www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=36&cat=43&i -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 3/31/2004
Last Visited: 3/31/2004
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation came out with new rules last year for mortgage criteria, that are just now being brought in by lending institutions, says Gerry Smith, mortgage manager for TD Canada Trust. "No money down is a bit of a misnomer," he says.The buyer still has to provide a minimum five per cent down payment, but they are now allowed to borrow the down payment from a third lender.First-time buyers and those who haven't purchased property in five years can borrow up to $20,000 from their RRSP for a down payment without penalty, providing the portion is paid back within a set period. (Check with your financial institutions). "Realistically only 10 per cent of buyers will be able to qualify," he says.One would need an impeccable credit rating and a steady job that you've been at for more than six months.When asked, he says it is "always the concern," that interest rates could go up. Doing a few quick calculations, McWilliam points out that with today's interests rates, one would still owe $77,000 after spending $59,000 after 10 years on a $100,000 mortgage.