Mortgage & Finance
Mortgage rates, financing, and home loan guides for Ontario buyers
Reverse Mortgages for Ontario Homeowners 55+: How CHIP and Equitable Bank Work — and Whether They’re Worth It
A reverse mortgage lets Ontario homeowners 55+ tap home equity with no monthly payments — but compounding interest erodes your estate. Arthur Zhao breaks down CHIP, Equitable Bank, the costs, the trade-offs, and the alternatives.
The RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan Is Now $60,000: How to Withdraw, Repay, and Stack It with the FHSA
Canada's RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit rose to $60,000 in 2024 — up to $120,000 for a qualifying couple. Here's how the HBP works, the 15-year tax-free repayment rule, and how to stack it with the FHSA to maximize your down payment.
$1.5M Insured Mortgage Cap & 30-Year Amortizations: How the Dec 2024 Rules Help You Buy
Since December 15, 2024, Canada's insured mortgage cap rose from $1M to $1.5M — you can buy a $1.5M home with $125,000 down instead of $300,000. All first-time buyers and anyone buying new construction can also choose a 30-year amortization. Here's what it means for your budget.
Canada’s First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (Bill C-4): Up to $50,000 Back on a New Home
Bill C-4's First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate became law on March 12, 2026. Eligible first-time buyers get a full rebate of the 5% federal GST on new homes up to $1M (up to $50,000), phasing out between $1M and $1.5M. Here's who qualifies and how it works.
Fixed vs Variable: Which Mortgage Rate Should You Lock in Ontario in 2026?
A fixed rate locks your rate for the whole term; a variable rate moves with the central bank's policy rate. As of June 2026 the Bank of Canada's policy rate is 2.25% (held for a fifth straight time) and prime is 4.45%. Here's the difference, the huge gap in prepayment penalties, the stress test, and how to choose for your situation.
How to Actually Measure Real Estate Investment Returns: Cap Rate, Cash-on-Cash, and IRR Explained
A plain-English guide to real estate investment metrics: cap rate, cash-on-cash return, gross/net yield, and IRR. Includes a worked example showing how leverage and compounding affect your actual return.
How Credit Scores Work in Canada (and How They Affect Your Mortgage)
What credit score do you need for a mortgage in Canada? A clear guide to the 300-900 scale, the five Equifax/TransUnion scoring factors, CMHC's 600 minimum, and how to raise your score before you buy.
Bridge Financing in Ontario: How to Buy Before You Sell
Bridge financing lets you close on a new Ontario home before your current home's sale funds arrive. Here is how the loan works, how interest is charged daily on the bridged amount, why lenders require a firm sale, typical term length, costs, and the risks.
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