Mortgage Blog

Your Ontario Mortgage Expert

Category: Mortgage Minutes (45 posts)

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early in Mississauga and Barrie, ON?

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early in Mississauga and Barrie, ON?

February 18, 2020 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside?  While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so.  This article will ex ... [read more]

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Approved for a Mortgage in Mississauga and Barrie, ON

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Approved for a Mortgage in Mississauga and Barrie, ON

December 19, 2018 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

For most first time home buyers, obtaining a mortgage is a crucial part of the purchasing process. However, being approved for a mortgage is often easier said than done. It can be disheartening to f ... [read more]

Things to Consider Before Moving Into an Over-55 Community in Mississauga and Barrie

Things to Consider Before Moving Into an Over-55 Community in Mississauga and Barrie

June 6, 2018 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

Many people, as they approach retirement age and the kids are gone, begin thinking about downsizing. One of the more popular choices for reduction is moving to one of the over-55 communities that ar ... [read more]

How to Know If You Should Buy a Home or Continue Renting in Barrie or Mississauga, ON

How to Know If You Should Buy a Home or Continue Renting in Barrie or Mississauga, ON

May 17, 2018 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

While owning a home and a plot of land was once part of the 'American Dream' for many people, the times have shifted. The global financial crisis which resulted in a massive shift in the housing marke ... [read more]

Great Buy on a Home in Mississauga or Barrie? - Don't Expect the Appraisal to Prove It

Great Buy on a Home in Mississauga or Barrie? - Don't Expect the Appraisal to Prove It

May 2, 2018 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

Buying a home can be fun and exciting, especially when you drive a hard bargain and get that seller over a barrel.  You did your research, caught a home with higher than average days on the marke ... [read more]

Tips to Ease the Moving Process in Mississauga and Barrie, ON

Tips to Ease the Moving Process in Mississauga and Barrie, ON

April 18, 2018 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

Moving can be a stressful process, no matter how far you are traveling. Planning your move minimizes the stress associated with this task while also simplifying the process. Here are several tips that ... [read more]

How to Maintain a Good Credit Rating Throughout the Year for People in Orillia, ON

How to Maintain a Good Credit Rating Throughout the Year for People in Orillia, ON

February 21, 2018 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

If you want to make it easier to get an auto loan, mortgage, or new credit card account, you need to maintain a good credit score. It's easy to do so, particularly if you follow the tips presented her ... [read more]

Four Strategies That Can Help You Get Approved for a Mortgage in Orillia, ON

Four Strategies That Can Help You Get Approved for a Mortgage in Orillia, ON

February 7, 2018 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

So, you've decided to take the big step and look into getting what will likely be the biggest loan of your entire life: a mortgage. Applying for a mortgage can be a bit of a nerve-wracking process, es ... [read more]

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a New Home vs an Existing Home in Orillia, ON

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a New Home vs an Existing Home in Orillia, ON

January 3, 2018 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

If you're planning on investing in real estate, then you're going to have two main options: to buy an existing home or buy a new home in Orillia, ON. An existing home is a house that has been lived in ... [read more]

Can You Afford to Buy a New Home in Orillia, ON?

Can You Afford to Buy a New Home in Orillia, ON?

December 20, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Is Purchasing a New Home in Orillia, ON in Your Budget?   If you're throwing your hard-earned money away on rent each month, putting that same amount towards your own home could be an incredi ... [read more]

What to Look for When Buying Your First Home in Orillia, ON

What to Look for When Buying Your First Home in Orillia, ON

December 6, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Buying a first home in Orillia, ON is an exciting time in an individual's life. You may already have a family that needs more than simply being a good structure to protect against them against the ele ... [read more]

Seven Inexpensive Home Staging Ideas for a Quick Sale for People in Orillia, ON

Seven Inexpensive Home Staging Ideas for a Quick Sale for People in Orillia, ON

November 15, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

When your Orillia, ON home is on the market, first impressions matter more than ever. If a potential buyer doesn’t like what they see in the first few minutes, that bad start could color the res ... [read more]

Credit Card Debt vs Mortgage Debt for people in Orillia, ON: Which Should You Pay Off?

Credit Card Debt vs Mortgage Debt for people in Orillia, ON: Which Should You Pay Off?

November 2, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

It's always a good idea to pay down your debt when you have extra cash on hand. However, as you get started, you will probably be faced with several types of debt you can work on, and it's hard to kno ... [read more]

Buying Your First Orillia, ON Home? Be Prepared for These 5 Startup Expenses

Buying Your First Orillia, ON Home? Be Prepared for These 5 Startup Expenses

October 18, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

If you are in the market for your first Orillia, ON home, you’ve probably saved a substantial amount of money for the down payment. You researched closing costs, sought out the best deal on a mo ... [read more]

Five Reasons Why You Should Have More Than One Bank Account in Orillia, ON

Five Reasons Why You Should Have More Than One Bank Account in Orillia, ON

October 4, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

In today's tech world, being victimized by hackers can leave you penniless if you have only one bank account. The following five situations demonstrate how a having a backup account can keep you ... [read more]

Preparing to Sell Your Orillia, ON Home? Do This First

Preparing to Sell Your Orillia, ON Home? Do This First

September 20, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

So you've made the decision to sell your Orillia, ON home. What you do to prepare - from the outside in - will make all the difference in whether prospective buyers choose to take a look.  ... [read more]

4 Reasons to Say 'Yes' to Good Credit in Mississauga and Barrie

4 Reasons to Say 'Yes' to Good Credit in Mississauga and Barrie

September 13, 2017 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

Good credit is a necessity for acquiring many things in life. There are many important reasons for saying 'yes' to credit. Below are some of those reasons, as well as ways to get and build your credit ... [read more]

Picking the Right Term Can Help You Pay Down a Mortgage Faster

Picking the Right Term Can Help You Pay Down a Mortgage Faster

August 11, 2017 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

The trick to making a mortgage disappear faster is to minimize your total borrowing cost. And nothing dictates total borrowing cost more than the term you chose. Picking the right term is even more i ... [read more]

Holding an Open House in Ontario - Can These Tempting Tips Boost Your Chances of a Sale?

Holding an Open House in Ontario - Can These Tempting Tips Boost Your Chances of a Sale?

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Is your home currently on the market in Ontario ? Are you hoping for a quick sale and want to stack the odds in your favour? One powerful option to consider is to maximize the potential of the open ho ... [read more]

Variable-Rate Mortgage Basics for Ontario Home Buyers

Variable-Rate Mortgage Basics for Ontario Home Buyers

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

In addition to finding the best mortgage rates in Ontario, one of your major tasks when choosing a mortgage will be deciding whether to take a fixed-rate or variable-rate product. Although fixed rates ... [read more]

What To Look For When Buying Your First Home in Ontario

What To Look For When Buying Your First Home in Ontario

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Becoming a first time homebuyer in Ontario is an exciting time in an individual's life. You may already have a family that needs more than simply being a good structure to protect against them against ... [read more]

Buying a New Home Instead of an Existing Home in Ontario? Consider These Advantages and Disadvantages First

Buying a New Home Instead of an Existing Home in Ontario? Consider These Advantages and Disadvantages First

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

If you're pre-approved for your mortgage and planning on investing in real estate in Ontario, then you're going to have two main options: to buy an existing home or buy a new home. An existing home is ... [read more]

 Great Tips To Pay Off Your Ontario Mortgage Early

Great Tips To Pay Off Your Ontario Mortgage Early

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Are you looking for ways to speed up paying off your Ontario mortgage? Most mortgages are taken out for 15- to 30-year periods. However, this shouldn't stop you from paying off your mortgage early if ... [read more]

Can You Afford to Buy a New Home in Ontario?

Can You Afford to Buy a New Home in Ontario?

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

If you're throwing your hard-earned money away on rent each month in Ontario, putting that same amount towards your own home could be an incredible advantage. However, it's also imperative to consider ... [read more]

Protecting Your Credit After Divorce

Protecting Your Credit After Divorce

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Divorce can be expensive, and many people fail to consider the effects of divorce and the cost of breaking up your mortgage. Depending on your personal and financial circumstances, keeping the family ... [read more]

Make Money When You Buy in Ontario

Make Money When You Buy in Ontario

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Every intelligent real estate investor understands the basic principle of making money when you buy. It’s extremely important to learn and understand this concept for your business because it ca ... [read more]

Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For in Ontario?

Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For in Ontario?

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Before you start shopping for a new home in Ontario, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify f ... [read more]

Location, Condition, Price: Top Features Of A Good Investment Property In Ontario

Location, Condition, Price: Top Features Of A Good Investment Property In Ontario

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

When you are shopping for an investment property in Ontario you should make some of the same assessment criteria important that you would use if you were buying the property for yourself. A nice home ... [read more]

Thinking of Buying a Home in Ontario? Ask Yourself These Questions

Thinking of Buying a Home in Ontario? Ask Yourself These Questions

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Many people simply assume that buying a home is always better than renting, but that is not always the case. Owning a home in Ontario makes sense in certain circumstances, just as renting is a smart m ... [read more]

Before You Hire a Realtor in Ontario, Ask These 5 Questions

Before You Hire a Realtor in Ontario, Ask These 5 Questions

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Buying and Selling a home in Ontario is a big decision. An equally big decision is choosing a Realtor. On a basic level, your Realtor is responsible for finding the best buyer for your home at th ... [read more]

How to Save Money for a Down payment in Barrie & Orillia, ON.

How to Save Money for a Down payment in Barrie & Orillia, ON.

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Saving money is a lot like dieting -- easy to understand but difficult to execute and follow through. Intellectually, you know that having that extra piece of pie or second helping of French fries is ... [read more]

Tips to Ease the Ontario Moving Process

Tips to Ease the Ontario Moving Process

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

You’ve sold your house and now you’re moving in Ontario? It can be a stressful process, no matter how far you are traveling. Planning your Ontario move minimizes the stress associated with ... [read more]

7 Tips for Buying a Condominium in Barrie & Orillia, ON

7 Tips for Buying a Condominium in Barrie & Orillia, ON

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

There are many advantages to living in a condominium in Barrie & Orillia, ON. You aren't required to mow the grass or shovel the snow (if any). You have access to amenities such as pools and fitne ... [read more]

Going Away for the Holidays? Protect Your Barrie & Orillia Homes against Burglars!

Going Away for the Holidays? Protect Your Barrie & Orillia Homes against Burglars!

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Burglars look for opportune moments to enter homes in search of valuables, and they don't take breaks for the holidays. In fact, many burglaries take place during the holidays, especially when people ... [read more]

Should You Borrow Money to Invest in Barrie & Orillia Real Estate?

Should You Borrow Money to Invest in Barrie & Orillia Real Estate?

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

There's no disputing that real estate investment in Barrie & Orillia is one of the best business models for those looking to achieve long-term financial success. The one problem most would-be inve ... [read more]

Timing Your Home Sale in Barrie & Orillia, ON

Timing Your Home Sale in Barrie & Orillia, ON

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Timing the sale of your home in Barrie & Orillia, ON is easier said than done. There are all sorts of factors to consider, from seasonal advantages to the economic climate of a particular region. ... [read more]

Buying a Home, Step One: Mortgage Pre-Approval

Buying a Home, Step One: Mortgage Pre-Approval

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or haven't purchased a home in the past several years, you may be surprised to discover that searching your local real estate listings is not always the ... [read more]

3 Simple Updates to Help Sell Your Orillia, ON Home Fast

3 Simple Updates to Help Sell Your Orillia, ON Home Fast

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

If you're getting ready to sell your Orillia home, you may be wondering what you can do to help it sell quickly. How can you make your home more appealing without investing a lot of time or money? The ... [read more]

Gathering the Money for a Down Payment in Two Years or Less in Ontario

Gathering the Money for a Down Payment in Two Years or Less in Ontario

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Whether you are looking to purchase a Orillia home in the next two years or you intend to wait another five, you must find a way to save up enough money to use for a down payment. Without the money to ... [read more]

4 Things You Need To Know When Buying A Vacation Home in Ontario

4 Things You Need To Know When Buying A Vacation Home in Ontario

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Everyone looks forward to a vacation, and many people return to their favorite spot each year. If you really enjoy your annual destination, you might be ready to invest in a vacation home in Orillia, ... [read more]

5 Questions to Compare Ontario Mortgage Brokers

5 Questions to Compare Ontario Mortgage Brokers

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, looking to renew your mortgage, or interested in debt consolidation - make sure you are financially fit and eligible for the best possible Ontario mortg ... [read more]

5 Things First Time Orillia, ON Home Buyers Should Do Before They Go Shopping

5 Things First Time Orillia, ON Home Buyers Should Do Before They Go Shopping

August 10, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Shopping for your first Orillia home is exciting, and it is only natural to want to get right to it. The idea of trading in that monthly rent check for a mortgage payment that builds equity and wealth ... [read more]

4 Homebuyer Tips To Make House Hunting in Ontario More Efficient

4 Homebuyer Tips To Make House Hunting in Ontario More Efficient

August 3, 2017 | Posted by: Richard Allatt

Going house hunting can be fun and exciting at first, but the more houses you look at, the more frustrating you might become -- especially if you just can't seem to find the perfect home. No one ... [read more]

The Benefits of Investing in Income-Producing Properties In Ontario

The Benefits of Investing in Income-Producing Properties In Ontario

June 14, 2017 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

Making money in any real estate venture is a difficult task, and many people don't have the skills (or the stomach) for flipping houses. An alternative to this intrinsically risky activity is to purch ... [read more]

Strategies to Dig Yourself Out of Debt in Ontario

Strategies to Dig Yourself Out of Debt in Ontario

June 9, 2017 | Posted by: Roar Solutions

Debt.  It's something almost everyone will have at some point in their life.  But what happens when your debt begins to get the better of you?  What options are available?  Some si ... [read more]

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Richard Allatt
Richard Allatt, AMP, CPMB
Barrie, Mississauga and Ontario Mortgage Broker
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