Refinancing your mortgage in Canada allows you to have better interest, access equity, consolidate debt, or adjust the terms of your loans. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to refinance your mortgage:
Step 1: Determine your refinancing goals.
When refinancing your mortgage in Canada, it’s crucial to clearly understand your refinancing goals. This will lay a strong foundation for refinancing and help you make informed decisions.
As you consider your refinancing goals, evaluating your income, job stability, expenses, retirement plans, etc. is essential.
It is essential to take your time to understand your refinancing goals, so you can focus on finding the best refinancing options.
Step 2: Assess your current mortgage.
It is crucial that before diving into the process of refinancing, you assess your current mortgage. These steps include reviewing your mortgage agreement and noting the interest rate, monthly payment, loan term, and any restrictions stated on it.
Also, by reviewing your repayment history, you can assess whether you have a track record of paying on time.
Step 3: Check your credit score
It is a critical step to check your credit score, which is essential in assessing your eligibility for refinancing.
It will also assess your financial standing when you take your time reviewing and understanding your credit score.
Begin by acquiring a copy of your credit report from one of the credit bureaus in Canada. Your credit report includes information about your credit history, such as your current and past debts, payment history, and any negative remarks, such as late payments or collections.
Step 4: Research mortgage lenders.
Shopping around with different lenders allows you to make comparisons when it comes to their interest rates, loan terms, and customer feedback. This will help you identify which lenders best fit your refinancing needs.
Don’t be in a hurry. Take time to ask for inquiries and consult with a mortgage broker. Consider your mortgage broker as an intermediary between you and lenders.
We at Private Mortgage Canada have access to a network of lenders, and we can help you compare offers and negotiate terms. For inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Step 5: Gather the necessary documentation.
Mortgage refinancing in Canada requires the necessary documentation. For the lenders to determine the terms of refinancing and your eligibility, they need specific documents.
These are the documents: proof of income, employment verification, bank statements, tax returns, property information, debt information, identification and legal documentation, and additional documents.
To ensure a smooth application process, you have to organize them systematically. Make sure to complete these documents to ensure a timely operation. Remember that your preparedness can demonstrate your financial stability.
Step 6: Apply for refinancing.
Applying for refinancing is a pivotal step in the process of refinancing in Canada. Here’s a detailed step for submitting your application to the selected lenders:
1. Complete the application form.
Completely and accurately fill out the application form, provide personal details such as employment, financial, and property details, etc.
2. Submit required documentation.
This includes all the documents gathered in Step 5. Make sure that all the documents are organized, legible, and in the requested format, such as proof of income, employment verification, bank statements, tax returns, and property information.
3. Consent for credit check.
This allows private mortgage lenders to assess your creditworthiness and evaluate the risk of approving your new mortgage loan.
4. Provide additional information if requested.
Respond promptly when your lender asks you to provide additional information and/or documents to complete the assessment process.
5. Stay in touch with the lender.
It’s essential to keep in touch with your lender and be clear with your communication to ensure you have a smooth experience in the refinancing process.
Step 7: Appraisal and home evaluation.
A lender may get you an appraisal to evaluate your property and determine the market value of it. This will also help them assess the loan-to-value ratio and decide the refinance terms.
Cooperate with your lender and appraisal and make the necessary arrangements for them to access your property.
Step 8: Review and compare offers.
After the evaluation, carefully review the loan offer from multiple lenders, including the interest rate, loan terms and conditions, closing costs, and any additional requirements from the lender, as well as the repayment penalties. Select which lender offers the best rate.
Step 9: Select a lender and finalize the loan.
Once you decide which lender offers the most favorable terms and conditions, notify them of your decision, and they will guide you to finalize the loan.
The process includes signing documents, arranging lawyer or notary services, and paying for other fees.
Step 10: Closing and disbursement.
Once all the necessary steps are completed, the closing of the refinance mortgage takes place. After you sign the final loan documents, the new terms and conditions of refinancing take effect.
The lawyer or notary will be the one to ensure that all legal criteria are fulfilled and that new mortgage funds are disbursed. By then, the new payment will begin in accordance with the terms and conditions of the refinance loan.
