For Canadian homeowners, renewing a mortgage is an important part of owning a home. While it offers the chance to negotiate better terms, the process isn’t always easy. About 3% of mortgage renewals are refused. In this blog, we’ll discuss the details of mortgage renewal, common problems that can occur, and what steps to take if your mortgage renewal is denied.
Understanding the Mortgage Renewal Process
How does mortgage renewal work? The mortgage renewal process in Canada involves renegotiating the terms of your mortgage loan with your current lender when it’s time to renew. Homeowners often use this opportunity to get a better interest rate. However, your mortgage term can last from a few months to five years, meaning multiple renewals might happen during the mortgage’s lifetime, and the process isn’t always easy.
There is a chance your mortgage renewal will be denied due to missed payments, a poor credit score, changes in your financial situation, or because you’ve taken on too much new credit. If your mortgage renewal is denied, it’s crucial to understand why and to take steps to improve your financial situation before reapplying. In such cases, exploring a Consumer Proposal in Toronto might help you manage your debts effectively and improve your chances of approval in the future.
Why Was My Mortgage Renewal Denied?
Renewing your mortgage isn’t guaranteed, as the lender reassesses your credit at the time of renewal. Common reasons why your mortgage renewal in Canada was denied include:
- Missed Mortgage Payments: Missing payments or having a poor payment history can lead to denial. If your mortgage is in arrears at renewal time, your renewal may be denied.
- Bad Credit Score: Lenders check your credit report, and a poor credit score can result in denial. Even if you’ve never missed a payment, a low credit score can still be an issue.
- Drop in Income: Lenders may assess your income during renewal. If you’ve recently lost your job or had a decrease in earnings, the lender might think you’ll struggle with payments, leading to a denial.
- Negative Market Conditions: A drop in home prices can make lenders tighten their credit policies. If your home equity and loan-to-value ratio drop, you might need mortgage insurance or face denial.
- Too Much Debt: High credit card debt, car loan payments, and other expenses can increase your debt service ratio (DSR). If your DSR exceeds 40%, your lender might deny your renewal.
- Higher Interest Rates: Rising interest rates can make your monthly payments unaffordable, contributing to a denial.
- Failing Stress Test with a New Lender: Refinancing with a new lender involves a stress test. Higher interest rates can negatively affect your renewal outcome.
What To Do If Your Mortgage Renewal Is Denied
If your current lender denies your mortgage renewal due to bad credit or other reasons, here are some steps you can take:
- Talk with Your Current Lender: Find out why your renewal was denied and what changes they need to approve it.
- Extend Your Amortization: If affordability is an issue due to higher rates or loss of income, ask about extending your amortization period to lower monthly payments.
- Improve Your Credit Score: Address any missed payments and improve credit utilization well before your renewal date.
- Consider a Different Lender: If traditional lenders deny your renewal, look into refinancing with a B lender, like monoline lenders, credit unions, or mortgage investment companies. Be aware this involves a stress test.
- Consult with a Mortgage Broker: Mortgage brokers can help you find better rates and alternative lenders.
- Consider a Private Mortgage Lender: If B lenders deny you, consider private lenders. They might not be licensed and often come with higher risks and rates.
- Get a Cosigner: A cosigner with good credit can improve your chances of approval.
- Clean Up Other Debt: Paying off a new credit card or unsecured debt can help your chances of renewal.
- Downsize or Sell Your Home: If all lenders deny your renewal, consider selling your home.
Where To Find Professional Help with Mortgage Renewal
Seeking professional help is crucial when dealing with mortgage renewal challenges.
What Can a Mortgage Broker Do?
Mortgage brokers can help you access better rates and mortgage terms by finding alternative lenders. Contact them early to improve your chances of approval and secure the best mortgage rate for your situation.
How Can Kunjar Sharma & Associates Inc. Help with Your Mortgage?
If you’ve had your mortgage renewal denied, Kunjar Sharma & Associates Inc. can provide the expert assistance you need. With extensive experience in financial restructuring and debt management, we offer tailored solutions to help you navigate the challenges of a denied mortgage renewal. Their team can guide you through improving your credit score, managing your debts, and finding alternative financing options to ensure you can secure a new mortgage.
For businesses facing financial difficulties, our Corporate Proposal service provides structured solutions to help manage debt and ensure business continuity.
Conclusion
Understanding the details of the mortgage renewal process, addressing potential issues proactively, and seeking professional guidance can help if you’re concerned about mortgage renewal denied. If debts like credit card debt in Toronto or payday loans affect your mortgage payments or renewal, contact us for advice and debt relief.
Additionally, for those in need of debt management solutions, our Credit Counselling services in Toronto offer professional advice and tailored plans to help you regain control of your finances. If mortgage insolvency is a concern, our services can provide critical support in navigating these challenging financial waters.
FAQs
Many people fear negotiating with lenders, believing that the initial offer is non-negotiable. However, this is not true. You can request a better mortgage rate, and if lenders want your business, they will likely provide one. If they cannot, you should consider exploring other options.
If you have bad credit, finding a lender willing to extend your mortgage might take some time. It’s crucial to ensure that your new mortgage payments will be manageable. Whether you can secure a mortgage will depend on your specific circumstances, so it’s advisable to seek personalized advice.
The minimum credit score needed for a mortgage loan varies based on the lender’s risk tolerance. However, a credit score of 650 is generally regarded as the minimum for obtaining a favourable mortgage rate.