Country Mortgages

Mortgage Loans: Stick With A Bank Or Go With A Broker?

It matters where you go for a mortgage. Who offers a better deal — a banker or broker?

Bank credit: is it growing, and where’s it going?

Lenders have loosened purse strings, but some sectors are monopolising bank loans. Hence the clamour for more credit

Here's What You Need to Look For to Make Sure You're Not Being Scammed at the ATM

12 Questions You Absolutely Must Ask Before Renting An Apartment

When hunting for an apartment, many renters fall into the same ugly trap: They get swept away with visions of painting the walls deep purple and having c...

6 Tips to Increase Your Home’s Value

Before you tackle another home improvement project or stick a “for sale” sign in your yard, check out this list of smart ways to boost your home’s appeal — especially for the growing number of…

What it Really Costs to Buy a Home

It would be nice if houses for sale came with giant price tags so a buyer could easily compare “all-in” costs. Imagine trying to buy a gallon of milk and having to separately compute what it costs to feed the cow, distribute the inventory and stock the shelves. Let’s bottom-line your homeownership costs, from one-time...Read More

9 Age-Old Real Estate Tips to Ignore Completely

Not all advice is good advice. When it comes to the real estate market, friends and family may offer their unsolicited opinions based on common beliefs, but it’s always best to consult with a professional. However, even the experts have their agendas. So before you trust what was once “tried and true,” get the inside scoop, on what’s “here and now” when it comes to buying and selling your home.

Your Home Loan Journey: Pros and Cons of Mortgage Broker vs. Bank

By Roger Odoardi When it comes to getting approval for a home mortgage loan, borrowers can either work with a mortgage broker or a bank. Either option will take you one step closer to becoming a home...

Financing Your Real Estate? Six Reasons to Use a Commercial Mortgage Broker

Financing Your Real Estate? Six Reasons to Use a Commercial Mortgage Broker. Learn why it makes sense to use a broker to source your financing.

When bad hacks happen to good mortgage brokers

Things You Should Expect Your Mortgage Banker to Ask You

Five things you can plan on discussing with your mortgage banker. Take it from us, we do this every day.

4 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Broker

Let your mortgage broker guide you through the process of securing a mortgage. A certified mortgage broker can help you navigate the journey by “giving you unbiased advice to better understand mortgage products and how they affect you.” Ask the following four questions to get the most out of your first meeting.

Why Do Mortgage Companies Sell Closed Loans?

When you get a mortgage from a bank or mortgage broker, chances are your loan will be sold after it is closed. Who will your loan be sold to, why and how will it affect you? Let’s take a cl

Knowing the difference between a mortgage banker and mortgage broker can help you get the most...

A Mortgage banker works for a single lending institution, while mortgage brokers are intermediaries who work with multiple lenders.

5 things your mortgage broker isn’t telling you

Despite their claims, most mortgage brokers only negotiate with a few lenders on your behalf.

When to Hire a Mortgage Broker

Let’s say you’re doing some mortgage research on your own—you’ve already talked to a financial planner and ready to take your next step in the home-buying process. Jon wants to know:

What Does a Mortgage Banker Do?

A mortgage banker originates, funds and can service mortgage loans. Let's break down their services, responsibilities and how to hire one.

Mortgage Broker vs. Direct Lender: Which One's Right For You?

When it comes to choosing a mortgage broker or direct lender, we’ll help you separate fact from fiction.

Five Things You Should Know About Working With a Mortgage Broker

Maybe mortgage broker is a term you've heard in your travels, but you're unsure how it fits in with your plan to buy the home of your dreams. Well, for tho