Good Advice

Home Buying and Mortgages

Home-ownership from start to finish

Our goal is to help you find a house that will become a home.

Comprehensive advice on buying your first home, navigating next home-ownership and managing renewals and refinancing.

Mortgage stress test: What you need to know

A mortgage stress test is an important step in the mortgage pre-approval process. Here we explain what a mortgage stress test is and help you understand the latest rules.

Understanding the basics of mortgage interest

When you take out a mortgage to buy a home, the lender will charge you mortgage interest. Here’s what you need to know about mortgage interest and how it works at ATB.

What is an insured mortgage?

An insured mortgage is mandatory in Canada if your down payment is less than 20 per cent. Learn about insured mortgages, insurance providers and new updates.

What you need to know about residential outbuildings

What is considered a residential outbuilding, the steps to build one and your financing options.

What happens at the end of your mortgage term?

An overview of your mortgage renewal options and the decisions you need to make at the end of your mortgage term.

6 things to consider before you start your house hunt

Here are a few things to think about before you start looking for your new home.

How are mortgage rates calculated?

Borrowers should be prepared for additional interest costs on their variable rate debt or when rolling a fixed rate mortgage over the next few years.

What actually happens once you've made an offer on a home?

You’ve found your dream home, and you’re ready to make it yours. Here’s a handy timeline of what happens from when you make an offer to when you close the deal.

6 mortgage terms you need to know

These 6 mortgage terms and tips will help you decide which mortgage option is right for you.

Securing a mortgage: collateral versus standard charges

Knowing the difference between collateral and standard charges will help you determine which option is best for securing your mortgage.

How to pay down your mortgage faster

Mortgage rules depend on you lender and the type of mortgage you have, but in general, there are three ways you can pay down your mortgage faster.

Borrowing from a Home Equity Line of Credit

The potential benefits of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and when you should consider one.

Renewing your home mortgage: 10 must-ask questions

Questions to ask when renewing your home mortgage, including what to expect when renewing, mortgage rates and terms, and tips for renewing.

Helping your child buy a home

Here are our top tips and resources for helping your child buy a home.

The true cost of buying a home in Alberta

Buying a home is an exciting time. Of course, a home has to feel good and work for your lifestyle, but it also needs to fit your budget.

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest?

Is it better to pay off your mortgage early or invest your money?

Using your RRSP to help buy your first home

Withdrawing funds from an RRSP to buy a home is an option for some, but there are a number of conditions to be aware of.

Spring cleaning: show your home some love!

Show your home some love this spring, with a little planning and hard work, you can create something beautiful without breaking the bank.

Should you sell the family home?

Choosing where to live after retirement is a big decision. Should you continue to live in the family home or should you downsize to something smaller?

Saving to buy a new home in Alberta

Despite Alberta’s sluggish economy, purchasing real estate is still a sound investment. Here are things to consider when saving to buy a new home in Alberta.

Saving for a home renovation

Home renovation costs don’t have to be daunting with a financial plan that fits your family and a few helpful tips.

Qualifying for a mortgage as an artist

Qualifying for a mortgage as an artist is not only possible, it’s not nearly as difficult or unusual as you might think.

Know your neighbours. Love your neighbourhood.

Neighbourhoods have changed. Gone are the days of knowing the name and favourite finger food of every person on your block.

How to avoid (or lower) mortgage prepayment penalties

Here are some ways you can take the sting out of a prepayment penalty on your closed mortgage.

How are prepayment penalties calculated?

Prepayment penalties can be calculated in two different ways, depending on the type of mortgage you have, as well as the amount of time left on your mortgage term.

Five quick home fixes for a quick sell

Invest a little time and money into your home and buyers will notice.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in Alberta?

The role of a lawyer in the home buying process is important. Find out why.

6 things you need to know about mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval

What’s the difference between mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval? 6 things you need to know.

7 creative ways to come up with a down payment

If home ownership is in your future, start thinking about where the money to get started will come from.

5 things to do before signing your mortgage papers

Here are 5 things to consider before you commit to a new home.

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