Never Leave Money on the Table: Get a Lower Mortgage Rate in Canada
As of late December 2022, the average rate for a 5-year fixed mortgage is 5.70%. Compared to July 2021, the typical fixed rate has risen by 150%. What factors affect mortgage rates? Mortgage rates are affected by current economic conditions. And not just in Canada. Changes in the global economy regularly affect mortgage rates as well. Following the pandemic, the Bank of Canada has raised interest rates to combat inflation. As interest rates rise, lenders are forced to increase their own mortgage rates to protect their profits. The Bank of Canada also sets a prime lending rate, which banks use as a basis for their variable mortgages. The current prime rate is 6.45% – a 2.45% increase from the beginning of 2022. What options do home buyers have? For many, securing a lower mortgage rate can mean the difference between an affordable monthly housing payment and one that’s out of reach. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to reduce your mortgage costs and save money in the long run. Let’s break down some options: Shop around Comparison shopping is one of the most reliable ways to lower your mortgage interest rate, but a survey by HSBC shows that only 50% of Canadians have done it. Shopping around on rate comparison sites like Ratehub.ca and WOWO.ca are good places to start. After doing some research about the best rates, you should then get quotes from multiple lenders. How much will you save? Potentially thousands, according to an assessment by Ratehub.ca. Get a mortgage pre-approval and rate hold When you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, the interest rate you’ve been approved for can be locked in for a certain number of days. This means that your rate will stay the same even if interest rates go up. Depending on the lender, you can get your rate locked in for up to 130 days. During a period of rising rates, as we saw in 2022, a rate hold for the average Canadian mortgage could save you approximately $25k. Plan ahead and work on your credit score If you aren't planning to sign a contract in the next month, take this time to focus on boosting your credit score. Many home buyers are able to improve their scores with minor changes to their finances, and improving your score has a direct impact on your mortgage rate. There are online tools like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame that can help as well. Some strategies for increasing your score include: Reducing your balance on any credit cards and aiming to use less than 30% of your limit on any card. Asking for higher credit limits. Having a higher limit with the same balance will lower your overall credit usage rate, which can help improve your credit score. Making payments on time. Overdue payments can damage your credit score, so make at least the minimum payment even if you can’t pay the full amount. Noticing errors. Challenging mistakes on your credit report can help you quickly improve your credit score. Access savings through special home buyer programs If you’re a first-time home buyer, you may be eligible for government programs to help offset the costs of buying a home. These programs may not directly impact your mortgage rate, but they will help you save money in the long run. The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is a federal program to assist first-time home buyers with their down payment. The government will contribute 5-10% of your home’s purchase price to put towards a down payment. The higher your down payment, the quicker you can pay off your mortgage, meaning less interest you’ll have to pay. Many provinces and municipalities also have grants, tax credits, and incentives for first-time home buyers. Check out National Bank’s list of provincial incentives. Which option is best for you? Though many strategies are available for lowering your mortgage rate, it’s wise to discuss your needs with an experienced real estate agent and lender early in the process so they can identify the best options for your financial situation. Additionally, by taking steps to improve your credit score, shopping around for lenders offering competitive rates, and looking into options such as discount points, you can increase your chances of getting a better deal on your mortgage. Taking advantage of these tips could save you thousands over the life of your loan. Eager to move forward? If you're uncertain which direction to take or have questions about your individual needs, our team of knowledgeable real estate agents is ready to help. We can answer your questions, and we'll support you through the entire homebuying process.
Will Mortgage Rates Go Down in Canada in 2023?
Mortgage rates fell to all-time lows in 2020. Now they’re more than double what they were, and everyone is asking the same question. Will mortgage rates come down in 2023? Let’s break it down. Why are mortgage rates so high? Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, the foundation of which is the overall state of the economy. When the economy is doing well and moving fast, rates are typically higher. When the economy is sluggish, rates are usually lower. Seem backward? Here’s why it works that way: The Bank of Canada Many people think that the Bank of Canada (BoC) sets mortgage rates, but that’s not quite true. The BoC sets the policy interest rate, also known as the overnight rate. Then, Canadian banks adjust their prime lending rate accordingly. The prime rate is used as a benchmark by all major Canadian banks to set interest rates, including mortgage rates. While the overnight and prime rates are separate, Canadian lenders usually adjust their prime rates within a few days of BoC overnight rate changes. This is because a higher overnight rate means higher borrowing costs for banks. They raise interest rates to cover their own costs. So why does the BoC ever raise rates? Everyone likes a lower interest rate—right? The Bank of Canada follows an inflation-control target that guides its decisions. This target is set by the Bank and the federal government and reviewed every five years. The Bank’s objective is “to preserve the value of money by keeping inflation low, stable and predictable” (BoC, 2023). For example… When the economy is slow—like it was during the initial COVID-19 crisis—the BoC lowers its rates to increase cash flow and encourage consumer spending. But when the economy is doing well and moving fast, borrowing, consumer spending, and demand are all elevated—which can cause inflation. A major problem with inflation is when prices rise at a rate with which salaries don’t keep pace, people suddenly can’t afford to buy things, and the economy grinds to a halt. For that reason, when the economy is moving too quickly, and inflation is growing unsustainably, the BoC increases the overnight rate to constrict cash flow. Will mortgage rates drop in 2023? Now that we know why rates are so high, we can make an educated guess about their future. Many experts suggest that 2023 will see a slowdown in the Canadian economy due in part to the BoC’s recent policy rate increases, high costs of living, and reduced household spending. But does that mean mortgage rates will go down in 2023? Here are the detailed answers from top industry experts: Altura Financial Analysts at Altura Financial predict that 3 and 5-year fixed rates will trend generally lower throughout 2023. According to the Canadian broker, “it’s not a matter of if, but when, there is another downturn for fixed rates, but it could take well into Spring 2023 before we see this.” As for variable rates, Altura predicts a “stabilization” in late 2023 or early 2024. For those who don’t want the risk of a variable rate, the broker suggests looking into a 3-year fixed rate. When it comes time to renew in 2026, rates will likely be down by 1% or more. British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) BCREA’s Chief Economist, Brendon Ogmundson, predicts that 5-year fixed rates have likely peaked at their December 2022 average of 5.5%. He expects the average to begin declining in early 2023, ending the year closer to 5%. Ogmundson also writes that variable rates will rise to 6.35% before decreasing in late 2023, in line with the Bank of Canada’s anticipated policy rate changes. He explains, "we could see a significant downward trajectory for inflation in 2023, which would provide the Bank with the necessary support to begin lowering its policy rate.” RBC Economists at RBC are less optimistic, predicting that higher interest rates will continue to be a challenge for potential buyers throughout 2023—and possibly beyond. True North Mortgage True North Mortgage’s CEO, Dan Eisner, explains that mortgage rate predictions will ultimately depend on the BoC’s rate-hike campaign. He writes that if the Bank does rest its rate-hike campaign, fixed rates could slowly decline throughout 2023, “maybe as much as 0.50% for the commonly-chosen 5-year fixed term.” Overall, the broker sees “a positive year ahead” for Canadian home buyers. Final thoughts Most financial and real estate industry experts agree that mortgage rates will fall in 2023. By how much? That’s still up for debate, with some experts forecasting a 0.5% drop and others feeling like it’s too soon to tell. No matter the number, lower mortgage rates represent relief for buyers struggling with affordability. If you’ve been waiting to buy due to high home prices and high mortgage rates, 2023 is shaping up to be a good year for you. The good news is that many experts predict moderate declines in home prices as well. But even as rates come down, they’re not likely to hit 2020 levels—so you’ll want to do everything you can to reduce your rate on your own. That means working on your credit score and shopping around to find the lender with the best terms for you. Let’s buy your dream home in 2023 If falling mortgage rates are music to your ears and you’re ready to buy in 2023, get in touch. Not quite sure about the next steps? Our expert team can help. Click the button below so we can help you make your homeownership goals a reality.
What Would a Recession Mean for Canadian Real Estate in 2023?
Many fear a recession in 2023—but is one inevitable? Let’s break it down. What is a recession? The most widely-accepted Canadian meaning of “recession” comes from the C.D. Howe Institute Business Cycle Council. The Council defines a recession as “a pronounced, persistent, and pervasive decline in aggregate economic activity.” Generally, the decline has to substantially affect multiple economic sectors for an extended period of time to be considered a recession. In Canada, the final call comes down to the federal government. A recession—if and when it happens—is announced by the Bank of Canada or the minister of finance. This definition is helpful if you always have your eye on the economy, but the average person recognizes a recession more by its effects. In a significant recession, the public generally experiences job loss or lower job security, in addition to less bargaining power in the workplace. Those searching for a first job or switching careers during a recession will find their options reduced and their starting salaries lower than they would be otherwise. This can impact your wealth accumulation for years to come as you catch up to the salary you could’ve had in a stronger economy. Additionally, your retirement and other investment accounts can take a hit during a recession due to rocky markets. It’s also likely that you’ll have a more difficult time borrowing money. Like everyone else, financial institutions tighten up during an economic decline. This includes stricter rules, lower credit limits, and fewer types of credit available. Are we in a recession? As of now, no. Despite widespread fears, the Canadian economy is not currently in a recession. After pausing its rate hikes in January 2023, the Bank of Canada is aiming to avoid a full-blown recession and head into what’s known as a “soft landing.” Soft landings are part of the economic cycle. If you imagine the economy as a series of peaks and valleys, a soft landing is a valley—but it’s shallow when compared to a major economic downturn. Central banks try for a soft landing when they take action on inflation by increasing interest rates, like the moves we’ve seen from the BoC. The idea of a soft landing is to slow an overheated, rapidly inflating economy without a severe and painful recession. Where is the economy headed in 2023? Here are opinions from top economic experts: BDC According to BDC, “a recession is still avoidable for the Canadian economy. However, 2023 will be shaped by growth below the economy’s potential and a great deal of uncertainty.” The bank suggests that the Canadian economy will slow down, but not fall into a full-blown recession. BDC notes that although average household savings are still higher than they were before the pandemic, household spending will decline. With talks of a recession, many Canadian consumers will become more cautious. Pierre Cléroux, Vice President of BDC, says, “Our most plausible scenario is the Canadian GDP growing by 0.5% in 2023, with one or two negative quarters here and there.” Deloitte Looking at current global conditions, including the state of European and U.S. economies, economists from Deloitte predict a recession in 2023. The financial firm notes that if the U.S. enters a recession, Canada will be hard hit due to our dependence on trade with the states. The firm also expects higher interest payments on household debts to put Canadians in a pinch and lower consumer spending. However, it concludes that “we still expect the recession to be relatively mild and short-lived by historical standards.” World Economic Forum In January, the World Economic Forum released results in which two-thirds of surveyed economists predicted a recession in 2023. Their Chief Economist's Outlook, January 2023, stated, “Global growth prospects remain anaemic and global recession risk is high.” Bank of Canada Speaking to CTV, Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, says he isn’t ruling out a “mild recession.” While the Bank is not predicting a recession, Mackelem notes that it is possible. The Bank has paused its interest rate hikes, but it may take some time to see the full effects of higher interest rates on the Canadian economy. If inflation doesn’t go down as predicted, the Bank may raise interest rates again. So, is a recession coming? It’s possible, but not inevitable. Some economists are predicting one by the end of 2023, and there are many variable factors that affect the economy outside of our control. Big ones right now include COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions, climate change, the war in Ukraine, and more. Even the experts have uncertainties, and as Deloitte writes in its quarterly report, “the economic outlook remains clouded in uncertainty.” Most experts are forecasting some kind of economic slowdown—but if it’s a recession, it’s likely to be a “recession with a small r.” What’s that? It’s a short-term, mild period of economic contraction. It can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have the far-reaching or devastating effects of a major Recession like the one in the early 1980s or the late 2000s. Most experts believe that the strength of the labour market will be a major factor in preventing a severe economic downturn. There have been high-profile layoffs in the tech industry, and consumer spending has started to slightly slow—but the unemployment rate is very low, job growth has been strong, and there are still more available jobs than there are available workers. Why is this important? Because usually, “Rising unemployment is one of a number of indicators that define a recession. It also makes the downturn worse” (McGrath, 2022). That’s why economists will be closely monitoring the job market throughout 2023. As of February 2023, the Canadian job market is still beating expectations. The unemployment rate remained at 5%, and average hourly wages rose on a year-over-year basis. What would a recession mean for real estate in 2023? A recession is never good news—but for the current real estate market, it’s not all bad. First, interest rates will come down if the economy heads into a recession. The BoC has hiked up rates to slow consumer spending and reduce inflation, but if the result of that is a recession, rates will go down again. For buyers, that means mortgages will become more affordable—and since current forecasts don’t predict a huge downturn in the job market, you’re less likely to experience job loss that will affect your ability to buy. If you’re selling, affordable mortgages are good for you too. Buyers who have been sitting out of the market waiting for rates to drop will jump in, which means it could be easier for your real estate agent to find the right fit. Second, buyers are likely to find lower home prices. Competition tends to be lower during a recession, which allows prices to drop. Additionally, a higher number of sellers are likely to reduce their prices to sell quickly or to get out of a mortgage. However, if you’re selling during a recession and your personal economic situation is good, you can take your time. How should you plan your sale when the economy is changing? Tell us what you’re trying to achieve, and we’ll help you get there.
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