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Real Estate News and Advice |
December 1, 2008 |
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 Beyond Interest Rates: What To Look For In A Mortgage
by PJ Wade
Canadian federal law limits compounding to annual or semiannual calculations with the blended repayment plans offered by most residential lenders. The frequency of compounding, or calculating interest on the interest, determines how quickly the mortgage debt grows. Other repayment methods, such as flat or fixed plans, may involve more frequent compounding, quarterly, monthly, so read the fine print carefully. Most mortgages are repaid monthly, but weekly or biweekly repayment is often possible. However, accelerating payment frequency does not automatically pay your mortgage off more quickly. Carefully calculate what you'll pay off in a year to be sure there is a savings. Shortening the amortization period by a few years is another way to achieve the same end. If you need to finance more than 75% of the appraised value of the property in question (this is called high ratio financing), mortgage insurance is required by Canadian law. This insurance protects the lender should you fail to repay the mortgage. As the borrower, you pay the one-time premium of up to 3.75% of the mortgage amount or principal. The premium rate is linked to the size of the mortgage. With a 5% deposit and $100,000 mortgage, the premium would be $3750, but with a 10% deposit the premium would be $2500. The premium may be paid separately or added to the mortgage. If you have the cash to pay the premium, consider putting this money, and anything else you can raise, towards the deposit and reducing the premium at the same time. To avoid paying mortgage insurance when you need a lot of financing, arrange or take over a conventional first mortgage, that is, a mortgage for less than 75% of the appraised value, and arrange a second mortgage for the balance. How does the cost of the conventional mortgage plus a second mortgage compare with the cost of one large mortgage plus the mortgage insurance premium? Examine interest rates, terms, prepayment privileges, legal costs, and payment convenience to be sure two mortgages, instead of one, saves you money. Set yourself up to win financially. Open mortgages with prepayment privileges allow you to pay off your mortgage debt more quickly and save on interest. This is especially important if you sell before renewal since it may cost thousands in penalties to pay off your mortgage early. More Canadian News:
Published: July 20, 1999 Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws. 
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If you choose a lender and a mortgage based entirely on the interest rate, you
may have bought "the sizzle" and ignored the quality of "the steak." Since
mortgage interest is usually not tax deductible, the rate does matter but
Canadians often fail to look beyond interest to see other ways to save.
Strategist and Futurist is The Catalyst -- intent on "Helping The Best Get Better." An internationally-recognized "new retirement" authority, PJ's research, writing and speaking programs focus on decisions Baby Boomers face to achieve a successful future.