Banks got $114B from governments during recession

Canada‘s biggest banks accepted tens of billions in government funds during the recession, according to a report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Canada’s banking system is often lauded for being one of the world’s safest. But an analysis by CCPA senior economist David Macdonald concluded that Canada’s major lenders were in […]

Why smaller down payments can lead to better mortgage rates

It doesn’t make much sense, but a skimpy down payment on a home might actually get you a better mortgage rate in today’s market. Blame the government subsidy known as mortgage default insurance, which ultimately makes it less risky to lend money to someone who has only 5% down compared to someone with 20%. Consumers […]

Give me a break on my mortgage break fee!

By lesleyscorgieMetro Canada I recently sold my house and have decided to get a new mortgage through a mortgage broker rather than my bank. So, I met with my bank last week to discuss the transaction and learned that the cost to break my existing mortgage is nearly $5,000! Hogwash! For $5,000 I could take a […]

Are you shopping for a home?

Are you trying to navigate Canada’s red-hot real estate market, sick of renting and on the prowl for a home to call your own? On May 1st, Globe Investor launched a new month-long Home Buying site, packed with stories, videos and expert opinions to help readers make what for many will be the biggest financial decision […]

Pros and cons of a mortgage broker

When Chris Vale and his wife Keli Hines bought a home in Oshawa, they arranged a mortgage through an in-house firm their real estate agent’s company had. “We were told, ‘Here’s the rate and here’s what you pay,’ ” Vale recalls of the transaction, which took place several years ago. Then Vale met mortgage broker […]

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