Forget everything you thought you knew about the benefits of taking a variable-rate mortgage instead of locking in for the long term.

A new study suggests the security of a five-year mortgage costs little or nothing beyond a riskier variable-rate mortgage, providing you get a jumbo-sized rate discount.

“Interest costs on discounted closed five-year mortgages have been close to, and often lower than, those of variable-rate mortgages since late 1996,” senior Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. economist Ali Manouchehri writes in the study.

Homeowners have made variable-rate mortgages hugely popular in the past few years in the belief that you can save on interest costs by pegging your mortgage rate to your lender’s prime lending rate. As the prime rises, or as has generally happened in the past few years, fallen, so goes your mortgage rate.

The prime rate at the major banks is now 4.5 per cent, while the posted five-year rate at the big banks is 6.15 per cent. In just one year, the variable-rate choice would save you about $1,700 on monthly payments toward a $150,000 mortgage amortized over 25 years (assuming a level prime rate).

Historically, you would also have saved a lot. The CMHC study shows that five-year mortgages taken out from 1993 through 1998 would have cost anywhere from $50,000 to $5,000 in additional interest paid over the term of the loan (the example is based on a $100,000 mortgage amortized over 25 years).

The flaw with this analysis is that it doesn’t reflect real-world mortgage pricing. These days, very few people take out a mortgage without a sizable discount off the posted rates at major banks.

For that reason, the CMHC’s Mr. Manouchehri decided to compare discounted five-year mortgages with discounted variable-rate mortgages. Incidentally, five years is the most popular term by far for fixed-rate mortgages at about 59 per cent of the total.

The size of the discounts Mr. Manouchehri applied was based on the difference between posted major bank rates and the best deals available from other lenders. For five-year mortgages, he used a discount of 1.25 of a percentage point; for variable-rate mortgages, it was 0.4 of a point off prime.

For five-year mortgages taken out between 1993 and mid-1996, the five-year mortgage was costlier in terms of interest costs. Since then, however, variable-rate mortgages have generally been a little bit more expensive.

Obviously, there’s nothing in this study that decides the fixed-rate versus variable-rate debate once and for all.

In fact, the CMHC study may just confuse anyone who recalls some research done for Manulife Financial back in 2000 by York University finance professor Moshe Milevsky. His research found that the extra interest charged on a five-year mortgage would have cost $20,000 on average between 1950 and 2000 for a $100,000 mortgage amortized over 15 years.

To make some sense of the variable-rate versus five-year question, let’s go back to the CMHC study.

It shows that five-year mortgages, discounted or otherwise, were especially bad choices for a three-year period starting in mid-1993. Rates were high for a while back then, but they subsequently fell.

You were a spectator to these rate declines if you were stuck in a five-year mortgage, while people in variable-rate mortgages would have benefited almost immediately.

It’s a different world now, though. Five-year mortgage rates are close to a 50-year low, which suggests they’re far more likely to rise over their term than fall.

So what’s the best choice here, variable-rate or five-year fixed rate? People who want to pay rock-bottom mortgage rates for as long as possible will probably still want a variable-rate mortgage. Remember, you can lock this sort of mortgage into a fixed term without penalty in most cases.

The case for the five-year term looks almost as strong, though. First, the CMHC study tells us there may not be a significant cost to locking your mortgage in for five years, and you might even save a little over a variable-rate mortgage.

Second, the likelihood of higher rates in the years to come would suggest that this is a good time to lock in.

If you had a variable-rate mortgage discounted to 4 per cent, the prime would have to go up by 0.85 of a percentage point to equal the current five-year rate. That’s not a lot of ground to cover in the span of 12 to 18 months when the economy is doing well.

Arguably, the variable-rate versus fixed-rate debate is all about risks and rewards. Right now, the five-year option offers much less risk, and almost as much reward.

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More than a third of homeowners predict they will be nearing retirement before they own their own home, new research suggests.

Responding to a One Account survey, 36 per cent of homeowners predicted they would be at least 60-years-olds before they paid off their mortgage.

A further 20 per cent didn’t expect to fully pay off their mortgage until some time in their 50s, with many also complaining that mortgage commitments were impeding on other areas of their life.

More than two in five claimed not to be able to save because of their mortgage, while nearly one in five 25 to 29-year-olds said it was forcing them to delay starting a family.

However, Debbie Milsom from One Account questioned why homeowners were finding their mortgage such a burden.

Paying off a mortgage should not mean that people have to put their life plans on hold, Ms Milsom said.

She added: It is worrying that homeowners perceive that it will take them until they are in their 60s before they pay it off when they should be spending this time preparing financially for their futures.

Ms Milsom reminded homeowners that there are often flexible solutions for managing payments.

Homeowners with overly expensive payments may also find remortgaging can help to reduce their monthly commitment.

As less people are putting money into pensions, more could begin looking at remortgaging to ensure economic stability during their later years.

Figures released by Moneyfacts have shown that personal pension returns have fallen by as much as a half in the last decade.

The news means that even if Britons are putting the same amount of money into their pension pot every year, their average with-profits pension fund could be half what it would have been in 1996.

These latest figures should serve as a powerful reminder that securing a comfortable retirement will only be possible for those individuals who actively monitor and manage their own pension provision, warned Richard Eagling, editor of Investment, Life & Pensions at Moneyfacts.

The research from Moneyfacts could cause more people to consider other options of financing their retirement, with taking out a remortgaging and downsizing their homes one method to increase the amount of money available in later life.

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Colorado mortgage shopper may wonder, while they are shopping around for a loan, if there are different mortgage rates in the state? —? higher or lower than the rest of the nation. The basic answer is no, when you compare rates for mortgages in Colorado to elsewhere.

Mortgage rates in Colorado and other states are based on federal standards. But there will be the perception that the rates are higher in areas where the cost of living is higher. For Colorado mortgage rates, this is often the case.

Impact of Jumbo Mortgages on Mortgage Rates in Colorado

Why are there higher mortgage rates in Colorado? Mostly because of the jumbo mortgage. Mortgages in Colorado very often go over the threshold of $417,000 that qualifies ‘conforming’ Colorado mortgage loans. Any Colorado mortgage above $417,000 is considered a jumbo mortgage loan. This is because there are such great homes and properties in Colorado. Better homes mean higher mortgages in Colorado, often necessitating a jumbo mortgage.

Jumbo mortgage rates are above those of standard mortgage rates in Colorado by about a quarter to a half of a percentage. Why? Because there is a higher risk because of a lack of federal backing and the investment’s large size. But this is true not just in Colorado, but of all jumbo mortgages.

The bottom line is that the mortgage rates in Colorado are not higher than normal, but it is the mortgages in Colorado that are higher, because there are more jumbo mortgages in the state, which pairs more Colorado mortgages into slightly higher interest rates.

Impact of Jumbo Mortgages on the Mortgage Buyers in Colorado

For mortgage buyers in Colorado, this means that finding a good Colorado mortgage broker is crucial when you search for a deal.

No matter the size or the classification of the loan, rates will differ between Colorado mortgage brokers. You may be able to obtain a loan from an out-of-state lender instead of an in-state Colorado mortgage broker, but that may be a mistake.

Consider this: Who knows more about Colorado home financing than an in-state Colorado mortgage broker? A broker in another place in the nation will not be as informed about the unique housing market. A Colorado mortgage broker understands the different types of properties and mortgage loans in Colorado. A Colorado mortgage broker offer many types of loans for many different types of homes, from small family homes to large homes requiring a jumbo mortgage, and property uses from investment, vacation, luxury or permanent homes.

Smart shopping is key in the search for a qualified and helpful Colorado mortgage broker. The small differences in loan fees and mortgage rates in Colorado can mean big differences in payments and interest paid during the term of the loan. Choosing a broker for the mortgage in Colorado, though, is not just about rate. Fees and closing costs should be a big factor when deciding on a loan product. An informed borrower ought to have all of this knowledge in their mind when they find a honest and trusted Colorado mortgage broker who can explain to a borrower the different parts of the process, from rates to fees to other options. It’s best that a borrower chooses a Colorado mortgage broker that is the best fits for their finances.

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Ask Denver mortgage loan providers what would-be borrowers want to know and the answer is simple. Those who are shopping for mortgage loans in Denver want to know what their rate would be for a Denver mortgage.

But for the average mortgage lender, the answer is hard to come up with at a moment’s notice. There are no two borrowers who are exactly alike, so no two Denver mortgages would be exactly alike. There are many factors in the Denver mortgage quote equation, like:

• The type of properties for needed Denver mortgages

• The applicant’s credit score for Denver mortgages

• The future plans of a borrower applying for a Denver mortgage

• Whether the Denver mortgage loan quote is needed

for a first home or subsequent home

•The size of a mortgage loan and whether the Denver property will need a jumbo loan (more than $417,000)

• Other debt obligations of the applicant for Denver mortgage loan

• Applicants income for Denver mortgage loan quote

With these factors, a mortgage lender in Denver will find the best product for mortgage loans in Denver. To get the best rate for the borrower looking for a Denver mortgage quote, the mortgage lender in Denver will look at all of their products to see how they can best obtain the Denver mortgage loan quote and which of the Denver mortgages they have available will be most affordable for a customer.

Getting Beyond the Denver Mortgage Quote Rate

In addition to the mortgage loan rates in Denver, there are other factors that can impact the affordability and final amounts owed for Denver mortgages. These need to be carefully considered. Some mortgage lenders in Denver will offer good, low rates for Denver mortgages but have high fees and closing costs that makes up for the difference. Denver is not immune to such dealings in Denver mortgages. Be sure to ask about closing costs and other fees for Denver mortgages early in the process. These kinds of mortgage lenders in Denver want a borrower to get to the “point of no return” before they realize how high the true cost of the lower Denver mortgage quote can be.

How to Assess a Good Mortgage Lender in Denver

What a borrower should aim for is the best mortgage loan in Denver with the best total package including reasonable rates, closing costs, and frees, along with excellent customer service from the lender. A borrower should expect a mortgage lender in Denver to provide good service that is helpful, informative and, most importantly, professional in providing a Denver mortgage loan quote. A borrower should be able to ask questions they want about the Denver mortgage, product, the borrower’s Denver mortgage quote, or any other nformation about options and terms. When a borrower asks, they should get a professional and detailed answer. A borrower should never leave a conversation about the Denver mortgage loan quote wondering to what they are agreeing or feeling disrespected. If they do feel that way, then they should go elsewhere for a mortgage loan in Denver.

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For many people, mortgage payments are their single largest expense. Yet, when financing a home, most Canadians don’t comparison shop to ensure they’re getting the best mortgage rate and terms available. This mistake can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over the course of their mortgage.

Here are seven ways mortgage brokers can help:

Access to competitive rates

Brokers deal with multiple competing lenders and can often access exclusive rates. Based on the number of mortgages brokers complete each year, they also have the power to negotiate rate discounts from lenders, which can be passed on to their clients.

A free service

Mortgage brokers’ services are typically available at no cost to consumers. Brokers are paid by the lender selected by their clients.

Knowledgeable advice

Brokers offer consultative service, advice and solutions that are customized to each client’s needs. And unlike banks, brokers work for you.

Speed and convenience

Brokers will work around a client’s schedule to make the transaction as easy and convenient as possible.

Pre-qualification

Whether you’re shopping for a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage, a broker can help you obtain a pre-approved mortgage, often with up to a 120-day interest rate guarantee.

Preserved credit rating

When you shop for a mortgage, there is an accumulation of lender inquiries on your credit bureau report, possibly affecting your credit rating and, ultimately, the rate and terms of your mortgage. This isn’t the case with a mortgage broker, who only does one inquiry yet can still get many competing lenders to quote on your business.

Peace of Mind

The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Brokers has a stringent Code of Ethics that members are required to adhere to in order to retain membership.

All across Canada we’re seeing the recreational property market continue to go through the cedarshingled roof. Industry experts predict another year in which buyers seeking a property may outnumber the recreational properties available. The boomers are in their peak income years and have benefited from an unprecedented climb in the valuations on their primary homes. And across the country, they’re scouring every lake, ocean beach and ski slope – looking for the perfect getaway.

When cottages first became the vogue around the turn of the last century, those getaways were generally charmingly rustic structures designed to give their owners a taste of a simpler way of life for the summer season. But today, recreational property markets are reporting a stunning increase in teardowns and renovations – as rustic simplicity gives way to luxury accommodations. Today’s recreational property mix covers the gamut from luxury waterfront homes, resort-style condominiums, ski chalets and timeshare properties. Many of the traditional-style cottages are still standing, of course… and they sell for top dollar

on the rare occasions that they actually come on the market.

But more and more average Canadians have cabin fever: they’re looking for a recreational property both as an investment and an enhancement to their own lifestyles. And for many, the goal is achievable: we’ve seen historically low mortgage rates over the last few years – and greater affordability for ordinary Canadians. But financing a recreational property is more challenging than funding a principal residence. Traditional lending institutions typically find second homes a much less desirable investment. Purchasers are often advised to take out an equity loan or a second mortgage on their principal residence in order to buy the recreation property.

But the lending landscape has been changing in the past few years. We are beginning to see that some lenders have developed flexible new mortgage products and policies that are specifically designed for the recreational property market. The upshot is that Canadians who are longing for that cottage or condo may now be able to bypass conventional lending criteria – opening the door to ownership much sooner than they imagined. Recreational property mortgages are available for owner-occupied second properties, including winterized and nonwinterized, with as little as 15 per cent down for purchasers with good credit. And in some cases, 10 per cent down could get you into the recreational property market if you qualify. Typically, the vacation property needs to be located in a known vacation area, have approved plumbing, and year round access.

And do your homework. In today’s heated recreational property market, some purchasers have an edge in the marketplace because they are cash buyers. To level the playing field, buyers who are financing their purchase may want to consider talking to a professional to determine approximately how much they qualify for before launching their search.

For some, recreational property is an attractive investment, with rentals providing an extra income stream. But the allure is usually more emotional: a cottage or condo often becomes a symbolic centre for family life, where families come together at all ages and stages in their lives to share common activities and traditions.

If you’re dreaming of your own beach sunset or the perfect ski slope at your door, begin with a conversation with a mortgage professional. Your own getaway could be closer than you think!