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Smart ways to save for a house or condo

(NC) With Canada’s housing market hotter than ever, saving up a down payment can feel impossible. But wise spending and saving decisions can add up over time. Here, Vanessa Bowen, money expert and accountant, offers simple yet effective ways to save for the home you’ve had your eye on.

Ensure you have a good credit score
A better credit score means that you can qualify for lower interest rates and loans that you may require when investing in a future property. Working to improve your overall credit score, such as by avoiding late bill payments, will help make your savings go further as you look towards purchasing the house or condo of your dreams.

Contribute lump-sum payments to your savings
Large annual payments such as a work bonus or your tax return can be added as lump-sum contributions to your savings. Contributing larger sums helps you reach your end-goal more quickly, so remember to save these payments. It’s money you don’t count on in your day to day anyway, so it’ll be easier to set aside and watch your savings steadily grow.

Switch to a no-fee bank account
A small step that you can take that will add up to big savings in the long run is switching to a no-fee bank account. The PC Money Account is the bank account reimagined with no monthly fees and opportunities to earn PC Optimum Points on every dollar spent everywhere you shop. Now, instead of having to pay monthly banking fees, you can put your hard-earned money towards saving up for a house or condo.

Cut down on unnecessary spending
Try cutting back on expenses such as takeout food and shopping for things you may not actually need, like subscription services. Instead, put this money, which could potentially add up to thousands each year, towards a significant investment opportunity, such as a future home.

 
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Rich in bricks but strapped for cash? How to own a home without being house poor

(NC) The term “house poor” is likely one we’re familiar with as Canadians. Given the ever-changing housing market, it’s something you may even have identified with. But what does it really mean? And how can we avoid it?

“House poor” is a situation that describes a person who “over-extends” themselves and spends an unusually large proportion of his or her total income (roughly 30-40% or more) on home ownership, including mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance and utilities. If you’re feeling like a disproportionate amount of your income goes towards your home-related expenses, then you might be in this group.

According to the 2019 RBC home ownership poll, half of Canadians claim they would avoid a situation where they become house poor as they say it’s mentally stressful and financially irresponsible.

However, one in four Canadians does identify this way and approximately one in ten is prepared to put themselves in this position. Here are some budgeting tips to avoid it:

Adjust your expectations. Buying a home can often be about compromise. This may mean expanding your neighbourhood scope or looking at condos or townhomes instead of detached homes. The poll found that proximity to public transit and work are compromises that most Canadians are willing to make.

Take your time. Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you will make. Take some extra time to make sure you have saved what you need to live comfortably and understand fundamentally what you need to buy your first or next home. Creating a budget and payment plan schedule is a great way of staying on track.

Broaden your horizons. Rate is just one aspect of shopping for a mortgage, and solely focusing on it can have negative impacts in the long run. It’s important to make sure you have the right mortgage to suit a variety of needs and the flexibility to adapt to potential changes in your life. Consider the type of mortgage, term and amortization rate, as well as factors including if this is your first house, an investment property or you are buying and selling at the same time.

See just how much you can afford at rbc.com/60seconds.

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