Category: Miscellaneous (106 posts)
- March 22, 2025 @ 7:27 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Insured mortgage rates have dropped below 4%!
For the first time since mid 2022, fixed interest rates for mortgages have dropped below 4%! Are you shopping for a home and haven't updated your preapproval in a while? With rates having dro
- February 27, 2025 @ 8:28 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Deal of the week!
Getting crushed by high credit card and loan payments? Just yesterday we closed a mortgage restructure for a local family that had the following debt stucture prior to speaking with us: 1s
- February 3, 2025 @ 8:28 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Prepare for rapidly falling rates
The initial market response to the rapidly escalating trade war with the US has led to 3 immediate consequences; a falling dollar, a declining stock market, and plummeting bond yields. What does this
- January 16, 2025 @ 9:24 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
30 year amortizations for first time buyers!
Did you know that if you are classified as a first time buyer, you have the option of amortizing your mortgage over 30 years even if you only have 5% down? This not only will help lower your
- April 6, 2023 @ 7:37 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Customized mortgage solutions!
Much like this carton of eggs, every financial situation is different. So why deal with a bank who only has one set of rules and products when they quite simply might not be the right fit for your uni
- March 3, 2022 @ 12:57 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Don’t panic!
Don't panic! if you are already in a variable rate mortgage, the worst thing you could do right now is to fix your rate! Chances are (if you arranged your mortgage at some point over t
- December 30, 2020 @ 8:23 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The danger of firm offers
In the last 12 months in the Quinte area, property values have escalated a stunning 27.2%, with most properties under $500K selling for well over asking price (and in multiple offers). Man
- October 20, 2019 @ 1:02 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Sitting in bed dreaming of your next home?
What are you waiting for? We're here to help even on the weekend! We've been helping families (just like yours) finance their dreams since 1995. Call (613)394-5810 or send us a messa
- September 30, 2019 @ 10:36 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Tired of renting?
Tired of renting? For nearly 25 years I've been helping people just like you realize their dream of home ownership. Call (613)394-5810 or send us a message today!#MortgageMondays #StopRentin
- September 13, 2019 @ 8:47 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy or a consumer proposal?
Absolutely! There are several key items that bust me in place in order to convince a lender (and the mortgage insurer) to support an application however: 1) You must be discharged for a
- September 5, 2019 @ 12:08 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Back to school!
Now that the kids are back in school, it is time to concentrate on yourself! A great place to start is with your finances! With property values up and rates near all time histo
- February 23, 2019 @ 6:59 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Can I used child tax credit as income to help qualify for a mortgage?
This is one of the most common questions I get. And despite what your bank may have told you, yes you can use child tax credit toward qualifying for a mortgage under certain circumstances.
- January 19, 2019 @ 4:24 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Stuck inside on a cold winter weekend?
Dreaming of a renovation that would include a hot tub? We're available to review your mortgage financing options even on the weekend! Call (613)394-5810 or send us a message.
- January 17, 2019 @ 12:41 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Looking for honest advice?
No matter how bleak you situation may seem, chances are we've seen (and helped) someone in far worse shape that you are. And if the situation is beyond repair, I promise to always provide honest
- January 10, 2019 @ 12:35 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Jump for joy!
We now have 5 year variable rates starting at 2.80%! Before signing with your bank, give us a call @ (613)394-5810. A 15 minute conservation could save you thousands in interest!
- January 9, 2019 @ 10:37 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
High credit card bills giving you the winter blues?
Then why not consider consolidating your credit cards and high interest debts into your mortgage? If you've owned your home for at least 3 years (even if you bought with a limited down pay
- December 8, 2018 @ 10:38 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Are you on the naughty list?
Has overspending and running credit card balances landed you on the naughty list? There is still time to get back in Santa’s good graces before the end of 2018. Let me help you refin
- October 3, 2018 @ 9:50 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Relax while we find you a great deal!
Sit back, put your feet up and enjoy your favourite beverage while we work hard to approve your new mortgage. If this sounds good to you, give us a call any time, any day @ (613)394-5810.#VericoS
- August 22, 2018 @ 5:52 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Time to lock in?
Are you scared your variable rate mortgage will continue to clean mb? Even if I didn’t originally arrange your mortgage, I’d be happy to review your situation to give you the prop
- August 1, 2018 @ 8:56 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Tired of waiting for your bank?
Tired of waiting for your bank to approve your new mortgage? I'll work hard to help put a smile on your face with a fast approval (at a great rate!). Call (613)394-5810 today. (Photo
- July 23, 2018 @ 8:52 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Thinking of a cottage?
Thinking of buying a cottage? We have great financing options for 3 season properties with as little as 10% down! Call (613)394-5810 today!
- July 15, 2018 @ 6:50 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
What’s holding you back?
The only thing holidng you Back from buying a cottage, your first investment property, or upgrading to a larger home coild be a different perspective of your finances. I can help
- June 11, 2018 @ 6:22 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Having trouble winning a bid for a house?
Sometimes the winning bid isn’t the highest price but rather the bid with the shortest conditiona. Currebelt we are able to offer 1 business day turnaround on purchase applications! &nb
- June 4, 2018 @ 5:47 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
We provide fast approvals!
Tired of sitting around waiting for your bank to approve your mortgage? In most cases, we can have your financing approved in 24 hours or less! Call (613)394-5810 or send us a mes
- May 7, 2018 @ 2:37 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary....
Is just that little extra! At noon today, we took a call from a client from Brampton looking for a new 2nd mortgage to replace the private mortgage she already had. After she talk
- April 17, 2018 @ 1:17 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Financing a cottage
A question I often get asked is how much of a downpayment do you need when buying a cottage. If you have good credit and can debt service the deal, financing can be obtained
- March 28, 2018 @ 8:56 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Looking to purchase without a down payment?
Did you know..... Hastings County offers a home Ownership Down Payment Assistance Program in order to provide low to moderate income earners an opportunity to purchase a home. Assistance is p
- March 27, 2018 @ 10:46 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Struggling with credit card debt?
Struggling with credit card debt? If you've owned your home for at least 2 years (even if you bought with a limited down payment), we have some great options to help reduce the amount of int
- March 19, 2018 @ 12:17 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Concerned about your variable rate mortgage?
Thinking of locking in your variable rate? Even if we didn't help you arrange your mortgage, we'd be happy to review your situation to give you advice as to the best course of action. Call (613)394-58
- February 25, 2018 @ 2:26 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Sometimes the best mortgage is the one you walk away from
Sometimes the best mortgage is the one you walk away from.We had the pleasure this week of working with a young military family in their attempt to purchase their first home. Although they had solid i
- November 6, 2017 @ 11:28 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The financing you need at the rates you deserve!
Tired of bankers and mortgage specialists over promising (and under delivering) when it comes to finding solutions for your mortgage needs? Having arranged thousands of mortgages in the last
- November 2, 2017 @ 7:23 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Another day, anther huge win for our clients
Another day, another huge win for our clients! A few days ago, i was contacted by a real estate agent from the GTA that I had never dealt with. After having a few deals fall apart for her cli
- October 20, 2017 @ 10:01 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Unsure how the upcoming mortgage rule changes with impact you?
Effective January 1, 2018, borrowers dealing with a federally regulated financial instution (basically all lenders with the exception of credit unions) will have to qualify based on an artifical stres
- October 17, 2017 @ 11:34 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Always double check your credit card statements!
Always double check your credit card statements! While working on finalizing disbursements for a mortgage refinance file today, I took a careful look at a credit card statement (one we were paying in
- October 16, 2017 @ 3:39 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Another day, another great win for one of our clients!
Today I helped a great local family close on a mortgage refinance. Over the last few years, due to a reduction in income, their credit fell into disarray and they had several bills end up
- September 27, 2017 @ 1:02 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Porting your CMHC fees
Did you know.....that even if you don't end up porting your mortgage from house to house you may be able to port your CMHC fees? (even if there is a gap between your sale and your purchase) &nbs
- August 21, 2017 @ 11:22 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The return of a balanced market
Do you hear the crickets? After a spring/early summer market like no other in the Quinte region, with rapidly increasing prices and bidding wars on most properties,.we have finally reverted back to a
- July 24, 2017 @ 1:56 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Misleading mortgage broker advertising
Tired of seeing mortgage brokerage ads claiming to have access to dozens of lenders, and that they 'shop the market' to find you the best deal? The honest truth is most don't, and likely don'
- July 16, 2017 @ 6:23 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Confused what to do with rates on the way up?
With the prime rate having just increased for the first time in over 7 years, and with many lenders increasing longer term fixed rates to over 3%, proper advice regarding interest rate strategy is per
- June 30, 2017 @ 9:24 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Can't afford a house that is move in ready?
Frustrated that the recent increases in housing prices have left you unable to purchase a home that is move-in ready? Did you know there is a program available (even if you are only putting 5
- May 8, 2017 @ 1:19 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The value of financing and inspection clauses
Did you skip your home inspection to try and win a bid for a home, or go in with a cash offer (bidding over asking price)? On the weekend, I visited the flooded basement of one of my clients that pass
- May 8, 2017 @ 1:17 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Low down payment options
Having trouble finding a place to rent or a PMQ in a tight real estate market? If you have solid credit, we still have options to help you buy even if you have less than 5% down.#flexdown #lowdownpaym
- March 28, 2017 @ 2:02 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
But I've seen it all in a small town
Had my self a ball in a small town........ Before the John Cougar lyrics continue, there aren't many situations I haven't helped people through in the last 22 years. No matter how stra
- March 25, 2017 @ 8:12 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
We deliver results
Another day, another win for one of our clients.Yesterday we helped a great family from Belleville get over a rough patch by arranging a new 1st mortgage (at less than 5% interest) to consolidate 2 mo
- March 20, 2017 @ 8:38 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Avoiding the empathy trap
One of the biggest mistakes that a landlord can make is to be swayed by an emotional story or unfortunate situation and then forgoing the credit check or other #tenantscreening process. While empathy
- March 9, 2017 @ 2:30 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Bubble markets
A spot on analysis. As a military buyer, you don't have the luxury of always selling at the best time for you and your family, so exercising caution when buying in certain markets is always sm
- March 9, 2017 @ 2:14 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
If you fail to plan you plan to fail!
In a hot real estate market, if you fail to plan you plan to fail! Preapproved mortgages normally take less than 15 minutes to put together. Time well spent so you can make offers with
- January 5, 2017 @ 9:46 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
What NOT to do if you have a pre-approved mortgage
This might sound like a bit of a rant over something that should be common sense, but here it is anyway. A mortgage preapproval is always based on a snapshot of your financial circumstances a
- October 12, 2016 @ 2:23 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Not sure how the mortgage rule changes will impact you?
Even if I didn't help arrange your mortgage, give me a call! We give FREE ADVICE
- May 5, 2016 @ 2:31 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Military friendly mortgages
Any mortgage suitable for a member of the armed forces should be portable, assumable, have great pre-payment options, reasonable (and easy to understand) penalty clauses, offer semi-monthly payments,
- October 27, 2015 @ 2:28 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Municipal Land Transfer Tax in Ontario
Coming from this provincial government, nothing really shocks me at this point........ http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/mortgages-real-estate/ontario-about-to-double-homebuy
- October 16, 2015 @ 2:28 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Recognizing Community Heroes
A few weeks back, I nominated my wife Cindy in a community heroes contest sponsored by Bayview Auto Sales in Belleville. Out of 450 entries, she was picked as one of the five finalists, largely
- September 30, 2015 @ 9:12 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The difference between having a pre-approval and knowing you will be approved
In the last few years, this is slowly becoming a huge problem. Just last week in fact, I received a panic call from a potential client one day before the financing condition on his house was se
- May 21, 2015 @ 11:14 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Welcome to CFB Trenton
Just organized a mortgage port for a great family relocating to CFB Trenton. After the interest rate buy down, interest rate dropped to 1.67% fixed for the next 4 years. Wow!Not sure about how to ma
- May 8, 2015 @ 8:43 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
March 2015 Quinte MLS statistics
The effects of a long cold winter are clearly shown here, as activity was still a little bit light in March. With rates staying at all time lows combined with a much needed break in the we
- May 8, 2015 @ 8:30 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Buying a rental property - some points to consider
Rental properties are often a very good investment. Owning a rental property can often pay for itself and earn extra household income. Before you jump into the landlord market though, there are some s
- April 7, 2015 @ 11:47 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
February 2015 Quinte MLS statistics
Perhaps the low rates we have had over the last few months have had a greater impact on the market than we thought, as prices seem to be up a fair bit over this period last year. http://www.q
- February 18, 2015 @ 8:49 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The impact of poor credit
Everyone knows your credit rating can affect things like getting approved for mortgages, car loans and credit cards (and the rate of interest you end up paying). However, there are so many other
- February 18, 2015 @ 12:18 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Spousal buyouts - what are my options?
Did you know that in the case of a marital split, you can buy your partner off title using up to 95% of the equity in the home?In order to qualify, both parties must be on the title of the property pr
- February 18, 2015 @ 9:47 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Another example of why not to sign your mortgage renewal offer
A great example today of why you should never sign and return the renewal agreement that your bank sends in the mail.I have a client I recently helped renew a mortgage with a lender I placed them wi
- February 10, 2015 @ 8:53 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
How to earn a guaranteed 4.4% return with a Canadian Bank
How to earn a 4.4% return that is 100% guaranteed with a Canadian BankJust this morning, I logged onto my internet banking software to pay a few bills. On the landing page, there was a ve
- February 6, 2015 @ 11:13 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Mortgage prepayment penalties in a low interest rate environment
In the last month or so, fixed rate mortgage offers below 3% have become very commonplace (which is terrific). However, before blindly jumping into a 5 year fixed rate mortgage (especially with one of
- February 3, 2015 @ 10:59 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Help with porting your mortgage
If at all possible, Brookfield relocation is encouraging military members to port their mortgage when they are posted to a different base. If you think about it, porting makes sense. Given the
- February 2, 2015 @ 8:38 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The RSP Homebuyers' Plan - Don't leave free money on the table!!
I am always puzzled as a mortgage broker and a provider of financial advice how many first time home buyers fail to take advantage of all the 'free money' that is available to them. The RSP Homebuyer
- January 27, 2015 @ 10:46 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Why use a mortgage broker?
I'll summarize the reason in one word - advice. By not having allegiance to any particular bank, trust company or mortgage firm, I can help you find the right combination of rates and terms that is b
- January 26, 2015 @ 12:40 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Buying a house vs renting a PMQ - which way should I go?
To buy a house or to rent a PMQ. Always a difficult decision if you are posted to a new city/base with the Canadian Military. Here are a few things to consider: Payments: With int
- January 22, 2015 @ 2:14 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
How to payoff your high interest debt by leveraging RSPs
When the snow covers the ground and temperatures dip to the lows they have hit this week, most branch bankers turn their focus to shoving RSPs down your throat, whether appropriate or not. I wi
- January 20, 2015 @ 12:49 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Taking advantage of today's low rates
Between 2006 and 2012, amortizations of 30, 35 and even 40 years were offered on mortgages in Canada. For my clients, many first time buyers who ended up buying to the maximum of what the
- January 17, 2015 @ 11:15 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Hiding the cost of renovations inside your mortgage - the Purchase Plus Improvements Program
When looking at purchasing a home as a first time buyer, many of the listings with have such catch phrases as 'starter home' (aka small) or 'some TLC required' (aka the place is a bit of a dump). &nbs
- January 16, 2015 @ 12:36 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Why you should shop around before renewing with your current lender
Studies have shown that nearly 70% of consumers simply sign and return the renewal offer than their bank mails out to them without even questioning the rates. Will your bank offer their best 'b
- January 13, 2015 @ 2:15 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
How to prevent your flip from flopping
I have bought and sold several properties in the past few years myself, and have helped clients finance several other flips, and have seen what works and what hasn't. 1. Most people do no
- January 13, 2015 @ 8:44 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
I'm posted to a new market with the military, I have to leave to start work, and my house hasn't sold!
If a military member has not sold in one market and goes ahead and moves to another anyway to start a posting, they get access to something called a temporary dual residency allotment if the house has
- January 9, 2015 @ 9:26 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Why you should lock in
A mortgage broker dies suddenly. He immediately goes to visit St. Peter who is sitting in front of the pearly gates. St. Peter tells the broker, 'Well, you are a unique case. You haven't been good en
- January 9, 2015 @ 9:15 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Size matters!
Yes, despite what you may have been told over the years, size does matter! Did you know that many of the broker centric lenders have minimum volume requirements to be able to submit business in the f
- January 8, 2015 @ 2:09 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Structuring a rent to own agreement
Given the restrictions that have been placed on zero down payment mortgages over the last few years, rent to own options have been increasing in popularity as a way to purchase a home despite
- November 10, 2014 @ 4:03 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
The dangers of a pre-approval
I apologize in advance if this sounds like venting, but here we go..... Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with a member of the Canadian Military who was transferring to CFB Trenton with the ai
- June 6, 2014 @ 9:54 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Mortgage penalties in a low interest rate environment
In the last month or so, fixed rate mortgage offers below 3% have become very commonplace (which is terrific). However, before blindly jumping into a 5 year fixed rate mortgage (especially with one of
- May 3, 2014 @ 8:22 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
CMHC self-employed program coming to an end
Effective May 30, 2014, CMHC is doing yet another round of tightening of approval standards. To begin, self employed borrowers with less than 20% down will now have to fully document their incom
- April 4, 2014 @ 9:10 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
2.99? So what!
Over the last week or so, I have become increasingly baffled over the hype over 5 year fixed mortgages hitting 2.99% with certain lenders. Let me tell you why. Have you ever been suspici
- February 27, 2014 @ 10:02 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Financing investment properties
Are you looking to start building your property empire? Following please find a few tips to help get you started: Be selective about your lender If this is your first investment property, don
- February 25, 2014 @ 2:13 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
We no longer finance mobile homes BUT........
Based on changes in the marketplace, we now no longer offer services to finance mobile homes. Mobile home mortgages are chattel mortgages, which have higher interests rates than
- January 3, 2014 @ 2:46 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Happy New Year
Happy New Year! Often a new year is a time for resolutions we have a hard time keeping, such as losing weight or exercising more. For others, a new year is a chance to try something new or do
- November 7, 2013 @ 11:26 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Using gifted equity for the purchase of a family home
I have many clients who wish to buy the home they are living in or move in to, its in mom or dad’s name or a close relative and the borrower does not have a down payment. If the home owner
- November 7, 2013 @ 11:17 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Financing on cottages
A question I often get asked is how much of a downpayment do you need when buying a cottage. If you have good credit and can debt service the deal, financing can be obtained at good interest ra
- October 31, 2013 @ 10:04 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Happy Halloween
D Really disappointed it is raining today. Halloween is almost as anticipated as Christmas for my son Ryan, who always picks out a costume for me so I can be dressed up as well when we go tric
- August 21, 2013 @ 8:58 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Cell phone payment histories
As of the 1st of August, payment histories on your cell phone account now show on your credit report right next to credit card and loan payment histories. For some younger borrowers, this could turn
- June 3, 2013 @ 5:24 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Rates are going up!
As of midnight tonight, the last of my lenders are raising their longer term rates. As of tomorrow (June 4th) the best I will be able to offer on a pre-approval (5 year fixed with a 120 day rat
- May 6, 2013 @ 11:08 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Is your bank really giving you their best deal?
Chances are there is no real way you can find out. Most of the local bank mortgage specialists are offering solid rates for new clients, but they are far from the best in the marketplace.
- April 19, 2013 @ 9:09 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Quinte West Home Show April 19-21
Please be sure to check out the Quinte West Home Show this weekend at the Community Gardens in downtown Trenton. www.quintewesthomeshow.com Although I do not have a booth of my own, I w
- April 18, 2013 @ 9:03 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
I help people like you
When I speak to people about what a mortgage broker can do, I am always amazed when people think brokers are only an option for people with bad credit. As such, I will start to spotlight some of
- April 8, 2013 @ 12:04 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Mortgage broker joke of the day
A client bought a new home and the mortgage broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner opened the card; it said 'Rest in Peace'. The owner was angry and c
- April 5, 2013 @ 8:50 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
One stop shopping for your next mortgage
Banks are great - don't get me wrong. I have a great relationship with my bank and spent several years of my career working in one. The problem with banks (and especially your local bran
- April 3, 2013 @ 9:11 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Renewing your mortgage at your bank
Studies have shown that nearly 70% of consumers simply sign and return the renewal offer than their bank mails out to them without even questioning the rates. Will your bank offer their best "b
- March 30, 2013 @ 2:10 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Spring has sprung - time to start saving money
Over the last weeks, the federal finance minister has spent a great deal of time meddling in the mortgage market, first telling Manulife and then Bank of Montreal that they should rethink their publis
- February 8, 2013 @ 12:16 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Flipping houses
Sitting home with my 4 kids on a snow day, I thought I would post a few thoughts on flipping houses. I have bought and sold several properties in the past few years myself, and have helpe
- February 5, 2013 @ 3:10 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Relocation directive - APS 2011/2012 Effective Sep 1, 2012 - Big Change#1
There are a few key changes that were implimented last fall that many military members and realtors might not be fully up to speed on. I will start posting them over the next few days. &n
- January 31, 2013 @ 9:23 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Can I use child tax credit income towards qualifying for a mortgage?
Another question that I am asked quite frequently is can you use child tax credit income towards qualifying for a mortgage? Certain lenders (including most banks) will not take the income into accoun
- January 30, 2013 @ 4:22 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Can I get a mortgage after I have gone bankrupt?
Absolutely! There are several key items that must be in place in order to convince a lender (and CMHC) to support an application however: 1) You must be discharged for a minimum of 2 years. &n
- January 29, 2013 @ 11:01 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
CFB Trenton Relocation
Congratulations on being posted to CFB Trenton. Compared to other Air Force markets in Canada, the Quinte region offers extremely reasonable housing prices and a high quality of life (the only
- January 28, 2013 @ 11:48 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
What is a mortgage preapproval?
Seems like a relatively simple question, but the answer is not quite as straight forward as you might think. If you have a mortgage pre-approved by a bank or mortgage company, it means that if you we
- January 23, 2013 @ 3:26 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Military (DND) severance payment buyouts and buying a house
Last year it was announced (as part of a cost cutting measure) that the 92,000 members of the Canadian military (both regular and reservists) were given the option of cashing out any accumulated sever
- January 23, 2013 @ 2:25 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
RRSPs and reducing the amount of interest you pay
When the snow covers the ground and temperatures dip to the lows they have hit this week, most branch bankers turn their focus to shoving RSPs down your throat, whether appropriate or not. I wi
- January 8, 2013 @ 9:09 AM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Can you get a mortgage if you are on ODSP?
Like many mortgage brokers, I get several calls a month wondering if you can get a mortgage if you are on ODSP (the Ontario Disability Support Program). Although this source of income is tax fr
- December 21, 2012 @ 12:54 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
Genworth and Canada Guaranty Get New Limit
Genworth & Canada Guaranty Get New Limit Canada's private mortgage default insurers are about to get more breathing room. Starting January 1, 2013, private insurers can have up to $
- December 18, 2012 @ 6:34 PM
- Posted by Craig Nickerson, B. Comm
How Rental Property Financing has changed
Just four short years ago, you could buy an investment property with nothing down and get the best interest rates in the market. That was then. Today, rental financing is night-and-day different. To
- January 26, 2012 @ 1:30 AM
- Posted by Roar Admin
2 Out of 3 Don't Shop at Renewal
Every now and then we see a mortgage stat that’s a jaw-dropper. This finding from Manulife Bank is one of them. It suggests there are a lot more people with money to burn than one might expect.