February 2011

This article is provided by Brian Marling of Neighbourhood DLC – Canada’s #1 Mortgage Team  905.372.7222

On January 17th, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages that will come into force March 18th, 2011.

The new measures will

• Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios greater than 80%
• Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages to 85% from 90% of the value of their homes

Additionally, on April 18th, 2011, the government will withdraw its insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes, such as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).

By paring back the maximum amortization from 35 years to 30, qualification will become harder for some borrowers – particularly first-time homeowners – as mortgage payments will increase. It’s hard to imagine that, not so long ago, Canadians could amortize their mortgages up to 40 years with zero down payment mortgages.

This is the second time in less than a year that the refinancing maximum was reduced – meaning Canadians can access less of their home equity. The first reduction from 95% of the value of your home to 90% came into force in April 2010. Now, as of March 18th, 2011, the second reduction will bring maximum refinance levels down to 85%. By reducing the refinancing LTV to 85%, borrowers are losing options. One of the most effective ways that mortgage professionals can eliminate high-interest, unsecured consumer debt and over extension is to retire this debt by refinancing at today’s low interest rates.

This change will mean that fewer borrowers can consolidate high-interest debt such as credit cards and other unsecured loans into their mortgage at today’s low rates. This may force homeowners who are experiencing job loss, illness, separation, divorce or urgent unforeseen family crisis into having to sell their homes to gain access to their very own equity.  With these two reductions in the maximum refinance amount (totalling 10%) in less than a year, on a $300,000 home, that’s a difference of $30,000 homeowners can no longer access.

Government needs to take a hard look at unsecured debt, specifically credit card issuers. Canadians’ biggest financial struggles, their over extension and record debt levels, are not due to their mortgages (again, we have the lowest mortgage default in the world). They are due to easy access to high-interest credit cards and other unsecured debt.  3-4% mortgages are not the problem – perhaps 25-29% credit card debt is the problem!!

With interest rates sitting at all-time lows – with nowhere to go but up – and looming mortgage rule changes, now is the perfect time to act to refinance your mortgage to pay off bills or free up more cash flow, or purchase a new home.

Now more than ever it’s important for Canadians to practice financial responsibility, as options for reducing high-interest debt payments are increasingly being limited.

It’s a new year so why not give your finances a fresh start. If you would like an unbiased and independent assessment of your mortgage and debt situation then please give me a call.  And I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here at Neighbourhood not only do we provide Award Winning Service and the best selection of mortgage products in the country, but we also offer our Free Financial Fitness Seminars and have added Personal Financial Coaching for those who truly desire a change but would like some assistance along the way. If you don’t change something then don’t expect different results.  As always you can call us anytime to discuss how we may be able to help you.

At Neighbourhood, & the home of the Brian Marling Mortgage Team, we are concerned for the total well-being of our clients. That’s why we are taking the years of experience from our award winning office and offering a series of FREE Seminars to our clients and their friends & families and to the public at large. The seminars, entitled ‘Financial Fitness’, will be offered free of charge and will cover all the secrets of successful personal financial freedom.  If interested please call our office at 905.372.7222 to reserve your spot as seating will be limited. Our next one will be in March.