So you’ve found your new home and are ready to sign the documents. But the place needs a little work and you don't have quite enough money for repairs.

There is a mortgage that could work for you called the purchase plus improvements mortgage. Let’s take a look at what you need to buy your dream home and put in a new kitchen. 

For homeowners looking to squeeze some more financing out of their mortgage without having to refinance, a collateral mortgage — sometimes referred to as a retail collateral mortgage — can help. 

A collateral mortgage can provide additional peace of mind when finances are tight, but there are risks to consider.

Is there any topic as hotly discussed around Canadian kitchen tables as housing affordability? With the housing market in many of Canada’s biggest cities continuing to froth unnervingly, homebuying is an evergreen topic — most especially to those hoping to make their first step up the property ladder. 

When it comes to paying off your mortgage, you need to decide between two payment structures: an open-end vs. a closed-end mortgage. The one you choose determines whether you’ll have the option to make increased or additional prepayments, or pay off your mortgage early — and there are financial penalties if you break the terms of your contract.

But before you commit to one or the other, there are a few important things to know about the difference between open and closed mortgages.