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Mortgage & Real Estate FinancePrepayment PenaltiesHARD

A client has a $500,000 mortgage with a 3.5% rate, 25-year amortization, and 5-year term. After 3 years, they want to break the mortgage when rates have dropped to 2.8%. Which factor would most significantly impact their prepayment penalty calculation?

Correct Answer

B) The interest rate differential and remaining term

For fixed-rate mortgages, the prepayment penalty is typically the greater of three months' interest or the interest rate differential (IRD) for the remaining term. Since rates have dropped significantly, the IRD calculation would likely result in a substantial penalty.

Answer Options
A
The original mortgage amount
B
The interest rate differential and remaining term
C
The current property value
D
The borrower's current credit score

Why This Is the Correct Answer

For fixed-rate mortgages, the prepayment penalty is typically the greater of three months' interest or the interest rate differential (IRD) for the remaining term. Since rates have dropped significantly, the IRD calculation would likely result in a substantial penalty.

Deep Dive: Understanding the Answer

For fixed-rate mortgages, the prepayment penalty is typically the greater of three months' interest or the interest rate differential (IRD) for the remaining term. Since rates have dropped significantly, the IRD calculation would likely result in a substantial penalty.

This question tests your understanding of Mortgage & Real Estate Finance concepts that are commonly assessed on Canadian real estate licensing exams. The correct answer, “The interest rate differential and remaining term”, reflects a fundamental principle that real estate professionals in Canada must understand.

Specifically, this falls under the sub-topic of Prepayment Penalties, which is an important area within Mortgage & Real Estate Finance that appears regularly on provincial licensing exams across Canada.

About Mortgage & Real Estate Finance

Mortgage types, qualification, amortization, interest calculations, and lending regulations.

Mortgage & Real Estate Finance is one of the core areas covered on Canadian real estate licensing exams, including RECO (Ontario), BCFSA (British Columbia), and RECA (Alberta). Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone pursuing a career in Canadian real estate.

Study Tips for Mortgage & Real Estate Finance

  • Master the Canadian amortization calculation method (semi-annual compounding).
  • Understand the difference between conventional and high-ratio mortgages.
  • Know CMHC insurance requirements and qualification rules.
  • Review the impact of the Bank of Canada rate on mortgage products.

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