The payment is not the only thing to take into consideration when choosing which will work for you. In the fixed term, you know what your payment (and rate) will be for a set period of time. For example, the five-year rate today is at 4.29% (subject to change). Your mortgage payment is based on this rate for five years and will never change. The variable rate is based on the prime rate (which can be found on the Bank of Canada website and is consistent from lender to lender) less (or in some cases plus) a set discounted rate. Today’s five year adjustable is prime (2.50%) less .75%, for a rate of 1.75%, which would result in a lower monthly payment. The risk? This payment may (and will over the five-year term) change based on the prime rate on the first of each month.
Although the rate in the variable options is lower, the qualification rules are strict. When applying for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage, you would have to qualify on the rate on 4.29%. With the variable rate, consumers have to qualify at the Bank of Canada benchmark rate, which is set weekly on Mondays. Currently that rate is 5.99%. So, when qualifying for a mortgage, the fixed vs. variable rate may make or break your approval based strictly on the “qualifying” rate. Lenders need to make sure that when a consumer chooses the adjustable-rate mortgage, that they will still be able to make the payments if and when the rate rises. This is why the qualifying rate is higher.
To make sure that you have reviewed ALL of your mortgage options, speak with a mortgage broker. We are not limited to one specific financial institution’s rules and rates. You need to make sure you have discussed your rate and product options to make an educated decision.
Alexandre Malhassiants is an active mortgage professional with Centum Mortgage Inc. Have a question? Please e-mail amalkhass@rogers.com or call 416- 723-9383.
Determining the best mortgage type
![Determining the best mortgage type]()
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Published :
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