Michelle Coates

Self Employed

Borrowing money is harder for many self-employed Canadians. While there is broad recognition that self-employed Canadians are reliable borrowers, it may be difficult to navigate the mortgage process and the different options available specifically for this group. We can help turn the tables. These individuals may run their own businesses, or work in a profession where the main source of their income is predominately capital gains, a form of income that is generally not considered by most “A Lenders”.

We work with self-employed homebuyers every day and understand the challenges that they may face when arranging a mortgage especially with no standard proof of income. Our brokers are experts when it comes to mortgage solutions and have access to multiple options, including mortgage products designed specifically for self-employed Canadians. They can pinpoint which lenders have more favourable terms and requirements and advise you on how you can improve your options to get the best possible rate and terms.

The more complex your mortgage situation, the more sense it makes to use an experienced mortgage professional who can help simplify the process and help you achieve both your short-term objectives and your long-term financial plan. Most of all, they allow you to stay focused on your business, alleviating the burden of many time-consuming and frustrating tasks and meetings associated with securing a mortgage and will also work around your busy work schedule. Many will even travel to your work site if required to make the transaction as convenient as possible for you.

Remember, that independent mortgage professionals work for YOU, not the lenders or banks, so you can rest assured that their advice is unbiased and in your best interest when it comes to finding the right lender and right product to meet your needs. Find out what your options are, give us a call.

Reverse Mortgages

If you’re a homeowner over the age of 55 and want to tap into your home equity, a reverse mortgage can be the right solution for you. A reverse mortgage is also known as an “equity release”. With a reverse mortgage, you can access up to 55% of the equity in your home tax-free as a lump sum or monthly cash deposits. The maximum amount you are able to borrow will depend on your age, your home’s appraised value, and our lender. No mortgage payments are required and you maintain ownership of your home. Repayment of the loan and interest is only required once you move or sell the home. At the end of your loan term, you may have less equity in your home. If you don’t make any payments, which is fine, you may have a larger interest payment to make when the home is sold.

A lender will often ask you to consult a lawyer prior to giving you a reverse mortgage to ensure you understand the conditions of the mortgage. The lender can never force you to sell your home to repay the reverse mortgage. It is also important to note that all existing loans on the property, including a mortgage or a home equity line of credit must be paid off prior to getting the mortgage.

Whether you’re looking for a financial cushion to live comfortably, funds to cover monthly expenses, pay off debt, renovate or fund your children’s education, you can use the funds from a reverse mortgage in any way you want without restrictions! What’s more, is if the home goes up in value, it doesn’t affect the reverse mortgage, meaning that all equity gained is yours! Lastly, you can get out of a reverse mortgage at any time by paying off the loan and any interest accrued.

Have a discussion with your mortgage professional to find out if a reverse mortgage is the right solution for you.

Rental

Are you considering buying a multiplex property in the near future to enter the rental market? While this type of investment is a great way to diversify your income and put money aside, it is important to be well prepared. Buying income-producing real estate is more than an investment, it also means starting a business. But where should you begin? Before you get started, it is important to quantify and analyze the financial implications to ensure that your project is viable and profitable. The return on investment is calculated by subtracting the operating expenses from your income. This amount is then divided by the down payment on the building. The percentage obtained represents the annual return, which should ideally be higher than the mortgage rate.

Another aspect to consider is your ability to manage risk. Rental real estate does not guarantee constant profits, so it is important to assess your tolerance for risk and financial uncertainty.

The financial aspect is not the only aspect to consider. When entering the rental real estate market, you have to manage tenants and take care of the building maintenance. It is therefore important to be familiar with tenants’ rights in Québec and to have an interest for manual work. This will greatly help!

The down payment required for your project will depend on the number of units in your plex and whether you want to live in the building. Usually, you need a down payment equal to 20% of the property value. However, if you intend to live in one of the two apartments of a duplex, the required down payment is 5% and that will increase to 10% in the case of properties with 3 or 4 units.

Mortgage Alliance brokers are there to help you make the right decisions. They can give you advise and guide you through the investment process. Contact us today to start making your project a reality.