Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Calgary builds more homes ahead of federal housing funding target
Calgary has exceeded its Housing Accelerator Fund target by enabling over 44,000 new homes, surpassing the 42,000 goal set for October 2026. The city received an additional $22.8 million to expand housing programs, supporting initiatives like Backyard Suites, office-to-residential conversions, and modular housing. These efforts will add 1,900 downtown homes, 520 non-market units, and 200…
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7 ways to get onto the property ladder in 2025
First-time buyers face affordability challenges, especially in London and the South East, but various schemes can help. Options include low deposits from £5,000, Lifetime Isa bonuses, high loan-to-income mortgages, First Homes discounts, rent history-based loans, Rate Reducer deals on new builds, and shared ownership. 0% deposit mortgages exist but carry higher costs. Waiting for potential…
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Why Appreciation Rate Matters in Real Estate | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
Appreciation rate is the annual percentage increase in a property’s value over a specific time period. It’s a critical metric for Canadian homebuyers and investors evaluating long-term property performance. Key drivers include location, infrastructure, economic trends, interest rates, and housing market supply and demand. Appreciation may be market-driven or forced through property upgrades like renovations…
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Can You Finance Renovations Through Your Mortgage? | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
Homeowners in Canada can fund renovations by refinancing or accessing home equity through a secured credit line. Renovation costs vary greatly; setting a realistic budget and getting quotes is essential before borrowing. Some mortgage options allow adding renovation costs to the mortgage at the time of home purchase. Personal loans and credit cards are options…
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What Happens on Mortgage Closing Day? | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
On closing day in Canada, you meet your lawyer or notary to sign mortgage and ownership documents. You must provide proof of home insurance naming your lender before mortgage funds are released. Your first mortgage payment is usually due about one month after closing, with possible interest adjustments. Final closing costs include legal fees, land…
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How Will 2025-2026 Renewals Impact You? | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
60% of Canadian mortgages will renew in 2025–2026, with five-year fixed borrowers facing ↑ 15–20% payment increases. ~25% of borrowers could see payments drop, especially those with variable-rate, variable-payment mortgages. 10% of fixed-payment variable-rate borrowers may face payment spikes over ↑ 40% due to negative amortization. Median mortgage debt service ratios will rise from 15.3%…
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Credit Scores Key to 2025 Housing Trends | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
In 2025, stronger credit profiles support a more stable housing market compared to the 2000s. Buyers with higher credit scores access lower rates, more loan choices, and smoother approval processes. Today’s buyers are generally more financially qualified, raising competition and reinforcing market resilience. Good credit can save thousands annually by unlocking better mortgage terms amid…
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What You Must Know Before Co-Signing | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
Co-signers are fully responsible for the mortgage if the main borrower can’t make payments. Co-signing affects your own credit and reduces your ability to borrow for future loans. Removing your name later isn’t automatic; the borrower must fully re-qualify at renewal time. Tax and legal consequences may apply, including capital gains and loss of first-time…
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Why Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting? | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
Mortgage pre-approval lets buyers know how much they can afford before beginning their Real Estate search. It helps narrow your property search to homes that match your approved mortgage budget. Sellers prefer pre-approved buyers, especially in competitive Real Estate markets with multiple offers. Pre-approval secures an interest rate for up to 120 days, shielding buyers…
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First-Time Buyers: Master Your Mortgage Journey | Discover your path to homeownership with me today.
Start by getting pre-approved to show affordability—credit score >720 boosts your mortgage options significantly. Compare mortgage options, including government programs and incentives like $5K tax credit or $60K RRSP withdrawals.
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