× Our work Why it's free Our clients About us Our calculators Our tips & tricks Our rates Application Contact us Alert Career
Marco Santamaria

Marco Santamaria

Mortgage Broker

Language(s):
French
English
Spanish

msantamaria@planipret.com
(450) 934-0679

430, BOUL. ARTHUR-SAUVÉ , BUREAU 2070
SAINT-EUSTACHE, QC
J7R 6V6

Is a home inspection a pre-purchase must?

Technically, the answer is no. However, as mortgage specialists, we strongly recommend it!  We are strong believers in pre-purchase home inspections because they provide you with a better...

Read More
If it smells like mould, it probably is mould!

Jeremy, newly separated from Nancy, urgently needs to find a house that will meet his needs. Since he is in a rush, he makes an offer on a house and decides to accept the inspection report provided...

Read More
Making sense of a pre-qualification and a pre-authorization

Thinking of buying a property? You must first find out how much you can actually afford to pay for this important purchase. Your financial institution (or lender) must take many factors into...

Read More
Don't let a new car ruin your dream of home ownership!

Vanessa and Julien decided  it was time to leave their apartment and buy a house. They are excited about becoming home owners.  Bye-bye rent! Following the advice of some friends, they...

Read More
Buying a new home? You may be eligible for a GST and QST rebate!

Buying a new home can be an exciting project, but it comes with its share of government fees. Traditionally, when you buy a new home, you must pay the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Quebec...

Read More
Did you know about the 9% tax?

Did you know that a 9% tax applies to most insurance premiums in Quebec? In Quebec, it's essential to consider the 9% tax when purchasing a home and the mortgage insurance associated with...

Read More
I'm a self-employed worker looking for a mortgage loan, but my declared income isn't representative. Are there solutions?

Your declared income isn’t representative of your current income? If this is the case, we’ve got good news: you now have access to a program that could help you buy a property. Mortgage...

Read More
CHMC: WHAT IS IT, ANYWAY?

You want to buy a house, but don’t have the required 20% down payment. This is when you are offered the CMHC loan insurance. But what is the CMHC?  Why do we offer this insurance?  Is...

Read More
The 5 questions to ask yourself when you need a mortgage?

How do you negotiate a mortgage to make sure you’re getting the best possible product? What do you need to know before you sign on the dotted line? Below are a few tips to help you find your...

Read More
Another good reason to obtain a pre-approved mortgage.

Patrick is walking around in the city and spots a condo for sale that interests him. He immediately calls the real estate agent whose phone number is on the sign to find out the price and to visit...

Read More
Can't find the property you want to buy?

Shabby carpeting , splintered moldings, a bathroom from a bygone era, and a kitchen with old melamine cabinets…There always seems to be something wrong when looking around for a potential new...

Read More
The secrets to building a solid credit profile!

Whether you are young or have reached a certain age, having a strong credit history is essential to realizing your dream of owning a property. Your credit profile plays a crucial role when applying...

Read More
A place for your kids to live through university: Better to buy or rent?

With the high cost of rent, especially in Quebec City and Montreal, more and more parents are buying condos for their kids to live in while they’re at school. After all, they could probably...

Read More
Key factors for mortgage approval

Getting ready to start looking for a property? To do so, you will need a mortgage pre-approval. Although this is the maximum amount you could get, it does not guarantee that you will obtain a proper...

Read More
Simulation of expenses related to the purchase of a $400,000 property

For those looking to find out the costs related to buying a property, here is an example: Scenario: $400,000 home with a 5% down payment Standard rate: 95% financing: 4.00% 90%...

Read More
Becoming a homeowner with an income property - something to think about!

Before buying a house with rent income, you must consider several key points. The Mortgage Planners team invites you to consider both sides of the coin. Advantages An extra, steady income The...

Read More
Strategies to Avoid, Reduce, or Navigate Mortgage Penalties

If you are currently tied to a mortgage for several more years, you might feel trapped. Whether considering refinancing, mortgage transfer, or even early renewal, you could face substantial...

Read More
Discover CMHC's "Homebuying Step by Step" Guide

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is giving you a guide for everything you need to buy a home in Canada.This workbook provides worksheets, calculators and checklists for each step in the...

Read More
Use your RRSP to buy your property!

Did you know that you could withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP without penalty to use in acquiring your new home or condo if you are a first-time home buyer or if 5 years have passed since you...

Read More
Your home can be used as financial leverage.

Eight years ago, Julie and Carl made a financially savvy decision by leveraging the value of their home (through refinancing) to invest in a 5-unit multiplex worth $600,000. Since then, the real...

Read More
Is it smart to use part of my RRSP’s to pay down debts so I can become a homeowner?

Marie-Pierre decided to buy a nice home in the suburbs.  However, when she applied for a loan with her financial institution, she was refused.  They explained to her that she was...

Read More
The story of Jean-Simon, undergoing separation, but wanting to keep his house.

Jean-Simon and Vanessa are separating. Vanessa found a condo and needs to sell her share of the house they purchased together to fund her down payment. As for Jean-Simon, he wants to buy...

Read More
The HBP – your ally when purchasing your first property

The down payment required to purchase your first property is often a daunting financial headache. But did you know that the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) can be a feasible solution to obtain the required...

Read More
7 questions to ask yourself before buying a house to renovate

You found a house to die for, but it needs a lot of TLC? You want to buy a house to renovate it and sell it in 2, 5 or 10 years? Before starting a project of this scale, ask yourself the following 7...

Read More
First-time home buyer incentive

What is it? The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) is a government program that helps first-time home buyers* reduce their monthly mortgage payment without increasing their down...

Read More
Buying your first home? 5 mistakes to avoid

Looking for your first home? What exciting project! At Mortgage Planners, we have your best interests at heart. Therefore, we want to warn you against the most common mistakes made by our...

Read More
5 tips for a greener home

5 tips for a greener home  Sustainable development, energy efficiency, environmental responsibility... It’s not a fad, it’s a lifestyle. According to a 2017 study by Sagen, more...

Read More
Should I choose monthly or weekly payments?

You have just completed the mortgage approval process, and the inevitable question from your mortgage broker or bank adviser crops up: do you want to make weekly or monthly payments? If you answer...

Read More
The FHSA: a new ally for first-time homebuyers

Last year, the Canadian government announced the creation of a registered account that can help you save money, tax-free, for your first home purchase. In this article, we invite you to learn about...

Read More
Changing jobs during the mortgage application process has its risks!

Changing your job in the middle of your mortgage application (purchase, refinancing, renewal or investment) can cause you some serious problems. In order to obtain your mortgage approval with all the...

Read More
Good or bad debt?

What is a good debt? What is a bad debt? Knowing the difference between the two will make it easier to manage your debts and reduce their burden.   A debt by any other name… No one...

Read More
Everything about the house is perfect except for the kitchen. What are my options?

Although the kitchen, the bathrooms as well as the floors are rarely to our taste when we visit houses for sale, is this a reason to reject a house that has many other assets? The CMHC...

Read More
Buying a house owned by your parents - the equity gift

Seven years ago, Emrick and the mother of his children separated. At the time of the break-up, an important decision was made: Emrick would become the owner of the family home. To do so, he asked his...

Read More
Use your RRSP as a down payment on a your real estate purchase.

How can you use your RRSP as a down payment on a real estate purchase? How do financial institutions manage this procedure? It’s really quite simple. If you are considered a first-time...

Read More
Save $240 per month with the Government of Canada's First-Time Homebuyer Incentive!

You may already be aware of this, but did you know that the federal government's first-time homebuyer incentive can help you buy your first home? In fact, this incentive helps you without increasing...

Read More
Can a bridge loan be a good solution ?

A bridging loan, better known as a “bridge loan” provides a solution for all buyers in the process of purchasing a property who have received an unconditional commitment for the purchase...

Read More
Do I need to have my mortgage pre-approved if I’m planning to buy a condo?

The short answer is no, but your real estate agent and mortgage broker strongly recommend it. Here’s why: You will be spending a lot of time with your real estate agent because they will be...

Read More
Buying a property needing major renovation? Careful planning will bring big savings!

For some years, you can no longer refinance* a mortgage for more than 80% of the market value of a home. We have noticed that many of our clients return to our offices seeking mortgage refinancing in...

Read More
The 10-point case for working with a mortgage broker.

1. Get expert advice on your financial options. Because we are independent mortgage brokers, we are not tied to a specific product range or a particular lender. Our only goal is to help you secure...

Read More
Could you be exempt from the welcome tax?

The "welcome tax", also known as the "property transfer tax", is an amount that a municipality must collect when a property located on its territory is transferred.  This tax was created to...

Read More
Recent graduates purchase their first condominium

Ann and Sophie, both twenty-five, just graduated from university. Both have found a job in their respective fields with annual salaries of around $42,000. Their job probation period is over and now...

Read More
Which Option is Best for You?

Should you stick with the stability of a fixed mortgage rate or roll the dice with a variable? It’s one of the most difficult decisions faced by new homebuyers and homeowners who are renewing...

Read More
Variable rate mortgages – a worthwhile option?

Greater risks yield greater results. The same applies when comes the time choose a mortgage. Choosing a variable rate mortgage allows you to benefit from a rate that is lower than what you would...

Read More
A mortgage for self-employed : Can it be possible?

Well yes, it is possible! Qualifying income is the only difference in qualifying for a mortgage between a salaried individual and a self-employed individual . For each situation here is the...

Read More
What do we do if we just made an offer on a house, but haven’t sold our condo yet?

Start by asking yourself this one all-important questions: could you qualify for 2 mortgage loans – your current one on your condo and a new one for the house you want to buy? In effect, even...

Read More
Affordability 101: tips for future homeowners

AFFORDABILITY 101: TIPS FOR FUTURE HOMEOWNERS Always dreamt of owning a home but confused by all that complex real estate lingo? Don't worry, we’re here to help! Today we’re going...

Read More
All you need to know about subsidy programs that make homeownership easier!

Over the past few years, housing affordability has become a forgotten dream for some. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fluctuations of the economy linked to this same pandemic - but also...

Read More
Why is there is an additional $684 in my notary’s fees?

OMG! There is an additional $1 026.00 in my notary’s fees. Vanessa recently signed the deed of sale on her townhouse at the notary and has just received her bill. She discovers the amount of...

Read More
Speed up your mortgage payments and save money!

What is the difference between an accelerated weekly payment and a non-accelerated payment? Simple! If your mortgage costs you $1,000 a month, and you want to pay it weekly, your financial...

Read More
Purchasing with Peace of Mind : The Impact of the Credit Bureau on Your Buying Plans

Your credit score is a comprehensive record of your financial history, which potential lenders can access to evaluate your capacity to repay your debts. When you’re in the process of buying a...

Read More
Incentive programs and measures available for the purchase of a property

Are you considering buying a house or a condo? Are you wondering if there are incentive programs and measures available and tailored to your financial situation? The first thing to do is to reach out...

Read More
Buying a home when you’re new to Canada: It’s easier than you think!

Are you new to Canada and think that buying a home is out of reach? Think again! With good planning and sound advice from real estate and mortgage brokers, it can be done. Common myths New...

Read More
The booming Quebec real estate market

version française

Read More
How to purchase an income property when you renew your mortgage

For years, you have been thinking about investing in an income property. Why not take advantage of your mortgage renewal to refinance your property and to provide you with the 15% or 20% down payment...

Read More
The ABC’s of the HBP.

Test your knowledge of the Canadian government’s HBP program (Home Buyers’ Plan): 1. I own my main residence and I would like to buy another property. Can I use the HBP? No. 2. I own my...

Read More
Your credit rating: Debunking the myths

Your credit rating, also known as your credit score, is a number assigned by credit bureaus based on your debt payment habits. The lower your score, the more risky it is for lenders to loan you...

Read More
The steps to property ownership in 2018.

It’s easy! You start by securing a pre-approved mortgage from an expert in the field such as a mortgage broker. Your mortgage broker will not only become your partner in this important...

Read More
Important changes coming to mortgage financing standards

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is currently studying the possibility of applying another major change that will affect anyone looking to purchase or refinance a...

Read More
All homebuyers have to pay a land transfer tax (the “Bienvenue” tax).

The land transfer tax or duties on real estate transfers is called the “taxe de bienvenue” in Quebec. Bienvenue has no connection with the expression “Welcome [Bienvenue] to your new...

Read More
(Français) Le taux variable vous rend frileux? Voici de quoi vous faire changer d’idée!

Sorry, this entry is only available in French.

Read More
CMHC mortgage insurance premiums have been increased.

January 17th, 2017, the CMHC announced an increase in their mortgage insurance premium rates as of March 17th 1st of this year. This means that if you submit your insured financing to your...

Read More
Save $2,000 with a $500 investment.

Did you know that making a 10% down payment instead of 5% saves you 0.75% on your CMHC (Genworth or Canada Guaranty) premium?   So be mindful of how much you put down on the purchase of your...

Read More
Important changes in the rules regarding mortgage financing effective October 17

On Monday, October 3rd, the Finance Minister of Canada announced a major change to the rules of mortgage financing, which will affect all clients currently in the process of purchasing a new...

Read More
Fixed or variable? Definitely something to consider.

Your dream of owning a new home is about to happen, but you still have a couple of decisions remaining: a fixed or variable rate mortgage? What to do … It is important to understand that...

Read More
Mortgages: Some savings are penny-wise and pound-foolish

SOME SAVINGS ARE PENNY-WISE AND POUND-FOOLISH This well-known saying simply means that it is a waste of time to save your pennies while not paying attention to your dollars. Unfortunately, it is a...

Read More
Down payments soon to be higher on some mortgages

On December 11, without addressing the risk of a potential real estate bubble, Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced that down payments on mortgages between $500,000 and $1 million would be...

Read More
A private lender could help you find the missing funds needed to complete the construction of your home.

Louise and Roger decided to build their own home. Since they have a lot of construction and renovation experience they figured, “Why not build our own dream home and take advantage  of our...

Read More
What happens to a residence in a divorce?

William called me a few weeks ago to tell me that he is breaking up with his girlfriend. He wants to buy her part of the house they bought together 3 years ago. I had negotiated their initial...

Read More
Make sure you have cash on hand to act quickly on a good deal!

Emmanuel and Julie were looking for an attractive rental property to invest the equity they had accumulated over the years on their home. Several criteria guided their search: they wanted one near...

Read More
What are the real transaction costs on my property purchase?

First of all, you surely want to know that the property is in good condition and doesn’t need major repairs immediately, so you will have to have a professional property inspection done. Set aside...

Read More
Discover the grants available when you become a homeowner.

Did you know…? You can obtain government grants when you purchase your first home. You are entitled to free services concerning energy efficiency (Éconologis) when you are a new homeowner;...

Read More
Make sure you are ready to sign at the notary.

You recently lived the hectic experience of finding a home: negotiating a price, getting the property inspected, preparing the documents needed for your mortgage application. You were also on the...

Read More
Is a line of home equity credit (HELOC) accessible to everyone? Yes, but only if…

If  you need to finance less than 80% of the total value of your property,  you could have a portion of your mortgage in the form of a line of credit. The portion of your mortgage that comprises...

Read More

Subscribe to Newsletter

RATES OF

2024-03-28 00:00:00

TERMS BANKS MORTGAGE PLANNERS
6 months Fixed 7.94% 7.55%
1 Year Fixed 7.89% 6.79%
2 Years Fixed 7.49% 6.14%
3 Years Fixed 7.14% 5.09%
4 Years Fixed 6.99% 4.94%
5 Years Fixed 6.84% 4.79%
5 years Variable 7.65% 6.25%
Refinance Fixed or variable 10.40% 5.09%
3 year closed Variable 8.60% 7.20%
7 Years Fixed 7.10% 4.94%
10 Years Fixed 7.49% 5.79%
HELOC 8.20% 7.70%

Sign up for our alerts and receive one of the following:

  • Our Tip of the week, and/or
  • Our Monthly summary of our tips, and/or
  • 2-4 emails a year on major changes in the field, and/or
  • Renewal; 3 emails 8 months, 6 months, 3 months before the end of your mortgage loan, and/or
  • Tips and tricks for buyers; sequence of 24 emails over 24 weeks

In addition to receiving the information, you will have access to our calculators, our rates and our contact information.

Let us orchestrate the details of your mortgage!