Mortgages Made Easy Blog

It’s that time of year again! It’s home-buying season, and that could mean you’ll be busy house hunting, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. Here are a few helpful tips to make the search a little easier:

It’s better together

Don’t pick up the phone and call the first Open House you see. Not only could it be unsafe, but the house you’re viewing might not be what you’re looking for. Instead of trial and error, hire a realtor. Tell them exactly what’s on your wishlist. They’ll set up all your viewing appointments, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. This way, you’ll be looking only at houses that match your criteria, and you won’t be wasting your time. The realtor also gets paid by the seller when you take the home, which means you don’t have to pay them directly.

Speak your mind

Save the trash talk for after the viewing but be sure to voice your opinion. Don’t be afraid to tell your realtor how you feel. You won’t offend them if you don’t like a certain house. It’s their job to find you the perfect dwelling. If you don’t like something, let them know so you don’t end up seeing more of the same.

Take your time

House hunting is a long, tedious process. It’s not something you want to breeze through. If you can, avoid scheduling any activities for two hours after a showing. You don’t want to feel rushed into anything. Take your time and be thorough. Don’t be afraid to get in there and open cupboards, cabinets, drawers, and closets. Get familiar with the place. You’re not snooping, don’t worry. You’re there to gather information, but you can’t do that without taking a look.

Viewings can take several hours; take advantage of the time you’re given. If you end up liking a place, you’ll spend more time there. If you end up really liking a place, you might

want to place an offer immediately. This will add even more time to your stay. Make a day of it and take your time.

Apply for your mortgage pre-approval

A mortgage pre-approval confirms the amount you qualify to borrow and protects you from rate increases for up to 120 days. Mortgage pre-approvals from your bank aren’t a guarantee. Talk to an experienced broker instead. At MortgagesMadeEasy.com, mortgages are all we do. It’s what we’re good at. Take a look at our Guide to Easy Mortgage Approval to get an idea of the paperwork you need for your mortgage pre-approval.

When you’re ready to apply for your mortgage pre-approval, use our secure online form. We’ll get back to you on the same day with the best mortgage in the market for your situation.

Questions? Let’s talk. We can walk you through the process and explain everything you need to know to buy your dream home. Call us at 613-563-3447 or use our contact form.

Anyone who is considering purchasing a home should get pre-approved for their mortgage. A mortgage pre-approval confirms the amount you qualify to borrow and protects you from rate increases for up to 120 days. If you’re considering going to your bank to get pre-approved, rather than using a broker, you should know that there are important details your banker may not tell you up front.

A pre-approval at your bank is not an approval 

A few weeks ago, a couple came to us because the mortgage amount they were pre-approved for by their bank was not the same amount they were actually loaned. They went to buy a home under the impression they would be loaned the amount they were pre-approved for, and when they weren’t, they were stuck owing a large sum of money on a tight deadline. In this case, we had to secure the client a private mortgage, which is an interest-only loan, to pay for the remainder of their home. 

It’s important for homebuyers to remember that a mortgage pre-approval confirms your rate and the amount you qualify for but does not guarantee the lender will loan you that amount. Mortgage approval will depend on your documentation and proof of income.

Your stated income vs. your proven income

When you file for a pre-approval with your bank, your banker will ask you to state your income, and then they take that information at face-value. What they may not tell you is that lenders have to look at your proven income (line 150 on your tax return) to approve your mortgage.

If you’re in any of the following situations, your bank may pre-approve you for your mortgage based on your “stated income”, but then later reject you due to lack of proof or other reasons:

• You are a business owner or self-employed
• You are paid by commission/tips
• You rely on pension/support money
• You are working two jobs
• You are looking to take out a second mortgage
• You are a newcomer to Canada
• You are on probation

At MortgagesMadeEasy.com, your mortgage pre-approval is treated the same way as if you were purchasing a home. We ask the tough questions up front about your income and documentation so the amount you are pre-approved for is the same amount you are loaned. This will save you from embarrassment, stress, and legal issues when you go to pay for your home.

Mortgages are all we do—let us get you ready to buy your first home

Unlike your banker, mortgages are all we do. We are not trying to sell you a specific mortgage product. Our brokers are here to show you all the best mortgage options you qualify for, and explain the fine print, so you can make smart decisions.

We want your mortgage to go as smoothly as possible. Let us walk you through the process and explain what kind of documentation you will need to get approved for your mortgage. Call us at 613-563-3447 or use our contact form.

And when you are ready to apply for your mortgage pre-approval, use our secure online form. We’ll get back to you within hours with the best mortgage in the market for your unique situation.