Posts in category: Mortgage

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Mortgages And Interest Rates?

When purchasing a home, there are various mortgage types and interest rates to consider. Explore the advantages and drawbacks of each loan type.

Fixed-rate mortgages provide security by locking in your rate for an agreed upon period – usually one, five or seven years. This is often the best choice for home buyers who plan to remain in their properties longterm or anticipate higher interest rates in the future.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages are one of the most sought-after loan types in America, with most borrowers opting for this type. This is because they provide a stable interest rate that stays constant throughout the life of the loan – an enormous benefit to many borrowers.

Fixed-rate loans offer several advantages to those with budgetary concerns and who want consistent monthly payments. Furthermore, this type of loan helps borrowers avoid paying a substantial amount in interest fees over the life of their mortgages.

These loans can be acquired through banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders and even federal housing agencies such as FHA or Veterans Affairs. Fixed rate mortgages usually have terms of 15-30 years with different payment amounts available.

Calculating the total payment for a fixed-rate mortgage involves taking the loan principal amount, annual percentage rate, compounding frequency and loan term. This formula is straightforward to determine and can be applied to any type of mortgage loan.

In addition to your interest rate, other costs that could affect your monthly payment include property taxes and home insurance. Although these amounts vary between lenders, you can anticipate an increase in payments if these items rise in cost.

Another option is a variable-rate mortgage (ARM), which changes its interest rate periodically over the loan term. While these mortgages tend to be less secure than fixed rate loans, they may still be more affordable for some borrowers depending on current interest rates.

ARMs often come with an early prepayment penalty that can increase your monthly payment. This fee is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding balance and can be quite costly.

The best fixed rate deals can last 2, 5, 10, 15 or up to 40 years, depending on the lender and your financial circumstances. Unfortunately, these longer loans tend to be harder to qualify for and more costly if you need to pay off or refinance within a few years.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) provide first-time homebuyers and others who don’t want to commit for 30 years with a way to purchase the house of their dreams. They come with low initial interest rates, lower monthly payments and built-in protection against rising market rates.

Arms come in all forms and shapes, from shorter teaser periods (which reduce your interest rate for a specific amount of time) to longer ones that fluctuate the rate over time. When selecting an ARM, consider how long of a teaser period and type you need before considering which best meets your financial objectives.

One of the primary considerations when selecting an ARM is what’s known as the index. This refers to an interest rate that adjusts semiannually based on changes in a particular financial index. Some lenders may add this component onto your total loan rate at start, while others might not.

There are limits on how much an ARM can increase your interest rate during its initial reset and each subsequent adjustment. On average, these caps range from 2% for your initial adjustment to up to 5% on subsequent ones.

This cap helps protect you from sudden increases in interest rate that could be devastating to your finances. In the early 2000s, when ‘teaser’ rates were so low, many homebuyers got duped into ARMs that proved too expensive after their introductory periods ended. These exorbitant monthly payments eventually led many homeowners into foreclosure, contributing to the 2008 housing crash.

Another potential risk associated with adjustable-rate mortgages is negative amortization, or when you pay less than the minimum interest required to keep your loan balance low. Negative amortization can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan and isn’t worth taking on this costly trap.

Thankfully, the adjustable-rate mortgage industry has made great strides since 2008’s housing collapse. At late December 2022, ARM applications made up 7.5% of total mortgage applications compared to 2.8% in 2009. While it’s unlikely ARMs will ever be as popular as they once were, they can still provide buyers with an effective way to purchase their dream homes without worrying about increasing monthly payments.
Variable-Rate Mortgages

Variable rate mortgage (ARM) are home loans that adjust their interest rate after an initial fixed-rate period. They’re also known as tracker mortgages and may be linked to some sort of index. On average, the interest rate on an ARM is lower than that of a comparable fixed rate mortgage – though this may differ between lenders.

One major benefit of a variable-rate mortgage is that it helps homeowners protect against potential increases in interest rates. However, this comes at an expense and may not be suitable for everyone.

The downside of a variable-rate mortgage is that the interest rate can change due to market forces and be unpredictable. This can be discouraging for borrowers trying to budget their finances or plan ahead for the future.

If you’re uncertain whether a variable-rate or fixed-rate mortgage is best for your situation, consulting a financial planner is recommended. They can assist in finding a loan that meets both your needs and budget.

Fix-rate mortgages are a popular choice among homeowners as they provide financial security and stability. Furthermore, locking in an attractive interest rate and maintaining low monthly payments will help build equity in your home.

However, it’s essential to recognize that fixed-rate mortgages tend to cost more than variable-rate mortgages and can become expensive over time to pay off. Furthermore, they tend to be harder for households to budget for.

Variable-rate mortgages can be an ideal solution for homeowners who plan to sell or refinance before their rates adjust, since they offer an introductory period that could lower the rate to a more manageable level. This is especially beneficial if you anticipate moving soon after taking out the loan.

In addition to the potential for lower interest rates, many variable-rate mortgages include caps that restrict how much the rate can rise during each adjustment period or throughout the loan’s life. These safeguards help shield borrowers against the risk of their rates rising too high.
Interest Rates

Interest rates are the fees lenders charge to borrow or earn for depositing money at banks and credit unions. They also affect how much interest you receive on savings accounts or certificates of deposit.

No matter if you’re a borrower or saver, it’s essential to understand interest rates and why they matter. The Fed sets short-term interest rates; banks set rates on all types of loans and savings accounts.

The Federal Reserve’s primary responsibility is to prevent inflation and recession by controlling interest rates. When rates are low, people and companies borrow more, leading to economic expansion; conversely, when rates are high, people and businesses tend to save more which could slow growth significantly.

When the Fed sets interest rates, it takes into account both the risk of default by borrowers and the opportunity cost of lending by a lender. Longer-term loans tend to have higher opportunity costs – meaning that lenders stand to lose more money if you default.

Mortgage rates are heavily impacted by factors outside Wall Street. For instance, changes in inflation and unemployment rates can have an impact on mortgage rates as well.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or have bad credit, subprime mortgages could be an option for you. They are designed to make homeownership affordable for people who would otherwise struggle to purchase a property.

Subprime mortgages usually require a lower down payment and more relaxed credit requirements than other mortgages, but they come with higher interest rates and harsh prepayment penalties.

A fixed-rate mortgage, on the other hand, offers a predictable and secure monthly payment plan that extends out over an agreed upon period of time – usually 30 years. This loan option appeals to homeowners who wish to guarantee consistent payments throughout their mortgage term.

Another advantage to a fixed-rate mortgage is the predictability of your payments over its life. Variable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, may change based on market factors.

Purchasing a home can be one of the biggest investments you will ever make. There are a lot of factors that you will need to consider. These factors include interest rates, fees, down payments and the loan to value ratio.

Down payment

Getting approved for a mortgage is tough, especially if you don’t have a lot of money to put down. The good news is there are ways to make it easier on yourself.

The first thing you need to do is figure out how much money you can put down. The down payment for a home can range from a couple of hundred thousand dollars to a million or more. The more you put down, the less you’ll end up paying in interest.

The best way to figure out how much down you should put down is to talk to your bank or mortgage lender. They will likely have a calculator to help you figure out how much you can afford to put down. Also, many lenders offer down payment assistance programs, which will lower the cost of the loan.

The minimum down payment you’ll need for a mortgage depends on the type of loan you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a conventional mortgage, you won’t need to put down more than 20% of the home’s purchase price. However, you’ll likely have to pay for private mortgage insurance, which will increase your monthly payments.

The down payment for a mortgage may not be the most important element of your loan, but it does play a major role in your overall experience. The down payment for a home can be used to reduce the amount of interest you pay, especially on a fixed rate mortgage. It also protects you from spending more than you can afford.

The down payment for a home also can be considered a good luck omen, as it may allow you to afford a larger home. A bigger house means you can have more room for family and friends. The bigger you put down on your mortgage, the less likely you are to default on it.

In short, the down payment for a mortgage is the best way to secure the home of your dreams. While the cost of the mortgage may be high, the benefits of homeownership are well worth the extra money.

Loan to value ratio

During the home buying process, the loan to value ratio (LTV) can be an important factor in determining a loan’s eligibility. It also plays a key role in determining the terms of a mortgage.

The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the total amount of money borrowed against the property and dividing it by the appraised value of the property. Generally, the lower the LTV, the lower the risk to lenders and the easier it is to qualify for a loan. However, a high LTV may lead to a higher interest rate and higher monthly payments. Moreover, the higher the LTV, the less money is available to recoup if the home goes down in value.

The loan to value ratio also reflects the amount of equity the home owner has. If the homeowner has a large down payment, the loan to value ratio will be low. If the homeowner has a small down payment, the loan to value ratio may be high. This is because the lender is less likely to recoup its money from the sale of the home.

Generally, a loan to value ratio of 80% or less is considered a good LTV. However, a higher LTV can be a sign that the home owner is spending more than is appropriate for the home’s value. The lender may require private mortgage insurance, or PMI, for borrowers with low equity. This insurance helps protect the lender if the home owner does not repay the loan. PMI can add up to thousands of dollars to the cost of the loan.

If you have a high loan to value ratio, you may want to increase your down payment. This can help you build more equity in your home and lower the loan to value ratio. Moreover, it may also help you qualify for a lower interest rate.

Using an adjustable-rate mortgage may also help lower your interest rate. Especially if you are looking to buy a short-term home, an adjustable-rate mortgage may be a better choice than a fixed-rate loan. A lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Interest rates

Whether you are buying a new home or refinancing an existing one, it is important to understand how the interest rates on mortgages work. They are an important factor in both the price of real estate and in determining how much you pay for a home.

Interest rates are a function of the economy, and they can fluctuate over time. The prime rate is the base rate used by lenders to determine what consumers will pay for loans. A higher rate of interest means that you will pay more in the long run. The Federal Reserve also makes changes in interest rates as a way to curb inflation. The Fed hiked the federal funds rate last week, and experts believe this move will lead to an increase in interest rates on mortgages.

Typically, the interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is around 3.76%. The 15-year fixed rate mortgage has a rate of 2.20%. The 15-year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) rates have fallen to near-record lows in January.

The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by 75 basis points last week. The Fed’s target for the federal funds rate is 0.25%. This increase was the latest in a series of moves that the Fed has made to fight inflation.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 5.67 percent in July, down from 5.75 percent in June. The 15-year mortgage rate was down to 2.16%. It is also worth noting that the 30-year rate hasn’t budged much in the last week after the Fed’s interest rate hike.

The average interest rate on a home equity line of credit is also expected to rise this year. When the Federal Reserve raises the federal funds rate, the rate on the home equity line of credit rises by the same amount.

A higher interest rate will mean that you will make higher monthly payments, but the good news is that you will still be able to reap the benefits of homeownership. You can still take advantage of tax deductions, and you may be able to qualify for a lower home price if you have a poor credit history.

Fees

Various mortgage fees are incurred at different points during the loan process. Some are standard, while others are negotiated. It’s important to know what each fee is so you can avoid paying a fee twice.

The most common fee is the appraisal fee. An appraisal is required by most lenders to determine the value of your home. A fee of $300 to $500 is often charged. The appraisal is important because it determines the loan-to-value ratio.

Other fees include title insurance, which covers the cost of transferring a deed from the lender to the buyer. There may also be a fee for a title search. It’s important to check with your lender to make sure you know what these fees are before you close on your home.

Other fees include transfer taxes and stamp taxes. Taxes vary by state. They’re usually paid when the property is transferred. Not all counties have transfer taxes, however.

There are also discount fees, also known as points. Points can be added to the loan amount to reduce the interest rate. A point costs one percent of the loan amount. This increases the yield for the lender.

Another fee is an underwriting fee. It is typically $500. Lenders must determine if the property is a good investment. The fee is not usually refundable if the mortgage falls through.

Mortgage insurance is usually 1.5% of the mortgage. It pays for the lender’s insurance if the borrower defaults. Many lenders require buyers to have home insurance before closing.

A home inspection is another fee. Usually, this fee is included in the closing costs. A home inspection is a critical component of the home buying process. The inspection protects the buyer and helps determine if the property is safe.

A loan estimate is a three-page document that outlines all of the costs associated with your mortgage. It breaks down costs into sections A, B, and C. The “Other Costs” section breaks down ongoing housing expenses such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Lastly, most lenders require buyers to pay interest on the mortgage. They may also require a down payment. This is typically 2% to 5% of the home sale price.

Choosing a Calgary mortgage is an important decision that can affect your entire life. Fortunately, there are many options available to you. You should be aware of the differences between long-term and short-term mortgages, and how these different types of mortgages affect your finances. Also, you should know how to choose a mortgage broker, as well as the different types of banks and credit unions that offer mortgages.

Credit unions

Whether you’re in the market for a mortgage, a home equity line of credit or just want to save money on your bills, a credit union may be the right choice for you. You can get better rates, lower fees and better customer service from a credit union. However, you need to know the differences between a credit union and a bank.

Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations owned by members. They’re not as profitable as big banks, but they have a mandate to serve their members. The board of directors is elected by the members.

Credit unions focus on member benefits. They can help you achieve your financial goals and can invest in your business. Credit unions also offer lower fees and higher savings interest rates. They can also rebate interest you pay on your RRSPs and savings accounts.

Banks

Whether you are looking for a full menu of financial products and services, a simple account or just an easy way to pay your bills, there are plenty of options for Calgary bank accounts. Some banks excel in one or two categories, while others offer a comprehensive selection of products. Choosing the best bank for you involves a bit of research.

Generally speaking, the best bank for you will depend on your personal preference. If you prefer physical branch locations, you may want to choose a bank that has a few in Calgary. If you prefer to conduct business over the phone, you may want to choose a bank that has more than a few branches.

HSBC offers strong banking products and services. They are headquartered in Vancouver and have branches across British Columbia. In addition, they are a member of the Canadian Payments Association, which is an association of banking, financial services and payment companies. HSBC banking is available online, over the phone and in a variety of locations across Canada.

Brokers

Getting a mortgage can be a complicated process, but a reputable Calgary mortgage broker can make the process easier. A broker has access to many different lenders, and can help you find a suitable mortgage loan for your needs.

A good mortgage broker should know about the latest and greatest mortgage products available. They also have local contacts to help you with the purchase of your new home.

A good mortgage broker can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your mortgage. A broker can also provide you with an overview of the mortgage process and explain your next steps.

A mortgage broker will also be able to recommend the best type of mortgage for your needs. This includes fixed-rate, varying-rate, or a combination of both.

Long-term vs short-term mortgage lengths

Whether you are in the market for a home, refinancing your mortgage or planning on investing, it’s important to understand the differences between long-term and short-term mortgage lengths. Long-term mortgages provide more protection against rising interest rates, but may come at a price. Shorter-term mortgages offer lower interest rates, but can also mean more frequent requalification and higher monthly payments.

Among Canadians, the most common term length is five years. This length works well for most homeowners.

The long-term mortgage may be the best choice for homeowners who want to lock in a lower rate, but don’t necessarily want to renew the mortgage each and every year. A long-term mortgage also offers peace of mind. A long-term mortgage will give you the freedom to pay off the mortgage early. This can be useful for homeowners who are thinking about selling their home, or for first time homebuyers who want to lock in a low interest rate.

First-time home buyer’s tax credit

Purchasing a home can be a costly endeavor, but it can be made easier with help from government tax credits. A number of provinces and cities offer programs to help first-time homebuyers. For example, Alberta has a few programs available to help low-income buyers.

First-time homebuyers who purchase a qualifying home can receive a tax rebate of up to $5,000. In addition, buyers can recover the federal part of HST. The tax rebate is based on the income tax you paid on the purchase in the year you purchased the home. In 2021, the maximum credit will increase to $15,000, due to new legislation.

Homebuyers can also take advantage of the Goods and Services Tax Credit. This is a tax rebate for 5% of the federal sales tax paid.

Getting a mortgage is an important part of owning a home. If you’re looking to buy a home, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors, including the size of your down payment, the type of loan you qualify for, and how much you’ll have to pay in interest over the life of the loan.

Loan to value ratio

Using the loan to value ratio, a lender determines the amount of money a borrower can borrow to purchase a home. The amount of equity a home has can also be a factor in determining the loan to value ratio. Increasing the amount of equity a borrower has can help them to qualify for a lower loan to value ratio. A lower loan to value can also help a borrower qualify for lower interest rates and terms.

A higher loan to value ratio indicates a higher risk of default by the borrower. Lenders are more likely to approve loans that have lower loan to value ratios. In addition, a borrower may have a higher chance of being approved for a loan if he or she has a good credit rating.

Higher LTV ratios can increase the amount of private mortgage insurance (PMI) that a borrower has to pay. PMI increases the monthly mortgage payment and can add to the overall cost of the loan. However, PMI may also make it more difficult for a borrower to qualify for certain types of loans.

A higher LTV ratio can also make it more difficult to qualify for other types of loans, such as government-backed mortgages. However, some borrowers can still qualify for a variety of home loans. Some conventional and FHA loans allow up to 97% LTV. In addition, VA loans allow 100% LTV.

The loan to value ratio is a simple formula: the total amount of loans against a property divided by the appraised value of the property. The higher the loan to value, the higher the interest rate. A higher interest rate means more money goes out of your pocket, which can strain your budget.

Down payment

Buying a home is a big financial commitment. Fortunately, there are down payment calculators available to help you estimate how much cash you will need to buy your new home.

A down payment is money paid to cover the difference between the purchase price of the home and the mortgage amount. The amount you can put down is based on several factors, including your credit score and the type of loan you are applying for. Typically, a down payment of 20 percent is required for a conventional loan. If you do not have that much, you will probably need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) and increase your monthly mortgage payments.

A down payment calculator can also help you figure out how much money you will need to borrow. The calculator will show you how much you need to pay off the mortgage in order to qualify for the loan. It will also tell you how much interest you will pay over the life of the loan. This will help you decide whether it is worth it to take out a mortgage.

The best down payment calculators will also give you a list of lenders that offer the lowest rates. If you are looking for the lowest rates on the market, you will want to get a quote from as many lenders as possible. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make, so you will want to find a lender that has competitive rates.

The down payment calculator may not be for everyone, but it is a useful tool to help you decide whether or not you should buy a home.

Private mortgage insurance

Having private mortgage insurance is not a bad thing at all, but it does require you to spend a little extra money. This can add hundreds to your monthly mortgage payment.

This type of insurance is designed to protect the lender in the event you default on your loan. It may also be necessary if you don’t make a down payment of at least 20%. It is a good idea to check with your lender to see if you will need to have private mortgage insurance on your loan.

This type of insurance is sold by private insurance companies and is usually folded into your mortgage payment. The premiums you pay are usually calculated as a percentage of the loan amount. They can be paid in a lump sum or as a monthly payment.

There are a few states that require private mortgage insurance in order to qualify for a home loan. However, there are other states where private mortgage insurance isn’t required.

This type of insurance is not cheap, so you should do some research before buying a home. The monthly premium will depend on your credit score and the amount of down payment you make. Having a high credit score will reduce your monthly PMI premium.

Depending on the lender, the cost of PMI can range from 0.58% to 1.86% of the loan amount. It’s a good idea to compare offers from three different lenders to get the best deal.

If you have private mortgage insurance, your mortgage will be treated as mortgage interest on your tax return. This can be a tax-deductible expense, though you can only deduct the cost if you itemize your deductions.

Government-backed programs

Compared to conventional mortgage programs, government-backed mortgage programs offer more flexible underwriting guidelines. These guidelines are designed to help individuals with lower credit scores purchase homes.

Some government-backed mortgage programs are available only to first-time home buyers, but other programs are open to all borrowers. This variety of options makes these programs an attractive option for home buyers.

The FHA mortgage program is one of the largest government-backed mortgage programs. It was created in 1965 to help individuals with less-than-perfect credit qualify for a home loan. Today, FHA mortgage programs are used by borrowers with credit scores as low as 580.

The VA home loan program is another government-backed mortgage program that is available to veterans. Unlike the FHA loan, the VA loan does not require mortgage insurance. It is also a good option for first-time home buyers because it requires only a 3.5% down payment. However, this program does not allow borrowers to purchase a second home.

The USDA home loan program is another government-backed mortgage program that allows borrowers to purchase homes in rural areas. The USDA loan program does not require a down payment, but income restrictions may apply.

Interest rates for 1% down payment mortgage programs generally are higher than conventional mortgage programs. However, the interest rates should be comparable to other low down payment conventional mortgage programs. In addition, the lender may offer a down payment assistance grant.

Conventional 1% down payment mortgage programs are offered by traditional lenders such as banks and mortgage brokers. The credit requirements for these programs vary depending on the type of loan. Some programs require a credit score of 640, while others require a score of 700 or higher.

Whether you are buying a house for the first time, or looking for a second home, it is important to know what to expect when negotiating a mortgage in Calgary. With the current market, there are several factors to consider, including vacancy rates, the impact of oil on mortgage rates, and the tax credit available for first time home buyers.

Average mortgage rates in Calgary

Buying a house is an important financial decision. It is important to shop around for the best mortgage rates in Calgary.

Finding the right mortgage can save you hundreds of dollars. You can find great rates on both fixed and variable rate mortgages. Typically, you will find that the best rates are fixed rate mortgages.

Mortgage brokers can help you find the best rates for your situation. A mortgage broker works for a financial institution, such as a credit union or bank, and is compensated by the institution for bringing in new clients. Often, they will use part of their commission to negotiate a lower mortgage rate for their clients.

Mortgage rates in Calgary are always moving. They are also affected by a variety of factors. For example, the oil and gas industry plays a large role in the city’s housing market. In addition, Alberta’s non-recourse mortgage laws can increase the minimum down payment required.

Getting the best rates is not always easy. You may find that the best rates for your situation aren’t offered by your bank or credit union. You may also want to consider a private mortgage. These mortgages are designed for borrowers with low credit scores or who are excluded from other forms of financing.

You may want to look into mortgage insurance as well. Mortgage insurance helps reduce your lender’s risk. This can also be referred to as mortgage default insurance. You can use a mortgage calculator to determine how much you will be required to pay monthly in mortgage payments. You can also find out how long it will take you to pay off your mortgage.

Choosing the best mortgage rate in Calgary isn’t difficult. But, you need to look at a variety of factors to find the best rate for you.

First-time home buyer’s tax credit

Getting a mortgage for a new home can be expensive. Fortunately, there are various incentives and programs available to make the process a little more affordable. First-time homebuyer’s tax credit is one of these programs.

The first-time home buyer’s tax credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit that provides up to $750 in tax relief. The credit is designed to encourage Canadians to enter the real estate market. This credit can help with extra expenses such as land transfer taxes.

Another program is the Home Buyers’ Plan. This program allows first-time homebuyers to get a tax-free loan of up to 5% of the home purchase price. Purchasers can then use the money to make payments over time or withdraw the funds tax-free from their RRSPs.

There are many other tax breaks available for first-time homebuyers, but the tax credit is one of the easiest to understand and claim. If you are planning to buy a home, check with the government in your province to find out what assistance you are eligible for.

Alberta residents are eligible for a 5% rebate on their home purchase price. This rebate is based on the amount of taxes you pay on your income in the year you purchase your home.

In addition, there are many grants and incentives available for home renovations. Buying a home is an expensive commitment, and many people accept the extra cost of homeownership. The government makes it easy for homebuyers to pay for renovations and other costs with these programs.

When it comes to the housing market in Calgary, one of the most affordable cities in Canada, there are a variety of government programs to help you.

Impact of oil on mortgage rates

Thousands of Canadians were left with high interest rates and mortgages after the oil price collapse. Many ended up giving their homes back to the bank, which caused the housing market to tumble. Fortunately, the Bank of Canada is stepping in and cutting rates.

According to some economists, this rate cut will spur Canadians to borrow more. In turn, it will put pressure on household budgets. However, the Bank of Canada has signalled potential interest rate hikes in 2022. The most optimistic analysis suggests there is room for one or two more rate increases this year.

Lower mortgage rates will help boost real estate markets in Central Canada, particularly in Toronto, where prices are near all time highs. However, the oil price slump is having a negative impact on the economy in other regions, including Alberta, where the main driver of employment is the oil patch.

The fall in oil prices has caused the price of a barrel of oil to drop below US$50. Analysts are predicting the price of oil to recoup some of its losses in the near future. However, the oil price slump is affecting Calgary more than any other region in the country.

Oil prices have caused thousands of jobs to be lost in Alberta. Lower mortgage rates will not prevent home prices from falling in oil-stricken regions, but they could encourage more overbuilding and higher household debt.

In January, sales in Calgary fell by almost 40 percent from the year before. Home sales in Edmonton fell by 26 percent. This drop was caused by the oil price meltdown, which meant a loss of government royalties and tax revenue.

Vacancy rates

Vacancy rates in Calgary are at their highest level in at least a decade. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s April rental market survey, the city’s rental market has improved by over one-third in the past year. In fact, the number of rental units in the city has increased by 75 per cent in that time.

Vacancies have increased in both the Calgary real estate board’s listings and the city’s housing market as landlords are being pressured to offer incentives to keep tenants in their units. This has been driven by the city’s recent oil patch job losses. CMHC’s senior analyst Michael Mak expects the city’s rental market to continue tightening in the next two years.

The CMHC’s April rental market survey reported that nearly 1,800 housing units were vacant in April. While this is a small number compared to the city’s overall vacancy rate, the report says that it’s still the most significant number for the Calgary real estate board.

While the vacancy rate may be at its highest level, the city’s housing market is still overbuilt. In fact, the April report indicates that more than 1,500 rental units are being developed in the city’s downtown neighbourhood. In addition, more than 6,000 listings were posted on the Calgary Real Estate Board’s website last month.

The CMHC’s rental market survey also reported that rent rates in the city have risen by 7.2 per cent year-over-year. The average rent per square foot is now $2.22, a decline of 2.6 per cent from a year ago.

In the city’s spring survey, the number of new apartment rental units that were completed in Calgary increased by 75 per cent. Those units, which are occupied, had a lower vacancy rate than the units built before 2005.

Second mortgages

Buying a second home in Calgary is a great way to get extra money for a variety of reasons. It can be for investment purposes, or you might be looking for a vacation home. Whatever the reason, you may want to consider getting a second mortgage.

There are several different types of second mortgages, and it’s important to know what your options are. Some people take out second mortgages to pay for home improvements, or to consolidate debt.

Many people take out second mortgages to help them buy a second home or investment property. Others use the money to pay off high-interest debt, or to help their children with college tuition costs. There are also people who use the money to pay for large purchases, such as a new car or boat.

Using the money from a second mortgage can help you consolidate debt and raise your credit score. However, you’ll need to make sure your credit is good before you apply. Many brokers don’t offer second mortgages to people with bad credit. It’s a good idea to consult a mortgage professional in your area before pursuing a second mortgage.

You may be able to get a second mortgage from your local bank or credit union. However, you may also be able to get a better rate from a private lender. This is because private lenders have their own risk tolerance. The rate you pay will depend on the amount of equity you own in your home.

Another benefit of a second mortgage is that you can borrow up to 80% of the appraised value of your home. That means that you can access a large sum of money quickly.