With the Bank of Canada in a mood to raise rates, it’s a similar feeling for the bond market, which impacts fixed rates. In every interest-rate market there are many factors leading to an increase and we are hoping to provide a little bit of clarity on what is happening to your mortgage rates and what it means to you and your loved ones. We tell you this in advance to be proactive to take care of you as our mortgage family, so as you hear the news about the changes, you have comfort we are here to lead with clarity.
At this time we see fixed rates increasing as the bond market increases.
Why do we note this information and how does it relate to you?
If you are in a Variable rate, you will want to:
- Review your lock-in options by contacting your lender directly (every lender has different policies in allowing us to help or not). Knowing it’s unlikely the prime rate will reduce and fixed rates are on the rise, there could be a sweet spot to review your options now. Once you know what the lender is offering you, we can advise on what the market rates are.
- If you decide not to lock in, it’s time to review your discount to see if a higher one can be obtained elsewhere.
Locking in won’t be for everyone, especially if you are making higher payments and your mortgage is below $300,000, which most people fit and will continue on that path. Also if your discount is more than 0.6 below prime, you may want to wait and watch the market. Locking in will be around a 1% higher rate than you are likely presently paying. If knowing that you can lock in a rate around 4% now is attractive to you, then you may want to lock in now.
If you are in a Fixed rate:
- If you obtained your mortgage in the last year, stay put.
- If you are looking to move up to the property ladder, or consolidate debt, get your application in to us ASAP so we can hold options for up to 120 days.
- If you are up for renewal this year, or know someone who is, secure your options now with us to weigh out the savings prior to renewal, with us keeping a watchful eye on the market.
Keep in mind that if you or someone you care about, has an average mortgage of $350,000 and got it a few years ago at 2.49%, now a qualified applicant can expect about 3.89%, which is a payment increase of $254 dollars a month. So increasing your payment now, will protect your equity and you, from future payment shock.
Original Article: www.dominionlending.ca
