Tracy Ferguson - Licensed Mortgage Agent

One of my favourite day trips.

Paying for moving boxes? Not anymore!

Save the money you would have spent on boxes and try some of these places to get all the boxes you need for a successful move.

There are boxes everywhere, and people are usually more than happy to get rid of their extras. Most of the time you just have to ask!

Do you know of any great places in our area to get free moving boxes? Drop them in the comments below!

Unlock the key to homeownership with these 3 essential steps for qualifying for a mortgage! 🏠

🔑 Good credit score: Aim for a score of 680 or higher for better loan terms and interest rates.
🔑 Stable income: Demonstrate a consistent employment history and sufficient monthly income to cover your mortgage payments.
🔑 Sufficient down payment: Save up for a larger down payment can help improve your chances of approval and avoid PMI.

Embarking on this journey?

For more guidance, feel free to send a DM or comment below!

Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

It's the perfect time to refresh your home with some delightful scents that capture the essence of the season.

From the bright and uplifting aroma of citrus to the soothing scent of oceanic breezes, there are plenty of summer-inspired fragrances to choose from. And who can resist the tropical allure of coconut and floral blooms?

Whether you prefer candles, diffusers, or room sprays, incorporating these summer scents into your home is a simple way to elevate your space and create a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.

What's your favorite summer scent for the home?

Most people skip this step when they put their home on the market 👇🏼

If you have an "extra" room in your home, make sure you stage it with one clearly defined purpose.

Even if you like using your guest room as both an exercise room and a home office, it could give buyers the impression that the home is too small.

Instead, think about what your potential buyers are most likely to want to see. A home office? A kids' playroom?

Whether you bring in a professional stager or get creative with the furnishings you have, turning your "bonus" room into a stylish and functional space will have a big payoff.

Both of these are extra additions to the home, but you can only choose to have one! Which one are you going for?

🙏🏻 So honoured to be named one of the Best 5 Mortgage Brokers in Whitby, ON. *MortgageBrokerPros*

🏘️ If you are thinking about:
💚 Purchasing a home
💚 Refinancing a home
💚 Talking about mortgage options

Reach Out. I can help!

Q: Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed? In short, yes! The longer answer? You might have some paperwork ahead of you.

If you happen to be your own boss, here are three questions to ask yourself before your next home purchase:

Is your financial house in order? When you're self-employed, mortgage companies are going to need to see extra documentation, so be sure that your debt is paid down and your credit score is solid.

Have you reviewed your documentation with your accountant? If you're self-employed, you may need documentation from your CPA you can before you apply, so be sure to give them a heads up before you start the application.

Summer is here, and it’s a great time to clean and detox your home!

These are some of my favourite things to do to get my home feeling clean and fresh for the rest of the summer. And you’ll end up helping the environment and saving money on energy costs, especially when you clean out your air vents and replace your air filter!

Ready to navigate the world of mortgages with confidence? It's understandable if it feels overwhelming, especially as a first-time homebuyer. 🏡

With so many home loan options available, it's essential to have a cheat sheet handy. Here's a quick breakdown of two common types:

1️⃣ Fixed-rate mortgage: Perfect for the long haul (5 year fixed), these loans offer stability and are widely popular. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment remains consistent throughout the entire loan term.

2️⃣ Variable-rate mortgage: If you don't plan on staying in your home for an extended period, this option may suit you. These mortgages come with interest rates that fluctuate with the market. While it carries some risk, it can be advantageous for shorter-term homeowners.

No matter your situation, there's a home loan out there to help you find your perfect place. 🏠

Curious to learn more about mortgages? Send a DM, and let's dive deeper into the topic together!

Talking to your kids about moving is never easy. We rounded up some points on how to help the "moving talk" go smoothly during an already stressful time.

Remember to have these conversations early and keep them in the loop.

🙏🏻 So grateful to work with my client to help them renew their mortgage.

If your mortgage is up for renewal in the next 6 months it is time to start shopping.

The difference between banks and mortgage brokers is that banks can only offer their own products, while mortgage brokers can present multiple mortgage options.

Independent mortgage brokers are licensed mortgage specialists who have access to multiple lenders and mortgage rates. They essentially negotiate the lowest rate for you, and because they acquire high quantities of mortgage products, mortgage brokers can pass volume discounts directly on to you. Banks, on the other hand, can only offer their own mortgage products.

🏘️ If your mortgage is up for renewal, reach out. I can help!

Ready to secure your mortgage this year? Let's break it down:

👉 Step #1: Get connected with a trusted mortgage broker for guidance.
👉 Step #2: Stay in touch with your mortgage broker for up-to-date interest rates during the pre-approval process.
👉 Step #3: Maintain a healthy credit score and avoid major purchases.

Your dream home awaits! Start the journey today. 🏡💫

Real estate investing is the key to a bright financial future!

It offers amazing returns, great value, and low risk.

🏠📈 Join the growing community of smart investors and start building your wealth today.

Are you ready to take the leap?

Indulge in a circle of happiness during National Donut Day, the perfect excuse to enjoy the sweetest treats. Whether it's a classic glazed or an adventurous flavour, there's a donut for everyone to love.

SO MUCH FUN!! Thank you .who.dine

Touring homes can be exciting when you're imagining yourself living in your future home. You know yourself best and can sense when a home is the right one. Use your five senses when touring home!

➡️ Sight: Are there signs of water damage? Do you see mold? What does it look like under the sinks? How close are the homes next door? Can you see inside your neighbour’s house? Is there natural light coming through, or do the rooms feel dark? Is there anything of concern being covered by window dressings, rugs, etc.?
➡️ Hearing: What is the noise level like in the neighbourhood? Can you hear traffic noise nearby, or is the house near a railway? Is the home's interior quiet, or can you hear the HVAC system? Do the floors squeak?
➡️ Smell: Can you smell any odours from the carpet? Do you smell mildew in the bathrooms? Do the rooms smell over-sanitized with artificial fragrances? Does it smell like fresh paint?
➡️ Touch: What are the water pressure and temperature like? Do any of the walls feel damp, particularly in the bathrooms? Do the floors feel level? Is the tile slippery? Are the heated floors heated?
➡️ Taste: What does tap water taste like?

Wishing everyone a happy Victoria Day! Let's celebrate this day with gratitude and pride for our beautiful country and its rich history.

A few days can’t be improved by a nice glass of cab sav or chardonnay. To be honest, the same thing can be said about buying a home! Buying a house has many benefits, including…

🏠 Building equity
🏠 Diversifying your investment portfolio
🏠 Providing a space that you can make your own
🏠 Becoming a place for you to live your best life

Yes, just like your glass of wine has antioxidants, buying a home has benefits that can help you live a life you love and build your future. So as you pour your next glass, think about whether a house may be in your future!

Travel season is in full swing. Where do you prefer to spend the night, out camping or in a hotel room?

I am hotel all the way... NO CAMPING FOR ME!

Revamp your outdoor oasis with a touch of creativity! From cozy seating to vibrant plants, let's spruce up your space and make it the ultimate hangout spot.
Consider these items to add:
✅ Add Lights
✅ Updating your Seating
✅ Add Rug
✅ Add Plants

Sending love and appreciation to all the amazing mothers out there who give so much of themselves every day. Happy Mother's Day!

Your home is likely the most significant investment you have.

Sometimes life happens, and you’ll need to find out how to tap into your investments.

A second mortgage is a way to use your home’s equity to get cash, making your investment in your home more liquid. Maybe you want to pay off high-interest credit card debt or return to school. A second mortgage can be one way to do that.

A second mortgage is another loan taken out on your home’s equity. You can get a loan for a portion of your equity amount. The amount will differ depending on your lender.

But be careful: having a second mortgage can increase your risk of foreclosure if you can’t repay the loan. You want to avoid that, so make your decisions carefully.

Want more information on second mortgages? Just send a DM!

There are some things every homeowner should know how to do...how many of these items can you check off the list? (If anyone says they haven't checked behind the shower curtain...they're lying)

Real Estate has been a proven wealth-building strategy for centuries. It's a tangible asset that can appreciate in value over time, and generate a steady stream of income. Building generational wealth through real estate involves owning and investing in properties that can be passed down to future generations, creating a legacy of wealth that can last for decades or even centuries.

Here are some key strategies to consider when building generational wealth through real estate:

1. Start early: The earlier you start investing in real estate, the more time you have to build wealth. Even small investments can grow significantly over time, especially if they are compounded through appreciation and reinvested income.

2. Focus on long-term growth: Real estate is a long-term investment, so it's important to focus on properties that have the potential to appreciate in value over time. Look for properties in up-and-coming areas or markets that are likely to experience growth in the coming years.

3. Consider rental properties: Rental properties can be a great source of passive income, especially if you're able to purchase them at a discount or with favourable financing. You'll need to be prepared to manage the properties or hire a property management company, but the rewards can be substantial.

4. Leverage your assets: Real estate investing often involves leveraging your existing assets to acquire more properties. This can include taking out loans or using other forms of financing to purchase additional properties. However, it's important to be cautious and avoid over-leveraging, which can put you at risk if the market takes a downturn.

5. Plan for the future: When building generational wealth, it's important to think about the long-term implications of your investments. Consider creating a trust or other legal structure that will allow your assets to be passed down to future generations with minimal tax implications.

6. BUILD A TEAM OF EXPERTS: Real estate investing can be complex, so it's important to build a team of experts to help you navigate the process. This can include mortgage brokers, real estate agents, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors, among others. We have a TEAM OF EXPERTS and are are here to help.

Overall, building generational wealth through real estate requires a long-term perspective, careful planning, and a willingness to take calculated risks. By following these strategies and working with a team of experts, you can create a legacy of wealth that can benefit your family for generations to come.

How do you get the BEST mortgage rate?
➡️ Improve your credit score.
Regardless of the loan you choose, you’re likely to get a better mortgage rate if you have a higher credit score.
➡️ Choose your loan term carefully.
Short-term loans are less risky and, as a result, have lower mortgage rates. The trade-off for these kinds of loans is larger monthly payments since you're paying off the principal in a shorter time. With a longer-term loan, you spread the payments over a longer period of time, leading to lower monthly payments with a higher interest rate.
➡️ Make a larger down payment.
Simply put, the more money you put down towards your mortgage, the less you will owe on the loan. If you can make a larger down payment, you could have more equity in your home from the start. Not only will you need to repay less principal (the amount you owe on a loan excluding interest), but you'll also pay less interest over the life of the loan since it is calculated on the principal owed.
➡️ Rate locks
To potentially reduce the impact of mortgage rate changes before you close on a home loan, consider locking in your interest rate. A rate lock avoids increased rates before closing on your mortgage. You may need to pay a fee to lock in a rate, but this could be worth it if you suspect rates may change.

Whether you buy a new home or an existing home, something always seems to need fixing or tweaking. The six tools every homeowner should have are:

- Wrench
- Tape Measure
- Hammer
- Level
- Drill
- Screwdriver

Do you have all these in your toolkit?

Want to hear a sweet fact?🍯 Your mortgage renewal is your opportunity to renegotiate!

Your mortgage broker will work with you to assess your current mortgage and can help you:
💚 Improve your rate with early rate hold
💚 Access additional funds
💚 Adjust your amortization or payments

Contact your broker to discuss your options 🏡