Hold On...

Marci Dean • March 7, 2024
The Bank of Canada has decided not to change its benchmark rate in its latest decision.


  • This keeps rates steady for the fifth consecutive time.
  • The overnight rate, which affects variable mortgage rates, stays at 5.0%, the same rate since July 2023. (Bank prime is still 7.20%)
  • There were no surprises in this Bank announcement today.
  • The Bank of Canada is still concerned about inflation risks and wants to see more easing in core inflation.
  • Last month, inflation decreased more than expected to 2.9%, inching closer to the Bank's target rate, which was good news, but……
  • The Canadian economy expanded in the fourth quarter and grew at a 1.0% annualized rate.
  • The speech from the US Treasury later this week will give a better sign on the possible trajectory of the rates both north and south of the Border.
  • Another thing to look for is the job numbers both here in Canada and in the US as these will have an impact on interest rate movement and timing of cuts.


All this to say it is a delicate balancing act right now and there is not enough economic incentive for the BOC to start cutting rates!

 

Leading economists still expect the Bank to lower the policy rate to 3% by 2025, with a 33% chance of a cut in April at the next Bank of Canada meeting. Most economist now think rate cuts will be delayed until the summer. I follow many economists and experts on the Canadian Economy and one of my favourites if Benjamin Tal. Here is what he has had to say after yesterday’s news from the BOC:


Still, while its tone was slightly more hawkish than many had expected, Tal said the central bank had good reason not to give away the game on when it’s likely to begin bringing rates down.


“What’s interesting is the language of the statement, which is not as dovish as some people expected,” Tal told Canadian Mortgage Professional after yesterday’s announcement. “There’s no hint of any cuts coming. They’re concerned about sticky inflation – and I think it makes sense.


Tal went on to say: …. the central bank is still likely to cut in June.


Time will tell if Ben has it right!


Fixed rates for a three-year term are now hovering in the low 5% range while the 5-year fixed rates are a bit lower than this, some even starting with a 4! The trouble with locking in for 5 years is that if/when rates drop further the penalty to break and refinance for an even lower rate could be very costly. Everyone’s situation is different so please reach out if you would like to discuss your mortgage renewal options.


Meanwhile, the real estate market is picking up with an up tick in listings and many buyers coming off the side lines. We do expect that this will continue through 2024 and if/when the BOC cuts and prime drops, activity heat up. If you want to consider your options for buying or selling and upsizing, now is the time to run the Mortgage Math!


The Bank's next announcement is scheduled for April 10, 2024! 🏠💰


As always, if you want to review your own personal mortgage please reach out for a complimentary Mortgage Review.

Let's Talk About Mortgage Renewals In 2024

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, today’s uncertain rate environment means mortgage renewals are more complicated!


Here are some things to consider if you have an upcoming mortgage renewal:


  • Confirm that your lender’s renewal offer includes all available terms.
  • Know that the lender’s first offer isn't always their best offer.
  • Ask for a quote that includes the rate and the new payment.
  • Understand that Mortgages can be moved to a new lender at renewal and this is often without a cost to the borrower!
  • The time to shop for a new mortgage is 3 - 6 months before your maturity date.

 


If you would like to explore all of your renewal options be sure to reach out to book a call.


If you want me to monitor your mortgage you can sign up for this service here!

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RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan Explained: A Smart Way to Buy Your First Home

By Marci Deane • July 22, 2026
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges first-time buyers face. What many don’t realize is that the Canadian government offers a program designed to make it easier—the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) . This program allows you to withdraw money from your RRSP to help purchase your first home, without immediate tax consequences. Here’s how it works: Who Qualifies? To be eligible, you generally need to be a first-time home buyer. In practical terms, this means you must not have owned a home in the past four years, nor lived in a property owned by your spouse or partner during that time. There are also special allowances if you’re living with a disability or helping a relative with a disability. In these cases, you can use the HBP even if you’ve owned a home more recently. How Much Can You Withdraw? Under the program, you can access up to $35,000 from your RRSP as an individual. Couples can combine their withdrawals for a total of $70,000 . These funds must have been in your RRSP for at least 90 days before you take them out. Paying It Back The HBP isn’t “free money”—it’s an interest-free loan from your own retirement savings. You’ll have 15 years to repay the full amount back into your RRSP, starting in the second year after withdrawal. Each year, the CRA will send you an HBP Statement of Account outlining how much needs to be repaid. If you don’t make your repayment in a given year, that amount will be added to your taxable income. Why It’s a Smart Strategy The HBP can give first-time buyers a powerful boost toward homeownership. It helps you put together a larger down payment, which can reduce your mortgage amount and monthly payments. Just remember: it’s important to balance the short-term benefit of homeownership with the long-term impact on your retirement savings. Next Steps Thinking about using the Home Buyers’ Plan? Let’s sit down and review whether it’s the right move for you. Together, we can create a strategy that gets you into your first home while keeping your future financial goals on track. 📞 Reach out anytime—it would be a pleasure to guide you through the process.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — July 15, 2026

By Marci Deane • July 15, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. The tone of today's announcement is notably more optimistic than previous months. Here's what's changed and what it means for you.

Let’s Talk About Getting Top Dollar for Your Property

By Marci Deane • July 8, 2026
When it comes to selling your home, most people think the first call should be to a real estate agent. But the smartest first step often isn’t with your agent—it’s with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because your mortgage plays a bigger role in your bottom line than most people realize. Planning to Buy After You Sell If selling means you’ll also be purchasing another property, you’ll want to know exactly where you stand financially before listing. Mortgage rules change regularly, and qualifying once doesn’t guarantee you’ll qualify again. Getting a pre-approval in place ensures you know what you can afford and eliminates surprises later. On top of that, reviewing the terms of your existing mortgage could uncover options you may not have considered. For example, porting your mortgage instead of arranging a brand-new one could save you thousands. Selling Without Buying Even if you aren’t planning to buy right away, there’s still an important step: understanding the cost of breaking your mortgage. Unless your mortgage is open, penalties apply—and they can be significant. By reviewing the numbers with a mortgage professional, you might find that simply adjusting your timeline could reduce or even avoid costly fees. Navigating Life Changes In situations like a marital breakdown, it can feel like selling the family home is the only path forward. But that’s not always the case. With the right guidance and a legal separation agreement, one spouse may be able to buy out the other, keeping the home and providing stability for everyone involved. The Bottom Line Selling your property is more than just putting a sign on the lawn—it’s about creating a financial plan that protects your equity and positions you for the best possible outcome. Before you take the leap, let’s sit down and review your options. 📞 If you’re ready to talk strategy and make sure you get top dollar for your property, I’d be happy to connect anytime.