Mortgage Tips Craig Barton 25 Aug
Thinking of Buying a Second Property in BC? Here’s What You Need to Know As a mortgage broker here in beautiful British Columbia, one of the questions I get asked more and more is:“Can I afford to buy a second property?” Whether it’s for a vacation home, a rental investment, or a place for a […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 9 Jul
Understanding Property Transfer Tax in B.C. — And How You Might Avoid Paying It As a mortgage broker here in beautiful British Columbia, one of the most common surprises I see for first-time homebuyers and even experienced buyers is the Property Transfer Tax (PTT). It’s not a small fee, and it’s important to know how […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 13 May
Why Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step in the Home Buying JourneyBy Craig Barton, Licensed Mortgage Broker in British Columbia If you’re thinking about buying a home in British Columbia—whether it’s your first purchase or you’re upgrading—there’s one essential step you should take before you even start browsing listings: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 7 May
🏡 Top Mortgage Solutions for First-Time Homebuyers in Canada 1. First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) This federal program offers shared equity loans of 5% or 10% of the purchase price of your home. The government essentially helps you with part of the down payment in exchange for a stake in the home’s future value. Reduces […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 9 Apr
Why Purchasing Real Estate is a Smart Investment Over Renting in British Columbia As a mortgage broker in British Columbia, I’m often asked by clients whether it’s better to rent or buy a home. It’s an important decision, and the right choice varies depending on personal circumstances. However, more often than not, purchasing real estate […]
Read MoreMortgage Tips Craig Barton 24 Mar
How Adjusting Your Mortgage Payment Frequency Can Save You Time and Money When it comes to paying off your mortgage, small changes can lead to big savings. One of the simplest yet most effective strategies to cut down on your mortgage’s amortization period (the time it takes to fully repay your loan) is adjusting your […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 4 Mar
The Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage to Pull Equity: A Smart Way to Manage Debt, Fund Renovations, or Plan a Family Trip As a mortgage broker, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether refinancing a mortgage makes sense when it comes to managing personal debt or funding significant life expenses like […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 13 Feb
Achieving a High Credit Score in Canada: Tips and Best Practices Your credit score is one of the most important factors when it comes to managing your finances in Canada. A high credit score can open doors to better loan rates, lower interest on credit cards, and even better rental opportunities. Whether you’re planning to […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 24 Jan
Why Canadians Should Consider Using a Mortgage Broker Instead of a Big Bank When it comes to securing a mortgage for your home, Canadians are often faced with a choice: approach a traditional big bank or work with a mortgage broker. While both options have their pros and cons, there are several compelling reasons why […]
Read MoreGeneral Craig Barton 25 Sep
The federal government on September 24, 2024 announced expanded parameters for lenders and insurers to begin offering insured mortgages effective December 15, 2024. The expanded parameters include: Expanding the eligibility for 30-year amortizations. Increasing the $1 million cap to $1.5 million. To qualify for the 30-year amortization: the loan to value must be 80% or […]
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