Calgary Mortgage Payout Penalties

When it comes to Calgary home mortgages, it is easy to focus on the mortgage interest rates and your current situation, but the reality is that life happens and when it does, great mortgage rates won’t be the only thing that matter.

At the end of the day, a mortgage is a contract between you (the homeowner) and the bank. As such, there are often mortgage payout penalties involved if the contract is ever broken. This is something that every homeowner agrees to when you sign mortgage paperwork, but it can be easy to forget - until you’re paying the payout penalty. These things do happen as approximately 6 out of 10 mortgages in Canada are broken within 3 years. Should your circumstances change, knowing the next steps can help you navigate the mortgage payout penalty process.

Calculating Mortgage Payout Penalties

Typically, the penalty for breaking a mortgage is calculated in two different ways. Lenders generally use an Interest Rate Differential calculation or the sum of three months' interest to determine the payout penalty. You will typically be assessed the greater of the two penalties unless your contract states otherwise.

Interest Rate Differential (IRD)

In Calgary, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for how the IRD is calculated and it can vary greatly from lender to lender. This is due to the various comparison rates that are used. However, typically the IRD is based on the amount remaining on the mortgage and the difference between the original mortgage interest rate you signed at and the current mortgage interest rate a lender can charge today.

In this case, these penalties vary greatly as they are based on the borrower's specific mortgage and the specific rates on the agreement, and in the market today. However, let's assume you have a balance of $200,000 on your mortgage, an annual interest rate of 6%, 36 months remaining in your 5-year term and the current rate is 4%. This would mean an IRD penalty of $12,000 if you break the contract.

Ideally, you will want to be aware of what your IRD penalty would be before you decide to payout your mortgage early as it is not always the most viable option.

Three Months Interest:

In some cases, the penalty for breaking your mortgage is simply equivalent to three months of interest. Using the same example as above - balance of $200,000 on your mortgage, an annual interest rate of 6% - then three months interest would be a $3,000 early mortgage payout penalty. A variable-rate mortgage is typically accompanied by only the three-month interest penalty.

Paying The Mortgage Payout Penalty

When it comes to making the payment, some lenders may allow you to add this payout penalty to your new mortgage balance (meaning you would pay interest on it). You can also pay your penalty upfront. Whenever possible, if you can wait out your current mortgage term before making a change to your mortgage, it is the best way to avoid being stuck in the penalty box. If you cannot avoid a penalty, do note that, while only calculators can be great tools for estimates, it is best to contact our mortgage agents directly to discuss your mortgage terms and potential mortgage penalty calculations.

CLICK HERE For More Information on Payout Penalties and How To Protect Yourself

Life happens and not always on the same schedule as your mortgage. Do your homework to avoid nasty surprises from your friendly banker!