Garry Marr: Why U.S. 30-year mortgage contracts are a mixed blessing for homeowners

U.S. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages allow homeowners to lock in low interest rates for the entire loan term, but this benefit becomes a liability if they want to sell and move to a new property. The article explores how long-term rate locks that seem advantageous initially can actually disadvantage homeowners in dynamic housing markets.

Variable mortgage rates are having a moment

Despite expectations of continued interest rate increases, approximately half of Canadian borrowers are still opting for variable rate mortgages. Variable rates remain competitive compared to fixed rate alternatives in the current market environment.

The question on everyone's mind after this week's Fed rate hike

Following this week's U.S. Federal Reserve rate hike, analyst Robert McLister suggests that if Canada's central bank enters a hiking cycle, it will likely implement multiple increases rather than stopping at one, based on historical patterns. The article addresses concerns about what rising interest rates could mean for the Canadian housing market.