Many people confuse property inspection reports with appraisal reports, assuming they serve the same purpose. However, while both typically involve an on-site inspection, they differ significantly in their objectives, methods, and the nature of their final reports. This article aims to clarify these differences and highlight the unique roles each...

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is an important economic indicator that reflects the overall confidence of consumers' economic prospects. For Canadian alternative mortgage specialists and mortgage brokers, tracking the CCI is essential. It provides insights into consumer sentiment and offers predictions on future economic activities that can...

Introduction

The Canadian real estate market has undergone significant shifts over the past year. August 2024 has presented a markedly different landscape compared to the same month in 2023. This article delves into the details of these changes, analyzing the factors contributing to the fluctuations in property values across various provinces and...

Mortgage professionals and appraisers know how important it is to help clients know which home upgrades can increase the value of their property and which ones can actually lower it.

As a mortgage professional, you know the appraised value of a property is a key factor in determining the loan-to-value ratio and may affect the interest rate for your clients. But did you know the same property can have different appraised values depending on the terms of reference (TOR) the appraiser follows? In this post, we explain why this...

When you are going through a separation or divorce, one of the most challenging and contentious issues is how to divide your marital property. If you own a home, you will need to get a professional appraisal of its value, so that you can negotiate a fair and equitable settlement.

Introduction

Mortgage brokers and alternative mortgage specialists face a challenging market, where customers are often overwhelmed by the complexity and emotional stress of buying a home. They compete with other brokers, banks, credit unions, and online lenders who may offer lower rates or different levels of convenience. How can mortgage experts...

The mortgage industry has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and regulatory pressures. In this rapidly changing landscape, Chief Operating Officers (COOs) at mortgage lenders (large and small) are seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance customer...

Statistical confidence is a useful metric that informs about the reliability and accuracy of estimations made by staff, consultants, and in the news. Confidence scores and ranges are often used to quantify the level of certainty we can have in predictions, analyses, and promises made by vendors. Understanding what these numbers mean offers crucial...