One of the main considerations when getting a mortgage if whether to lock in your rate or choose a variable rate mortgage. I always educate my clients on the pros and cons of each mortgage type and then help them make a decision that will be best for their financial situation and risk profile. I have mentioned before that historically a client you chooses a variable rate will be better off in the long run.

You can’t avoid the taxman: Goods ordered early for post-July installation will still get 13% levy. With all the billboards springing up around the city, it’s hard to miss the 13% harmonized sales tax (HST) slated to become law July 1. For many, the tax is just a convenient combination of 8% provincial sales tax (PST) and 5% goods and services tax (GST). But for the home renovation industry, which contributes $20-billion and 195,000 jobs to Ontario’s economy, the HST may have some hidden challenges.