As of January 1st, 2018, passing a “stress test” will be a requirement for all insured and uninsured mortgages. Previously, only insured borrowers (those with less than 20% as a down payment) had to undergo the stress test.
The stress test is designed to simulate a borrower’s financial situation if they had to pay back their loan at the posted average rate. To pass the stress test, homebuyers will now have to qualify on the greater of the Bank of Canada benchmark rate (currently 4.89%) or their actual rate +2.00%. For those with variable-rate mortgages, the Bank of Canada recently announced that their prime interest rate will stay the same, so the majority of lenders’ prime rate is 3.20%.
For some homebuyers, these new mortgage rules could mean they no longer qualify for a mortgage, or do not qualify to buy the home they really want. It’s important for homebuyers to lock down their mortgage now—before the rules change—to ensure they get a great deal on their dream home.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, don’t wait until the new year to apply for your mortgage. Apply for a pre-approved mortgage with us before December 15th, 2017. Our lender will give you a quote under the current rules (on approved credit), and hold your deal until April 1st, 2018. Those who apply for a pre-approved mortgage are under no obligation to accept the lender’s offer.
Apply now for your no-obligation, pre-approved mortgage through our online form: https://www.mortgagesmadeeasy.com/apply/9-site-elements/mortgage-application-1/mortgage-application/84-mortgage-app
Have questions? Wondering how Canada’s new mortgage rules will impact you? Call a MortgagesMadeEasy.com broker at 613-563-3447 or use our contact form.
