Looking for a down payment on a home? Check your RRSPs (for Canadians)

New rules enhance the Home Buyer’s Plan program

If you’re a first-time home buyer, with the federal Home Buyer’s Plan you may be eligible to withdraw funds from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) for a down payment when buying or building a qualifying home. Under the program you can now withdraw up to $25,000 without tax penalties, according to measures announced recently in the 2009 Federal Budget.

• Here is a basic overview of some of the rules:
• You must be considered a first time home buyer, i.e. you cannot have owned an owner occupied home in the previous five years.
• You must be a Canadian resident.
• The property purchased must be for a principal residence.
• The RRSP must be repaid within 15 years, with minimum annual payments of 1/15th of the withdrawn amount.
• Funds must have remained in your RRSPs for a minimum of 90 days before they can be withdrawn under the Home Buyers Plan.
• You will have to complete Form T1036, “Home Buyers Plan (HBP) – Request to Withdraw Funds from an RRSP” available at the Canada Revenue Agency website www.cra-arc.gc.ca in the RRSP section.

No RRSPs? Call Romana, a mortgage professional, can show you how to establish an RRSP with borrowed funds, and use the resultant tax refund for a down payment.

Ensure you  are pre-approved, it will save you time and them money! Rate holds up to 120 days. Please have your client’s call me, I would be happy to provide expert, unbiased mortgage advice to first time home buyers as well as those looking to renew or refinance their mortgage, purchase investment properties or consolidate debts.

They can call, email me or go to my website to do an on-line application, www.410lend.com The following are the current rates: 6 months – 6.20% 1 Year – 3.70% 2 Year – 4.75% 3 Year – 3.75% 4 Year – 4.29% 5 Year – 4.29%* 7 Year – 6.25% 10 Year – 6.45% Variable Interest Rate at Prime plus .80% (currently prime is at 3.00% making the rate 3.80%) * Specific criteria may apply

6 months - 6.20%

1 Year - 3.70%

2 Year - 4.75%

3 Year - 3.75%

4 Year - 4.29%

5 Year - 4.29%*

7 Year - 6.25%

10 Year - 6.45%

Variable Interest Rate at Prime plus .80% (currently prime is at 3.00% making the rate 3.80%)

* Specific criteria may apply

RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. E&OE.

Romana Bozic

Accredited Mortgage Professional

MonsterMortgage.ca

Tel:  416-410-LEND (5363)

Fax: 416-480-0939

Website:  www.410lend.com

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I proudly server buyers and sellers in the Greater Toronto neighbourhoods of: Forest Hill, Cedarvale, North York, North Toronto, Summit Heights, Wilson Heigh t, Bathurst Manor, Leaside, Bayview, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and all surrounding areas.

Whether you're buying or selling, feel free to e-mail or phone us and we will be happy to guide you through your real estate experience.