Andrew Sikomas
How To Choose Between A Variable Rate and Fixed Rate Mortgage?
The reason I don’t talk about fixed or variable interest rates at the beginning of a mortgage conversation is that ‘the best rate' depends.
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Andrew Sikomas
- 3 min
Interest Rates Going Up? Why I’m Staying Calm
Why am I not worried about rates? Rates are cyclical. Rates go up and rates go down. But, let's look at this as an opportunity.
Andrew Sikomas
- 2 min
Terms and conditions
The features and fine print that affect your total cost of borrowing. TL;DR: there are many factors besides the interest rate that will...
Andrew Sikomas
- 2 min
Home inspection
Just do it. TL;DR: If you're looking for a shortcut on reading this article then you should definitely read this article! It is easy to...
Andrew Sikomas
- 3 min
Other monthly expenses to think about
Besides the mortgage payment, there are other costs you will encounter that should be considered. TL;DR: besides your mortgage payment,...
Andrew Sikomas
- 2 min
Real Estate Lawyers
TL;DR: When you buy a home you will need to hire a real estate lawyer. Your lawyer will ensure the paperwork is done correctly, your...
Andrew Sikomas
- 3 min
Qualifying to buy a home - the 40,000 foot view
A general overview of buying a home and what gets looked at to qualify. TL;DR: if you were going to lend hundreds of thousands of dollars...
Andrew Sikomas
- 4 min
Pre-approval
Thinking of buying a property, but don’t know where to start? Well… that’s where a mortgage pre-approval comes in. Start here. TL;DR: a...
Andrew Sikomas
- 2 min
Finding the right home without blowing your budget
Responsible home ownership includes knowing what you can comfortably afford, setting a budget, and buying within it. If you have been...
Andrew Sikomas
- 2 min
First time home buyer tax credit
TL;DR: if you're a first time home buyer, you get free money on your tax return from the government - take it! If you are a first time...
Andrew Sikomas
- 4 min
Credit Score
TL;DR: Closing an old un-used credit account might hurt your score; your score will go up or down for a variety of reasons; a good credit...
Andrew Sikomas
- 2 min
Credit Checks
Is it really necessary to pull credit? Will it hurt me? TL;DR: Yes, it is necessary. And generally, no, it won't hurt you. But it can...
Andrew Sikomas
- 3 min
Considering a subject-free offer?
If you're in the market for a new home in 2022, in just about any market in Canada, there's a good chance you may be facing some stiff...
Andrew Sikomas
- 5 min
RRSP Home Buyer's Program
TL;DR: you can take up to $35k/person out of your RRSPs tax-free to buy your first home. You pay back your RRSP over 15 years, or you pay...
Andrew Sikomas
- 3 min
Programs for first time home buyers
TL;DR: most of these programs are just for first time buyers, and some of them are "use it or lose it" so you'll want to know what they...
Andrew Sikomas
- 7 min
How much does it cost to buy a home? Learn all about closing costs.
TL;DR: Budget about 1.5% of the home price, over and above your down payment. That number will be different (possibly very different) for...
Andrew Sikomas
- 5 min
Include renovations in your mortgage - here's how! (Purchase + Improvements)
TL;DR: When purchasing a home, buyers can add the cost of home upgrades into their mortgage. The program is designed to allow for up to...
Andrew Sikomas
- 3 min
Why You Should Purchase Life Insurance
Life Insurance? Isn’t That Just For Old People? If there’s one thing more boring than mortgages, it’s life insurance. So, we get it if...
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