Mortgage Broker - Saving Money Through Variable Rate Mortgages and Refinancing Strategies

It is all too common for Canadians to miss out on mortgage-related savings, whether in larger centers such as Calgary and Edmonton or smaller centers across the nation.



In fairness, most of us are simply unaware of the options and strategies that represent money saving opportunities. But with the help of a good mortgage broker, it can be easy for any homeowner to benefit from options such as variable rate mortgages and mortgage refinancing.



Variable Rate Mortgages Overview



Variable rate mortgages generally offer the lowest available rates in Canada, and a good mortgage broker will have the know-how and connections to negotiate the best rate in the nation on your behalf.



Since the variable rate mortgage adjusts as the prime rate rises and falls, your payments will adjust each month as interest rates change.



While variable rate mortgages represent the inherent risk of your payments potentially increasing, the key is to remember that:





from the start, your payments will be among the lowest available, and,

your payments could also decrease if the prime rate drops.



And should you later wish to lock in your mortgage, you can do so without penalty to any fixed rate mortgage that is equal to or greater than the remaining term on your mortgage.



There are many variable rate products available, and an experienced mortgage broker can help you decide which product may be best suited to you.



When Do You Refinance Your Mortgage?



It is not uncommon to discover that refinancing your mortgage could save you thousands of dollars.



But how do you know if the conditions are right for such savings? If the annual interest rate on your Canadian mortgage is more than 0.5% higher than the current 5-year fixed rate offered by your local mortgage broker, then it's time to consider refinancing.



Some people choose not to refinance due to the penalty and lawyers fee associated with exiting their current mortgage. But while there are upfront costs associated with refinancing, in some cases these expenses can be offset in as little as 18 months through reduced monthly payments.



And in light of the long-term savings that accumulate over the entire life of your mortgage, refinancing can prove to be a financial decision you'll thank yourself for again and again.



Here's to you saving money.