Blog - Bryan Guertin, Mortgage Broker in Oakville

December 3, 2023 @ 5:38 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Navigating the New Normal: How Remote Work is Reshaping the Canadian Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape

In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dinin

November 23, 2023 @ 8:12 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Canada's New Updated Mortgage Charter

The Canadian Mortgage Charter spells out the rights consumers have when they are renegotiating mortgages. It calls on financial institutions to provide better relief measures over the next three y

November 15, 2023 @ 11:58 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Understanding Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages

If you're on the cusp of getting a mortgage, or if you're considering refinancing, you've likely encountered the terms "fixed rate" and "variable rate" mortgage. These are the two primary pathways i

November 9, 2023 @ 8:53 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Home Equity: Refinancing or Second Mortgage

Home Equity: Refinancing or Second Mortgage Considering the 2023 housing market's dynamics, with its high interest rates and market unpredictability, let's discuss the significance of home equity.

November 2, 2023 @ 10:15 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

6 things to know about capital gains and taxes for people across Canada

So, you made some cash selling your property or stocks at a higher price than you bought them for? High five! But before you start celebrating, there's this thing called capital gains that might show

October 25, 2023 @ 9:37 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update October 25, 2023

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5%

October 24, 2023 @ 10:31 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Mortgage Strategies in a Rising Interest Rate Environment

Hello dear readers, Let's have a coffee chat, shall we? If we were sitting in a cozy caf�, sipping on lattes (or your beverage of choice), today's hot topic of conversation would undoubtedly revolv

October 6, 2023 @ 2:04 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Leveraging Your Home Equity to Help Purchase a Home For Your Children: A Prudent Move?

Navigating Parental Assistance in Home Purchases The concept of parents aiding their children in stepping onto the property ladder is not a new one yet it is not ubiquitously adopted. A 2021

October 1, 2023 @ 8:28 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Understanding and Utilizing Home Equity

If you've consistently made mortgage payments over the years, you've been accumulating home equity. As this equity grows, homeowners can access it, converting it into cash for various purposes, from h

September 17, 2023 @ 12:03 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Can a first-time home buyer have a mortgage co-signer?

Can New Home Buyers in Canada Use a Mortgage Co-Signer? Struggling to secure a mortgage or need a financial boost? Consider bringing in a co-signer. Dive deeper into this and other home-buying tact

September 7, 2023 @ 11:02 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Demystifying Credit Scores

These days, like so many things, your credit score is easily accessible and free. Not so long ago, the only way to see your credit score was to obtain a copy of your credit report, which involved subm

September 6, 2023 @ 9:27 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5�% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. Infla

August 23, 2023 @ 10:37 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Top Reasons To Refinance Your Home And Reasons Why You Maybe Should Not.

Refinancing a mortgage means replacing your existing loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. Canadians often consider refinancing for various reasons, such as

August 5, 2023 @ 8:24 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Navigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: Your Path to Mortgage Resilience

Introduction As your trusted mortgage broker, I understand that the current economic backdrop in Canada is presenting challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates on the rise and inflation p

July 27, 2023 @ 9:29 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Understanding Credit Scores and Maximizing Mortgage Opportunities in Canada

Introduction In Canada, your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, especially when it comes to major transactions like securing a mortgage. A credit score is a numerical r

July 12, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank of Canada raises policy rate 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5�% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. Gl

July 11, 2023 @ 9:47 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Smart move: bridge financing provides a smooth transition between mortgages

Summer is officially in full swing which means vacation time, backyard barbecues, pool parties, etc., but summer is also "moving season". If you're one of the many Canadians who will be moving t

June 13, 2023 @ 6:28 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Some great tips to help you save for a home

A home for most all Canadians is likely the most significant purchase you will make in your lifetime, so it is essential to be well-prepared. It is crucial to understand how to budget and save for

June 9, 2023 @ 9:16 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Renewing in a higher rate environment

I've been getting a lot of questions lately about mortgage renewals � not surprising, given the steady rise of mortgage rates over the last couple of years. People with mortgages renewing in 2023 and

June 3, 2023 @ 10:14 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Strategies for Speeding Up Mortgage Repayment

Those of us who desire to own a home often long for the time when our mortgage is paid off. Although the majority of Canadian mortgages are usually amortized over the course of 25 years, there are a

May 15, 2023 @ 8:31 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Learning about the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) program

With the market starting to stabilize, and in many markets housing prices starting to rise again, maybe you or someone you know is looking at purchasing their first home before home prices rise too mu

April 20, 2023 @ 4:32 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

First-Time Home Buyer Budgeting: What You Need to Know

As a first-time home buyer, budgeting is an essential part of the home buying process. By carefully planning your finances and considering all of the costs associated with purchasing a home, you can e

April 12, 2023 @ 9:21 AM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 12, 2023

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4.

April 5, 2023 @ 5:16 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

What first-time homebuyers can expect with the new tax-free First Home Savings Account

Since it was proposed in the 2022 Federal Budget, we've learned more details about this exciting new program aimed at helping first-time homebuyers purchase a home. The bill is

March 9, 2023 @ 8:24 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Four Ways to Take Control and Thrive in a Challenging Market

If you're struggling financially as a result of increased living expenses and interest rates, you are not alone. A lot of Canadians are feeling a little helpless these days, with talk of rising intere

March 8, 2023 @ 3:20 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank of Canada Rate Update March 8, 2023

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at

March 5, 2023 @ 8:07 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It

Selling your home in the winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With fewer houses on the market and motivated buyers who are eager to mov

February 27, 2023 @ 1:35 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Title insurance and home insurance�protect what matters most

When something goes wrong with your home and you suffer a loss, you need to be able to rely on your insurance coverage. Knowing which of your insurance policies to turn to isn't always easy. Title ins

February 10, 2023 @ 4:34 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Where is the housing market going in 2023?

With 2023 underway, and the latest Bank of Canada rate increase to 4.5%, combined with the stress of the increased cost of living on Canadian households, the questions that are on everyone's minds are

January 25, 2023 @ 3:40 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4�%, with the Bank Rate at 4�% and the deposit rate at 4�%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

January 5, 2023 @ 3:35 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

This year create financial resolutions that you can stick to

A new year brings a host of new year's resolutions. It's very common for people to make these resolutions around family, friends, eating better, or even the clich� going to the gym more. This year, en

December 28, 2022 @ 10:15 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?

Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not

December 8, 2022 @ 8:17 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

The Pros and Cons of Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages

When it comes to choosing a mortgage, borrowers in Canada have two main options: a fixed rate mortgage or a variable mortgage. But which type is best for you? Here, we'll take a look at the pros and c

December 8, 2022 @ 5:54 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

The Pros and Cons of Locking In your Mortgage Rate

The Pros and Cons of Locking In The holiday season is upon us, bringing an end to a tumultuous year. 2022 saw inflation reach levels not seen for 40 years, followed by substantial interest rate hik

December 7, 2022 @ 7:58 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4�%, with the Bank Rate at 4�% and the deposit rate at 4�%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

November 3, 2022 @ 1:32 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Thinking of buying? Don't be put off by high rates.

2022 has already been tough on Canadians' wallets, and recent economic data shows the pain is unlikely to end soon. Inflation continues to run hot, and on October 26 the Bank of Canada further r

October 26, 2022 @ 4:00 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank of Canada Rate Update October 26, 2022

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.75%, with the Bank Rate a

October 19, 2022 @ 5:28 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment

Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment Do mortgages seem unaffordable? These tips will help you plan for your down payment so you can start talking to a private lender mortgage broker in no time.

October 11, 2022 @ 2:14 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

A fresh look at the opportunities in today's housing market from a mortgage perspective

When news reports present a consistently gloomy view of rising rates and the distinctly negative impact on the housing market, it's easy to feel discouraged. But the news frequently doesn't tell the f

September 16, 2022 @ 9:33 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power?

How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power? Do You Know How Your Mortgage Rate Affects Buying Power? To maximize your purchasing power, you should understand how interest rates impact your home buying p

September 8, 2022 @ 2:22 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

A look at how rate increases impact different mortgage types

With inflation at its highest level in almost 40 years, the Bank of Canada continues to take drastic action to cool the economy with the latest of five consecutive rate increases announced on Septembe

September 7, 2022 @ 4:02 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update September 7, 2022

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 75 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.25%, with the Bank Rate

August 24, 2022 @ 8:34 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside? While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so. This article will explore some o

August 4, 2022 @ 1:44 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Budgeting for Inflation

If you thought the end of the pandemic would bring a return to economic normalcy, 2022 has certainly been surprising. Summer has seen inflation return to the forefront of consumers' economic worries f

July 13, 2022 @ 6:05 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 13, 2022

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 100 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 2.5%, with the Bank Rate

July 7, 2022 @ 5:20 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Mortgage Fundamentals for Home Purchases

Mortgage Fundamentals for Home Purchases With interest rates continuing to rise, and housing markets beginning to cool, if you're considering a home purchase anytime soon, it's a good idea to revisit

July 7, 2022 @ 1:42 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Mortgage Fundamentals for Home Purchases

With interest rates continuing to rise, and housing markets beginning to cool, if you're considering a home purchase anytime soon, it's a good idea to revisit some mortgage fundamentals to ensure you'

June 3, 2022 @ 7:56 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How Rising Rates Can Affect Your Mortgage

The one-two-punch of supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine has pushed inflation in Canada to its highest level in 30 years and spurred the Bank of Canada to move toward a tighter monetary polic

June 1, 2022 @ 3:54 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 1, 2022

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1�%, with the Bank Rate at

May 26, 2022 @ 6:24 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How a Mortgage Pre-Approval Can Protect You from Rising Rates

With interest rates rising, it's important to lock in a lower rate as soon as possible. You can do this with the right home mortgage pre-approval. Find out how! Do you plan on searching for and buy

May 5, 2022 @ 9:06 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

The Tax Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) explained

The Tax Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) explained If you or someone you know is saving for a down payment on their first home, the Federal government announced a new program aimed at first-tim

May 4, 2022 @ 5:30 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How is a Private Mortgage Different Than a Traditional Bank Mortgage

Understanding the difference between private mortgages and traditional bank mortgages can help you make the best decision for financing a new home. Each option provides the money to secure real estate

April 13, 2022 @ 4:48 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update April 13, 2022

Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, begins quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1%, with the Bank Rate at 1�%

March 9, 2022 @ 4:17 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Higher Interest Rates are Here. What Does That Mean for You?

The Bank of Canada has been signaling for a while now that they will respond to inflation by raising interest rates. Sure enough, on March 2nd they announced a hike in the overnight rate by 0.25%. H

March 2, 2022 @ 3:47 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update March 2, 2022

Bank of Canada Increases Policy Interest Rate The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to � %, with the Bank Rate at � % and the deposit rate at � %. The Bank is continuin

January 26, 2022 @ 4:37 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update January 26, 2022

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, removes exceptional forward guidance The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of � %, with the Bank Rate at �

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker in Ontario

January 19, 2022 @ 9:32 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford?

How Much of a Mortgage Can You Afford? Mortgage Application: How Much of A Mortgage Can You Afford? The mortgage application process involves a buyer's due diligence in calculating how much mortgage

December 23, 2021 @ 8:57 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Sensible strategies to help you thrive in 2022

Canadians keep talking about the housing market! Are we in a housing bubble, will rates rise in 2022 and by how much, is this the right time to buy or refinance, is a lender’s renewal offer th

December 15, 2021 @ 7:34 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Prequalification and Pre-Approval�What is the Difference? Home Buying in Ontario

What is the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval? Prequalification and Pre-Approval-What is the Difference? Prequalification is a basic review of the borrower's information to deter

December 8, 2021 @ 5:53 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update December 9, 2021

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of � percent, with the Bank Rate at � percent an

November 26, 2021 @ 6:54 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Preparing For Higher Rates

Given inflationary pressures, the Bank of Canada indicated in their last rate announcement that rate hikes could take place earlier than previously indicated, in mid-2022, which means variable rates t

November 24, 2021 @ 6:50 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage

What to do if You Are Denied a Mortgage Main reasons Why your mortgage application is Denied and What to do If Mortgage lenders reject Yours Mortgage lenders often reject loan application requests f

November 3, 2021 @ 3:17 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How to Know if it's Time to Refinance

How to Know if it's Time to Refinance According to mortgage advisors, mortgage refinancing is one of the ways to make and save money from your home loan. When done right mortgage refinancing benefits

October 27, 2021 @ 5:34 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update Oct 27, 2021

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance, ends quantitative easing The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of � percent, with t

October 6, 2021 @ 5:40 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

What Is Home Equity and How Can I Build It?

Home equity is an essential asset for creating wealth and income. Learn how home equity is calculated, why it's important, and five steps you can take to build it. As you make monthly mortgage paymen

October 6, 2021 @ 4:25 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

What's Involved in Giving Your Child a Boost to Home Ownership?

What's Involved in Giving Your Child a Boost to Home Ownership? With the financial demands of school loans, living expenses, and finding a career path, many young people struggle to purchase their fi

September 8, 2021 @ 3:16 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update Sept 8, 2021

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues forward guidance and current pace of quantitative easing The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower boun

August 18, 2021 @ 6:27 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Getting a Mortgage as a Student

Purchasing a home is most likely one of the most sizable purchases most of us will ever make, and finally, buying a home is a dream come true for most. For students, it may seem like this dream is fo

August 4, 2021 @ 4:42 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

What Happens if You Lose Your Job Before Closing?

A job loss a few days or weeks prior to closing your home purchase can be distressing; especially when you have no alternative source of income. Getting a new job can ease the situation, but it's not

July 21, 2021 @ 5:13 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

How a Funding Condition Can Secure Purchasers From Financial and Legal Penalties in Ontario

When you make a deal to buy a home, in addition to thinking about how much money to provide, you likewise need to think about any conditions that you want to include. Some common conditions deal with

July 14, 2021 @ 6:40 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update July 14, 2021

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate and forward guidance, adjusts quantitative easing program The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of � perc

July 7, 2021 @ 7:32 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Risks of Putting Down a Firm Offer with a Pre-Approval Ontario

Risks of Putting Down a Firm Offer with a Pre-Approval Today, the real estate market is competitive and homebuyers need all the help they can get to secure their home at the right price. Once you fin

June 28, 2021 @ 3:25 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Low Rates in Ontario Helping Buyers Pay Off Their Mortgages at Record Pace

Home prices may be astronomical in certain parts of the country, but historically low mortgage rates are allowing borrowers to pay off their mortgages faster than ever. At today's average rates, 61%

June 9, 2021 @ 5:37 PM
Posted by Bryan Guertin

Bank Of Canada Rate Update June 9, 2021

Bank of Canada will hold current level of policy rate until inflation objective is sustainably achieved, continues quantitative easing The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rat

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