Unimor Capital Corporation

Author: unimorweb

  • Understanding GDS & TDS: What Can You Afford?

    Understanding GDS & TDS: What Can You Afford?

    When shopping around for a mortgage, there’s more to think about than simply finding the best mortgage rates. It’s important to also consider the terms and conditions of your mortgage, the size of your down payment, and whether or not you can afford the home (and monthly mortgage payments) you’re considering.

    While there are handy tools like a mortgage affordability calculator to help you figure out what you can afford, it’s a good idea to understand how lenders calculate your affordability and the formulas they use to do so.

    There are two standard measures of affordability lenders use to determine how much they’ll lend you. First, your Gross Debt Service Ratio (GDS) is calculated. This is the percentage of your income needed to pay all monthly housing costs: your mortgage, property taxes, heat, and 50% of your condo fees (if applicable). The industry standard for GDS is 32%, meaning you typically need a GDS lower than 32% to qualify for a mortgage.

    Calculating your GDS

    GDS = (Principal + Interest + Property Taxes + Heating + ½ Condo Fees) / Gross Income x 100

    Next, a lender will calculate your Total Debt Service Ratio (TDS), which is similar to a GDS but also takes into account your other monthly debts, like credit card payments, car payments, alimony, and loans. The industry standard for TDS is slightly higher than GDS at 40-42%.

    Calculating your TDS

    TDS = (Principal + Interest + Property Taxes + Heating + ½ Condo Fees) + Other Debts) / Gross Income x 100

  • Understanding Your Credit Report

    Understanding Your Credit Report

    A credit report is a history of how consistently you pay your financial obligations. It is created when you first borrow money or apply for credit and is built over time. The companies that lend or collect money or issue credit cards (banks, finance companies, credit unions, retailers, etc.) send credit reporting agencies specific and factual information about their financial relationship with you. Details, such as when you opened up your account, timeliness of your payments and if you have gone over your credit limit, are shown in full.

    Although this information is confidential, you have the right to see your credit report and no one else can have access to the information in the report unless you allow it. Typically, when you apply for a loan, a credit card or even a mortgage you will need to allow this organization to check your credit history. It will include the following account types:

    • Revolving accounts (credit cards & credit lines)
    • Installment accounts (loans)
    • Other accounts (cell phones)
    • Collection accounts

    If you would like to obtain a copy of your credit report you can contact a credit-reporting agency such as Equifax or TransUnion Canada. When you receive your credit score it’s important to make sure that the information is correct. If the score is lower than you were expecting, review your history and see where you may be able to improve.

    Tips to remember to improve your credit:

    • Make sure you have a credit history: you may not have a score because you do not have a record of owing money and paying it back. One way to build a credit history is by using a credit card.
    • Always pay your bills on time.
    • Don’t go over 50% of the limit on your credit card.
    • Apply for credit in moderation.
  • What to Consider Before Your Mortgage Renews

    What to Consider Before Your Mortgage Renews

    Have you explored all your options?
    Once you receive your mortgage renewal statement, there’s nothing easier than simply signing on for another term. But while this may make sense in many cases, your family or financial situation may have changed. We can look for opportunities that could better meet your needs.

    Are you comfortable with your payments?
    If you’ve been feeling financially strapped each month making your mortgage payments, this could be the time to reduce them to a more manageable level. On the other hand, if you’re earning more, why not pay down your mortgage faster, saving thousands in interest!

    Do you need cash flow for other things?
    Your priorities may have shifted since you first bought your home, and your cash flow needs to shift too. Things like paying for a child’s education, planning a career change, or a major purchase may call for spending money on things other than your home. You may be able to refinance your mortgage to take this into account.

    Can you handle fluctuating rates?
    Some homeowners are nervous about any hikes in interest rates, while others are comfortable to go with the flow. Rates are tough to predict. It’s best to base your decision on your personal situation, not what you read in the news. We can help you decide whether to opt for fixed or variable rates.

    Will you sell soon?
    If you are likely to sell soon, consider a shorter term mortgage or one that has more flexible terms so you’re not penalized if you sell your house before the mortgage comes due.

    Are you thinking about a major renovation?
    You know that projects such as a new kitchen or an addition can make your home more valuable. But the cost of having the work done can tie up a lot of money. Before you renew, look at all your financing options, which may include getting an additional line of credit or keeping your mortgage payments low so you can have money on hand to finance the renovations.

    When do you want to be ‘mortgage-free’?
    If you’re planning extended time away from work or perhaps an early retirement, it may make sense to pay down your mortgage sooner, rather than later. While increasing your payments will raise your monthly payments now, ultimately you will save on interest and can prepare for that fabulous mortgage-free lifestyle!

    Could you use your home equity to fulfill other goals?
    Refinancing a mortgage can be one way to free up cash you need for other things, which could even include buying another property. Mortgage renewal time is an ideal occasion to review all your options.

    Have your insurance needs changed?
    If your financial situation has changed since you first took out your mortgage, review whether you need the same level of insurance in place to cover mortgage obligations.

    Are you getting the best rates & terms?
    In a competitive mortgage environment, your good credit history can make refinancing work to your advantage. We analyze mortgage markets daily to ensure you don’t miss any money saving opportunities.