Rowan Smith

Senior Mortgage Planner

  • Beware of What Your News Source Is

    All I read is that the market is awesome, everything is awesome, prices are up and going higher, and home ownership is perfect for everyone. Frankly, I’m tired of this rhetoric. If you are reading some news, such as a developer telling you they are projecting a 5% – 7% increase in prices, ask yourself,

  • Government Announces Changes to Mortgages in Canada

    Today was another big day in the mortgage business. The finance minister announced some large changes to mortgages in Canada. A quick summary of those changes is as follows: 1. Non-owner-occupied properties must have a 20% down payment 2. Maximum financing on a refinance is 90% (instead of 95%) 3. Variable rate mortgage qualifications have

  • How do Restrictions in Your Condo Affect Your Financing?

    Have you ever wondered if rental restrictions, age restrictions, or pet restrictions affect financing options and availability? This video blog addresses this question. [flashvideo file=wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Restrictions.flv /] Transcription of Video Blog: Hi. It’s Rowan Smith with the Mortgage Centre. As many of you know, I recently got a new baby puppy that I brought home. As