The federal government is shedding light into a dark corner of the lending industry: the murky mathematics
of mortgage penalties.
Being aware of these differences
in mortgage penalty calculations could save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Pros: The calculator not only calculates the
anticipated mortgage penalty, but also compares what you would pay (and save) with a new, current mortgage rate.
Five years is a long time and a lot can change, so the flexibility of having a significantly
lower mortgage penalty means we could sell without having a large penalty to pay.
This column will use four different hypothetical borrowers to compare how fixed -
rate mortgage penalties are calculated.
Remember to always ask about
mortgage penalties if you pay off the mortgage early (b / c you sell the property) and ask if the mortgage is portable so that you can transfer it to another property.
Interest rate differential (IRD) charges — commonly referred to
as mortgage penalties — could leave a large dent in your wallet if you're not careful.
It may come with restrictions like
stiffer mortgage penalties, limited prepayment privileges and shorter closing times (some lenders offer a lower rate when your mortgage closes in 30 to 45 days).
With an assumable mortgage, you can leave it behind for a new qualified buyer instead of breaking it, avoiding
costly mortgage penalties.
«Lots of mortgage rules have changed since the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008, but
not mortgage penalty formulas.»
I originally posted a breakdown of
how mortgage penalties are calculated by different lenders on January 4, 2011.
On the other hand a
variable mortgage penalty is usually simple: the total of 3 months of interest (obviously this is higher the more money is owing and the higher the rate).
And the Bank's have shrunk their spread between posted and discounted rates causing borrowers to pay
record mortgage penalties in the $ 10k, $ 15k and $ 20k range and higher!
most profitable is a 5 yr fixed... on average, a mortgage if refinanced or someone moves every 3 years...
mortgage penalties affect more people than you think)
On November 26, 2010, we reported that a good source told us the govt would not follow through on their promise to
standardize mortgage penalties until this spring, at the earliest.
-LSB-...] Mortgage Penalties — although nearly every mortgage is «portable» it is vital to be aware that due to -LSB-...]
The Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards (QFREB) is taking the federal government to task, requesting legislation be established
surrounding mortgage penalties imposed on households that prepay the full balance of their mortgage.
If you're among the two - thirds of Canadian borrowers who opt for a five - year fixed - rate mortgage each year, what is this difference in the
way mortgage penalties are calculated worth to you?
Fortunately, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada is doing a noble job encouraging clarity
with mortgage penalties.
It may come with restrictions like
stiffer mortgage penalties, limited prepayment privileges and shorter closing times (some lenders offer a lower rate when your mortgage closes in 30 to 45 days).
With an assumable mortgage, you can leave it behind for a new qualified buyer instead of breaking it, avoiding
costly mortgage penalties.
Keep in mind the penalty to prepay (i.e. refinance or sale of property) a variable early is ~ 0.50 % of the mortgage balance, whereas if in a (4yr / 5 yr or longer) fixed
rate mortgage the penalty can be closer to 4.5 % of the mortgage balance *** depending upon which specific lender you are with and how long of a term you lock in for.