Interest rates have been on a rollercoaster ride over the past year and have skyrocketed beyond expectations. The Bank of Canada promised low rates for a long time, but this has not been the case. The increasing mortgage rates and payments are putting homeowners under immense financial pressure and are a cause for concern. At […]

In a down market, buyers have the advantage, but it is still important to be well prepared and informed. Here are 7 tips for buying a home for less in a down market: Do Your Homework: Research the area and price range to get an idea of what is considered excessive or low. Utilize your […]

Winter weather can be tough on your home, and proper maintenance is essential to protect it from damage and ensure a comfortable living environment. Here’s a list of internal and external tasks to keep in mind for winter home maintenance. Internal Tasks Keep interior doors open during deep cold spells (below 15 degrees for more […]

https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/business-growth/shawn-stillman-faith-and-grit-are-a-brokers-most-powerful-tools/287992 The road to success in the mortgage space is a craggy, winding one – a fact that Shawn Stillman (pictured), broker and co-founder of the Toronto-based Mortgage Outlet, emphasized in his advice to industry newcomers. “I first got my license in September 2009, but I actually did not close my first deal until March […]

https://financialpost.com/real-estate/mortgages/dont-pay-til-you-die-reverse-mortgages-are-booming-in-canada Reverse mortgages are surging in Canada as more older people join the country’s debt bandwagon.If you’re 55 or older, you can borrow as much as 55 per cent of the value of your home. Principal and compound interest don’t have to be paid back until you sell the home or die. To keep the […]

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-ottawas-first-time-home-buyer-incentive-who-wins-and-who-loses/ It’s an especially good tactic for short-term homeowners to save interest and premiums, on the backs of taxpayers. “That’s gaming the system,” says mortgage broker Shawn Stillman of Toronto-based Mortgage Outlet Inc. “But that’s not what the government wants. It wants people in their houses long term because it’s losing money if they’re not. […]

So you need a mortgage.  The bad news is that mortgages have become more complex than ever!  So here are our Top 10 Mortgage Mistakes made by Canadians: 10 – Believing that FIXED rates are “safer” and VARIABLE rates are “riskier”.  This is a HUGE misconception, which I explain here. : https://mortgageoutlet.ca/fixed-versus-variable-the-mortgage-question   9 – […]

I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for many, many months – and I’m thrilled that I’m finally sitting down to do it. The good news is there is a simple answer to the fixed vs. variable debate.  Are you ready? The answer is… It depends. Ok, so that answer isn’t so simple, so […]