The Spire Journal
When Will Mortgage Rates Go Down in Alberta?
Wondering when mortgage rates will actually decrease in Alberta? Learn more about mortgage rate trends, why rates increase, and how it impacts your mortgage.
How Property Valuations Impact Mortgages
What is a property valuation and how does it impact your mortgage? Learn more about property valuations, including how they work and why you might need one.
How Many Mortgages Can You Have in Canada?
While there are no restrictions on how many mortgages you can have in Canada, that does not mean anyone can obtain all the mortgages they want. For a person to be approved for multiple mortgages, they must qualify.
Everything You Need to Know About Porting a Mortgage in Alberta
There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation around how porting a mortgage actually works. We think it’s time to clear that up!
Pros and Cons of Co-Signing a Mortgage
Thinking about co-signing on a mortgage? Here is what you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
The Risks of Condition-Free Purchase Offers
The current ultra-competitive real estate market in Alberta can make it feel impossible for buyers to win a multiple-offer situation without submitting an unconditional offer. But what are the risks?
What is a Mortgage IRD?
Interest Rate Differential (IRD) is a charge that may apply if you pay off your mortgage before the maturity date, or pay the mortgage principal down beyond the amount of your prepayment privileges.
Will the New Home Buyers' Plan Limit Actually Help With Affordability?
What impact will the increase to the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit from $35,000 to $60,000 have on home affordability?
Does Applying for a Mortgage Hurt my Credit?
A lot of mortgage applicants are nervous about having their credit “hit” or “checked” by the mortgage broker. But having your credit pulled by a mortgage broker really isn’t something to worry about—we break down why.
3 Strategies to Deal With a Jump in Interest Rate at Your Renewal
Many Canadians are stressed about their upcoming mortgage renewals. The current rate environment may feel terrifying and impossible to navigate. Consider these strategies to keep your monthly payments low.
Do the Bank of Canada Rate Changes Affect Mortgage Rates?
There’s a lot of speculation about when the Bank of Canada might start lowering the overnight lending rate. We break down how movement in the Bank of Canada rate might impact each type of mortgage rate.
May 2024 Monthly Newsletter
Spire Mortgage Team’s Monthly Update Newsletter. Give it a read for all the details on mortgages and real estate trends in your local area in Alberta.
Why are Fixed Mortgages Rates Rising Again in Canada?
The market is awaiting a drop in the key interest rate from the bank of Canada and anticipating that this could happen as early as the June or July announcement—so what’s the deal with fixed rates continuing to rise?
2024 Change to Capital Gains Tax Could Significantly Impact Real Estate Investors
In the 2024 federal budget release, the government of Canada announced a change to Capital Gains tax
How to Get a Mortgage When You’re New to Canada
Whether you’re a landed immigrant with a work visa, a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, there are options to obtain a mortgage.
April 2024 Monthly Newsletter
Spire Mortgage Team’s Monthly Update Newsletter. Give it a read for all the details on mortgages and real estate trends in your local area in Alberta.
Government of Canada Introduces 30 Amortization for First-Time Buyers Purchasing New Builds
A HUGE housing announcement came from the Government of Canada yesterday. 30-year amortization will be allowed for first-time buyers' mortgages on new home builds & $60k from RRSPs!
Choosing Mortgage Rates & Terms: What To Look For—Besides The Rate
Rates aren’t the ONLY thing to consider when shopping for a mortgage. Here’s what else we think is important for homebuyers to look at when evaluating their options.
Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage FAQs
The Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage option gives home buyers the flexibility to upgrade or improve their newly purchased property.
2024 Changes to Alberta Land Titles Registration Fees
The Alberta government is proposing some BIG changes that could impact home buyers’ closing costs.