Sherwood Park & Edmonton Real Estate Blog

Cashback mortgages are a type of mortgage that has gained popularity in Canada over the past few years. With a cashback mortgage, borrowers receive a lump sum cash payment from the lender at closing. This cash payment can be used for various purposes, such as covering closing costs or making home improvements.

How a Cashback Mortgage Works

Cashback mortgages are a type of mortgage that has become increasingly popular in Canada in recent years. With a cashback mortgage, the lender provides borrowers with a lump sum cash payment at closing. This payment can be used for various purposes, such as covering closing costs, making home improvements, or paying off high-interest debt.

The amount of cashback a borrower can receive typically ranges from 1% to 7% of the mortgage amount. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the lender and the borrower’s credit score and financial situation. The cashback payment is typically added to the mortgage balance, which means that borrowers will pay interest on the cashback amount over the life of the mortgage.

Advantages of a Cashback Mortgage

Cashback mortgages can provide several benefits for borrowers in Canada:

A cashback mortgage can help with the upfront costs of buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage. This can be especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers or borrowers who need more cash.

Cashback mortgages can be a way for borrowers to make home improvements or pay off high-interest debt. By using the cashback payment for these purposes, borrowers can save money in the long run and increase the value of their homes.

A cashback mortgage can provide flexibility and financial security. The lump sum can be used for any purpose, meaning borrowers can choose how to use it based on their financial needs and goals.

Drawbacks of a Cashback Mortgage

While cashback mortgages can provide several benefits, they also have several drawbacks that borrowers should consider:

A cashback mortgage often has a higher interest rate than a traditional one. This means that borrowers will pay more interest over the life of the mortgage, which can result in higher overall costs.

They also often come with restrictions on refinancing or prepayment penalties. These restrictions can make it more difficult or expensive for borrowers to change their mortgage in the future.

In a cashback mortgage, the cashback payment is added to the mortgage balance, which means that borrowers will pay interest on the cashback amount over the life of the mortgage. This can result in higher overall costs and a longer mortgage term.

Finally, cashback mortgages may not be a good fit for borrowers focused on paying off their mortgage quickly. By using the cashback payment for other purposes, borrowers may delay paying off their mortgage and incur more interest charges over the long term.

How to Apply for a Cashback Mortgage

Applying for a cashback mortgage in Canada is similar to applying for a traditional mortgage. Here are the steps involved in applying for a cashback mortgage: 

• Determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the lender but may include credit score, income level, and debt-to-income ratio.
• Gather documentation to support your application. This may include income verification, bank statements, and employment history.
• Shop around for lenders to find the best cashback mortgage option for your needs. This may involve researching different lenders online or working with a mortgage broker.
• Apply for the mortgage. This will involve filling out an application and providing the necessary documentation. If you are approved for a cashback mortgage, you will receive pre-approval, which will outline the terms and conditions of the mortgage.
• Close the mortgage by signing the necessary paperwork and paying any fees or charges associated with the mortgage. Then you can begin moving into your new home!

Cashback mortgages are a popular option in Canada that can provide borrowers with a lump sum cash payment at closing. With careful consideration and informed decision-making, cashback mortgages can be valuable for borrowers looking to purchase or refinance a home in Canada. Talk to your financial advisor to see if a cashback mortgage might be a good option for you.

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Declutter Your Countertops: Keep your kitchen tidy by clearing off unnecessary items from your countertops. Store appliances and utensils you don't use daily to create a more spacious and organized cooking area.

Use Clear Containers: Store pantry staples like flour, rice, and cereals in clear, airtight containers. This not only keeps your ingredients fresh but also makes it easy to identify what you need, reducing the chances of a messy pantry.

Designate Zones: Create specific zones in your kitchen for different tasks, like cooking, prepping, and baking. Keep related items together to streamline your workflow and maintain an orderly space.

Ready to make the most of this Labour Day long weekend in Edmonton and Sherwood Park? Here are 5 fantastic family-friendly activities to enjoy:

Explore Nature's Beauty: Take a stroll through Elk Island National Park or enjoy the vibrant colours of the Muttart Conservatory.

Splash Into Fun: Head to Strathcona Wilderness Centre for a day of swimming, picnicking, and outdoor adventures.

Cultural Delights: Discover the history of our region at Fort Edmonton Park or catch a show at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Tasty Treats: Treat your taste buds to local delights at Edmonton's Farmers' Market or enjoy a family BBQ in your own backyard.

Home Sweet Home: If you're dreaming of a new home, let's chat about your real estate goals. The perfect family home could be just a click away!

Make this Labour Day weekend memorable with family, fun, and a little bit of home inspiration. Happy Labour Day!

Thank you to all you amazing souls who turned the Scoop N' Sundae Sunday Spectacular into an absolute hit! Your energy, laughter, and good vibes made the event a memorable success.

From the bottom of our ice cream bowls, we want to express our appreciation for your presence and enthusiasm. We kindly encourage you to consider making a difference through Shelter Canada via the link provided. Your contribution will help support those in need and make a positive impact in someone’s life.

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Maximize your home's selling potential! Whether it's staging advice or professional photography, I'll help you showcase your home in its best light.

Quick Fact: Homes that are professionally staged can sell up to 88% faster than those that are not staged!

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Where you can optimize your work environment with ergonomic furniture, harness the power of natural light near your desk, and boost your efficiency by regularly decluttering!

Useful Tips:

Ergonomic Setup: Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk to maintain good posture and reduce strain during long working hours.

Natural Light Boost: Position your desk near a window to harness natural light, enhancing focus and mood.

Declutter Regularly: A tidy workspace enhances productivity. Take a few minutes each day to declutter and organize.

In the age of advanced technology, turning your house into a smart home has never been easier. With an array of innovative devices and gadgets available, you can enhance your living space's functionality, convenience, and energy efficiency. In this blog post, we'll explore five smart upgrades that will transform your home into a cutting-edge, interconnected haven.

1. Smart Cameras:

Keep a watchful eye on your property and loved ones with smart security cameras. These intelligent devices offer real-time monitoring, high-definition video, and even night vision, ensuring your home stays protected and providing you peace of mind, whether you're home or away.

2. Smart Lighting:

Create the perfect ambiance and optimize energy usage with smart lighting systems. Control your lights remotely through smartphone apps or voice assistants, schedule lighting scenes, and even integrate them with other smart devices to enhance the overall functionality of your home.

3. Smart Thermostats:

Achieve optimal comfort and energy efficiency with a smart thermostat. These intelligent devices learn your temperature preferences, adjust settings automatically, and allow remote control, so you can always come back to a cozy home without wasting energy.

4. Smart Cooking:

Upgrade your kitchen with smart cooking appliances that make meal preparation a breeze. From Wi-Fi-enabled ovens and smart refrigerators with inventory management to voice-controlled cooking assistants, these innovations will revolutionize your culinary experience.

5. Touch-Free Faucets:

Promote hygiene and convenience with touch-free faucets. Wave your hand or place a container near the sensor to activate the water flow, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and making daily chores more convenient.

Embrace the future of living with these smart home upgrades that not only add modern flair but also offer practicality, comfort, and energy efficiency. By investing in these innovative technologies, you can create a seamless, interconnected smart home that elevates your living experience to new heights.

A tranquil sanctuary where you can optimize your sleep environment, establish a relaxing bedtime routine, and maintain a minimalist ambiance for a peaceful atmosphere!

Useful Tips:

Optimize Sleep Environment: Invest in comfortable bedding, control room temperature, and reduce noise and light for a restful sleep.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding screens to improve sleep quality.

Keep it Minimal: Clutter can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep the bedroom simple and organized for a calming atmosphere.

Congratulations! You've taken the first step towards homeownership by applying for a mortgage. However, the journey doesn't end there. After submitting your mortgage application, it's essential to tread cautiously and avoid certain financial moves that could jeopardize your chances of securing the loan and your dream home. In this blog post, we'll delve into five key things to avoid after applying for a mortgage.

1. Making Large Purchases:
While it might be tempting to splurge on new furniture or appliances for your soon-to-be home, hold off on making significant purchases using credit. Large credit card transactions or new loans can negatively impact your debt-to-income ratio, which is a critical factor lenders consider during the mortgage approval process.

2. Co-signing Other Loans:
Being a co-signer on someone else's loan means taking on responsibility for their debt. Doing so increases your overall debt burden and can raise concerns for lenders, potentially affecting your mortgage application's outcome.

3. Applying for New Credit:
Each time you apply for a new line of credit (credit card, auto loan, etc.), a hard inquiry is made on your credit report. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period can lower your credit score, signaling to lenders that you might be a risky borrower.

4. Changing Bank Accounts:
Lenders like to see stability and consistency in your financial behavior. Frequent changes in bank accounts or financial institutions may raise red flags and cause delays in the mortgage approval process.

5. Creating Unstable Credit:
Late payments or defaulting on existing credit obligations can severely damage your credit score, making it harder to secure a mortgage. It's crucial to maintain a strong credit history during this time to reassure lenders of your creditworthiness.

Securing a mortgage is an exciting milestone, but it's vital to exercise caution with your financial decisions afterward. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you'll increase your chances of obtaining a favorable mortgage offer and realize your dream of homeownership.

Connect with me if you have further questions or if you need a referral to an amazing mortgage broker.

Total residential unit sales in the Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) real estate market for July 2023 hit 2,323, increasing 14.9% compared to July 2022, but dropped 10.4% from June 2023. New residential listings were down 7.7% year-over-year from July 2022, while also noting a drop of 9.2% from June 2023. Overall inventory in the GEA was down 17.3% from July of last year, and down 2.4% from the previous month.

Total residential average prices hit $409,986, a 2.0% decrease from July 2022, and a drop of 0.6% from June 2023. 

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price* in the GEA came in at $381,800, resulting in a decrease of 0.5% from June 2023, and a drop of 6.2% from July 2022.

Overall, all residential listings averaged 45 days on the market, increasing by seven days year-over-year and three days from June 2023.

Detached unit sales were up 10.9% from July 2022 and decreased 12.7% from June 2023 at 1,391. Detached homes averaged $503,542, noting a 0.8% year-over-year drop and a 0.6% increase from June 2023. Detached homes averaged 44 days on the market, increasing four days from June 2023. 

Semi-detached unit sales were down 11.2% month-over-month but increased by 11.2% from this time last year. Semi-detached sold for an average of $378,902, resulting in a 2.3% increase year-over-year, and a decrease of 1.0% from the previous month. Semi-detached homes averaged 35 days on the market, increasing one day from the previous month.

Row/Townhouse unit sales were up 19.7% from July 2022, but dropped 5.4% from June 2023. Row/townhouse prices were up both 3.8% from July 2022 and 2.6% month-over-month, selling at $264,128. Row/townhouses averaging 41 days on the market, an increase of one-day month-over-month. 

Apartment Condominium unit sales had an increase of 31.6% from July 2022, while noting a decrease of 4.3% from the previous month. Apartment Condominium average prices hit $194,823 showing a small decrease of 0.1% from last month and a drop of 3.1% from July 2022. Apartment condominiums averaged 58 days on the market, showing a three-day increase from June 2023. 

Craig Finnman ⁠
Re/Max Elite ⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠
780-982-1589⁠

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Thinking of selling your home in Edmonton? I've got you covered and am here to guide you through every step of the process.

From pricing your home right to marketing it effectively, I'll ensure you get the best value for your property.

Quick Fact: Did you know that Edmonton's real estate market has seen steady growth in recent years, making it a great time to sell?

Let's get started today and make your home-selling journey a success!

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