Understanding Modern Mortgage Options
Understanding Modern Mortgage Options
Why the “Bank of Mom & Dad” should only be a last resort
Amid high housing prices and increasing interest rates, home ownership is a growing challenge, especially for first-time buyers. But it’s not just the price tag that creates barriers. Buyers must also contend with:- Stricter government real estate qualifications for bank loans
- The mortgage industry’s outdated, paper-based processes
- A general lack of education around viable financing options
Homebuyer issue #1: real estate qualifications
Assuming a buyer can save up enough to afford a down payment, securing a mortgage from a traditional institution like a bank often comes with the dreaded “stress test.” 8Twelve CEO Gary Fooks explains: “This is where the government wants to know that although you qualify for the mortgage today, will you actually be able to service that mortgage several years down the road when rates eventually go up?” In recent years, the intensity of the stress test has increased. This forces buyers to either find more money for a down payment, or seek out a co-signer to satisfy the bank. Many people turn to the ‘Bank of Mom and Dad’ for help—but this is not an option for many.Homebuyer issue #2: an outdated industry
The mortgage industry has not kept up with the pace of technology. Perhaps there has not been enough pressure to do so. “The way mortgages are done historically you’re using manila folders and Excel sheets,” says 8Twelve CFO Jason Baibokas. “It’s a lot of paper meeting people in person, lawyer’s offices, it’s a very clunky, inefficient experience.” This inefficiency can be wasteful, frustrating, and expensive for homebuyers. The added stress and unpleasantness does not inspire one to fully engage with the process (one which should be fun and exciting, especially for first time buyers!) Failing to engage with process means people can miss out on options, leading us to the third issue.Homebuyer issue #3: a lack of buyer education
“Traditionally, clients have always been used to walking into their banks for their mortgage needs because that’s all they knew,” says Zeynep Babir, Director of Business Development at 8Twelve. “However, there are a lot more non-bank lenders out there that are available and that have more competitive products, for clients that offer better flexibilities, better penalty structures, better solutions overall.” The world of finance, including mortgages, has never been entirely accessible. There is complex math, endless jargon, and reams of forms and paperwork. Many people simply default to the ‘known,’ as Zeynep explains. Better insight into all options, including a thorough assessment of risk, would result in more homebuyers being able to afford what they want.The 8Twelve solution: digitized and accessible lending alternatives
Even though the industry at large has not felt the need to digitize, 8Twelve strongly believes that there is a massive opportunity in delivering a superior, education-driven experience. “We’ve digitized [the mortgage process] with our proprietary software called INFIN8,” says 8Twelve President & CIO Akber Abbas. “It is a brokerage management platform that takes the entire transaction from lead to flower delivery at the end of the close for transaction.” With the entire lending process wrapped in an end-to-end digital experience, 8Twelve can hit all three issues:- Options outside of banks are made more accessible and comparable, especially through AI-matching for buyers and solutions.
- Paper-based processes are all but eliminated, and information can be accessed, compared, and transmitted much faster
- Buyer education and customer experience can be a deeper focus, thanks to the accessibility of abundance of information presented by a digital platform
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Make Space for Small Business
Make Space for Small Business
Posted November 11, 2020
Are you one of the approximately 1 in 7 Canadian workers who are self-employed ? Self-employed workers are a diverse group, one that includes everyone from tech entrepreneurs to mobile yoga instructors, gig-economy drivers to freelance consultants, crafters and creators.
Working for yourself can be as rewarding as it is challenging. One of the ways to set your small business up for success is to create an office HQ that is appropriate for the scale of your work – and ambition. If you’re still using your kitchen table to run your business from, stop. Now is the time to carve out your own dedicated office space. Here’s why… with an added tip on how to access renovation financing.
1. Tax Benefits
Having a dedicated work space entitles you to Canada Revenue Agency tax deductions including a portion of your utilities, maintenance, property tax and mortgage interest. But under CRA rules, this is only the case if the home office is your primary work space, and/or it’s the primary location where you meet clients and customers.
All this to say: your kitchen table won’t qualify! But consider repurposing your guest bedroom into a home office, renovating your garage into a workshop or finishing your basement into a studio. A work-from-home reno is one home improvement that you’ll be glad you did, come tax time.
2. Stay focused and organized
Another benefit of having a dedicated work space in your home is the ability to stay organized and focused on your tasks. Trying to stay organized and focused on specific tasks in a shared, mixed-use space can be a daily challenge.
To use the kitchen table example again: imagine trying to work on a specific project using multiple files, spreading out across the table, only to have to pack up in mid-day because someone needs to make a meal. Or misplacing important papers because another household member stacked them incorrectly when they used the table. Or finding food stains on client paperwork because… well, it’s a busy kitchen.
A dedicated home office provides room to spread out without intruding into shared family space, and to set up organization systems that keep files safe and secure. And when you close the door at the end of the work day, you can re-set your frame of mind to home time – which can be a challenge if you see a stack of projects waiting on the kitchen counter.
3. Be Zoom-ready
Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed even more Canadians into work-from-home arrangements . Videoconferencing has gone mainstream and many workers are familiar with the routine of trying to set up enough distractions to ensure their children don’t wander into camera view. Or, furiously tidying up so their colleagues don’t see a messy backdrop!
A dedicated home office space ensures you’ve always got a professional-calibre backdrop for those video calls, not to mention minimal background noise, and easy access to any files you may need.
Build your office HQ
When you’re ready to create a more efficient work-from-home space that works harder for you, reach out to 8Twelve Mortgage. Our team of mortgage brokers can access renovation financing solutions to make your home office, workshop or studio dreams a reality. Our Mortgage Agents are specialists in mortgage refinancing, reverse mortgages, renovation loan products and the lowest HELOC rates.
Call us to get started on your “expansion plans” today!
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Do’s and Don’ts of Refinancing
The Do's and Don'ts of Refinancing
Posted November 11, 2020
When does it make sense to refinance?
Many homeowners wished they’d asked more questions when they got their mortgage. Most assume there is nothing they can do until the mortgage matures. This is not the case. A mortgage broker can review your mortgage at any time and offer advise on how to get the most our of where you are in the mortgage of your home. Your broker has access to multitude of competitive lenders, options, mortgage types and terms to help you re-evaluate your present mortgage needs.
Typically, we think of a fixed term mortgage as a non-negotiable contract. And it’s true that there are financial penalties to re-negotiate. But many homeowners ask mortgage brokers for a mortgage analysis – a detailed look at the penalties versus the payoffs – to determine whether it’s worth refinancing to get a lower rate, finance a renovation or roll other debt into the new mortgage. Like many Canadian homeowners, you may find that refinancing makes sense.
There are two approaches to refinancing: you can simply pay out the penalty on your existing mortgage and start fresh with a new mortgage, or you can opt for what is termed a “blend and extend.”
Take advantage of the leverage effect
Renewal time is also an excellent opportunity to consolidate your debt . Securing a lower and more competitive rate, in turn, saves you money… money you can then leverage to help you reach many other goals in life. For example, a home renovation or finally taking that dream vacation.
Firstly, understand that you won’t reap immediate rewards when you refinance; it will take time to see the savings, since you’ll have some up-front penalties. So if you’re going to be selling the home in the next year, you’re unlikely to benefit from refinancing now.
Your mortgage broker can help you to assess your “payback” period: the length of time required to see any savings, based on the penalties you will incur and the difference between your existing rate and your new one.
Home Renovations
Home Renovations and Improvements are one of the most common reasons why people decide to Refinance their Homes . I have helped multiple people pull out their home equity as a means to build a garage, install a new kitchen, finish their basement, put on a new roof and other general home improvements. It is a win-win situation, as often the home value increases due to the aforementioned home improvements!
Key takeaways
A mortgage broker can obtain a better rate for you during your renewal period
The ending of your mortgage term allows you to align your lending strategy to your current means and lifestyle
Consolidating your debts at the renewal period allows for an advantageous rate
So is it worth it?
Only your 8Twelve Mortgage Agent can tell you for sure, but many homeowners are experiencing significant savings – even with rate differentials of two points (or possibly more). Also factor in whether you can roll other high-interest debt into your new mortgage, slashing your overall interest costs. It’s also important to consider whether your long-term goals become more attainable.
Start with meeting an 8Twelve Mortgage Agent who has access to rate information from a wide selection of lending institutions – As with any mortgage, it is also imperative that you consider whether you want to go with a Fixed Mortgage Rate or Variable Rate Mortgage. This will have an effect on the interest rate, monthly payment and how quick your mortgage is paid off.
Trust your 8Twelve Mortgage Broker to help you get the ‘best’ mortgage!
