Alberta registration changes are another story*

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) recently announced it would be implementing  higher premiums for borrowers who have less than a 10 per cent down payment.

The move means Canadians seeking a mortgage with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 95 per cent will see their premiums jump about 15 per cent from 3.15 to 3.6 per cent. For those with a loan-to-value ratio from 90.01 to 95 per cent, their premiums will climb from 3.35 to 3.85 per cent.

The Crown corporation's move, which takes effect June 1, has since been matched by private-sector insurer Genworth Canada. Canada Guaranty, the country's third main mortgage insurer, had not made an announcement as of press time.

How to avoid costly mistakes before you have keys in hand

 Many homebuyers do not realize that even with an approved mortgage and after meeting the  necessary financing conditions, they are not guaranteed a loan until it has funded on the  closing date.

There are several things to consider to ensure a mortgage closes smoothly, and on time.

The first thing is avoiding the need to take on additional credit. While it may be tempting to load up on new furniture and appliances, do not apply for a loan to buy them. Even an interest-free, no-payment loan can affect whether someone qualifies for a mortgage. Wait until you have the keys to your new house before borrowing money.