Does Your Mortgage Need A Check-Up?

DOES YOUR MORTGAGE NEED A CHECK-UP?

Jackie Woodward // Mortgage Broker // TMG P: 780.433.8412 E: [email protected]

Rates are on the rise, more mortgage rule changes may be coming and home sales have slowed down. There are multiple reasons which may warrant an

audit of your existing mortgage details.

If you answer ‘YES’ to any of the following questions, it is likely a good idea for you to contact your

favorite Mortgage Professional about a mortgage check-up.



Is your current mortgage rate higher

than 3.5%?



If your current interest rate is above 3.5%, you could refinance your mortgage and save money. Even if your mortgage is not up for renewal for another 2 or 3 years, it could still make sense to break your term and lower your rate.


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You may be looking at refinancing to access some of your home equity, consolidate debts or take advantage of the low rates and lock in a long term interest rate now rather than waiting until renewal. It could make sense for your existing lender to do a blend and extend now versus waiting for your renewal date when the rates could be significantly higher than they are now.



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Bottom line is, it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion from other mortgage professionals if you are thinking of making a major decision about your finances.



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Are you planning on starting your own

business in the near future?



It’s harder to qualify for a mortgage when you’re newly self-employed so if you were planning on making some changes to your mortgage, you may want to take action soon while you are still able to qualify with third party income confirmation.


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Accessing unused equity to use as a cushion while building your business or restructuring your mortgage to lower payments could make sense, however, be aware that refinancing can come with some costs.



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If you are unable to make changes to your mortgage due to your employment situation, talk to a mortgage broker who can offer financing alternatives for the self employed borrower.



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Your Home Equity Line of Credit balance hasn’t

decreased



If you have a HELOC and the balance isn’t going down as fast as you’d like, have you considered converting your revolving credit line into a fixed rate mortgage term? This will provide you with a set amortization period which will estimate the time it will take to pay off in full as well as a fixed payment schedule.


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Do you owe more than your home is worth?



Even with the new mortgage rules in place you still have options. This type of scenario usually involves a more in-depth consultation before a mortgage solution that suits you can be determined, however, there are a few possible avenues that can be taken and it’s important to start on the right path.



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Has your credit score increased?



If you originally got a mortgage when your credit report was showing derogatory ratings and as a result you are paying a higher interest rate, a mortgage check-up could be right up your alley.



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If you’ve improved a poor credit score enough to qualify for a lower interest rate, you could be saving money every month! Time to contact a mortgage professional for some valuable advice.



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Are you moving soon?



Most mortgages are portable, which means you can take the terms to the new place you buy so don’t let a potential move prevent you from taking advantage of today’s longer fixed or variable rate terms.



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There are some guidelines that determine portability eligibility and it’s important to read the fine print of your mortgage commitment to determine what requirements you must meet in order to bring your great rate with you to the new place.



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Some of the previous items may lead to questions about possible payout penalties and the actual

benefit of the above mortgage solutions.

An experienced mortgage professional should be able to provide you with an amortization scenario

taking into consideration a potential payout penalty to break your term. This will aid in determining if it is still a financially sound idea to move forward with a

mortgage adjustment.



It doesn’t take long to determine if your mortgage is in need of a makeover. If you answered yes to any of the above questions a mortgage consultation makes

sense.

Ensure you’re aware of what is involved in the process including costs involved and documents

required and if you’re unsure of anything, don’t be afraid to ask questions as a check-up is the perfect

time to get the answers you’re looking for.



Jackie Woodward Mortgage Broker TMG & Mortgagegirl.ca Phone: 780.433.8412 Email: [email protected] Visit: mortgagegirl.ca Follow @mortgagegirlca

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Does Your Mortgage Need A Check-Up?