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Stay Variable or Go Fixed

Stay Variable?

If you’re currently in a variable rate term, you may be hoping that rates stay lower than fixed over the next few years. However, if inflation doesn’t get under control by the Bank of Canada quickly, they may raise throughout your term. This will leave the possibility open that your variable rate could be higher than the fixed one you passed up. The upside is that if your variable rate ends up higher than expected, it may still turn out cheaper over a 5-year term. So when making your decision to go with a fixed or variable, make sure the math supports both scenarios.

or Go Fixed.

Fixed rates can be a great security to make sure your payments are static over the duration of a term. But they come at a cost. With a variable rate, you’re taking on a risk. What if it turns out that the fixed rate was better? If the Bank of Canada’s plan to control inflation and spending is successful and they don’t continue to raise, then the variable may not end up surpassing the fixed any time soon. On the other hand, if it takes longer than expected to regulate spending and inflation, then rates will have to rise further. Ultimately, meaning that those with the variable rate may have to pay more than their counterparts with fixed mortgages. That being said, many savvy consumers opt for variables because even if the market rises over their term, their five year average rate could still end up much lower than those who chose fixed.

In Conclusion

When five-year variable mortgages became a popular choice in 2021/2022, it has become challenging to know if now is the time to switch to fixed. With BOCs recent rate hikes, those who chose a variable rate are wondering if now is the time to switch. Evaluating a few scenarios can help dictate if it is time to lock into a fixed rate. Consider your concern about payment increases and your need to stay on top of the markets in order to gain insight into how the BoC’s rate mandate could eventually tame inflation. If this uncertainty creates stress or anxiety, it may just be the right time to switch over to a fixed-rate.

Depending on your financial goals, you may be feeling the strain of constantly varying payments. Fixed-rates have higher penalties for breaking the term and some lenders may not even allow it. However, there isn’t a cost tied to locking in at your best fixed rate. Therefore, you’ll want to consider all your options before deciding what’s right for you.

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Insured and Uninsurable Mortgages?

Mortgage rate pricing is based much on insurance:

Insured and uninsurable mortgages will determine the rate that a lender will offer for your mortgage. This will depend heavily upon the lender’s ability to finance their own operation in the background. It’s important to understand the key aspects when your mortgage broker will discuss uninsurable and insurable mortgage products.

What is an Insured Mortgage?

Insured mortgages are covered by mortgage default insurance through one of three insurers – CMHC, Genworth or Canada Guaranty. A premium is added to the mortgage amount. The amount is a percentage of the loan based on the loan to value ratio with a down payment of less than 20%. These mortgages are most favored by the banks and are reflected by the best rate offers. The maximum amortization allowed for an insured mortgage is presently 25 years.

What is an Insurable Mortgage?

Insurable mortgages do not necessarily require an insurance premium when you are providing a down payment larger than 20%. However, if the insurers rules allow, the lender has the option to obtain insurance themselves. As a result, the borrower rarely knows if and when their mortgage is officially insurable. The maximum amortization will be limited to 25 years, similar as an insured mortgage would be.

Finally, Uninsurable Mortgages

Uninsurable mortgages do not meet the insurers rules; such as refinances and mortgages with amortization longer than 25 years. This is arguably the biggest difference between insured and uninsurable mortgages. As a result, no premium is paid by either the borrower of the lender to obtain default insurance. The risk with this type of mortgage is passed onto the borrower via higher interest rates. Having said that, uninsurable mortgages are often far more flexible in terms of borrowing guidelines. We are happy to discuss the distinct differences in those borrowing guidelines.

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Bank vs Credit Union Lenders

Bank vs Credit Union Lenders. Both banks and Credit Unions are financial institutions that have similar financial offerings. However, what they can offer in terms of mortgages are quite different. Banks are publicly listed and regulated by the federal government. Credit Unions on the other hand, are locally based organizations regulated by provincial government. When determining which mortgage lender to choose. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each type of institution. Banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions all offer different services and rates which should be considered when deciding on the best mortgage choice. Banks are typically larger institutions that provide a wide range of financial products and services, including mortgages.

Bank vs Credit Union Lenders

Because Credit unions are not regulated the federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.  Thus, they are often not subject to the mortgage lending rules. Of course, Credit Unions do not come without any downside. As a result of their provincially based operations, they do not offer the ability to port a mortgage to a different province. Credit Unions offer mortgage services for Canadians that may be outside the realm of other mortgage lenders. As such, they are exempt from federal mortgage lending rules and regulations, allowing them to provide more flexible qualification and lending options. This greater flexibility does come at a cost though – credit unions typically charge higher interest rates than traditional mortgage lenders.

It is important to consider your unique situation and needs and weight the pros and cons when comparing lenders. Contact Prime Mortgage Works today.