So whether you're buying a home, renewing your mortgage, refinancing, renovating, investing, or consolidating your debts — I’m the VERICO Mortgage Advisor who can help you get the right financing, from the right lender, at the right rate.
What You need to Know about a Reverse Mortgage for Seniors
If you are a homeowner or aspiring to be one in the coming months, then the term mortgage may not be a new concept to you. It is a form of a loan that is mainly issued to either buy or construct a home whose ownership entirely passes to you after you have paid to your last installment. A reversed mortgage in Canada is no different, only that it comes with some exceptions that make it somehow different. Some of these exceptions include no monthly installments which mean that no credit or income/debt requirements, only accessible to seniors ( 55 years and above) and the borrowers ability to settle the loan are not a primary concern. Lets take a closer look at the requirement of a Reverse Mortgage and emphasize on what you ought to know.
Monthly repayment of mortgage: The Canadian law on a reverse mortgage is very clear, no monthly payments of the mortgage. Nobody should mislead you out there, not even the internet that most people trust to give them perfect information. Note that in Canada, we deal with reverse mortgage differently from other countries. Therefore, if you have to do any research or seek clarification on the same, ensure you base your findings within the Canadian context to avoid getting the wrong information. Unlike other forms of mortgage, with a conventional mortgage on your home, the borrower owes more that he initially borrowed as the interest is added back to the outstanding amount. If you are willing, you have the option of paying some or all interest once in a year; although it is not a MUST.
What makes reverse mortgages attractive is its flexible requirement. Where else will you find a mortgage that allows you to hold it for 5 to even 25 years without any monthly installments? The good thing about such terms is that in as far as the reverse mortgage in Canada loan accrues over time, the value of the house in Canada also tends to increase with time which gives you a win-win situation.
Apart from that, we all know that the Canadian money market is subjected to a lot fluctuation in interest rates which may end causing the borrower to spend more than the fair market value of the common loans but not with Canada reverse mortgage. Therefore, as a senior, you dont have to worry about your debt exceeding the fair market value in future due to such external factors which are very normal.
Finally, reverse loan mortgage in Canada is only given by one institution in Canada which means that there will be no need for the rate on shopping. However, note that unlike in regular mortgage, the rate in reverse mortgage is slightly higher due to the long duration involved.
Stress Test Best Practices Tool Kit
With the new Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions stress test rules firmly in place since January, Canadian homebuyers have learned they need to arm themselves with practical information on how they can ensure they are stress-test ready.
The following is a guide and best practices tool kit for those about to embark on securing their new or next mortgage:
Make a financial plan
Any time a big purchase is at stake, laying out a financial plan is always the best first step to take. By creating a plan, home buyers can protect themselves from increased interest rates and ensure they are staying on budget.
Have a contingency fund
Without question and now more than ever, home buyers need to establish contingency funds. Its incredibly important to have funds set aside when unexpected costs such as property repairs arise. An established contingency fund also looks good to financial lenders.
Pay off debts and increase downpayment
The most important tool in the Best Practices Tool Kit is to pay off debts as quickly as possible and maximize your down payment. If you already have a mortgage, increase the frequency of payments by taking advantage of what the financial institution offers such as accelerated bi-weekly payments.
Broaden search parameters
Although you may have an ideal neighbourhood in mind, it is important to also consider broadening those search parameters. Often there are homes in other neighborhoods that could be a perfect choice if you are willing to commute a little longer.
Im here to help you
I can help you to navigate confusion surrounding the stress test. Ultimately, being stress test ready means being ready for future increases in rate so that you can afford your next home comfortably on your budget.
Preventing Falls on Stairs
Accessible housing refers to homes that are designed or modified to enable independent living for all residents, including seniors or persons with disabilities. Accessibility can be achieved through architectural design and also by integrating accessibility features, such as lowered light switches, grab bars, walk-in bathtubs, lowered shelves and cupboards, modified furniture or by installing electronic devices in the home.
Stairs in the home can be dangerous and can be a barrier to accessibility unless they are designed or modified to reduce the risk of falls. If residents have limited mobility, it may be necessary to install ramps, home elevators or stairlifts to make the home safe and accessible.
A high percentage of Canadians who visit hospitals after a fall on or from stairs or steps in their homes are seniors (men and women 65 years or older). When seniors fall, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
Most falls on stairs can be prevented. Prevention starts by keeping in mind that there are risks in using stairs. Good planning and simple strategies can help prevent falls and injuries.
Click here for more information https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/63637.pdf?fr=1441901329905
