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1. Negotiate a shorter amortization period. (That's the number of years over which you'll pay off the total amount of the mortgage. Don't confuse this with the term of the mortgage, which can run from 6 months to 10 years and must be renegotiated.) A shorter amortization period will mean higher monthly payments, but you'll be paying more principal with each payment. Consider this:

Let's say you borrowed $100,000 at 10% interest. (I'm using round numbers for ease of illustration and assuming a constant bank rate. You know that today, you'll certainly be able to get a lower rate.)

2. Accelerating your payments. Opt for a weekly or biweekly payment schedule. More payments per month mean less overall interest.

Let's go back to our $100,000 loan at 10% for 25 years.

3. Put lump sum payments toward your principal.

When negotiating your mortgage, ask how frequently you can make a lump sum contribution. Most financial institutions allow a percentage of your overall mortgage to be contributed on your annual mortgage anniversary date. Depending on the type of mortgage you select, you may also be able to negotiate additional monthly, or even weekly, payments. These payments will rocket you toward mortgage freedom.

OK, here's another illustration assuming you have an $80,000 mortgage at 8% with a 25-year amortization, and you're able to put an additional $2,000 lump-sum payment toward it every year.

Open Mortgage
This type of mortgage offers a great deal of flexibility, as it can be repaid in part or full at any time without penalty. This is a great mortgage if you believe interest rates are moving down or if you plan to move in the near future. The term may be limited to six months or one year.

Closed Mortgage
Here the interest rate is fixed for the full term of the mortgage, and you will have to pay a penalty to change the agreement conditions. This type of mortgage is ideal for buyers who suspect that interest rates will rise and who are not planning to move in the near future. This type of mortgage is usually available in a wide variety of terms.

Convertible Mortgage
With this mortgage, you'll enjoy the same peace of mind as a closed mortgage, plus the flexibility to convert to a longer closed mortgage at any time without penalty. If you think rates will drop, this will allow you to wait until you feel they have hit bottom, or if rates rise, you can lock in.

Additional Costs
Before you calculate the amount of your down payment and determine what you can afford, it's a good idea to set aside a few thousand dollars to cover the extra costs that seem to spring out of nowhere. Here is an overview of costs you could encounter. The good news is that not all of them will apply.

Property Taxes
If the Vendor has paid a portion of the taxes in advance, you will be responsible for reimbursing the Vendor on closing. Plus, if you have a high-ratio mortgage, your lender may require that you have your property taxes added to your mortgage payments.

Utility Fees
Utility fees are calculated through a meter so you will be responsible for paying what you have used up on the meter.

Land Transfer Tax
This applies in most provinces and ranges from 1% to 4%. For instance, in Ontario, you'll pay 1% of the first $55,000 - $250,000 and up to 2% of any amount over $400,000.

Survey Fee
Your lender will require an up-to-date survey. You can make it a condition of the Offer to Purchase that the Vendor provide a survey, or you will have to have one done. If there is no survey available, you may purchase "Title Insurance" in lieu of a survey which saves you about $500 - 700.

Appraisal Fee
A basic appraisal usually costs under $250.

Property Insurance
Your lender will insist that you have insurance on your property because your home is used as security for the mortgage.

Service Charges
You'll be charged for telephone, cable and a variety of other services that you hook up at your new home.

Lawyer (Notary) Fees
Each real estate transaction requires the assistance of a legal professional to review the Offer to Purchase, search the title, draw up the mortgage documents and take care of the details on the day of closing. Lawyers fees range widely depending on the complexity of the transaction. Ask your RE/MAX agent to recommend a lawyer. And remember, fees can be negotiated.

Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium and Application Fee
Mortgage loan insurance will be necessary if you have a high-ratio mortgage (less that 25% down payment). The application usually costs $75 with a valid appraisal, otherwise it's $235. The actual insurance premium will range from .5% to 3.75% of the purchase price and is added onto the mortgage.

Mortgage Broker Fee
Some brokers may charge as much as 2% of the total mortgage to find you a lender. In most cases though, the broker is paid by the lender. Buyers with good credit should not have to pay a fee.

Moving Costs
Whether you've decided to do it yourself or hire a moving company, now is the time to budget for the costs involved.

Status Certificate
If you're moving into a condominium (complex not necessarily a high-rise) this certificate outlines the condominium corporation's financial and legal state. It will cost you up to $50.

Condominium Fees
These monthly fees vary from complex to complex. The fees are applied to everything from grounds keeping and carpet cleaning to security personnel and health club maintenance. Depending on the type of structure, these fees will usually be a few hundred dollars.

Home Inspection Fee
For around $300, depending on the size of your home, you'll receive a complete written report about the condition of the structure. Do your research and hire a reputable firm.

Renovation and Repairs
Your home inspection may indicate the need for some general repairs or a major project. Have some money set aside, particularly if you are purchasing an older home.

Redecoration
Your taste will be different from the previous owner. Set aside money to paint and wallpaper. Prepare a list of things you can live with, for now, and decorating faux pas that need immediate alteration.

Water Quality Certification
If you are purchasing a home with a well, you'll want to ensure the quality of the water. This will cost approximately $50 to $100.

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