the learning center
the more you know, the more you save
Welcome!
The goal of our learning center is to arm Canadian consumers with the best information to tackle the most complicated financial transaction of their lives - a home mortgage.
Purchasing a home is typically the most expensive financial transaction of any Canadian's life. If you're like us, you don't want to make any decisions before you've got all the information.
Start by checking out the most relevant content - select on the right whether you're an existing home owner, or a new home buyer.
Enjoy!
The moneybeat.com team
daily mortgage tip
A good way to shorten your amortization may be to choose the accelerated bi-weekly payment option. This allows you to pay half of your monthly payment every two weeks. By doing this, you end up making the equivalent of one extra monthly payment a year.
featured article
A Guide to the Professionals Involved in Your Home Purchase
When you're buying a home, you'll deal with many different professionals. To make sure your new home purchase goes smoothly, take a minute to understand who will be involved in the process.
Appraiser
It's a good idea to understand how much a home is worth before submitting your offer. Home appraisers are a neutral third party who will provide you with an estimate of the value of a home. Not only will they look at the value of the home, they'll also take a look at recent, similar sales as well as an assessment of local market conditions that may impact value.
Builders and Contractors
If you're buying a new home in a new development, make sure you do your research and understand the reputation of the builders. Try checking out other developments that the builder has been a part of, or even ask for a reference.
Home Inspector
Home inspectors will go through the home you're looking at with a fine tooth comb to make sure you understand what you're purchasing. They'll tell you which parts of the home are in need of repairs (which you may not have noticed), and even provide you with an estimated cost for the repairs. If you don't like surprises, don't skip this step.
Mortgage Broker
Mortgage brokers are not lenders. They are professionals who work with you to find the best mortgage from a variety of lenders. Think of it as having your own professional shopper. Their services are generally free of charge in Canada (the lenders pay them a fee – not you), and they are often helpful in breaking down confusing mortgage information.
Lenders
If you choose not to use a mortgage broker, you can also get a loan directly from a lender. Some Canadian lenders include CIBC, TD, and RBC. Be cautious when borrowing directly from a lender – they are not competing against anyone else for your business, so you may not get the best rate.
Lawyer / Notary
You'll almost certainly work with a lawyer when buying a home. Lawyers are responsible for protecting your legal interests. For example, they'll make sure the paperwork is accurate before you sign.
Real Estate Representatives
They get to do the fun part. When you're looking for a home, a real estate representative is your chauffer. They'll attempt to understand your preferences and guide you through the confusion of figuring out what price you can afford, where you should buy and walk you through available listings.