Homebuyer's School

Not sure about the difference between a condo or townhouse? How do you find out which one is right for you? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, we discuss the differences between the home types, property tax implications of each and which has a higher resale value. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/townhouse-vs-condo-whats-the-difference-and-which-has-a-better-resale-value

 We discuss the following items: 

• Differences between a condo and townhouse including
  • Pros and cons of owning each
• Property tax implications on each
• Which has more resale value

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

What's the difference between a mortgage pre-approval and mortgage approval? What are criteria to get each? Who do you need to get approval from? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss the differences between the two approvals and their requirements. We also look at examples of why a bank might not give approval and what happens if you get declined by a mortgage insurance provider. Finally, we see if you can switch lenders after pre-approval and reasons why to make a change.

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/mortgage-pre-approval-vs-approval-whats-the-difference

 We discuss the following items: 

• Difference between a mortgage pre-approval and approval
• What are your options if you get declined for mortgage insurance?
• Reasons why a bank may not find a property desirable to grant a mortgage approval
• Can you switch lenders after getting pre-approved (and some reasons to)
• Do you need to go through the approval process again if you switch lenders?
• Does a pre-approval affect your credit score?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Thinking about buying a townhouse? Where do you start? What questions should you ask? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and look at the steps involved in buying a townhome and how to prepare. If you are comparing between a townhouse and condo, we also discuss the differences and which costs more. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/how-to-buy-a-townhouse-for-the-first-time

 We discuss the following items: 

• How to buy a townhouse as your first home
• How to prepare prior to viewing townhomes
• Which costs more? Condo or townhome?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Moving into your first condo? Downsizing from your house to a condo? What should you know? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss some tips on condo living for those moving in to their first home to those downsizing to a condo. We explore adjustments you may have to make as well as decorating and upgrade ideas for your condo.

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/downsizing-from-house-to-a-condo-what-you-ought-to-know-and-expect

 We discuss the following items: 

• Condo living tips including:
  • Moving from a house to a condo
  • Adjustments you need to make when moving
  • Condo decorating ideas
  • Home upgrades to consider when buying a condo

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Planning to get or renew a mortgage? Wondering whether you should go with a variable or fixed rate in 2019? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss fixed and variable mortgages as well as mortgage rate outlook for 2019. We provide examples of when to use variable vs fixed. Finally we explore which is better, a five or ten year mortgage term including examples of using each. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/fixed-vs-variable-mortgage-in-2019-which-is-better-for-you

 We discuss the following items: 

• Which one is better for you in 2019: fixed for variable mortgage?
  • Examples of how each type could benefit your situation
• Interest and mortgage rate outlook in 2019 
• Which is better: 5 or 10 year term on a mortgage?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

When buying a condo, who is responsible for maintaining it? What are the owner's responsibilities? Renters? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential and discuss maintenance responsibilities, how maintenance fees are calculated and what's included in these fees. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/whos-responsible-for-condo-maintenance-and-repairs

 We discuss the following items: 

• Responsibility of condo maintenance and repairs
• Responsibility of a homeowner and renter
• How are condo maintenance fees calculated and what's included?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

In this episode of Homebuyer's School, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss how a mortgage actually works and all the elements involved when borrowing to buy a home. We explore what a lien is, what happens if you can't pay off your mortgage and mortgage portability. Finally, we talk about the types of mortgage penalties and how to avoid them.

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/how-does-a-mortgage-work-in-canada

 We discuss the following items: 

• How a mortgage works
• What's a lien?
• What happens if you can't afford your mortgage?
• Can you transfer your mortgage if you buy a new home?
• Mortgage penalties

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Deciding if you should buy a condo and if it's worth investing in? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss if condos are a good investment. We explore how your research is different when buying a condo as an investment. Finally, we see if a resale or a new condo is a better investment. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/are-condos-a-good-investment-and-worth-buying

 We discuss the following items: 

• Are condos a good investment?
• How to research when buying a condo for investment
• Which is a better investment: A brand new or a resale condo?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Thinking about or ready to get a mortgage approval? What are the steps involved? What do you need to prepare? In this episode, we talk with Mujtaba Syed, Mortgage Specialist with the Bank of Montreal, and discuss how the mortgage approval works and the steps involved throughout the home buying process. We also explore mortgage approval requirements including the 5 C's of credit that the bank or lender use. Finally, we talk about mortgage approval impacts to credit score, how long it takes to get approved and questions to ask your lender. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/how-does-the-mortgage-approval-process-work-in-canada

 We discuss the following items: 

• How a mortgage approval works and the steps involved
• What are the mortgage approval requirements
  • What are the 5 C's of credit your bank or lender look for?
• How long does an approval takes?
• Does a mortgage approval impact your credit score?
• What questions should you ask your lender before getting a mortgage?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca

Wondering if condo living is right for you? In this episode, we talk with Karen McDonald, Community Manager with Brookfield Residential, and discuss the pros and cons of living in a condo. We explore how noise travels through a condo and how it impacts you. We also review what to look for when research your condo preferences and how customizable is your condo. 

Prefer to watch the video or read and take notes? See the transcript:

https://stories.brookfieldresidential.com/homebuyersschool/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-living-in-a-condo

 We discuss the following items: 

• What are the pros and cons of living in a condo?
• Understanding the impact of noise on condo living
• How to research your condo lifestyle preference
• How customizable is your condo?

Have any questions or show topic suggestions? Contact us:

Email:

[email protected]

Web: homebuyersschool.ca