Preparing To Break Your Mortgage? Here's What You Need To Know!

Did you know that approximately 6 in 10 Canadian homeowners break their mortgage before the end of their term? This surprising statistic highlights the importance of understanding the process and consequences of breaking a mortgage contract. As Steven Tulman, President & Principal Broker of Clover Mortgage, I'm here to guide you through everything you need to know about penalties for breaking a mortgage.

What Does It Mean to Break a Mortgage?

Breaking a mortgage refers to terminating your existing mortgage contract before the agreed-upon amortization period has passed. This decision often comes with financial implications, including penalties and fees.

"In a perfect world, you would never need to break your mortgage before the end of its term. However, that is rarely the reality." Tyler Salmon , Mortgage Agent Level 2, M21003803

Common Reasons for Breaking a Mortgage

1. Selling your home
2. Paying off the mortgage early
3. Refinancing to lock in a better rate
4. Renegotiating for better terms
5. Removing someone from the property title and mortgage

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Understanding Mortgage Penalties

When breaking your mortgage, you may face prepayment penalties. These penalties are designed to compensate lenders for the interest income they lose when a borrower terminates their mortgage early.

Types of Prepayment Penalties

1. Three Months' Interest Penalty : Often applied to variable rate mortgages
2. Interest Rate Differential (IRD) Penalty : Typically used for fixed-rate mortgages

Let's break down these penalties in more detail:

Calculating Your Mortgage Penalty

Three Months' Interest Penalty Example

Let's say you have a variable-rate mortgage with a balance of $400,000 and your current monthly interest payment is $500. Here's how the penalty would be calculated:

Prepayment Penalty = Monthly Interest Payment x 3
Prepayment Penalty = $500 x 3 = $1,500

Interest Rate Differential (IRD) Penalty Example

Suppose you have a fixed-rate mortgage with the following details:

• Original mortgage amount: $300,000
• Remaining term: 3 years
• Original interest rate: 4.5%
• The current interest rate for a 3-year term: 3.5%

The IRD calculation would be:

IRD = (Original Rate - Current Rate) x Remaining Principal x Remaining Term
IRD = (4.5% - 3.5%) x $300,000 x 3 years = $9,000

Open vs. Closed Mortgages

Understanding the difference between open and closed mortgages is crucial when considering breaking your mortgage.

Learn more about open vs. closed mortgages

Alternatives to Breaking Your Mortgage

Before deciding to break your mortgage, consider these alternatives:

1. Porting your mortgage : Transfer your existing mortgage to a new property
2. Blending and extending : Combine your current rate with the new rate for an extended term
3. Home equity line of credit (HELOC) : Access your home equity without breaking your mortgage
4. Refinancing options : Explore ways to refinance without incurring significant penalties

When Breaking Your Mortgage Might Make Sense

Despite the potential penalties, there are situations where breaking your mortgage could be beneficial:

1. Significant interest rate drops
2. Major life changes (e.g., divorce, job relocation)
3. Financial difficulties
4. Investment opportunities

"It's essential to carefully review your mortgage contract, understand the penalties involved, and assess whether the potential savings or benefits from breaking the mortgage outweigh the associated costs." - Dieter Haes , Mortgage Agent Level 2, M12001642

Steps to Break Your Mortgage

1. Review your mortgage contract
2. Contact your lender for a penalty quote
3. Shop around for new mortgage options
4. Calculate potential savings vs. penalty costs
5. Make an informed decision

Minimizing the Impact of Mortgage Penalties

To reduce the financial impact of breaking your mortgage, consider these strategies:

1. Time your mortgage break strategically : Wait for your renewal date or when penalties may be lower
2. Use prepayment privileges : Take advantage of any allowable prepayments before breaking the mortgage
3. Negotiate with your lender : Some lenders may be willing to reduce penalties to retain your business
4. Explore penalty reimbursement offers : Some new lenders may offer to cover a portion of your penalty

Legal and Financial Considerations

When breaking your mortgage, keep these factors in mind:

1. Tax implications : Prepayment penalties may be tax-deductible in certain situations
2. Impact on credit score : Breaking a mortgage shouldn't significantly affect your credit if handled properly
3. Legal obligations : Ensure you understand all legal aspects of terminating your mortgage contract

Expert Tips from Clover Mortgage

As a seasoned mortgage professional, I recommend:

1. Consult a mortgage broker : We can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the process
2. Consider long-term financial goals : Ensure breaking your mortgage aligns with your overall financial strategy
3. Explore all options : Don't rush into breaking your mortgage without considering alternatives
4. Get multiple quotes : Compare offers from various lenders to find the best solution

Learn more about the benefits of using a mortgage broker

Scenario: Breaking a Fixed-Rate Mortgage for a Lower Rate

Let's look at a scenario to illustrate the potential benefits and costs of breaking a mortgage:

Sarah has a $500,000 fixed-rate mortgage at 4.5% with 3 years remaining on her 5-year term. Current market rates have dropped to 3%, and she's considering breaking her mortgage to take advantage of the lower rate.

Current monthly payment: $2,779 Potential new monthly payment at 3%: $2,366 Monthly savings: $413

However, Sarah's lender quotes an IRD penalty of $15,000 to break the mortgage.

Time to recoup penalty through savings: $15,000 / $413 per month = 36.3 months

In this case, it would take Sarah just over 3 years to recoup the penalty through monthly savings. Since she only has 3 years left on her term, breaking the mortgage might not be the best financial decision unless she plans to stay in the home for a longer period or can negotiate a lower penalty.

Conclusion

Breaking your mortgage is a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration. While it can lead to substantial savings in some cases, the associated penalties and fees can be substantial. By understanding the process, exploring alternatives, and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

Remember, at Clover Mortgage, we're here to help you navigate these complex decisions. Contact us for personalized assistance and expert guidance on your mortgage journey.

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FAQs

What's the difference between breaking a closed mortgage and an open mortgage?

A closed mortgage typically has stricter terms and higher penalties for early termination, while an open mortgage allows for more flexibility in repayment and breaking the contract, often with lower or no penalties.

How will breaking my mortgage affect my mortgage payments?

Breaking your mortgage may result in new mortgage payments, which could be higher or lower depending on your new mortgage agreement and current interest rates.

Can I break my current mortgage contract to save money?

Yes, breaking your current mortgage contract could potentially save you money if you can secure a significantly lower interest rate. However, you need to factor in the prepayment penalties to determine if it's financially beneficial.

How is the mortgage penalty calculated for breaking a fixed mortgage rate?

For a fixed mortgage rate, the penalty is typically calculated using the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) or three months' interest, whichever is higher. The exact calculation can vary among financial institutions.

Is it better to break my mortgage with the same lender or switch to a new one?

This depends on the offers available. Sometimes, staying with the same lender can result in reduced penalties, but new lenders might offer better rates or terms. It's best to compare options from various mortgage lenders.

How does breaking a mortgage contract early affect the mortgage principal?

Breaking your mortgage early doesn't directly affect the mortgage principal. However, the prepayment penalty may be added to your new mortgage, increasing the principal amount.

Can I break my mortgage contract early without penalties?

It's rare to break a mortgage contract early without any penalties, especially for closed mortgages. Open mortgages generally allow for early termination without penalties.

How do different financial institutions handle mortgage prepayment penalties?

Financial institutions may have varying methods for calculating prepayment penalties. Some may use the IRD method, while others might use a percentage of the outstanding balance or a combination of methods.

Will breaking my mortgage affect my ability to get a new mortgage agreement?

Breaking your mortgage shouldn't directly impact your ability to get a new mortgage agreement, as long as you maintain a good credit score and meet the new lender's requirements.

How can I determine if breaking my current mortgage will actually save me money in the long run?

Calculate the total cost of breaking your mortgage (including penalties) and compare it to the potential savings from lower monthly payments over the new term. If the savings exceed the costs within a reasonable timeframe, it may be worth considering.

Breaking your mortgage is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of your unique financial situation. At Clover Mortgage, we're committed to helping you make the best choice for your future. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and support.