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Mortgage & Real Estate FinanceMortgage TypesONMEDIUM

What is the key difference between a fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgage in terms of interest rate risk?

Correct Answer

B) Variable-rate mortgages transfer interest rate risk to the borrower

Variable-rate mortgages transfer interest rate risk from the lender to the borrower, as payments can fluctuate with changes in the prime rate. Fixed-rate mortgages protect borrowers from rate increases during the term but may result in higher costs if rates decline.

Answer Options
A
Fixed-rate mortgages have no interest rate risk
B
Variable-rate mortgages transfer interest rate risk to the borrower
C
Both mortgage types have identical interest rate risk
D
Variable-rate mortgages eliminate all financial risk

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Variable-rate mortgages transfer interest rate risk from the lender to the borrower, as payments can fluctuate with changes in the prime rate. Fixed-rate mortgages protect borrowers from rate increases during the term but may result in higher costs if rates decline.

Deep Dive: Understanding the Answer

Variable-rate mortgages transfer interest rate risk from the lender to the borrower, as payments can fluctuate with changes in the prime rate. Fixed-rate mortgages protect borrowers from rate increases during the term but may result in higher costs if rates decline.

This question tests your understanding of Mortgage & Real Estate Finance concepts that are commonly assessed on Canadian real estate licensing exams. The correct answer, “Variable-rate mortgages transfer interest rate risk to the borrower”, reflects a fundamental principle that real estate professionals in Canada must understand.

Specifically, this falls under the sub-topic of Mortgage Types, 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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