New To Canada Mortgage

Mortgage Broker in Calgary, AB

New to Canada

Helping new Canadians get a home of their own

New Canadians are making their numbers felt in the housing market, as they get settled and make the transition from renter to owner, with mortgage brokers helping to make that transition as easy as possible.

The most important considerations for new Canadians are credit history and downpayment. If you are new to Canada and do not have any established credit, you can qualify for a mortgage with three months of employment history and by demonstrating credit worthiness to your lender in other ways:

  • Proof of timely rent payments confirmed by your landlord (non-family member) and bank statements
  • Bank statements showing pre-authorized payments for 12 months for regular payments such as utilities, telephone, cable, insurance premiums, along with a bank reference letter
  • A credit report from your country of origin

Even though it is not required, it is a good idea to start establishing credit in Canada as soon as you can. A downpayment of five percent is the minimum, although a larger down payment may be required.

We can streamline the mortgage process for you, from counselling on credit, to obtaining credit references from foreign banks, to confirming foreign income. We’ll advise you on the paperwork you need to assemble to apply for a mortgage, and then present your financial history to the lender or lenders that can best meet your needs.

A Home of Their Own – New Immigrants Face Hurdles

New Canadians are making their numbers felt in the housing market, as they get settled and make the transition from renter to owner, purchasing their first homes in this country.

Over 280,000 new immigrants arrived in Canada in 2010, the highest amount in 50 years according to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. Immigrants are expected to play a large role in the housing market in the coming decades. Between now and 2031, the foreign-born population of Canada could increase approximately four times faster than the rest of the population.

For these new Canadians, first-time home ownership may prove harder than anticipated, as they face some unforeseen obstacles, but there are definite opportunities.

Lack of Credit History

The biggest challenge for new immigrants is establishing credit because they do not have a financial history in Canada.

Without a credit history, it can be a struggle to get mortgage financing. It is important to start establishing credit soon after arrival in Canada. New immigrants are encouraged to bring credit and bank references (preferably in English) with them from their home country to help with developing a Canadian credit profile.

Large Down Payments

Another home ownership hurdle immigrants have faced is that many financial institutions traditionally have insisted that new immigrants provide a down payment of at least 25 to 35 per cent. A large down payment may be difficult for some because they are selfemployed and working to establish their own business or unable to access funds from their home country.

The good news is that things are changing. More and more lenders in Canada are offering mortgages tailored to the needs of new immigrants, including those with non-landed status. In many cases, immigrants can get a mortgage with a down payment of as little as five per cent of the value of the property, as long as it comes from their own resources.

To start preparing to apply for a mortgage, the following materials should be assembled:

  • Copies of your work permit/landed status papers or passport
  • Social insurance number
  • Employment letter(s)
  • Credit reference(s)
  • Documentation of the down payment money source
  • Bank statements showing 90 days of account activity

The great news is that mortgage brokers can streamline the mortgage process for new immigrants, from counselling on credit in Canada, to obtaining credit references from foreign banks, to confirming foreign income; a broker can work with new immigrant clients to present their financial history to the satisfaction of the lender.

Services offered by Calgary Mortgage Broker: New To Canada Mortgage | First Time Home Buyer Mortgage | Reverse Mortgage

Mortgage Broker Jay Meakin offers Mortgage Services to New Canadian Citizens across Calgary, Crossfield, Airdrie, Cochrane, Strathmore, Carseland, Okotoks, Black Diamond, High River, Blackie, Dead Man's Flats and Canmore, Alberta.

Contact Calgary Mortgage Consultant Jay Meakin - Archimedes Mortgage LTD

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