With the current rate trends, is this the right time for you to convert your mortgage?

We all know the lending landscape can change very quickly. Lenders are looking closely at regional properties that rely on rental income, due to concerns that rents may be dropping and vacancies may be on the rise. We take a look at how this might impact investors and primary homeowners alike.

Like watching paint dry, insurance isn't the most interesting topic of conversation but definitely something that is important when it comes to protecting you and your family.

Credit bureau's are not as scary as you might think!

Mortgage Agents are motivated to find a solution that fits your needs, but how does that translate into payment? On this episode, VINE Partners Christopher Darwiche and Hugo Dos Reis provide clarity on how Mortgage Agents generate income.

What's the best kind of mortgage? Is it the interest rate itself or the interest you pay what matters? What are the benefits in getting a HELOC? What are prepayment penalties? We answer the most commonly asked questions from Canadians when it comes to their mortgage.

As Mortgage Brokers, our growth potential is endless as the Canadian lending landscape is constantly changing. On this episode of the VINE Rant we brought in new agent, Lauren Pye, to share her experience on her recent transition from banker to broker.

The opportunities within real estate are endless, but it's always important to identify your goals and how you are going to get there. Through education, patience and a little bit of risk, CEO of Golden Triangle Group, Aaron Charles joins us to share his journey from Real Estate Agent to Real Estate Developer.

The spring market moves very quickly, and so do it’s buyers. Whether you are in the process of purchasing your first home or a seasoned real estate investor, here are some best practices on what you should know (and keep an eye out for) when completing your next mortgage application.

As experts in our industry, we dissect every client's file to see what challenges could arise before sending it to a lender for financing. While the bank still serves as an institution of influence, how well does your bank mortgage specialist know your file?

Every year, Mortgage Alliance recognizes their top performing mortgage agents from across the country by hosting a Rewards & Recognition trip. On this week's special edition of The VINE Rant filmed at the Paradisus in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, we took a moment to discuss our individual transitions into mortgage brokering and being self-employed individuals.  

Recently we’ve encountered many clients who’ve come to us with “pre-approval” letters from their bank stating what they can quality for and the rate available to them. While this is great way for the bank to secure a deal, the reality is that documentation is not always collected up front so the client isn’t getting a true picture what they actually quality for. 

While we know little details surrounding the 2019 Federal Budget, we are a little apprehensive as to whether the first-time home buyer initiative will solve the real issue at hand. 

As we see rates continue to drop heading into the spring market, we explore a few different theories as to why this is happening. 

First time buyer? Usman Mahmood from Sotheby's International Realty joins in on the conversation with the VINE Partners as they touch on education, property trends and first-time buyer demographics.

When our Senior Credit Analyst, Johnson Andrews identified a 38 year amortization loan on a client's existing mortgage, this sparked a heated conversation around lender's variable rate options. 

Have you ever thought of building a secondary suite to earn an additional income? Andy Tran, Consultant and Educator from Suite Additions give us some insight on best practices and benefits on this growing trend for homeowners.

Watch what happens when we ask our staff to provide us with mortgage topics at random.

Whether you are buying, selling or investing in your first rental property, the Toronto real estate market is still growing - but with limited supply to meet the demand. Edward Zhang from Volition Investment Properties sheds some light on turn-key investment properties, market trends, and why investors shouldn't always focus on cash-flow. 

While qualifying for a low-interest rate helps you save money and pay back your debt faster, the products associated with a lower rate may not be the best fit for your current situation. Knowing your main objective and asking the right questions are essential when having a conversation about rates with your mortgage professional.

Over the age of 55 and need to unlock equity in your home? On this week's episode, we discuss a financial solution designed to help Canadian homeowners retire safely and securely.

Looking to buy or invest this year? Paul D'Abruzzo from Rockstar Real Estate gives us a recap on market trends over the past year and gives his predictions on what 2019 will hold.

Continuing our discussion on private lending with Joseph Fooks and Lawrence Schwartz from JV Capital, they explain how technology has helped them eliminate the process of manually underwriting commitments to provide investors and mortgage professionals with more efficient service.

On December 18th, 2018, the Bank of Canada's 5-Year Benchmark Bond Yield broke a threshold point of just under 2%. As mortgage rates are backed by bond yields, we asked ourselves why is this happening and what does this mean for the average Canadian consumer heading into 2019.

With an increasing number of home buyers looking to private investors to help fund their mortgage, Joseph Fooks and Lawrence Schwartz from JV Capital join us for this two-part Rant to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of private equity.

With the recent news of GM closing its plant in Oshawa, Ontario, we wanted to discuss some alternate solutions for client's who's mortgage financing is possibly in jeopardy when they lose their job or are downsized.

One of the biggest struggles we deal with on a regular basis is over conditioning from lenders. Vine Group's Team Lead for Alberta, Kim Nguyen joins us to share her thoughts on the current lending environment in Alberta.

Following last week’s passionate conversation surrounding the future of mortgage lending, we brought in Vine Group’s Regional Director & Mortgage Broker, Shannon Patterson to weigh in on the subject and how our careers as brokers may be affected.

The future of financing is hard to predict. The mortgage lending industry is becoming much more automated, so we took a look at how this could affect qualifying through online applications and in turn, affect us as agents.

When buying a new or pre-construction, it's very common to think this is a "guaranteed win". Many clients don't take into consideration the risk and lifestyle changes that could occur in the 2-5 years it takes to construct a new development.

Do you know the difference between retrofit and legal units? Simon La from My Capital Corner joins us this week to discuss which option adds more value, lender qualification and risk versus reward.

As our conversation surrounding rates continues, the VINE Partners discuss the fear of the variable, global movement on inflation, and if the banks will change their mindset when it comes to credit.

The days of rates being below 3% are gone, so what's next? Will history repeat itself?

Our Director of Operations, Kaitlyn Ridout join us to share an outsider's perspective on the mortgage industry and perceptions of a Mortgage Agent.

VINE Group Partners explain what IFRS 9 means and how the changes will affect the mortgage industry in Canada.

A word to the wise; investment properties are not a short-term transaction but a 20-year investment.

The kids are back to school and we're back to work. Time for a market update on this week's VINE Rant.

Applying for a mortgage? Here are 10 things you should't do on your next application.

Real estate Lawyer Manpreet Kahlon from the Legal Studio as well as Oscar Torres, Partner at Bateman MacKay LLP, join VINE Group Partners Hugo Dos Reis and Christopher Darwiche on this week's rant. 

As the market slows down in August, we decide to take a moment to discuss the changes in real estate investment financing.

VINE Group Agents Carrie Lee and Richard Tartaglia join us to discuss traditional banks versus monoline lenders and the challenges, misconceptions, advantages and disadvantages associated with both.

VINE Group Partners Hugo Dos Reis and Christopher Darwiche touch on pre-approvals, secondary homes, and the difference between insured, insurable, and uninsurable. 

Welcome to the first episode of The VINE Rant! With the Bank of Canada (BoC) raising the benchmark rate for the fourth time in the last 12 months, on this episode VINE Group Partners David Goncalves and Hugo Dos Reis, along with VINE Group Agent, Jason John discuss client concerns on the rate hike; how to plan for future increases and pre-approvals due diligence before you put in an offer.

Matthew Lee, Founder & Head of Business Development from Volition Investment Properties joins us on this week's panel to discuss cash flowing investment properties, tenants, purchase plus investments, equity and what the future holds for millennial purchasers.