In order to purchase a home, you must have an established credit history. Each time you pay a bill (for your credit card or for a monthly service such as your telephone or electricity), you are establishing a credit rating for yourself. A credit rating is a number or score that banks, mortgage companies, and other lending businesses use to assess your level of financial responsibility.

Paying your bills on time every month, contributes to having a good credit rating. If you miss payments, or are often late making your payments, your credit rating is probably...

Becoming a homeowner can be very exciting but at the same time can also feel a little intimidating. Some of the most common questions asked by newcomers are: Do I qualify for a mortgage? What's a pre-approval? And how does buying a home in Canada differ from my home country?

A home can be one of the most personally and financially rewarding investments you'll ever make...

Anyone who has lived in the same house for a number of years inevitably gets the reno itch. While a gut job is expensive, home renovations are still an affordable way to upgrade without moving.

“It's natural that after a certain point, homeowners start to notice the flaws in their homes,” said Farhaneh Haque, director of mortgage advice at TD Canada Trust. “It could be that the layout is no longer practical, the bathrooms are outdated or the exterior needs some curb appeal. Each of these areas can increase the property value of a house while making it more suitable to the homeowner's needs.”

Before picking up the hammer and hardwood...