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THE COMPLETE
Home Buyers’
Construction Financing Step by Step Guide
Mortgage Guide
AVAILABLE @ GARIBALDIMORTGAGE.COM
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02/09
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
D. MORTGAGE OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D1. Closed Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D2. Open Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D3. Convertible Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D4. Fixed Rate Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D5. Variable Rate Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
D6. Payment Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
D7. Amortization And Payment Frequency Comparisons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
D8. Portable & Assumable Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. NON-RESIDENT LENDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
I1. Non-resident Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
I2. Whistler Condo Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
I3. How Canadian Mortgages Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
J. CONSTRUCTION FINANCING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
J1. Understanding the Construction Financing Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 - 26
J2. Construction Financing Example Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 30
2
A. INTRODUCTION
For most people, buying a home will be the largest purchase they will ever make. Besides
being a necessary source of shelter for you and your family, it may also be an important
investment for your future.
As mortgage brokers it is our job to find you the best possible mortgage financing for your
own unique situation. The following is a list of just a few of the lenders we work with on your
behalf:
• CIBC
• Concentra
• First National
• FirstLine Mortgages
• Home Trust
• ICICI Bank Canada
• ING
• MCAP
• Merix Financial
• National Bank of Canada
• North Shore Credit Union
• President’s Choice Financial
• Scotiabank
• Squamish Savings (owned by Vancity)
• TD/Canada Trust
• VanCity
We would be pleased to assist you with your home purchase. Application can be made by
telephone, fax, or on-line. We even do house calls.
This guide has been developed to assist and guide you through the home buying and
financing processes. It will provide you with the information necessary to make an informed
decision about purchasing and financing your new home.
We are able to arrange 1st / 2nd mortgages for purchases and/or refinance for both
residential and commercial property. Construction financing, transfers/switches, & lines of
credit are also provided. In some cases broker / lender fees may be charged, but not without
your consent.
3
B. MORTGAGE QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES
B1. GENERAL INFORMATION
There are many factors taken into consideration when a lender is qualifying you for a mortgage. Among the
deciding factors are: family income and job stability, past credit history, net worth (assets minus liabilities),
source of down payment, the amount of the mortgage and its percentage of the value, and finally your debt
service ratios. You will be asked to fill out a mortgage application and authorize the institution to perform a
credit investigation (also called a Credit Bureau or “Bureau” for short). There are many sources of funds for
financing: banks, trust companies, life insurance companies, other finance companies and private lenders.
Any income that is earned as “cash” or “under the table” cannot be used to qualify you for a mortgage.
It is up to the lender to decide what is appropriate in each case. If you are self-employed, the income
verification process is a bit more complicated in that you will have to provide a minimum of 2 years’
worth of business financial statements and tax returns.
4
B. MORTGAGE QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES
B5. OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME
As with employment income, you will also have to provide proof of any other sources of
income you may have. Below are some of the most common sources of income and the
documentation required:
In all of the above cases, the lender may request 2-3 years’ copies of your Canada Revenue
Agency Notice of Assessment to confirm the amount of these incomes.
There are two credit bureau reporting agencies, Equifax and Trans Union. Their web sites are
as follows:
• www.equifax.ca • www.tuc.ca
5
B. MORTGAGE QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES
B7. SOURCE OF DOWN PAYMENT
The lender will also want to know where your down payment is coming from. That is, have
you saved the funds yourself over a period of time? Do you have stocks, bonds, RRSPs,
mutual funds or other investments that you are cashing? Are you receiving a gift from a
relative? Are you selling an asset you already own? Are you refinancing an existing property?
The amount of down payment relative to the purchase price will also be evaluated. A lender’s
decision to approve the mortgage application will also take into account what percentage of
equity you will have in the property. For example, are you putting down 25% of the purchase
price from your own savings or will you be receiving a gift for 5% of the purchase price? The
more equity you have from your own funds, the stronger your application is considered to be.
Wherever your down payment is coming from, the lender will require documented proof of
its source:
6
B. MORTGAGE QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES
B8. INCOME AND EXPENSES (GDS/TDS RATIOS)
Historically, lenders and high ratio insurance providers (CMHC, Genworth) maintained the
qualifying formula shown below as a guide for income to debt ratios. Recently, in the last
couple of years, this formula has been relaxed. Depending on your credit history (a minimum
beacon score of 680 is required) and your level of downpayment, you may be eligible for no
GDS and a TDS of up to 44%. What does this mean for you? It means that your income is
recognized to carry more for a mortgage which may help you purchase the property that you
really wish for.
GDS (Gross Debt Service) and TDS (Total Debt Service) ratios are the two factors that lenders
and CMHC take into consideration when they are determining how much of a mortgage you
qualify for. These ratios take into account your gross family income (before taxes) and divide
that into your expenses. The maximum GDS ratio is 32% and the maximum TDS is 40%.
These are the accepted industry guidelines. GDS and TDS are calculated as follows:
GDS = Mortgage Payment + Property Taxes + Basic Heat + 1⁄2 Condo Maint Fee
(Max 32%) Gross Family Income
TDS = Mortgage Payment + Property Taxes + Basic Heat + 1⁄2 Condo Maint Fee + Other Exp*
(Max 40%) Gross Family Income
1. A fully executed copy of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale along with all the attached
schedules, amendments and waivers. Fully executed means that all the pages, additions,
and changes have been signed and/or initialed by all parties.
2. An MLS listing or feature sheet and picture of the property. Among other things, this
contains details of the location, condition, asking price and features of the home.
7
C. MORTGAGE AND PROPERTY DEFINITIONS
Below are the definitions of some of the more common terms you will hear with respect to your home
purchase and financing.
C1. CONVENTIONAL
The conventional mortgage is one that is offered on new and existing homes for up to 80% of the
purchase price. This means that the home buyer must have at least 20% of the purchase price
available for a down payment. Conventional mortgages do not normally have to be insured through
CMHC or Genworth.
C4. LEASEHOLD
A person has use of the property for a limited time. Usually, the land is owned by the federal, provincial or
municipal government and land lease payments are made to them. In the case of a residential home purchase,
the purchaser owns the building but not the land on which it sits. The term “leasehold” can also refer to
situations where both the building and the land are being leased.
C5. CONDOMINIUM
Owner has full and sole use of a housing unit. The owner shares ownership of common space such as
parking garage, and recreation areas with others who all belong to the same condominium group. Since
ownership of common space is shared, so are repair, maintenance and replacement costs. Usually these
expenses are covered through the strata maintenance fees.
C6. CO-OPERATIVE
Persons have a share in a residential project. They do not have ownership of a particular unit, but as
shareholders they each have use of a unit.
8
C. MORTGAGE AND PROPERTY DEFINITIONS
C7. JOINT TENANCY
If you buy a home with another person or with several other people, many types of ownership
agreements can be in place. As joint tenants, each owner holds an equal share in the property
regardless of his or her individual financial contribution. If an owner dies without any specific
arrangements having been made, his or her share is automatically transferred to the other owner(s).
Each owner holds a specific portion of the property but the portions do not have to be equal.
Each individual owner can sell or assign his or her share to any other person, subject to any
restrictions that were originally stated in the deed. Rights of survivorship do not exist in this
case, so upon the death of one of the owners, their share becomes part of their estate and
is dealt with according to the provisions set out in their will. Or, if no will, according to the
relevant provincial law.
The choice of Lenders may be limited for these Fractional Interest properties. If the title
structure is unconventional, then finding a lender may be much more difficult as there may
be no formal structure to allow the lender to foreclose if they have to.
One lawyer cannot act for both borrower and lender in financing Fractional Interests. The
borrower will have to pay for both their lawyer and the lender’s lawyer, so the costs of
closing a Fractional Interest property are greater.
9
D. MORTGAGE OPTIONS
D1. CLOSED MORTGAGE
The term ‘closed’ mortgage refers to the fact that there are penalties incurred in the
event the mortgage is fully paid, either from sale of the property, a refinance to a different
lender, or from your own resources. Some ‘closed’ mortgages can only be paid off from
the sale of the property. The penalties can vary depending on if you are in a closed
fixed rate mortgage, or a closed variable rate mortgage. It is best to obtain the specific
penalty policy from your lender regarding the specific type of mortgage you are taking.
Most lenders allow prepayments based on a certain percentage that can be paid each
year, the percentage varying depending on the lender. The usual range is 10 to 20%
per annum, and based on the original amount borrowed. Closed fixed rate mortgages
usually have a lower rate than open mortgages, and are a good choice for those who
want the security of knowing their mortgage rate and payments will not change until the
end of the mortgage term.
10
D. MORTGAGE OPTIONS
D5. VARIABLE RATE MORTGAGE
The rate of interest changes from time to time as money market conditions change, but
usually no more often than once a month. This type of mortgage was developed in order
to provide maximum flexibility to borrowers in times of volatile or fluctuating interest rates.
Although the interest rate charged on the mortgage fluctuates, the amount of the regular
payment usually does not change throughout the term of the mortgage. Because of this,
the rate fluctuation will affect the way each payment is applied. Since payments are made
up of both principal and interest, when rates go down, more of the payment will be applied
towards the principal. If interest rates rise, more of the payment goes towards interest. If
interest rates rise dramatically, the borrower may be required to make a lump sum payment
against the mortgage, or increase the payments to ensure pay down as per the original
amortization. Most variable rate mortgages offer conversion options to allow you to “lock-in”
to a fixed rate mortgage term.
Example:
Mortgage Amount: $100,000 Interest Rate: 5% Amortization: 25 years
Interest Paid*: $74,482.96
11
D. MORTGAGE OPTIONS
D8. PORTABLE & ASSUMABLE MORTGAGES
Portability and assumability features offer additional flexibility. Portable means that the borrower can
take their current mortgage to a new home at the same rate, etc. If the current mortgage is not enough
to cover the purchase of the new home, the lender will often let you increase the mortgage and charge
you current rates only on the portion being increased (called “blending” the rate).
Assumable means that, with the approval of the lender, the purchasers of a home may “take-over” the
vendor’s mortgage. Allowing a prospective buyer to assume your mortgage when the rate is lower than
the current market rates may increase the marketability of the property being sold.
12
E. CMHC/GENWORTH POLICIES & PROCEDURES
E1. WHAT IS CMHC’S ROLE?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is a crown corporation whose broad mandate
includes programs to assist Canadians with housing matters. The most frequent contact
most people will have with CMHC will be as a provider of mortgage insurance on high
ratio mortgages.
GENWORTH provides the same service and high ratio insurance as CMHC, however they are
privately owned and operated.
By law, financial institutions require that all mortgages with a loan to value ratio greater than
80% be insured against default. CMHC provides mortgage loan insurance to approved
lenders in the event that the home owner defaults on their mortgage. Depending on the
situation, a lender may also request that a conventional mortgage be insured through CMHC.
* Please note that for extended amortizations, CMHC will add .20 for every 5 years beyond a
25 year amortization. So, for a 35 year amortization, there is a .40 premium surcharge added.
This premium surcharge applies no matter which high ratio insurance program you are
applying under.
In a refinance transaction, the premium payable is the lesser of a) the new loan amount
multiplied by the full premium rate below, or b) the increase in loan amount (top-up amount)
multiplied by the top-up premium rate in the table above. The insurance premium may be
paid in full on closing or added to the mortgage amount. If added to the mortgage, interest
is then paid on the insurance premium over the amortization of the mortgage. Since most
buyers do not have the extra cash on closing, it is most common to add the premium to
the mortgage.
13
E. CMHC/GENWORTH POLICIES & PROCEDURES
E2. CMHC/GENWORTH FEES & PREMIUMS CONTINUED
EFFECTIVE APRIL 19TH, 2010, the qualifying interest rate used to assess borrower eligibility
will change for loans with a loan to value ratio greater than 80% as follows:
FIXED & VARIABLE RATE MORTGAGES:For loans with a fixed rate term of LESS than 5
years, and for ALL variable rate mortgages, the qualifying interest rate is the greater of the
Benchmark Rate and the Contract Interest Rate.
For loans with a fixed term of 5 years OR MORE, the qualifying interest rate is the Contract
Interest Rate.
The benchmark rate can be found at the Bank of Canada link: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/
en/rates/interest-look.html. This rate is set every Wednesday, and is item V121764.
RENTAL PROGRAM
If the subject property generates rental income, then taxes and heat for the property
generating rental income can be excluded. It is assumed that property taxes and heat are
covered by the remaining 50% of the gross rents.
If there is income generated from other properties a client owns, the net rental income or
loss is included in the borrower’s income. The principal, interest, taxes & heat for these other
properties can be excluded from the debt service costs.
14
E. CMHC/GENWORTH POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Refinance/
Insurance Premiums Purchase Premium on Increase to
Loan Amount
Up to and including 65% 1.25% 2.75%
65.01% to 75% 1.75% 3.00%
75.01% to 80% 2.50% 3.75%
They will allow up to 80% financing, and use an 80% rental offset for qualifying purposes.
Their minimum credit score guidelines are 660 for both purchase and refinance, and self-
employed applicants under the “Alt-A” program are not eligible.
* Please note that for extended amortizations, CMHC will add .20 for every 5 years
beyond a 25 year amortization. So, for a 35 year amortization, there is a .40 premium
surcharge added. This premium surcharge applies no matter which high ratio
insurance program you are applying under.
If the subject property generates rental income, then taxes and heat for the property
generating rental income can be excluded. It is assumed that property taxes and heat are
covered by the remaining 50% of the gross rents.
If there is income generated from other properties a client owns, the net rental income or
loss is included in the borrower’s income. The principal, interest, taxes & heat for these other
properties can be excluded from the debt service costs.
15
E. CMHC/GENWORTH POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Cash-Out Refinance
Purchase
The Lesser of Premium as % of
LTV Ratio Bureau Scores Premium Total Loan Amount Top Up Portion
65.01% - 75% 600 1.00% 1.00% 2.60%
75.01% - 80% 620 1.64% 1.64% 3.85%
80.01% - 85% 620 2.90% 2.90% 5.50%
85.01% - 90% 650 4.75%
* Please note that for extended amortizations, CMHC will add .20 for every 5 years beyond a
25 year amortization. So, for a 35 year amortization, there is a .40 premium surcharge added.
This premium surcharge applies no matter which high ratio insurance program you are
applying under.
Through Genworth, a minimum of 5% down must come from the client’s own resources.
Additional down payment funds can be gifted from an immediate family member.
16
F. OTHER GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES
F1. USING YOUR RRSP FOR DOWN PAYMENT
The guidelines are as follows:
• You cannot have owned your principal residence in the last 5 years.
• Commencing January 28, 2009, first-time home buyers can withdraw $25,000 from a Registered
Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a home, without incurring tax. Previously, the
limit was $20,000.
• You must make repayments to your RRSP of equal amounts over the next 15 years.
• If the amount is not repaid in a year, that year’s amount will be taken into income and taxed.
• It is acceptable to repay more than 1/15th of the funds per year.
• If less than 1/15th is repaid in one year, the difference is taken into income for that year and taxed.
• The home must be intended to be your principal residence.
• The funds must be in your RRSP for at least 90 days prior to withdrawal.
The government website for more information is:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/topics/rrsp/hbp/menu-e.html.
First-time home buyers that acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009, can claim a 15%
non-refundable tax credit on up to $5,000, for a maximum credit of $750. If a home is purchased jointly,
the total credit that may be claimed by all purchasers is $750. The unused portion of the credit can be
transferred to a spouse or common-law partner.
17
F. OTHER GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES
F4. HST INFORMATION
18
F. OTHER GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES
F4. HST INFORMATION CONTINUED
The above information is a brief summary provided courtesy of Spagnuolo & Company Real
Estate Lawyers.
19
G. CLOSING THE DEAL
G1. ESTIMATED COSTS
15
A few days before closing, your lawyer will have you come into his or her office to sign all the
mortgage documents. When they set up this appointment, they will give you the final figure
of how much you should write your cheque for and to whom it should be payable (usually the
lawyer or legal firm “in trust”). You will receive a Statement of Adjustments which will show
you exactly how your funds are being disbursed.
*Costs are estimated and will vary depending on each individual transaction and property.
20
H. MORTGAGE PAYMENT CALCULATOR
Mortgage Payment Calculation Chart Per $1,000 Of Mortgage
Example: $100,000 mortgage @ 5% amortized over 25 years = $5.82 per $1,000, so,
100 x 5.82 = $582 per month.
At this site you can calculate your mortgage amortization schedule and then print out the
details of all your payments. You can also view the latest best rates that we have access to.
21
I. NON-RESIDENT
I1. NON-RESIDENT LENDING
We frequently receive requests from non-residents of Canada looking for financing for the
purchase of revenue or vacation property. While the general guidelines from most banks
observe a maximum 65% loan to value policy, we do have lenders that will make exceptions
to 75% depending on each application, and the type of real estate you are buying.
Depending on your purchase price, the lender may reduce the loan to value ratio, as every
bank has different formulas they follow on larger loan amounts. For example, a high value
purchase in excess of $2,000,000 may have a maximum loan availability of 55%. As every
client situation and property is different, we are able to obtain exceptions and provide
financing over and above guidelines, on a case by case basis.
You may hear terms like ‘payment hypothecation’ and ‘assignment of rents’.
Assignment of Rents refers to a lender issued document registered on the title of your
purchase at the time of mortgage registration. It entitles the lender to use rental income to
make up any funds in arrears if the mortgage were ever to go into default. As long as the
mortgage is in regular repayment, the lender has no cause to use the ‘assignment of rents’.
Financing is generally available to 65%. Rates and possible fees should be discussed
wtih your mortgage broker, as the available financing and terms for these properties vary
depending on where you are filing tax returns, and your overall qualifications as an applicant.
22
I. NON-RESIDENT
I3. HOW CANADIAN MORTGAGES WORK
They are closed interest rate contracts – closed for the term you select, ie one to 10 years.
The maximum amortization available is 25 years. The penalty to break the interest rate
contract prior to the maturity date is the GREATER of 3 months interest, or the IRD (interest
rate differential). The IRD is the bank’s loss of interest for the time remaining in the term. So
if you take a 5 year fixed and pay it off after 3 years, either from your own resources, or by
sale, the bank will calculate the IRD by comparing your rate, with the current rate for 2 years,
and charge that on the balance to the end of the term. The estimate for 3 months interest is
approximately 2 months worth of payments.
Additionally worth noting is that in the Bank Act, the maximum penalty that can be charged
after the 5th anniversary is 3 months’ interest – so this is applicable for terms longer than 5
years.
All of our lenders allow a prepayment percentage from 10 to 20%, based on the original
amount borrowed. Some allow it only on the anniversary date, and some allow it
cumulatively throughout the year.
When any mortgage is up for renewal, you may pay off as much as you wish without penalty.
The renewal process is very easy. As long as you are just renewing the balance, and not
changing anything, you just choose a new term at whatever the prevailing interest rates are.
There are no lawyers involved or re-qualifying procedures to go through. Please note, at
the end of the term you are able to switch lenders if you are not getting a competitive offer
- however by switching lenders, you will have to go through the re-qualifying process. Many
of our clients contact us at renewal, and we assist you with either switching lenders, or
negotiating a better rate from your existing.
There is also variable, prime based financing available. The Canadian prime rate is reviewed
every 6 weeks. Generally, with a closed variable rate mortgage, the penalty to pay off early is
3 months’ interest. With an open variable rate mortgage, there are no penalties for early
pay off.
23
J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
J1. UNDERSTANDING THE CONSTRUCTION FINANCING PROCESS
Building your own home is an exciting and rewarding DETERMINING WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED
project. We are here to help you understand the process
During the application process, you will need to
of financing the construction of your new home so that
understand the initial costs that you will be responsible
you can get started with confidence and proceed with
for.
peace of mind.
You may have some experience in obtaining mortgage Land
financing but as you’ll see, construction financing is To secure construction financing you are required to own
a more detailed process, with several important mile- the land, as the bank will need to register a first mort-
stones that don’t take place when you buy an existing gage on it.
home.
Servicing
A substantial amount of your own funds are required up The land you intend to build on needs to be fully ser-
front. You are not “reimbursed” until the end, when the viced. This includes site preparation and municipal
dwelling is 100% complete. services such as septic service, water connection, sewer
connection, hydro and gas service.
Now is the time to plan
It is never too early to plan. Read through the example Soft costs
sheets to ensure you have a clear understanding of These are out-of-pocket expenses for services and
how your advances work so that you request the right charges you are likely to incur at the outset of, and
mortgage amount. throughout, the construction phases. Depending on
your plans and the location of your home, these will
What to Expect likely include:
When you build your home, there are more steps and • Property taxes
expenses than if you buy an existing home. In the sim- • Municipal permits
plest terms, a typical mortgage is advanced in one lump
• Fees for architects and engineers
sum. Construction financing is different. At the bank, the
total amount borrowed to complete a project is usually • Fees for realtors and solicitors
advanced in three stages within one year. • Fees for appraisals and inspections
24
J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
Lien holdbacks THE APPLICATION
Different banks observe lien holdbacks in different ways. Here’s what you should plan to bring to your first meeting
They may also be subject to change. It is best to clarify
with a mortgage representative.
your lender’s policy with your mortgage broker.
Your solicitor may be required to hold back some of the All information associated with the construction
money advanced at each of the Foundation, Lock-up • Construction contract, including costs
and Completion stages of your construction project.
This money is held in reserve in the event that a • Construction plans or blueprints
contractor or supplier claims a lien on your property. A • Quotes for labour and material if you are acting as the
lien is a claim by a contractor against the property to general contractor
secure repayment of unpaid construction costs. • Site preparations, including municipal services for the
The amount of your lien holdback and the number of lot (e.g. excavation, septic service, water, sewer, hydro,
days that your funds will be held in trust varies by gas, etc.)
province. The bank will instruct your solicitor to hold • Evidence of ownership of the land and/or a copy of the
back a percentage based on the chart below. purchase agreement with evidence of
Ask your solicitor for details. available funds
1
For the purpose of the mortgage application, the value of
the completed project is the lesser of a) the cost to construct
including land value or b) the appraised value.
25
J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
YOUR 1ST ADVANCE - THE FOUNDATION STAGE YOUR 2ND ADVANCE - THE LOCK-UP STAGE
When you have completed the Foundation stage, we The Lender will release your second advance to your
will send an appraiser to your home to inspect the solicitor. Once again, a lien holdback may be applied.
property and confirm that the Foundation stage is
complete. The amount of your second advance is dependent on
the requested mortgage amount, the amount of the first
Up to this point, you will have paid all expenses from advance and the remaining cost to construct
your own resources. your home.
At each stage, when you are ready for an advance, the YOUR 3RD ADVANCE - THE COMPLETED STAGE
bank will send out their appraiser to confirm that the When you have completed your home, we will send an
work is completed and what percentage of work is left appraiser to your home to inspect the property.
to complete.
When the appraiser has determined that your building is
The lender will release your first advance of funds to complete, the Lender will release the final advance of finds
your solicitor, who may keep a percentage of it as a to your solicitor. A lien holdback may be applied.
lien holdback. The percentage varies by province. Prior to releasing the final advance, your solicitor may
At this point monthly interest-only payments will request further documentation, which may include:
commence.
The amount of your first advance is determined by • Well Water Potability Certificate (if applicable)
a formula based on the total requested mortgage • Flow Certificates and Septic Certificates (if applicable)
amount and the remaining cost to construct
• Occupancy Permit
your home.
• New Home Warranty Certificates (if applicable)
Prior to releasing the first advance, your solicitor Release of lien holdbacks
will need - All lien holdback will be release to you approximately 30-60
• Builder’s all-risk insurance assigned to the Lender days (depending on your province) after your project has
been completed, assuming there have been no lien claims
• A survey showing the location of all buildings to made against your property.
be constructed
• Confirmation that all necessary building permits Anticipating mortgage interest and principal payments
are in place By the time your reach the Completed stage, most of your
mortgage amount will have been advanced to you through
your solicitor. You will be required to start making regular
mortgage interest and principal payments shortly after
IMPORTANT NOTE receiving your third advance.
It is important that you request the right mortgage
amount. Review the examples found in the guide
on pages 25 - 28 prior to applying for a mortgage
so that you understand how the advance
schedule works.
26
J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
J2. CONSTRUCTION FINANCING EXAMPLE SHEETS
This example illustrates why it is so important to to apply for the maximum amount of financing you can obtain,
rather than just the minimum budgeted amount. The higher financing allows for maximum flexibility during your
advances which is important as unforeseen costs, due to materials, scheduling etc., can arise as construction
progresses. Keep in mind that your final advance is not released until the project is completed.
The land is owned free and clear of any financing, and the borrower is applying
EXAMPLE 1
only for the minimum budgeted amount.
Funds Needed
5. $135,000 spent and the bank’s appraiser is called out. The appraiser confirms there is $115,000
worth of work required to complete, calculated as follows:
Build Cost $300,000
less Foundation - $50,000
less 1st Advance - $135,000
Amount required to complete = $115,000
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J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
J2. CONSTRUCTION FINANCING EXAMPLE SHEETS
8. At this point, you will have spent $270,000 in advances, leaving approximately $30,000 needed in
available credit to complete. This figure could be higher depending on how much in overruns you
have incurred, and GST.
At this stage, the funding to complete construction will have to come from outside resources
and credit, as the final advance from the bank is not paid until completion. It is very important
to plan for this. Will you be able to get funding from other resources at this stage?
9. The dwelling is 100% finished and the bank’s appraiser is sent out once again to confirm if there is
any work required to complete. If the appraiser confirms completion of the work, the bank releases
the balance of the construction mortgage funds - $115,000 ($385,000 financing - $270,000 advances
paid = $115,000) which at that point reimburses you to pay down any credit lines used.
If $485,000 had been approved at the beginning, then outside credit lines would not have been
needed to complete the structure:
irst Advance
F
$485,000 Approved
$50,000 Spent on Foundation 250,000
$250,000 Required to Complete $235,000 Available for Advance
Second Advance
$470,000 has been made available in advances to complete structure completely, cover
overruns, GST and legal costs. In this scenario, there is no need to go to outside resources
for funding to reach the completion stage.
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J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
J2. CONSTRUCTION FINANCING EXAMPLE SHEETS
This example shows the construction mortgage process when there is also a lot loan involved.
Funds Needed
5. $135,000 has been spent and the bank’s appraiser is called out. The appraiser confirms there is
$115,000 worth of work required to complete, calculated as follows:
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J. CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE GUIDE
J2. CONSTRUCTION FINANCING EXAMPLE SHEETS
6. The 2nd Advance is calculated as follows:
Approved $635,000
First Draw - $385,000
Work required to complete - $115,000
2nd Advance Available $135,000
7. The $135,000 is used towards the completion of the structure. Once again, there will have been
$270,000 used towards the build, with approximately $30,000 plus GST plus overruns to be covered
from an outside source at this point in time.
8. IMPORTANT POINT:
In this example, the $635,000 applied for is 79.3% financing based on the end value cost
(ie. $635,000/ $800,000 = 79.3% loan to value ratio).
In this case, to apply for higher financing at the beginning would provide you with flexibility during the
advances, BUT would also incur CMHC mortgage insurance costs.
Remember that any mortgage with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% or higher will incur CMHC mortgage
insurance costs. Your decision in this case as to how much financing to apply for at the beginning
would be determined by th availability of outside lines of credit and/or family assistance and the cost
of the CMHC premium. (See Section E for insurance premium tables).
9. The dwelling is 100% finished and the bank’s appraiser is sent out once again to confirm if there is
any work required to complete. If the appraiser confirms completion of the work, the bank releases
the balance of the construction mortgage funds, which at that point reimburses you to pay down any
credit lines used.
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K. GLOSSARY OF MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE TERMS
ACCRUED INTEREST ASSUMPTION OF MORTGAGE
Interest which has accumulated unpaid since The purchaser of property assumes the liability
last payment date. for an existing mortgage against a property
and becomes liable for timely payment of the
AMORTIZATION mortgage. This action might occur with or without
The gradual retirement of a debt by means of partial approval of the existing mortgagee depending on
payments of the principal at regular intervals. the terms of the existing mortgage.
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K. GLOSSARY OF MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE TERMS
CMHC COMPOUND INTEREST
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Interest charged not only to the principal sum
a Crown Corporation which administers the but also on interest amounts charged in a
National Housing Act. preceding period.
CO-OPERATIVE CONDOMINIUM
The ownership of a separate amount of space in The ownership of a separate amount of space in
a multiple dwelling or other multiple-occupancy a multiple dwelling or other multiple-occupancy
building with proportioned tenancy in common building with proportioned tenancy in common
ownership of common elements. Used jointly ownership of common elements used jointly
with other owners however, the owner does not with other owners.
own his/her specific unit but he/she becomes
a shareholder of the corporation which owns CONTRACT
all the real property and occupies by way of a An agreement between two or more parties
tenancy agreement subject to a shareholders given receipt of lawful consideration to do or
agreement administered by an elected board of refrain from doing some act.
directors.
CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE
CO-OWNERSHIP A first mortgage, outside the conditions of
Co-ownership occurs when the ownership of NHA (the National Housing Act), granted by an
the whole property is divided (not necessarily institutional lender such as a bank, mortgage,
on a pro-rated basis) between two or more loan or trust company wherein the amount of
persons. Usually there is a written agreement the loan does not exceed 80% of the appraised
between the co-owners in which the rights of value of the property.
each co-owner is described. Each co-owner
may sell his/her right of ownership or dispose of CONVERTIBLE MORTGAGE
it as he/she wishes. A short term mortgage, usually 6 or 12 months,
allowing the borrower to switch into a longer
COLLATERAL MORTGAGE term at anytime without penalty. There are
A loan backed by a promissory note and the several different variations to the convertible
security of a mortgage on a property. The money mortgage.
borrowed may be used for another purpose,
such as home renovations or a vacation. DEBT SERVICE
The amount of principal and interest repayments
COMMITMENT made under a mortgage on a periodic basis.
A notice from a mortgage lender to a If payments are equal they are “constant
prospective borrower that the lender will payments”, if amounts vary they are known as
advance mortgage funds in a specified amount “variable payments”.
under certain conditions.
DEED
COMMITMENT FEE An instrument in writing, duly executed and
This fee is charged by a lender for keeping delivered, that conveys title or an interest in real
an agreed amount of funds available to the property.
borrower for a specified period of time.
DEFAULT
Failure to fulfil an obligation.
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K. GLOSSARY OF MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE TERMS
DEFAULT NOTE FLOATING RATE OF INTEREST
Payment is made on demand, usually within a Rate of interest which fluctuates a certain
few days notice to the borrower. number of percentage points above or below
prime lending rates.
DEPOSIT
A sum of money (in the form of cash) required FORECLOSURE
to be paid with an offer to purchase as a symbol Remedial court action taken by a mortgagee when
of the purchaser’s commitment. If the offer is default occurs on a mortgage, to cause forfeiture
accepted, the deposit is applied to the down of the equity of redemption of the mortgagor.
payment. If the offer is later turned down by the
buyer, the deposit may or may not be returned. FREEHOLD
The ownership of a tract of land on which the
DISCHARGE OF MORTGAGE building(s) are located. The most common type
A document executed by the mortgagee, and of ownership of real estate.
given to the mortgagor when a mortgage loan
has been repaid in full before, at, or after the GROSS DEBT SERVICE RATIO (GDS)
maturity date. The annual charges for principal, interest
and taxes as a function of gross income of
DOWN PAYMENT the mortgagor.
The amount of money (in the form of cash) put
forward by the buyer toward the purchase price GROSS INCOME
of a home. The scheduled income from the operation
of the business of the management of the
EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATE property, customarily stated on an annual
The actual interest rate on investment where basis. Also refers to the total personal income
a debt or loan was bought at a discount or at (from all sources) of an individual, before taxes
a premium. and other deductions.
EQUITY GUARANTOR
The remaining interest an owner of real property A third party person without interest in the
has in its total value allowing for encumbrances property who agrees to assume responsibility for
and creditors’ claims. a debt in the event of default by the mortgagor.
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K. GLOSSARY OF MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE TERMS
INCOME/EXPENSE RATIO LETTER OF INTENT
Ratio of operation expenses to gross income Similar to a commitment letter where a lender
and expressed as a percentage (also known as issues a letter to a borrower outlining their intent
operating ratio). to lend them money for a specific purpose and
under what conditions that money will be loaned.
INTEREST
“Annual” profit on a loan of money. The price paid LIABILITIES
to rent money. A function of the rate of interest What the borrower owes.
over a period of time on a specific sum of money.
LIEN
INTEREST ADJUSTMENT DATE (IAD) The lender’s legal claim to the borrower’s property.
The date on which the mortgage really begins,
usually the first of the month. The borrower is LINE OF CREDIT
required to pay interest on the loan between the A maximum credit limit allowed by a lender to a
date of receiving the funds and the IAD before borrower, as long as the borrower maintains an
regular mortgage payments start. acceptable balance on account or has a good
credit rating. The credit line will vary from time to
INTEREST ONLY LOAN time according to the changing circumstances
Borrower pays back interest only on the loan of the borrower or the lender.
and there is no amortization until later or until
the end of the term. This may occur when a LOAN COVERAGE
purchaser wishes to resell property after a The ratio of net operating income to mortgage
short period or if he wishes to build up enough debt service; in general, loan coverage of 1.2 is
income from the property before amortization. considered adequate.
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K. GLOSSARY OF MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE TERMS
PRE-AUTHORIZED PAYMENT (PAP) RATE (INTEREST)
This method of making mortgage payments The return the lender receives for loaning the
allows the lender to deduct the agreed upon borrower the money for the mortgage.
mortgage (tax & insurance, if applicable)
payment directly from the borrower’s chequing REDEMPTION
account. The buying back of a mortgage estate by
payment of the sum due on the mortgage.
PREPAYMENT CHARGE
A fee charged by the lender when the borrower REFINANCE
prepays all or part of a mortgage more quickly To pay in full and discharge a mortgage and any
than stated in the mortgage agreement. The fee other registered encumbrances and arrange for a
is charged to compensate the lender for loss of new mortgage with the same or a different lender.
revenue.
RENEGOTIATE
PREPAYMENT OPTIONS To change the terms and conditions of a mortgage
The clause in the mortgage agreement agreement prior to maturity. Renegotiation occurs
that specifies when, how much and how with the lender who currently holds the mortgage.
prepayments of the mortgage principal (above
and beyond the regular mortgage payments) RENEWAL AGREEMENT
can be made by the borrower. An agreement whereby the lender may agree
to extend the term of the loan, but possibly on
PRIME RATE revised terms as to principal repayments and
The rate charged by banks to their most credit- interest rate.
worthy borrowers.
RESERVE FUND
PRINCIPAL A fund set up by a condominium corporation for
The amount of money borrowed. Could be part major repairs and replacement of such items as
of the repayment plan that lowers this original the roof, elevators, plumbing, heating systems,
amount. etc. All condo corporations, by law, require a
reserve fund.
PRIORITY OF MORTGAGES (I.E. FIRST,
SECOND, THIRD) ROLL-OVER MORTGAGE
Dates of registration by number and date in the A mortgage loan where the interest rate is
local Registry Office and/or Land Titles, then established for a specific term. At the end of this
given to the mortgagee. First mortgages have term the mortgage is said to “roll over” and the
priority over second mortgages; and so on. borrower and lender may agree to extend the loan.
Priority refers to the mortgagee’s claim to the If satisfactory terms cannot be agreed upon, the
property should payments go into default. lender is entitled to be repaid in full. In this case,
the borrower may seek alternative financing.
PROMISSORY NOTE
An unconditioned note or written promise by SECOND MORTGAGE
the promisor to pay a sum of money to the A mortgage placed on real property which
payee on demand or at a fixed or determinable is already encumbered with one mortgage.
future date. Determination of first, second, third, etc. mortgage
is by priority of registration (time and date).
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K. GLOSSARY OF MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE TERMS
SECURITY UNDERWRITER (MORTGAGE)
Property offered as backing for a loan. In A person employed by a mortgage lender
the case of mortgages, the property being or mortgage broker who assesses loan
purchased with the loan usually forms the applications based upon the following: quality
security for the loan. of the real property, credit worthiness and ability
to pay of the applicant and guidelines of the
SHELTER PAYMENT RATIO lender with regard to ratio of mortgage loan to
Gross debt service plus annual heat costs as a value of property.
function of the gross income of the mortgagor.
VARIABLE INTEREST MORTGAGE
SURVEY A loan where the interest rate may vary during
The accurate mathematical measurements of the term of the mortgage. The variance is
land and buildings thereon made with the aid of usually tied to some specific factor such as
instruments. prime bank rate or the guaranteed investment
certificate rate for a designated lender.
TENANCY IN COMMON
Ownership of land by two or more persons: VENDOR TAKE BACK MORTGAGE
unlike joint tenancy in that the interest of the A mortgage which a vendor of real property
deceased does not pass to the survivor, but is takes from the purchaser usually as part
treated as an asset of the deceased’s estate. payment of the purchase price for that property.
A private first or second mortgage that the
TERM OF LOAN vendor lends to the purchaser/borrower.
The actual length of time for which the money
is borrowed. Anywhere from one month to 25 ZONING
years. The period for which the mortgage is The public regulation of the character and intensity
registered, in months. of the use of real estate. This is accomplished by
the establishment of districts in each of which
TOTAL DEBT SERVICE RATIO (TDS) uniform holding restrictions related to use, height,
Gross debt service plus payments on other area, bulk and density of population are imposed
debts such as bank loans, finance company upon the private property.
loans, credit card payments, alimony, etc. as a
function of the gross income of the borrower.
TRANSFER
To convey from one person or institution to
another.
TRANSFER OF CHARGE
Assignment of a mortgage under the Land Titles
System.
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