May 2025 Newsletter

Mike Morisset - Mortgage Broker

Mortgages by Mike Morisset

mike@mbmm.ca
(778) 240-6641
http://www.mbmm.ca

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May 2025 Foreclosures

 

May 2025 Burnaby Detached
May 2025 Chilliwack Attached
May 2025 Burnaby Attached
May 2025 Abbotsford Attached
May 2025 Langley Attached
May 2025 Langley Detached
May 2025 Chilliwack Detached
May 2025 Maple Ridge Attached
May 2025 Abbotsford Detached
May 2025 Maple Ridge Detached
May 2025 Mission Attached
May 2025 North Van Attached
May 2025 Richmond Detached
May 2025 New West Attached
May 2025 Mission Detached
May 2025 Tricities Detached
May 2025 Richmond Attached
May 2025 Tricities Attached
May 2025 Surrey Attached
May 2025 Vancouver Detached
May 2025 West Vancouver Attached
May 2025 White Rock Attached
May 2025 West Vancouver Detached
May 2025 White Rock South Surrey Detached
May 2025 Vancouver Attached
May 2025 Surrey Detached



Understanding Mortgage Penalties

 

Many homeowners—especially those without a mortgage broker—don’t fully understand mortgage penalties. And I get it! Financing a home can be overwhelming. But if you’re considering refinancing, selling, making a lump sum payment, or need a way out, read this first.

The most common mortgage penalty my clients encounter is a prepayment penalty. Did you know? Your lender doesn’t want their money back early! That’s because they earn guaranteed interest on the loan, helping them not only budget but also profit. Let’s go over the types of prepayment penalties:

Prepayment or Overpayment: If you make a lump sum payment on your mortgage or increase the regular payments by too much, you could be outside the terms of your mortgage agreement.

Transferring: If you move your mortgage to another lender before the end of your term, that is considered breaking the mortgage agreement you made.

Early Re-Payment: If you sell your home and pay off your lender with the proceeds, leaving you without a mortgage, that also breaks the agreement.

Breaking your mortgage for these—or any other reason—almost always results in financial penalties. 

How can you reduce or avoid prepayment fees?

The simplest answer is to wait until the end of your existing term to make changes. If that’s not possible, we can review your circumstances and come up with a cost effective plan for saving money on your penalty.

When can penalties be worthwhile?

It is important to note that sometimes, paying a penalty can be worthwhile—especially if you’re locked into a higher-rate mortgage and the savings from breaking it and securing a lower rate outweigh the penalty costs. I can help you with this determination! I can help you determine if this makes financial sense for you.



Canadian Housing Demand and Prices Slide Further in March

 

On April 15, 2025, it was reported that home sales in Canada dropped again in March. Sales fell by 4.8% from February, and overall sales are now 20% lower than they were in November 2024. Experts believe this drop is mostly due to concerns about new tariffs and the uncertainty they bring. The biggest declines were seen in Ontario and British Columbia, but almost every region in Canada has been affected. People are becoming more cautious about buying homes, unsure of what will happen with the economy.

Compared to March 2024, home sales were down 9.3%, making it the lowest March total since 2009. Even though the number of newly listed homes went up by 3%, prices continued to fall. The MLS® Home Price Index dropped by 1% from the previous month and was 2.1% lower than a year ago. The actual average home price also dropped 3.7% compared to March last year, showing that the market is clearly slowing down.



Lacrosse in Boston!

 

My oldest son has been looking forward to this trip for many months! Playing in the Heritage Cup field lacrosse Tournament in Boston! Playing field lacrosse and attending the NCAA Div 1 Mens lacrosse semi finals and finals was definitely on Jax's bucket list. Was a great trip for us! Lots of lacrosse, lots of good times! 



Will the Bank of Canada reduce it's overnight rate on June 4th?

 

The consensus forecast for the Bank of Canada (BOC) rate is a hold at 2.75% for the remainder of 2025, with a potential for further rate cuts in 2026. However, some forecasts suggest two more 0.25% cuts by the end of 2025, bringing the rate down to 2.25%, while others predict three cuts to 2.00%.

Once the headlines go up on June 4th, as always I expect to receive some phone calls asking about "the new mortgage rate of 2.75%" LOL! This is a common misconception because the news outlets assume everyone understands that the BOC "overnight rate" is the rate at which banks borrow money from the govt, and not the rate that the banks charge their customers. 

Also the overnight rate only impacts variable rate mortgages. Fixed rates are determined by a different set of dynamics. 



Understanding Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates: What’s Right for You in Today’s Market?

 

 When it comes to choosing a mortgage, one of the most important decisions to consider is deciding between a fixed-rate and a variable-rate mortgage. Both options have their benefits, but the best choice depends on your financial goals, tolerance for risk, and the current economic climate. Let’s break it down:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the duration of your term, usually 1 to 5 years.

Benefits:

Predictability: Your monthly payments stay the same, which makes budgeting easier.

Stability: You’re protected from interest rate hikes, providing peace of mind.

Ideal for Long-Term Planning: If you plan to stay in your home for a while or prefer financial consistency, this option is great for you.

Drawbacks:

Fixed rates are often higher than variable rates at the start of the term. You might miss out on savings if rates drop during your term.

Variable-Rate Mortgages

Variable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, have an interest rate that fluctuates with changes to your lender's prime rate.

Benefits:

Lower Initial Rates: Historically, variable rates tend to be lower than fixed rates.

Potential Savings: If interest rates decrease, you benefit from lower monthly payments.

Flexibility: Variable-rate mortgages often have lower penalties if you choose to break your term early.

Drawbacks:

Payments can increase if interest rates rise, leading to unpredictability. Not ideal for those who prefer financial stability or have a tight budget.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

Every borrower’s situation is unique. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance, I’d love to discuss your options and help you choose the best mortgage strategy for your needs.

Feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation—I’m here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.



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