An open mortgage typically allows the borrower to pre-pay all of the mortgage, renew or refinance at any time before maturity. This also means that you can switch lenders at any time. The catch is that this flexibility to pay back the mortgage whenever you like usually comes with a higher interest rate.
An open mortgage can make sense for those who know they are receiving a large sum such as an inheritance and want to put this money onto their mortgage, or are intending to sell their home in the near future. Open mortgages can also be a good choice for those whose income will vary over time, such as self-employed individuals who will exceed the paydown allowance permitted on a closed mortgage. .
A closed mortgage typically allows you to prepay a limited amount each year without a penalty, usually 15 to 25% of the original principal. This type of mortgage may also include the ability to increase the size of your regular payments, up to double in many cases.
The main advantage of a closed mortgage is that they almost always have a better rate compared to an open mortgage, although it pays to understand the pre-payment provisions in the fine print. Looking to pay off your debt early and have a closed mortgage? This type of mortgage may be renegotiated or refinanced in most cases with a pre-payment penalty.
The details can vary from lender to lender, so it makes sense to talk to a mortgage broker early on, when you’re starting to think about what financing is best for you. Your mortgage professional will have the latest info on product choices, rates, and recent Canadian interest rate trends.
Nevin Van Nest . Realtor . Royal LePage Foothills
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