Krista Klein Mortgage Newsletter Feb 2023 Edition #78

Krista Klein - Mortgage Broker

Powered by Pacific West Mortgages & Mortgage Architects

krista@kristakleinmortgages.ca
604 618 2017
http://www.kristakleinmortgages.ca

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2023 February Foreclosures

 

Feb 2023 Vancouver Attached
Feb 2023 Vancouver Detached
Feb 2023 Tri Cities Detached
Feb 2023 West Vancouver Attached
Feb 2023 Surrey Detached
Feb 2023 Surrey Attached
Feb 2023 Tri Cities Attached
Feb 2023 Richmond Attached
Feb 2023 Richmond Detached
Feb 2023 Pitt Maple Detached
Feb 2023 Langley Detached
Feb 2023 Burnaby Attached
Feb 2023 New West Attached
Feb 2023 Mission Detached
Feb 2023 Langley Attached
Feb 2023 Abbotsford Detached
Feb 2023 Abbotsford Attached
Feb 2023 Burnaby Detached
Feb 2023 Chilliwack Detached
Feb 2023 Chilliwack Attached



What you need to now about the Foreign Buyer Ban!

 

The start of the new year saw Canada’s new foreign buyer ban officially come into effect. 

The two year-ban, originally passed by Parliament in June to help address housing affordability challenges, will apply to non-Canadian individuals and commercial enterprises. 

However, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act includes a long list of exceptions. 

Below, we’ve outlined some of the key details of the ban, including the pertinent exemptions.

*  *  *

Who does the ban apply to?

The ban applies to individuals who are not Canadian citizens, not permanent residents, and not persons registered under the Indian Act.

It also applies to corporations based in Canada that are privately held, not listed on a stock exchange in Canada or are controlled (representing at least 3% equity share or voting rights) by someone who is non-Canadian. 

When is the ban in effect?

The foreign buyer ban took effect on January 1, 2023, and will remain in place for a period of two years. 

Why was the ban introduced?

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act was introduced by the federal government as part of a strategy to tackle the housing affordability struggles faced by many Canadians. The government said it is meant to ensure housing remains accessible to Canadians. 

"Homes should not be commodities,” Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen said in a release. “Homes are meant to be lived in, a place where families can lay down roots, create memories and build a life together.”


What are the consequences for those found in violation of the ban?

Any non-Canadians found in breach of the prohibition – as well as those that knowingly assist with the breach – could face a fine of up to $10,000. 

Additionally, their property can be sold by court order and could see the non-Canadian receive no more of the proceeds other than the price they originally paid for of the property, less associated costs. 

What are some of the exemptions?

The new legislation includes a number of circumstances in which non-Canadians will be able to continue to purchase property in Canada. 

For example, larger buildings with four or more units are exempt. Some of the many additional exemptions include:

Properties outside of Census Metropolitan Areas or a Census Agglomeration as defined by Statistics Canada (click here for details)Temporary residents studying in Canada who have: enrolled in an authorized study at a designated learning institution; filed income tax returns for each of the five taxation years preceding the purchase; been in Canada for a minimum of 244 days in each of the five calendar years preceding the purchase; not previously purchased a property in Canada while the ban is in effect; purchased a property for under $500,000.Temporary residents working in Canada who have: a valid work permit or are authorized to work in Canada; have worked full-time for at least three of the four years preceding the purchase; not previously purchased a property in Canada while the ban is in effect; filed income tax returns for three of the four tax years preceding the purchase. Refugees who have been given refugee protection or are considered protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of 2001.Refugee claimants and those fleeing international crises. Accredited members of foreign missions in Canada.

More precise details of the exemptions included in the legislation can be found on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s website.
 
If you’d like to understand more on who this impacts or want to understand the full depths of the act, I recommend reaching out so we can discuss or review the materials published on the Government of Canada’s website.



Snowboarding Park City, Utah!

 

A few weekends ago, a friend and I set off to Park City, Utah to explore a new mountain. We had such an amazing time and it felt great to travel again. 



Is your Mortgage up for Renewal?

 

Taking the first offer from your bank at mortgage renewal without exploring other options could mean missing out on potentially better terms and conditions, including lower interest rates and better loan features. Here are some reasons why you should not take the first offer from your bank at renewal:

Higher Interest Rates: Banks may not always offer the best interest rates, and there could be better options available from other lenders. By shopping around and comparing different mortgage rates and terms, you may be able to save money on interest payments over the life of your mortgage.

Improved Loan Features: Other lenders may offer more flexible repayment terms or features, such as the ability to make prepayments or skip payments. These features can help you save money, reduce your debt, and build equity in your home.

Changing Financial Situation: Your financial situation may have changed since you first took out your mortgage, which could make you eligible for better terms or products. For example, if you have improved your credit score or have more stable income, you may be able to qualify for lower interest rates or more favorable loan terms.

Negotiation: By exploring other options and comparing offers, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with your current lender. They may be willing to match or even beat offers from other lenders to retain your business.

Expert Advice: Working with a mortgage broker can help you navigate the complex mortgage market and find the best mortgage products and rates that fit your unique needs and circumstances.

Overall, taking the time to explore different options and negotiate with your lender can help you save money and get the best mortgage terms and conditions that meet your financial goals and needs.



My Mortgage Planner - Download Now!

 

This is a super cool app to download! If you are interested in playing around with your mortgage numbers and running amortization schedules...this is the tool for you! 

Download Here

This app does the following: 

-Calculate your total cost of owning a home

-Estimate the minimum down payment you need

-Calculate the maximum loan you can borrow

-Stress test your mortgage

-Estimate your Closing costs

-Calculate property transfer tax and available rebates

-Search the best mortgage rates

-Compare your options side by side

-Email summary reports (PDF)

-Use my app in English, French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese



How to Lower your Mortgage Payment

 

There are several ways you can lower your mortgage payment:

Refinance your mortgage: Refinancing your mortgage involves replacing your current mortgage with a new one that has better terms, such as a lower interest rate or longer repayment period. This can lower your monthly payment and reduce the overall cost of your mortgage.

Extend the Amortization: If you're struggling to make your mortgage payments, you may be able to extend the amortization, which will lower your monthly payment but increase the overall cost of the mortgage.

Make extra payments: Making extra payments towards your mortgage principal can reduce the amount of interest you pay over time, which can ultimately lower your monthly payment. You can do this by making extra payments each month or by making one-time lump sum payments.

Modify your Mortgage: If you're having difficulty making your mortgage payments, you may be able to work with your lender to modify your loan terms. This could involve reducing your interest rate or extending the loan term to lower your monthly payment.



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