Should you get your mortgage using a broker or a bank?
This article has been updated from a previous version. One of the major questions homebuyers face is wheth...
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Mortgages come with a term period and these terms range from 6 months to 10 years. A 6-month fixed open mortgage rate is the shortest-term mortgage that a lender can offer. It is ideal for borrowers seeking a particular interest rate for a short period of time and want flexibility in their mortgage loan payment or want to finish up their loan earlier than the amortization period to avoid penalty.
In Canada, a lender offering 6-month fixed open mortgage will offer a fixed interest rate for a short period of six months, locking in the terms and interest rate for that duration. By locking in this rate, borrowers have the stability of not having to worry about changing interest rates for six months. Their interest rate is locked, and they can plan their mortgage payments accordingly for this time period.
An open mortgage allows a borrower to make prepayments or pay off the entire mortgage amount balance before the term ends without worrying about penalties. This can be beneficial for a buyer who sees their financial situation changing in the next 6 months, if they plan to sell their property in the next six months or less.
With the Bank of Canada increasing interest rates since spring 2022 to control inflation, borrowing costs have gone up for homebuyers, as well as homeowners looking to renew their existing mortgages. Borrowers have shown more inclination towards 6-months fixed open rates compared to the past-favourite 5-year mortgage rates because a short term 6-months fixed open mortgage rate gives them the flexibility to change the rate when the market eases up a bit when the term ends. It also gives the borrowers peace of mind when variable rates are skyrocketing.
The short-term mortgage rate also exposes the borrower to potential interest rate fluctuations. If interest rates rise significantly during renewal, the borrower will have to change to a higher rate upon renewal.
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Pros of 6-month fixed open mortgage rate | Cons of 6-month fixed open mortgage rate |
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The 6-month fixed open mortgage rate provides flexibility to make prepayments or pay off the entire mortgage balance before the end of the term without incurring penalties. This can be advantageous for borrowers if they anticipate changes in their financial situation or plan to sell the property within a short period | Higher interest rate risk: The short-term nature of a 6-month fixed open mortgage exposes the borrower to potential interest rate fluctuations. If interest rates rise significantly during the term, you may face higher mortgage payments upon renewal. However, if rates decrease, you may benefit from securing a lower rate when you renew or refinance. |
It also provides flexibility to self-employed or people with a variable income to help get financing without locking into a longer contract in an uncertain economic situation | The interest rates on shorter-term mortgages tend to be slightly higher compared to longer-term mortgages. This is because lenders assume a greater level of risk due to the uncertainty of future interest rate movements over a shorter period. |
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At the end of the 6-month fixed open mortgage you can choose to pay the remaining mortgage amount in full without penalty or renegotiate for another term. The best thing about this type of mortgage rate is that it can be renegotiated or refinanced at any time without penalty.
Generally, the interest rates on shorter-term mortgages tend to be slightly higher compared to longer-term mortgages. This is because lenders assume a greater level of risk due to the uncertainty of future interest rate movements over a shorter period. Since 6-month fixed open mortgages have a relatively short term, there may be fewer rate options available compared to longer-term mortgages. It's essential to research and compare rates from various lenders to ensure you're getting the most competitive offer.
At the end of the six-month term, you have the option to renew the mortgage for another term or refinance it with a new lender. This allows you to reassess your financial situation, interest rate environment, and mortgage goals. 6-month fixed open mortgage rates can be refinanced at any time without penalty.
Shivani Kaul
About the Author
Shivani Kaul is a content manager in the personal finance space. Prior to this, she worked as a digital editor with Pagemasters North America (a division of The Canadian Press) for four years. Shivani has also worked as a freelance writer and editor for Investor's Digest of Canada and The Ghost Bureau.
She has more than a decade of experience working as an editor and writer for different news media organizations in Canada and South Asia. She has a Digital Marketing Management certification from the University of Toronto, a Master's degree in Mass Communication (Journalism) and a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delhi (India).
This article has been updated from a previous version. One of the major questions homebuyers face is wheth...
This article has been updated from a previous version. Buying a home may seem like a one-time purchase, but it&r...