Mortgage renewal time is a pivotal juncture for Canadian homeowners. It’s an opportunity to reassess your current mortgage terms and explore options that might better align with your financial goals. While renewal might seem straightforward, making an informed decision requires due diligence. Here are the key considerations you should bear in mind before renewing your mortgage in Canada.
1. Start Early
Most lenders will send a renewal offer 30 days before the end of your mortgage term. However, it’s wise to start the process 120-160 days (4-6 months) prior. This gives you ample time to:
- Assess current market conditions.
- Compare various offers.
- Negotiate better terms.
2. Evaluate Your Financial Goals
Your financial situation and objectives might have changed since you initially secured your mortgage. Consider:
- Current Income: Has it increased or decreased significantly?
- Future Plans: Considering any major life changes, like expanding your family or changing careers?
- Risk Tolerance: Has your comfort level with fluctuating interest rates shifted?
Your answers will guide your choice between fixed or variable rates, and short or long-term periods.
3. Market Research
Before you accept any offer, study the current mortgage landscape:
- Interest Rates: How do your current rates compare to what’s on offer?
- Lender Offerings: Are there newer mortgage products that might suit you better?
This information will arm you in negotiations, ensuring you secure the best possible deal.
4. Be Ready to Negotiate
Accepting the first renewal offer without negotiation might leave money on the table. Remember:
- Loyalty Counts: If you’ve been a dependable borrower, your lender will likely be more open to offering favorable terms.
- Shop Around: Obtain quotes from other lenders to leverage a better deal from your current lender.
5. Consider Changing Lenders
If your current lender isn’t willing to offer terms that meet your needs, switching might be a viable option. However, be sure to:
- Weigh any potential penalties or fees against savings from the new lender.
- Understand the transfer process and associated paperwork.
6. Reflect on Prepayment Options
If paying off your mortgage faster is a goal, discuss prepayment options. These allow you to:
- Make lump-sum payments towards the principal.
- Increase monthly payments. Ensure the new terms accommodate such flexibility without punitive fees.
7. Scrutinize All Terms, Not Just Interest Rates
While interest rates are crucial, other terms can also impact your mortgage experience:
- Penalties: Understand charges for breaking your mortgage early.
- Portability: Can you transfer the mortgage to another property without penalties?
- Payment Flexibility: Can you skip a payment or adjust the frequency?
8. Seek Expert Advice
Engaging with a mortgage broker or financial advisor can provide clarity. They offer:
- Insights into market trends.
- Expertise in comparing offers.
- Negotiation skills to secure favourable terms.
9. Assess Your Home’s Equity
If your property value has increased substantially, you might have considerable home equity. This could be an opportune time to consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or refinancing options, especially if you foresee big expenses or investment opportunities.
10. Review Insurance Coverages
Mortgage renewal is also a prime time to reevaluate your insurance:
- Ensure your home insurance coverage is up-to-date.
- Consider mortgage life insurance or critical illness coverage if your family situation has evolved.
11. Understand Renewal Fees and Costs
While transferring a mortgage might sound appealing due to a more favorable interest rate, it’s crucial to understand any associated costs. Some fees include:
- Appraisal Fees: Required to determine the current value of your property.
- Legal Fees: For the process of transferring your mortgage.
- Administrative Fees: Handling the documentation and other clerical aspects of the switch. Before jumping ship, calculate these costs against the savings from the new rate to ensure it’s financially beneficial.
12. Consider the Length of Your New Term
When renewing, homeowners can choose between various term lengths, from six months to ten years. Reflect on:
- Flexibility Needs: Shorter terms often provide more frequent opportunities for renegotiation or changes, but they may come with higher interest rates.
- Stability: Longer terms offer fixed rates that won’t change, offering predictability for budgeting.
13. Stay Updated on Regulations
Canadian mortgage regulations can evolve. It’s prudent to be aware of any recent changes, as these can influence your renewal decisions. For instance, stress tests or changing down payment requirements can impact how you approach renewals and refinancing.
14. Check for Blended Payments
If you’re thinking about borrowing more money during renewal, some lenders offer blended payment options. This merges your current rate with the new rate for a blended – or combined – interest rate, which can be beneficial if market rates have risen since your original agreement.
15. Be Cautious of Early Renewal Offers
Some lenders might approach you with an early renewal offer, even a year before your term ends. While these can look tempting, they often come with conditions that may not be favorable in the long run. Always weigh these early bird offers against potential savings later in your term.
Conclusion
Approaching mortgage renewal proactively, armed with knowledge and a clear vision of your financial trajectory, ensures you maintain control over one of life’s most significant investments: your home. By considering the factors listed above, and perhaps seeking the guidance of financial professionals, homeowners can transition smoothly into the next stage of their mortgage journey.
At Remortgaging.ca, our commitment to transparency, up-to-date information, and reliable advice has established us as a trusted resource for Canadians navigating the mortgage landscape. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering a property or deep into the intricacies of mortgage management, we’re here to guide and support.
