work with to find the best solution for your unique needs.

AIR BNB ON YOUR MIND?

More and More Canadians are hopping on the short-term rental train as Air bnb’s popularity has sky-rocketed over the last few years. It’s not a bad way to earn extra money, but don’t forget there are a few things to consider:

  • Check strata/city bylaws
  • Contact your insurance provider to get correct coverage
  • Talk to your mortgage broker to see if a short-term income property can affect your approval
  • Consider tax implications, and talk to an accountant.

The more services you provide as a host, the greater the chance that your rental operation will be considered a business.

 

Published by DLC Marketing Team
24 Feb

5 Reasons to Invest in a Home Inspection

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

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 without conditions. However, no matter how competitive a market may be, you should never skip out on things designed for buyer protection – such as a home inspection.

You may have a good eye for décor and love the layout of your potential new home, but what is under the surface is typically where headaches can lie. We have all heard the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” so why would you make the most important purchase in your life without checking it out?

In fact, there are five reasons that a home inspection might just be the best $300-$500 you ever spend.

it provides an “out”

When buying a new house, it is always best to avoid taking chances. While a house may look great on the surface, hidden structural issues such as cracked foundation or roof damage can easily turn into expensive repairs. A home inspection can help reveal any large and/or hidden issues, which can often provide an ‘out’ for the buyer.

If you find something that will cost a considerable amount to replace or repair you can go back to the seller’s agent and ask for a reduction in the price. A leaky roof may cost a few thousand to replace. Perhaps the seller would split the cost with you? It’s worth asking. If the price cannot be re-negotiated if issues come to light, then it is best to just walk away on the basis that the home will cost you too much in the long run.

confirms safety and structural integrity

Another benefit of having a home inspection is not only to find issues, but also to confirm structural integrity. During an inspection, the inspector will review everything from the attic to the furthest reaches of the basement and will look for things like mold, holes in the chimney, saggy beams or improper wiring.

reveal illegal additions or installations

Similarly to determining any safety and structural issues, home inspections can also reveal hidden additions or DIY installations that may cause trouble down the road. If the seller wired the house improperly or used substandard materials, it not only could cost you big in the future but it could even null and void your home insurance should something happen!

forecast future costs

A home is an ongoing expense, much like a car. Unless it is brand new, there will be regular maintenance and updates required to replace things when they become old and inefficient. For instance, water heaters typically last for 6-10 years, the life of a good roof is around 20 years, while furnaces can last up to 25 years. The home inspection report will include an estimate on the remaining life for each of these big-ticket items, which will give you a heads up on future expected costs and provide you time to save for their eventual replacement.

peace of mind

Finally and perhaps most importantly, getting a home inspection is important for your own peace of mind. A home is a huge investment, and one that you will be paying off for 20 or 30 years. It is much easier to feel good about your investment after you have gone through a home inspection and you know that the house is safe and that you won’t run into any surprise problems down the road. While a home inspection isn’t free, peace of mind is priceless and a few hundred bucks is worth it!

17 Feb

Power Up Your Finances

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

Let’s face it, mere mention of the word “money” can make people shift in discomfort. In an era in which the veils are being lifted off many societal taboos, a shroud of shame hangs stubbornly over money talk – we’re taught to fear it, we’re taught it’s too complicated, and those are all messages meant to disempower.

It’s time to push past the taboo, and normalize talking about money. Disrupt it by talking about it – openly and frankly – with your partner, your friends, your family, and your colleagues. Speaking of partners, it’s important both parties are open with one another about their fears, feelings, and goals in regards to money. This is particularly important in opposite-gender households, where research shows that the male partner takes the financial lead in most homes.

stnce Senior Program Specialist, Sarah Zandbergen, has this to say about the hesitation to discuss finances with partners: “It can be difficult to bring up, no question, but if you’re sharing your life with someone, finances are bound to come up. A staggering statistic we came across in our research is that 90% of women will be the sole financial decision-maker in their family at some point in their lives. Knowing this, there is absolutely no excuse to defer ownership to someone else.”

Smash the stigma, and get radically transparent about your salary, your financial situation, your debts, your windfalls, and your savings goals.

And, hey, we get it – there’s a sense of comfort, albeit a false one, that comes with avoiding fiscal responsibility, because it temporarily absolves us of having to do anything, but remaining on the sidelines gives money a leg up on you. So if you want to be truly in control, increasing your knowledge about money, and how to save it, is a critical part of the confidence-building process.

DLC Marketing Team
18 Jan

Get Your Home Equity Working for You with a Reverse Mortgage

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

The notion that we should be mortgage-free is a focus many of us strive to achieve the moment we realize the dream of homeownership. But, the fact is, many outstanding expenses and debts could be powered down faster – and more economically – by tapping into your home equity with a CHIP Reverse Mortgage.

There’s no time like the present to take charge of your finances and ensure you have enough cashflow to live comfortably while also using your money how you see fit – whether that involves helping out family members, spending money on your home or making a special trip or other large purchase.

Give yourself a fresh start and plan ahead

Taking advantage of your home equity through a CHIP Reverse Mortgage and freeing up some money to pay off unsecured high-interest debt on your credit cards, line of credit and/or loan, can be a very liberating move.

You’ll find that taking equity out of your home to pay off debt will also keep more money in your bank account each month – funds that would otherwise be put towards debt payments and interest.

With access to more money, you’ll not only be better able to manage your current debt, but you can also plan ahead by taking out equity to complete some home renovations or even help your children and grandchildren with their home and/or education needs.

As a Canadian 55 years or older, you may be eligible to access up to 55% of your home equity tax-free – and without impacting your CPP or OAS income. A CHIP Reverse Mortgage is a loan secured against the value of your home and, unlike a traditional loan or mortgage, you’re not required to make regular mortgage payments. The loan is repaid only when you no longer live in your home.

By paying off your debt now and/or helping a family member when they need it most, you can put yourself and your family in a better financial position moving forward. Have questions about unlocking some of your home equity through a CHIP Reverse Mortgage?

Let’s discuss how this solution can benefit you.

 

Published by HomeEquity Bank
4 Jan

Finding Your Perfect Home Type

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

When it comes to finding your perfect home, there are so many more options for potential homeowners! From a single-family dwelling to a townhouse to a modular home, the choices are seemingly endless. But, before you start widening your search, let’s take a look at what makes these home types different – and which one is perfect for you!

Not surprisingly, almost half (53.6%) of Canadian households occupy the classic single-family detached house. In a distant second are condominiums with over a quarter of homeowners (27.9%) opting for this type of home (especially in metropolitan areas such as Toronto and Vancouver). Next come duplexes at 5.6%. The remaining homeowner choices are other housing options, such as semi-detached houses, mobile or modular homes and other single-attached dwellings such as urban infill homes, which come in at 12.9%.

So, which of these options is right for you!? Let’s take a look starting with the most popular option.

single-family detached

This is a single-family, stand-alone house that sits on its own lot and is the most common type of home you will find. As these are detached dwellings, they provide more privacy with less noise from neighbors. They also tend to be larger dwellings (complete with a yard!) which gives you the space and freedom to really make it your own. Due to the popularity of these homes, there is often high demand in them which can drive up selling prices. In some cases, this can lead to bidding wars and houses that sell for well over the asking price.

single-family, semi-detached

These homes are suitable for a single family and are typically attached to another house on one side. When compared to single-family detached homes, their semi-detached cousins are often more affordable to both buy and maintain. With this affordability does come somewhat less privacy and protection from noise due to the shared walls on one side. However, these homes typically have separate entrances and retain most of the privacy of a fully detached home.

duplex

These are considered structures with two single-family units on separate levels. These are great options for individuals looking to reduce home purchase and carrying costs – live in one unit, rent the second! This type of home also provides unique flexibility for older families, giving you the option to move adult children or aging parents into the second unit as needed.

As expected, these units offer less privacy than a single-family detached home and can sometimes have increased noise through the floor or ceiling.

townhouse or row house

Another popular home option are townhouses or ‘row houses’ as these are a row of single-family homes, which are connected on both sides to the next home (excluding the end unit, which is only connected on one side). Townhouses typically have private yards but, in some cases, it may be freehold or condo-style with shared ownership rights and responsibilities.

Due to the nature of these homes, they are typically more affordable than detached or semi-detached homes and also easier to maintain. Similarly, to duplexes however, these home types have less privacy and may have noise from shared walls. There are also monthly maintenance or strata fees to consider for the unit.

condominium

These are low- or high-rise buildings containing multiple apartment units. These units are individually owned, with shared ownership rights and responsibilities over the building and the common area. Condos are excellent starter homes for single adults, or couples, as they are affordable and require minimal maintenance. Some buildings even have shared amenities, such as a fitness center or swimming pool or party room.

Always check for these amenities and if you would be interested in using them. If not, why pay for them? In this case, you might be better off finding a condo with less amenities and lower strata fees. Additional considerations for condos are that these are typically much smaller than detached or semi-detached homes and there is generally more noise (depending on your buildings structure and soundproofing) and less privacy due to common areas.

modular or mobile home

Growing in popularity are modular homes, which are prefabricated homes delivered to a home-site for installation. These homes are owned by the individual, while the land it sits on could be rented or owned outright. Similar to modular homes, are mobile homes such as campers and RVs.

These types of homes are highly affordable and extremely flexible; if you relocate, you can sell the mobile home with the property or keep the home and relocate it! As these are less common and somewhat newer home types, there is less resale demand than other housing types and they are much smaller than a detached or even a condominium. If renting land in a mobile home community, there are also those costs to consider.

carriage house or urban infill

A carriage house is located on the periphery of a single-family detached house. Similarly, are urban infill homes which are a modern solution to crowded cities whereby existing space in established residential or commercial areas has been repurposed to maximize density and reduce urban sprawl.

These homes are unique in that they are often located in interesting, urban environments and have their own character when compared to other homes. They are also generally less expensive than a single-family detached home and some of the other types on our list. That said, there is potential for noise pollution if you are in a busy location. Due to the size, there is also limited inventory and limited or non-existent yard space. But if you’re looking for something affordable and unique, these are perfect for you!

Finding the right home to suit your needs means considering your lifestyle and budget now, as well as where you’ll be a few years down the road. Want more information or need help deciding the best option for you? Contact a Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Professional to learn more about your options when it comes to buying and owning a home.

Published by DLC Marketing Team
16 Dec

Millennials vs Gen X’ers

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

Are millennials better or worse off than Gen-Xers at the same age?

Millennials are now the largest generation of people in Canada. They’re the most educated and diverse generation, but they face unique challenges…

  1. Millennials had higher after-tax household incomes than young Gen-Xers. Median after-tax household income between 25 and 34 years old
    • Millennials in 2016 $66,500
    • Young Gen-Xers in 1999 $51,000
  2. Millennials had higher assets and net worth than young Gen-Xers, but they also carried more debt.
    • Homeownership, living in Toronto or Vancouver, and having a higher education were three factors associated with higher net worth.
  3. Millennials are relatively more indebted… Debt-to-after-tax income ratio
    • 216% Millennials in 2016
    • 125% Young Gen-Xers in 1999
  4. Though millennials are entering the housing market at similar rates as previous younger generations, they are taking on larger mortgages.
  • Though their median net worth is higher, there are greater differences in economic well-being among millennials. Millennials in the top 10% held 55% of all total net worth accumulated by their generation.

Notes: Unless otherwise notes, millennials represent those between 25 and 34 years old in 2016, and young Gen X-ers indicate those between 25 and 34 years old in 1999.

Results are presented in 2016 current dollars and adjusted for inflation to allow a comparison over time. Statistics provided refer to the age and generation of the major income earner in the household or family.

ASSETS VS. LIABILITIES

Assets are what you own:

  • Cash
  • The value of your residence
  • Artwork
  • Automobile
  • Checking account
  • Collectibles
  • Electronics
  • Jewelry
  • Investment accounts
  • Retirement account
  • Savings account

Liabilities are what you owe:

  • Unsecured debts
  • Car loan
  • Mortgage
  • Student loans
  • Accounts payable
  • Income taxes payable
  • Bills payable
  • Bank account overdrafts
  • Accrued expenses
  • Short-term loans

 

Source: DLC Marketing Team
9 Dec

Tis the Season of Staying Motivated

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

The winter holiday season is often said to be the most wonderful time of the year. However, it is also one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. There are increased demands at work or in your business. The holidays tend to be socially demanding too. With all this going on at work and in your personal life, it can be very emotionally draining. This time of year is often centered on celebration, family, and friends. The fact is some people find themselves mired in family conflict or feeling lonely, heightening their levels of emotional stress.

Unfortunately, the pressure during these months can cause us to get distracted from some of our most important goals. No matter what your goals may be, many people find it difficult to stay motivated.

TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED

Here are six tips I use help me stay motivated during the holidays:

  1. Write your goals down. Carve out 30 minutes of your time to sit down without any distractions (turn your phone on airplane mode if you have to) and write down each goal you have on one side of a cue card. You should keep it to three goals or else your mind gets overwhelmed.
  2. Know why. Review each goal and write down why you want to achieve it. On the back or your cue card, write down how it will make you feel once you accomplish your goal, and also add any new opportunities that might arise through the process of achieving what you set out to do.
  3. Goal planning. The reason we normally forget about our goals during the holidays is that there is so much going on and there are so many distractions. Make sure to look at your goals and review them each morning when you wake up. Pro tip: keep them on your bedside table and read them when you first wake up (before checking your phone)!
  4. Break them down. Instead of just focusing on the end goal, break the steps toward the goal down into manageable tasks that you can complete within 10 minutes or less. If you are able to break each goal up into that time frame then you will be able to move forward with your goals each and every day with no excuses!
  5. Involve family and friends. It will be much easier to achieve your goals if your family and friends are on board and cheering you on. However, they cannot support you if you don’t tell them. Share your goals along with the reasons behind them so you can have people keep you on track.
  6. Allow yourself to enjoy the holidays. Whether your goals are work-, life- or health-related, focusing and moving forward on your goals doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy yourself! If you have a health goal, still allow yourself to enjoy that pie (in moderation, of course). If the goal is more career-centred, take time away from your laptop to enjoy social events and holiday parties. You will feel more refreshed and inspired when you take time away.

Above all, give yourself some grace during the holidays, remembering that the reason you want to work hard for this life is to experience more of it! Don’t be too rigid making it all about productivity; celebrate the small steps and reward yourself often! You will see the results which will motivate you to do more and make you feel confident as you enter the New Year.

DLC Marketing Team
25 Nov

Budgeting for the Holidays

General

Posted by: Kim Stenberg

Be mindful with money this season! Along with holiday joy come holiday bills, to avoid a sleigh-size tab, plan ahead to save money and maximize the payoff.

ORDER ONLINE Avoid getting stuck in the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers by ordering gifts online from your laptop or phone. The time you save can be put towards spending more time with friends and family.

BE THRIFTY Start early and keep an eye out for special sales. Many retailers have Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to help you get a jumpstart on holiday shopping. Get inspired with coupons and get into the routine of flipping through flyers delivered to your home and online

TRUST YOUR BUDGET It keeps you on track during the rest of the year, so why not lean on it now? Starting the season with a plan and a maximum spending limit will help alleviate stress while shopping. There are plenty of free budget-tracking apps that connect right to your bank accounts and can be pulled out of your pocket for reference at any time – especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed at the mall.

GET CRAFTY Everyone appreciates the handmade touch in a gift, and DIY-ing this holiday can help you save money. There are wonderful options that can be found online, even for beginners. Examples include homemade wreaths, body scrubs, and fun photo scrapbooks that can be done alone or in a group, and you’ll end up with a gift that money can’t buy. If you’re not sure where to find these clever and cost-effective ideas, Pinterest is a great place to start.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME Instead of buying gifts, spend quality time with your friends and family while you give back to others. Sharing the experience and splitting the cost of hosting a dinner for a family in need will offset the cost of spending money on each person and double the amount of joy spread during the holidays. It feels good to pay in kind.

HOSTING A PARTY?

Think ahead: Start thinking about your ingredients early and keep an eye out for sales on nonperishable goods. By beating the holiday rush, you can afford more goodies for less.

BE RESOURCEFUL Hosting a large gathering? Ask each of your guests to bring a dish. This cost effective tip will act as conversation starter too.

EARN REWARDS A number of retailers offer cards where you can earn points toward future purchases, including entertainment.

CHOOSE WISELY Your time matters, so spend more of it with your guests and less of it in the kitchen. Pick a short and easy recipe that won’t cost a lot to make. Prepare as much as you can the morning or day before for a smoother hosting experience.

 

DLC Marketing Team