The Strategy Vault | Expert Mortgage Advice for Homebuyers, Refinancing & Wealth Building

Category: Real Estate Education (56 posts)

Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Might Be Right for You?

January 25, 2025 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Hello there, and welcome! As a mortgage broker here in Canada, I know that diving into the world of mortgages can feel like stepping into a labyrinth of numbers and jargon. Today, let's have a friendl ...

New Year, New Home Goals: Essential Home Maintenance Tips for 2025

January 8, 2025 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Happy New Year, homeowners! As we enter 2025, it's an ideal time to establish new home goals and ensure that your sanctuary stays comfortable, safe, and valuable. Whether you're a first-time homeowner ...

Is Getting a Home Inspection Worth It? A Canadian Homebuyer's Guide

December 1, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Hello there! If you're considering buying a home in Canada, you might wonder whether investing in a home inspection is necessary. After all, purchasing a home is a significant financial commitment, ...

Looking to Sell Your Home? 10 Amazing Tips to Help You Get the Best Value

October 22, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Selling a home is a significant financial decision; naturally, you want to secure the best possible value for your property. Whether you're a mortgage broker, real estate agent, or a homeowner looking ...

Lower Inflation: What are the impacts of this for Canadian homeowners

September 24, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

As inflation trends downward, many Canadian homeowners ask what this means for their financial future, particularly regarding their mortgage payments. Inflation plays a significant role in shaping int ...

What are Alternative Mortgage Lenders?

August 24, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

In the dynamic world of real estate, securing a mortgage can often be daunting, especially for individuals with unique financial situations. This is where alternative mortgage lenders come into play. ...

Understanding Mortgage Rate Relief

August 24, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Do you know what’s behind those ultra-low 'Relief' rates? Finding an ultra-low mortgage rate can be incredibly tempting, especially when you're looking to save money. However, as an expert ...

7 Things to Know When You Are Looking to Purchase a Cottage or Vacation Home

July 8, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Purchasing a cottage or vacation home can be an exciting venture, offering a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, it's essential to approach this purchase with careful con ...

How Lower Interest Rates Can Impact Your Mortgage: Insights for Canadians

June 7, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

How Lower Interest Rates Can Impact Your Mortgage: Insights for Canadians The Bank of Canada recently made headlines by lowering its interest rates for the first time in over two years. This decision ...

5 Great Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

May 7, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

As a mortgage professional, we often work with clients who are eager to improve their credit scores. A higher credit score not only increases your chances of getting approved for a mortgage but al ...

Unlocking Home Ownership: What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know About Property Value

April 25, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

The Canadian dream of home ownership is evolving. With fluctuating property values and shifting market dynamics, understanding the real estate landscape is more crucial than ever for prospective homeb ...

Paying off your mortgage early - The Pros and Cons

April 10, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Certainly! Paying off your mortgage early is a significant financial decision that many Canadians grapple with. It can be an appealing goal, offering both financial freedom and peace of mind. That sai ...

The Impact of Canadian Economic Trends on Mortgage Rates: What You Need to Know

March 27, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Navigating the world of mortgages can sometimes feel like trying to predict the weather in Canada: just when you think you've got it figured out, things change. But unlike the weather, understanding t ...

Unlocking the Door to Home Ownership: Simple Tips to Boost Your Credit Score

March 20, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Hello, homebuyers and financial enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a topic that's as crucial as it is misunderstood: your credit score. Think of your credit score like a key. The higher it is, the ...

Decorating Your New Home on a Budget

February 28, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

If you're considering purchasing a new home, you may encounter an unexpected problem. Your old decor doesn't suit your new space. This mismatch between old and new is especially likely when downsi ...

The Facts About Real Estate Fees

January 10, 2024 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Understanding the various fees in the Canadian real estate market may seem complicated, but with a little knowledge, you can navigate the process easily. Whether you are buying your first home ...

Navigating the New Normal: How Remote Work is Reshaping the Canadian Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape

December 23, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dining ta ...

Navigating High Interest Rates: Strategies for New Home Buyers Across Canada

December 19, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Introduction In today's economic landscape, we're seeing a trend that can be quite intimidating for anyone looking to step into the world of home ownership – high interest rates. But fear not! ...

Navigating Your Mortgage: Practical Tips from the Experts

December 14, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Managing a mortgage is a journey that requires careful navigation. Mortgage brokers understand the challenges and uncertainties homeowners face when it comes to their mortgage payments. Today's econ ...

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

November 3, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage For many people, buying a home is a significant milestone in their lives. However, getting approved for a mortgage isn't always ...

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

October 8, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

A reverse mortgage is a great financial tool for homeowners over 55 who want to stay in their homes while accessing the value they've built up over the years. It provides additional income, eliminates ...

Leveraging Your Home Equity to Help Purchase a Home For Your Children: A Prudent Move?

October 6, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Navigating Parental Assistance in Home Purchases The concept of parents aiding their children in stepping onto the property ladder is not a new one yet it is not ubiquitously adopted. A 2021 CIBC rep ...

Home Valuation and Appraisals: Unveiling the Mechanics, Influencing Factors, and Value-Boosting Tips

August 9, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Home Valuation and Appraisals: Unveiling the Mechanics, Influencing Factors, and Value-Boosting Tips The process of buying, selling, or refinancing a home involves a critical component that can great ...

Navigating the World of Title Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

July 10, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

The Ins and Outs of Title Insurance Hello, everyone! Grab your morning cup of joe and settle in because today we're venturing into the realm of Title Insurance. Now, you might be thinking, 'Insurance ...

Income Property Investment in Alberta: A Strategy to Boost Your Retirement Plan

June 21, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

As the retirement landscape continues to evolve, many individuals find themselves concerned about the adequacy of their savings and the possibility of outliving their nest egg. However, there is a sol ...

Benefits of Buying a New Home in the Summer

May 17, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Summertime brings sunny days, warm weather, and an ideal opportunity for house hunting. If you're considering buying a new home, the summer months offer several advantages worth considering. In this b ...

Adding A Co-Applicant To Your Mortgage Application

March 23, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Thanks to tighter mortgage qualification rules and higher-priced real estate - it’s not always easy to qualify for a mortgage on your own merits. You may very well have a great job, a decen ...

5 Things NOT to do When Selling Your Home

March 16, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

The process of selling a residential property can be time-consuming and emotionally involving, especially if it is your first sale. While your home's curb appeal influences a prospective buyer's poten ...

Mortgage Broker vs Banker: Which One is Right for You?

March 13, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Mortgage Broker vs Banker: Which One is Right for You? When it comes to getting your mortgage, the lender you choose can make a big difference in how much you end up paying. It can be difficult t ...

Zero Down Mortgage

February 5, 2023 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Zero down mortgages are a thing! They go by a couple of different names. You may have heard of flex down or borrowed down payment mortgages.How does it work?Essentially, instead of having the down ...

10 Things to Know About the Offer Process

November 30, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

10 Things to Know About the Offer Process Before making an offer on your dream house, here are the ten things you need to know about buying real estate to ensure your offer is solid. Buying real e ...

10 Important Questions to Ask Your Contractor

November 9, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

10 Important Questions to Ask Your Contractor Are you thinking about hiring a contractor before selling real estate? Here are ten important questions you should ask the contractor before signing a co ...

Common Mistakes That House Flippers Make & How to Avoid Them

October 12, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Mistakes That Can Make House Flipping a Flop Common Mistakes That House Flippers Make & How to Avoid Them Making it in the world of house flipping means making sound and prudent decisions. Read on t ...

How Many Homes Should You View Before Buying?

August 10, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

If you are beginning the home-buying process, you may begin to wonder how long it will take until you find the perfect home for you and your family. The answer to that varies due to different factors. ...

Tips for Buying Rental Investment Properties

July 6, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Most people float the idea of investment property around at some point in their life, and the growing popularity of real estate buy-and-flip shows only makes the prospect more enticing. However, befor ...

5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals

June 22, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Being a buyer in today's real estate market can be challenging. The market is very competitive right now, making the average buyer feel like it is impossible to secure a good deal. Luckily, some trick ...

Can You Qualify With Income Tax Arrears or Debt Collections?

June 22, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

In this article, we talk about the importance of being current with your Income Tax, as it determines whether qualifying for a mortgage in Canada, especially a self-employed mortgage, will be easy ...

5 Benefits of an Investment Property

April 6, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

5 Benefits of an Investment Property Building a strong real estate portfolio is a great way to create passive income now and a strong investment portfolio for later. If you are looking at buildin ...

Tips for Picking the Right Home to Flip

March 16, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Guide to Choosing a House to Flip for Maximum Profit Not every property will make a promising flip. Here is everything you need to know to maximize your profits from the very start while minimizing ...

Can Housing Upgrades Affect Your Insurance?

February 23, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Housing upgrades have the potential to leave you underinsured so it is important to always contact your home insurance before starting a home renovation. Home renovations are trendy right now due to ...

Rent to Own Homes vs. Mortgage: How Do They Work?

February 9, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Rent to Own Homes vs. Mortgage: How Do They Work? If you're hoping to achieve your dreams of homeownership, rent-to-own and mortgage are two options to consider. Here is everything you need to know a ...

For Every $350 In Monthly Debt You Eliminate = $50,000 More Home!

February 8, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Lowering Debt: The Secret to Unlocking More Buying Power When it comes to buying a home, many people focus solely on saving for a down payment or shopping around for the lowest mortgage rate. Whi ...

Did You Know: In Addition To Your Down Payment, You'll Need To Have Closing Costs?

February 1, 2022 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Did you know that when buying a home, your mortgage lender will require you to have 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price of your new home in your bank account in excess of your down payment funds?The ...

How Do Lenders Decide Whether To Approve or Decline A Mortgage Application?

December 19, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

So you’ve finally decided to buy your own home and go through the process of applying for a mortgage. Like any first-time home buyer, you probably have a ton of questions on what happens b ...

Five Great Benefits of Owning an Investment Property

October 20, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Five Great Benefits of an Investment Property Maybe you have considered investing in real estate but aren't sure if it's the right move for you. There are several benefits to an investment property, ...

How to Handle a Low-Ball Offer in Real Estate | Home Selling Advice

September 15, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

How to Handle a Low-Ball Offer in Real Estate - Home Selling Advice How to negotiate and handle low-ball offers on your real estate property in a buyer's market without compromising the value or wort ...

Buying Land To Build A Home in Sherwood Park and Edmonton Alberta

June 16, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Buying Land To Build A Home If you've been dreaming of escaping your unruly neighbors, the hubbub of the city, or the restrictions of your homeowners' association, then buying land to build a home is ...

Your House-Closing Timeline: A Step-By-Step Guide | Sherwood Park and Edmonton Alberta

June 7, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

The process of buying a house can be quite exciting. However, the process is laborious, and it can also be nerve-wracking, especially if you do not know what to expect at what stage. The process is lo ...

What Are the Next Steps After Your Offer Is Rejected By A Seller?

May 20, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

What are the next steps after your offer is rejected? Finding an ideal home in Alberta can be a daunting process. It involves talking to a wide range of realtors and having a myriad of meetings with ...

Investing In An Apartment Complex in Edmonton, Alberta

May 5, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Investing In An Apartment Complex Investing in an apartment complex is one of the most effective ways of building wealth in the real estate industry. Some of the benefits that are associated with inv ...

Things To Look Out For When Viewing A Property

April 21, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Becoming a homeowner can be quite an exciting experience; however, house hunting is not a process without challenges. Depending on your personal preferences, needs, and budget, you need to carefully ...

Buying A Home As A Senior Citizen | Greater Edmonton and across Alberta

April 11, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Buying a home is for everyone — or those who can afford to pay for their mortgage. Albeit you're 60 or 70 years old, it's possible and beneficial to own a home so long as you have the financial ...

Benefits of Investing in Multi-Family Real Estate in Edmonton, Alberta

January 7, 2021 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

What is Multi-Family Real Estate? Any residential property that contains more than one housing unit is classed as multi-family real estate. Some of the most prevalent examples of multi-family real ...

The Benefits of Investing in Income Producing Properties

November 7, 2020 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Making money in any real estate venture is a difficult task, and many people don't have the skills (or the stomach) for flipping houses. An alternative to this intrinsically risky activity is to purch ...

4 Hidden Problems That Could Be Hurting Your Home Sale

October 26, 2020 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

One of the biggest fears that home sellers have is that their property will end up on the real estate market for months on end. This is a nightmare for a number of reasons. First of all, having your h ...

Mortgage Checklist

February 19, 2019 | Posted by: Matt Broom-Hall

Mortgage Checklist 1. Determine your Budget Determine what your monthly budget is for the following: - Mortgage payment - Property taxes and Condo fees (if applicable) - Utilities, maintenance an ...

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Category: Real Estate Education (56 posts)

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