Now, here’s an important question to reflect on at the beginning of every year. Once we enter a new year, one of the first things we need to worry about is tax season. This is year, the deadline to make a contribution to your RRSP...
We’ve said it many times: owning a house is almost everyone’s dream. We feel accomplished, it gives us a sense of responsibility, we feel like we have our own space. So, it’s only normal that we make a list to plan the house of our...
So here we stand, at the beginning of the century's third decade, and for us at The Costa Group, things have never looked more optimistic. The shift in the latter part of 2019 to be independently owned means we are now in a better position...
We can never stress this point enough: get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin looking for a home. This pre-approval will help you know how much you can afford. So, does a pre-approved mortgage mean you are guaranteed a final mortgage approval? Not necessarily....
How are prepayment privileges calculated? A mortgage prepayment privilege gives you the choice to increase your monthly mortgage payments before it is due and without a penalty. The extra amount is applied to the principal. If you are under this type of privilege, you can...
Is there a difference between refinancing your mortgage and home equity? Yes, there is. In fact, you have two options: refinancing the first mortgage that you have or taking out a home equity loan. Both of these can provide funds for whatever you need (debt consolidation,...
A starter home is a “somewhat” small house or condo that meets the requirements of young people buying their first home. This is usually the case for the vast majority of young people (single or couples). So, what should be your priorities if you are...
Here’s the thing: closing costs are the one element people tend to forget or know less about in the entire home buying process. We’ve written a few blog posts where we mention closing costs and what they entitle. This particular post aims at answering the...
One aspect we often forget consider when hunting for the "dream home" is the neighbourhood. So, before you begin looking at houses, narrow in on your chosen location. Someone once said that the houses are like spouses and that the neighbourhood is like the extended...
We all know the homebuying process is a complex task. From saving for a downpayment to finding the home of our dreams many steps need to be taken. We often tell people to budget on a monthly basis and to try to cut on certain...