Earl Smith, Halifax Mortgage Broker

You knew there would be a joke about dad joke's coming up on Father's Day

The Bank of Canada's rate announcement is this morning. Will they do their first rate cut today? What do you think?

Stay tuned!

For all those with teenage boys in the house!! 😜 😉 😂

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay” Dalai Lama

Working on this....

Why is it no matter how old they get, no matter how much they annoy you 😉 , when they are like this...well.....🫠

What will the roll of the dice give you? Will the interest rate go up or go down? What will happen next week with the Bank of Canada announcement? Should you wait to get pre approved and hope that interest rates go down or go with what you know today? So many questions, and it's so hard to predict the future.

Good news! When you come and chat with me, we will go through all your questions and I'll do my best to answer each one. With this new knowledge you'll be more confident in making your decisions, instead of leaving it up to the "roll of the dice"!

I'd love to help in any way I can.

THE RATES, TODAY (May 27, 2024)
Because I work with a wide variety of lenders I can access competitive, lower-than-advertised interest rates.
* This data is provided for information purposes only. Posted rates are subject to change without notice. Rates are compounded semi-annually, and not in advance. "Our Best Rates" listed are for insured high ratio purchases only. https://buff.ly/4dVrYHm for details and more rates. OAC

It's nothing to Tinkerbell about! 😜 😂

Are you self-employed?

Approximately 15% of the Canadian labour force is self employed and you may have a bit of difficulty accessing finances to buy your home since your income could be a little less predictable.

You will typically need to show a consistent average of income over 2 years plus some extra due diligence. There are also some great products out there especially geared towards the self employed that can apply in certain situations.
Want to know more, let's chat!

Thank you for the review Gerry. It's always a pleasure working with you as well.

Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it....oof...This one made me pause for a minute and think.

Is there a mistake in my life that I'm clinging to because I've invested so much into it? Is there something that I know I should change?

Some days we try so hard to make things work out, but in truth they were never meant to. Release yourself from that expectation. Pause, and let it go.

So what are you up to today?

I was always known for my killer puns!! 😂 😂 😂

With a face longer than Monday meetings and a vibe as chill as the breeze, he's my buddy and favourite! 🐴😆

Mortgage Tip: Location Matters

I know, I know, the house is gorgeous! That kitchen is amazing and they redid the bathroom, but why is it so close to the train tracks?? 🤔 We all know that location matters.

When looking at homes make sure to find where you'd like to live before you fall in love with a house. You can always make changes to a house to represent your aesthetics and even add another room or bathroom with the help of a great contractor. However, you can not easily move the home to have beach front access or be in the best school district.

Negotiating is my superpower! 🦸‍♂️ Mortgage renewals can be daunting, especially in today’s high interest rate environment where the prospect of facing a payment shock is very real for many homeowners.

My industry expertise and lender relationships often allow me to secure better rates and terms than you might on your own. But it’s not just about finding a lower rate. When clients ask me, “Can you beat this rate?” I will dive deeper and consider your entire financial landscape. Because the lowest rate isn't necessarily the best if it doesn't align with all aspects of your financial goals, especially in today’s more challenging market.

So, whether your mortgage is up for renewal this year, next year, or even several years from now, be sure to reach out early so we start the conversation. By doing so, you’ll ensure that when the time comes, you’re not just prepared, but well positioned to secure the best mortgage possible.

🏡 Hello Future Homeowners! 🏡

Ready to take the leap into homeownership? Let's delve into the topic of property taxes! Here is your essential guide:

1️⃣ Understanding Your Taxes: Property taxes are like the dues you pay to your local government for community services. They're based on your home's value and are essential for maintaining your neighborhood. Think streets, schools, garbage pick up, etc

2️⃣ They can be Built into Your Mortgage: Most lenders include property taxes in your monthly mortgage payment. They set aside a portion in an account, ensuring your taxes are covered when they're due.

3️⃣ Crunch the Numbers: Your municipality assesses your property's value and applies a tax rate. This determines how much you owe each year.

4️⃣ Check Your Assessment: Keep an eye on your property tax assessment. If you spot any discrepancies, reach out to your local assessment office for clarification.

5️⃣ Plan Your Budget: While your taxes are included in your mortgage, be prepared for changes. Budget for potential increases due to changes in tax rates or property values.

6️⃣ Direct Payment Option: Some homeowners prefer to pay taxes directly to the municipality. If you choose this route, make sure you have a plan in place to cover your payments.

7️⃣ Stay on Schedule: Timely payments are crucial! Avoid penalties by paying your property taxes on time. Set reminders or opt for automatic payments to stay organized.

8️⃣ Ask Away: Feeling unsure? Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance. I'm here to help you navigate the process.

Owning your first home is an exciting journey! Understanding property taxes is a vital step in becoming a savvy homeowner. If you have questions or need further assistance, drop them below! 🏠💡

Perfect joke to share with your Mom this Sunday! Ma - knew - her! 😂 😂 😂

What is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage can help by allowing you to tap into your home's equity. This cash is tax free and you can use it for anything.

Today let's talk about the advantages.
1. You continue to own your home. The lender can’t ask you to sell or vacate it in order to repay the loan. You must, however, continue to pay the property taxes, maintenance costs and insurance.
2. You can use the borrowed amount to maintain your lifestyle by, for example, paying yourself an annuity.
3. The lender will not require any payments from you while you are living in your home. You may, however, repay some or all of the interest every year.

As a Reverse Mortgage Specialist, I can help. Reach out today.

Tell me the weather is getting warmer without telling me the weather is getting warmer!

Apartment 3 Espresso Bar

Spring is arriving like a gift! Full of fresh starts and new beginnings and warmer days!

Did you know gifting a down payment to a family member is becoming more normal in Canada? However there are things that you need to know.
✅ It needs to come from an immediate family member
✅ Both the giftor and giftee will need to show proof of funds
✅ There is no limit to how much you can give
✅ You can use your home's equity to gift a down payment
✅ You can co-own the home
✅ It needs to be a gift. The gifter can not expect any form of repayment

Looking to find out more information, reach out today and let's talk.

You take a block from the bottom and you put on top! Ever thought of your mortgage like a game of Jenga? Each block represents a component of your mortgage, and just like in the game, every piece is crucial to maintaining stability.
Here's how it works:
1. Foundation: Every successful game of Jenga begins with a solid foundation. Similarly, your mortgage needs a stable financial foundation. This includes factors such as your credit score, employment history, and savings. Strengthening these aspects ensures a strong base for your mortgage tower.
2. Blocks: In Jenga, each wooden block represents a decision or component of your mortgage. This could include the type of loan (fixed-rate, adjustable-rate), the duration of the loan (15-year, 30-year), and the interest rate. Just like in the game, each decision impacts the stability of your mortgage tower.
3. Balancing Act: As you carefully remove and place blocks in Jenga, you must maintain balance to prevent the tower from toppling. Similarly, in your mortgage journey, it's essential to strike a balance between your financial goals, budget, and risk tolerance. This might involve finding the right loan terms, negotiating interest rates, and considering your long-term financial plans.
4. Risk Management: In Jenga, you assess the risk of each move before making it. Similarly, with your mortgage, it's crucial to understand and manage risks. This includes factors such as potential fluctuations in interest rates, changes in your financial situation, and unforeseen expenses. By identifying and mitigating risks, you can keep your mortgage tower steady.
If your Jenga blocks are starting to look a little shaky, make sure to reach out. You might have options you don't know about.

It's Friday and you know what that means....

Just a girl and her horse! A cherished relationship and one I'm proud to support. 🐴 ♥️

Busy busy busy and loving it!!! With the changes in the federal budget that started this month and the Bank of Canada keeping the interest rates the same it's been lively. Now is a great time to get pre-approved before the spring housing rush or start the process of remortgaging your home.

I'd love to help. Reach out to start today!

I'm pretty sure I will hold onto this picture for a very long time! ♥️

Well, my love for country music might not "impress you much" 🎶 but when it comes to your mortgage, settling for less isn't an option!
🏡 Your home is one of the biggest investments you'll make, so why settle for a mortgage that doesn't leave you feeling impressed? As your trusted mortgage broker, I'm here to ensure you find a loan that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Especially in the self check out! (oh you know you love these!)

Thank you for the review Andy. I was happy to get you into a much better mortgage and save you money going forward.

🌷🏡 The weather is turning warm and as the flowers begin to bloom, so do your opportunities in the housing market. Here's why pre-approval shines this season:

✅ Confidence: Know your budget upfront, empowering you to shop with confidence and negotiate from a position of strength.
✅ Speed: Skip the stress of last-minute financing hurdles. With pre-approval, you'll breeze through the closing process faster.
✅ Competitive Advantage: Stand out in a competitive market. Sellers prefer buyers who come prepared with pre-approval letters, giving you an edge!

Reach out, I'd love help you get started or start the process here: https://buff.ly/48RVCKz