What is a private mortgage?

Private Mortgage
A private mortgage refers to a loan, secured by real property, provided by an individual or a private entity, rather than a traditional financial institution like a bank or credit union. Here are some key features: Lending Source The lender can be a private individual, a group of investors, or a private lending company like a MIC (Mortgage Investment Corporation). Terms and Conditions Private mortgages often have more flexible terms compared to traditional mortgages. They can v...
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What is a MIC?

MIC Mortgage Investment Corporation
A Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) is an investment vehicle that pools funds from investors to provide mortgage loans, primarily focusing on real estate borrowers who may have difficulty obtaining financing from traditional banks. MICs are regulated under the Income Tax Act and must distribute a substantial portion of their income to maintain tax-exempt status. Benefits of Borrowing from a MIC: Accessibility MICs often cater to borrowers who may not meet the stringent criteria of ...
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“Coles Notes” On A TFSA

tax free savings account
Tax Free Savings Accounts were created in 2009 as a way for Canadians to invest for their future. With the latest change in Government,  Canadians can now contribute up to $5,500 per year in their TFSA. Here is what you need to know about a TFSA: 1) You are allowed to contribute up to $5,500 per year to an account. If you have not contributed previously you can contribute up to $46,500 into a TFSA in 2016. 2) A TFSA is not your typical "savings account". Many people are under the as...
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RRSP Season Begins Today!

saving for retirement
RRSP season begins today...not next January or February! Did you wait until the last minute to contribute to your RRSP? January and February are traditionally the busiest months for RRSP contributions. Everyone scrambles to make a contribution before the March deadline in the hopes of reducing their income taxes. Reducing taxes is always a good thing but there is a smart way and a not so smart way to do this. A lifetime ago I worked in a local branch of one of the countries largest fin...
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Divorce…the seven letter word that feels like a four letter word!

So you’ve come to the point in your life where you are one of the statistics; you’re getting divorced. Divorce is never easy but with the right attitude, and some planning, you can minimize the stress and pain it inflicts on you and your family. Debbie Shawn of Divorce Matters suggests that the most important piece of advice she can offer is to remember that while you may be ending your marriage it is virtually impossible to end the relationship with your spouse. There will always be mome...
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Got kids? Get your free money!

It's not often that the government offers you free money but when they do you should take advantage of it! If you have kids you should consider opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for them. Even if you don't have extra funds to contribute yourself it's a great place to park birthday or Christmas money that your child may receive from friends and family. The free money is the contribution the government will make to the plan in the form of the Canada Education Savings Gr...
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The Times They Have Changed

A decade ago money seemed to be falling from trees. If you had a pulse and could fog a mirror you could qualify for a mortgage in North America. The US housing market was booming and Canada was following in its footsteps. American lenders were in Canada growing their subprime mortgage business and the big banks were extending amortization periods and actively growing their portfolios with folks who could not prove their income. A decade later, the US housing market has imploded on itself ...
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Testimonial: Debbie McCue

I found Andy to be extremely patient and responsive to my multitude of questions about the fee schedules and returns of Mutual Funds, RRSP’s, RESP’s, and Tax Free Savings Accounts. My experience over the years has been that big banks and many financial advisers evade fee questions and are either unwilling or unable to answer my questions in layman’s terms. Andy helped me to understand my options and decide what would be best for me for my investments, and I would highly recommend him to anyone l...
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