Since we know that lenders can back-end insure our mortgages, and that this specifically makes these mortgage investments more attractive to investors, what does it mean for borrowers (every day people like you and me)?
To recap, any mortgage that is inexpensive for a wholesale lender to get financing for, allows the lender to pass on savings to their clients, meaning mortgages that are insured get the best rates! An insured mortgage is where a borrower pays the mortgage default insurance because they have less than 20% down payment and is required on all mortgages where the down payment is less than 20%.
But lenders can also pay for insurance for their client! An ‘insurable’ mortgage is one where the clients puts 20% down (or more) and their mortgage is approved as though a client is paying for insurance, but the actual insurance is paid for by the lender. Rates for insurable mortgages are generally very similar to insured mortgages. An ‘uninsurable’ mortgage is one where mortgage insurance is not available.
The graph below outlines what type of mortgages are insured, insurable or uninsurable.
| Insured Mortgages | Insurable Mortgages | Uninsurable Mortgage | |
| Who Pays Insurance | Client pays on Purchase | Lender pays | Insurance not available |
| Transaction Type | Purchase or Mortgage Transfer | Purchase or Mortgage Transfer | All Transactions (Refinances allowed) |
| Occupancy | Owner Occupied or second home | Owner Occupied or Second Home | Rental Properties Allowed |
| Value of Properties | Properties under $1M | Properties can be over $1M if purchased before Oct 2016 | Properties can be over $1M |
| Amortization | 25 years Maximum | 25 year Maximum | 30+ years Amortization |
| Best Rates | Best to Great Rates | Good to OK Rates |
So what does this all mean for you, the borrower?
If your mortgage is insurable, you may be able to get the best rates. What is interesting to note is that if you have a mortgage that was previously uninsured, your current lender cannot insure your mortgage, but your mortgage may be insurable if you transfer to a new lender – this is where our opportunity lies!
Don’t hesitate to contact us, as your mortgage broker, when you have to renew your mortgage.
Original article: www.dominionlending.ca/news
