Cashback mortgages are a type of mortgage that has gained popularity in Canada over the past few years. With a cashback mortgage, borrowers receive a lump sum cash payment from the lender at closing. This cash payment can be used for various purposes, such as covering closing costs or making home improvements.

How a Cashback Mortgage Works

Cashback mortgages are a type of mortgage that has become increasingly popular in Canada in recent years. With a cashback mortgage, the lender provides borrowers with a lump sum cash payment at closing. This payment can be used for various purposes, such as covering closing costs, making home improvements, or paying off high-interest debt.

The amount of cashback a borrower can receive typically ranges from 1% to 7% of the mortgage amount. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the lender and the borrower’s credit score and financial situation. The cashback payment is typically added to the mortgage balance, which means that borrowers will pay interest on the cashback amount over the life of the mortgage.

Advantages of a Cashback Mortgage

Cashback mortgages can provide several benefits for borrowers in Canada:

A cashback mortgage can help with the upfront costs of buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage. This can be especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers or borrowers who need more cash.

Cashback mortgages can be a way for borrowers to make home improvements or pay off high-interest debt. By using the cashback payment for these purposes, borrowers can save money in the long run and increase the value of their homes.

A cashback mortgage can provide flexibility and financial security. The lump sum can be used for any purpose, meaning borrowers can choose how to use it based on their financial needs and goals.

Drawbacks of a Cashback Mortgage

While cashback mortgages can provide several benefits, they also have several drawbacks that borrowers should consider:

A cashback mortgage often has a higher interest rate than a traditional one. This means that borrowers will pay more interest over the life of the mortgage, which can result in higher overall costs.

They also often come with restrictions on refinancing or prepayment penalties. These restrictions can make it more difficult or expensive for borrowers to change their mortgage in the future.

In a cashback mortgage, the cashback payment is added to the mortgage balance, which means that borrowers will pay interest on the cashback amount over the life of the mortgage. This can result in higher overall costs and a longer mortgage term.

Finally, cashback mortgages may not be a good fit for borrowers focused on paying off their mortgage quickly. By using the cashback payment for other purposes, borrowers may delay paying off their mortgage and incur more interest charges over the long term.

How to Apply for a Cashback Mortgage

Applying for a cashback mortgage in Canada is similar to applying for a traditional mortgage. Here are the steps involved in applying for a cashback mortgage: 

• Determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the lender but may include credit score, income level, and debt-to-income ratio.
• Gather documentation to support your application. This may include income verification, bank statements, and employment history.
• Shop around for lenders to find the best cashback mortgage option for your needs. This may involve researching different lenders online or working with a mortgage broker.
• Apply for the mortgage. This will involve filling out an application and providing the necessary documentation. If you are approved for a cashback mortgage, you will receive pre-approval, which will outline the terms and conditions of the mortgage.
• Close the mortgage by signing the necessary paperwork and paying any fees or charges associated with the mortgage. Then you can begin moving into your new home!

Cashback mortgages are a popular option in Canada that can provide borrowers with a lump sum cash payment at closing. With careful consideration and informed decision-making, cashback mortgages can be valuable for borrowers looking to purchase or refinance a home in Canada. Talk to your financial advisor to see if a cashback mortgage might be a good option for you.

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Before heading into the long weekend I want to say a massive THANK YOU to the most incredible clients in Fort St. John!


The year has had a good start and as we approach the Spring market, I can feel it getting busier. You deserve the best experience and being prepared prior to listing will help keep you ahead of the curve when the Spring market arrives.

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When you’re ready, call/text (250) 262-7496⁠, or email dan@remaxaction.ca⁠⁠⁠. I love to help!

B.C.’s Cooling-Off Period⁠

Home buyers are now able to back out of a residential purchase within a set period after signing a contract thanks to BC’s new Home Buyer Rescission Period, also known as the “cooling-off period.” This change to real estate law was done so by the government of BC to help ‘cool off’ the market and the speed of decision making. Taking effect on January 1, 2023, it regulates all residential real estate, with few exceptions, regardless of whether a licensed real estate representative is involved in the transaction.⁠

Home Buyer Rescission Period⁠

Home buyers can choose to rescind a contract within 3 business days after the final acceptance of a firm and binding offer. It applies to all contracts, regardless of subjects, and cannot be waived by either the seller, buyer, or their representatives. Home buyers can legally withdraw from the firm and binding offer in exchange for a fee of 0.25% of the purchase price. ⁠ ⁠

If you have any questions about the new regulations, I encourage you to contact me as I would be happy to walk you through the new regulation and its implications for buying and selling.⁠

Dan Petersen⁠
Re/Max Action Realty LTD.⁠
(250) 262-7496⁠
dan@remaxaction.ca⁠

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When you purchase or gain an interest in property that is registered at the Land Title Office, you or your legal professional must file a property transfer tax return and you must pay property transfer tax, unless you qualify for an exemption. In most cases, property transfers are completed by a legal professional.

The property transfer tax is based on the fair market value of the property (land and improvements) on the day it was registered with the Land Title Office, unless you qualify for an exemption or purchase a pre-sold strata unit.

Property transfer tax should not be confused with annual property taxes. Annual property taxes are paid yearly to your municipal or rural tax office for each property you have a registered interest in to fund services in your area.

General Property Transfer Tax

The general property transfer tax applies for all taxable transactions. The general property transfer tax rate is:

1. 1% of the fair market value up to and including $200,000
2. 2% of the fair market value greater than $200,000 and up to and including $2,000,000
3. 3% of the fair market value greater than $2,000,000
4. Further 2% on residential property over $3,000,000

If the property has residential property worth over $3,000,000, a further 2% tax will be applied to the residential property value greater than $3,000,000. If the property is mixed class (such as residential and commercial), you pay the further 2% tax on only the residential portion of the property.

If the property includes land classed as farm only because it is used for an owner’s or farmer’s dwelling, up to 0.5 hectares will be treated as residential property.

Additional Property Transfer Tax

If you’re a foreign national, foreign corporation or taxable trustee, you must also pay the additional property transfer tax on the fair market value of the residential portion of the property if the property is within a specified area of B.C.

Have questions? Contact me to find answers.

Dan Petersen⁠
Re/Max Action Realty LTD.⁠
(250) 262-7496⁠
dan@remaxaction.ca⁠

The Canadian government’s Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) lets you borrow money from your RRSP if:

1. You're a first-time home buyer; or
2. You’ve lived separately and apart from your spouse or common-law partner for at least 90 days and started living separately and apart anytime in the preceding 4 years as a result of a relationship breakdown (conditions apply).

If you’re looking to buy, build or maintain your primary residence, you can use this money for your down payment, closing costs, or both.

You can withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP per calendar year. Spouses or partners may also each withdraw up to $35,000 per calendar year — $70,000 in total. The borrowed funds must be in your RRSP for at least 90 days before being taken out. Withdraw the money no later than 30 days after the closing date.

You can borrow money from your RRSP tax-free if you pay it back to your RRSP starting no later than the second year after the withdrawal date. Pay back the full amount within 15 years, through regular payments. Every year, the government sends you a statement summarizing what you repaid and what's outstanding.

Want to discuss how this impacts your home-buying decision? Contact me with your questions and to find the answers you're looking for.

Dan Petersen⁠
Re/Max Action Realty LTD.⁠
(250) 262-7496⁠
dan@remaxaction.ca⁠

Professionals in my Referral Network bring you peace-of-mind during a busy time. You can trust them to deliver the same high level of customer service that I provide.

Dan Petersen⁠
Re/Max Action Realty LTD.⁠
(250) 262-7496⁠
dan@remaxaction.ca⁠

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