Some homeowners spend more time planning vacations than reviewing their mortgage, survey finds
As the Bank of Canada is poised to possibly raise interest rates next week, a new survey has found that more than a third of homeowners spend more time planning their vacation than thinking about their mortgage.
“People should understand they are signing up for a long term commitment that is the largest purchase that most families will ever make,” said Huston Loke, Executive Vice President of Market Conduct with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
After years of historic low interest rates many economists believe the Bank of Canada will starting hiking it’s bench mark rate on Jan. 26 by 0.25 per cent, with more interest rate hikes to come later this year.
The FSRA said it’s new survey found that many people don't pay as much attention to their mortgage as they should, and if they did it could save them money.
The FSRA survey found that 38 per cent of those asked spent more time researching their next vacation than their mortgage.
“We know just how important these decisions are for borrowers,” said Loke.
Housing prices are rising, with the average price of a home in the GTA worth more than a million dollars and interest rates appear to be trending upward. The FSRA believes home owners could benefit by doing more research.
“This is part of a consumer being a smart consumer and being well informed and knowing the kind of professional they are dealing with. We encourage consumers to understand the mortgage decisions they are making," said Loke.
When getting a mortgage 67 per cent of homeowners use a bank specialist, while 29 per cent use a mortgage broker and three per cent use a private lender. Two per cent said they use other sources and the number does not add to 100 due to rounding, according to the survey.
FSRA has a code of conduct for mortgage brokers, but says wherever consumers take out a mortgage they should be given a suitable product for their situation.
For example, if someone is in a fixed mortgage, they should be advised there could be expensive penalties if they break the mortgage contract before the term is up.
Leah Zlatkin is a mortgage broker with LowestRates.ca and agrees people should spend more time understanding their mortgage agreements.
“The majority of people out there find personal finances and mortgages outside their comfort zone," said Zlatkin.
The survey also found 74 per cent feel more should be done to educate people on mortgages and mortgage brokers.
Whether you deal with a major bank or a broker understanding your mortgage details could potentially save you thousands of dollars a year.
“You need to speak to a professional who can walk you through the nuts and bolts of your situation" said Zlatkin.
If you have a variable mortgage you may want to consider locking into a fixed mortgage product, but there are pros and cons to each of them. It's why if you're not sure you should ask your lender which type would work best for you.
LowestRates.ca provided this example that shows how a 0.25 per cent rate increase could affect mortgage payments.
For the average Canadian home, priced at $720,000 (with a minimum down payment of 10 per cent amortized over 25 years), monthly mortgage payments based on a five-year variable rate of 0.95 per cent, would be $2,502.
According to LowestRates.ca’s mortgage payment calculator, the same mortgage payment with a 25 basis point rate increase, that monthly variable-rate mortgage payment estimate is $2,578, an increase of $76 per month or $912 per year.
By comparison, the same mortgage at today’s best five-year fixed rate on LowestRates.ca of 2.02 per cent, monthly mortgage costs would be $2,835.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.