Rates are NOT rising- well, not the way you think - UPDATED
Joel Olson • July 10, 2017
UPDATE: The Bank of Canada has increased their overnight rate to .75% as of July 12, 2017.
Despite many articles predicting interest rates going up. They are not. Well, not in the way you think.
This week the Bank of Canada will meet, as they do several times over the year to determine if its necessary to
increase the Bank of Canada Prime Rate. They have not done so since 2010. Although, it is yet to be confirmed,
there is a possibility that this could in fact be the time they do exactly that.
The prime rate effects every variable rate mortgage, line of credit, investment in Canada. This alone is one of the
major reasons that this decision is made with extreme caution. Essentially, in a very broad view the Bank of
Canada rate is related to how much a bank pays to obtain and access funds. The bank then has their own prime
rate that is directly linked to the Bank of Canada. Almost 100% of the time these prime rates match. However, last
time the prime rate went down, it worthy to note that the banks didn’t pass on the discount right away, and they still
do not pass on the full discount. The major bank world of Canada is small though, so there is very little room for
difference between the major banks on these things, without the prospect of losing instant market share.
So, let's then assume that prime rate is increased, and the banks raise their prime rate to match that. That is likely
what would happen. This means that if you have a line of credit or a variable rate mortgage that your interest rate
will increase. The Bank of Canada hasn’t increased prime beyond .25% in over 25 years. So, let’s prepare for
doomsday, if you have a $500,000 mortgage, your payment would in the most extreme examples increase by $62
per month. Obviously, as balances will be even lower for most people, that increase will be even less. To further
frame this, it is a little know fact, that many variable mortgages do not increase the payments. This means that
your payment remains the same, but the ratio of principal to interest changes, so the risk of a rising payment is
eliminated. The other thing to remember is that with a higher prime rate, it's often a case that lender will create even
bigger discounts on variables.
But- why bother? Still seems risky to you. The value of having a variable still will outweigh a fixed rate in many
situations, here is a great rundown of that, by a great mortgage broker friend of mine:
In any case, the world of interest rates has changed a lot in the past twelve months. Be worried of anyone quoting
you a mortgage rate after a brief two minute conversation. There is much to consider for your life, situation, future
and also many terms on mortgages that restrict you in a way that it is unlikely you would even ask.
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.
Want a Better Credit Score? Here’s What Actually Works Your credit score plays a major role in your ability to qualify for a mortgage—and it directly affects the interest rates and products you’ll be offered. If your goal is to access the best mortgage options on the market, improving your credit is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Here’s a breakdown of what truly matters—and what you can start doing today to build and maintain a strong credit profile. 1. Always Pay On Time Late payments are the fastest way to damage your credit score—and on-time payments are the most powerful way to boost it. When you borrow money, whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or mortgage, you agree to repay it on a schedule. If you stick to that agreement, lenders reward you with good credit. But if you fall behind, missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and your score takes a hit. A single missed payment over 30 days late can hurt your score. Missed payments beyond 120 days may go to collections—and collections stay on your report for up to six years . Quick tip: Lenders typically report missed payments only if they’re more than 30 days overdue. So if you miss a Friday payment and make it up on Monday, you're probably in the clear—but don't make it a habit. 2. Avoid Taking On Unnecessary Credit Once you have at least two active credit accounts (like a credit card and a car loan), it’s best to pause on applying for more—unless you truly need it. Every time a lender checks your credit, a “hard inquiry” appears on your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can bring your score down slightly. Better idea? If your current lender offers a credit limit increase , take it. Higher available credit (when used responsibly) actually improves your credit utilization ratio, which we’ll get into next. 3. Keep Credit Usage Low How much of your available credit you actually use—also known as credit utilization —is another major factor in your score. Here’s the sweet spot: Aim to use 15–25% of your limit if possible. Never exceed 60% , especially if you plan to apply for a mortgage soon. So, if your credit card limit is $5,000, try to keep your balance under $1,250—and pay it off in full each month. Maxing out your cards or carrying high balances (even if you make the minimum payment) can tank your score. 4. Monitor Your Credit Report About 1 in 5 credit reports contain errors. That’s not a small number—and even a minor mistake could cost you when it’s time to get approved for a mortgage. Check your report at least once a year (or sign up for a monitoring service). Look for: Incorrect balances Accounts you don’t recognize Missed payments you know were paid You can request reports directly from Equifax and TransUnion , Canada’s two national credit bureaus. If something looks off, dispute it right away. 5. Deal with Collections Fast If you spot an account in collections—don’t ignore it. Even small unpaid bills (a leftover phone bill, a missed utility payment) can drag down your score for years. Reach out to the creditor or collection agency and arrange payment as quickly as possible . Once settled, ask for written confirmation and ensure it’s updated on your credit report. 6. Use Your Credit—Don’t Just Hold It Credit cards won’t help your score if you’re not using them. Inactive cards may not report consistently to the credit bureaus—or worse, may be closed due to inactivity. Use your cards at least once every three months. Many people put routine expenses like groceries or gas on their cards and pay them off right away. It’s a simple way to show regular, responsible use. In Summary: Improving your credit score isn’t complicated, but it does take consistency: Pay everything on time Keep balances low Limit new credit applications Monitor your report and handle issues quickly Use your credit regularly Following these principles will steadily increase your creditworthiness—and bring you closer to qualifying for the best mortgage rates available. Ready to review your credit in more detail or start prepping for a mortgage? I’m here to help—reach out anytime!
