More Canadians than ever are purchasing second homes. No longer the purview of the wealthy, second home ownership has gone mainstream. For many Canadians, it's the dream of a summer cottage, golf retreat or a winter chalet.

For others, career or family demands fuel the desire for a second home: for business stays, or to shelter the university student studying in a distant community.

Now that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation(CMHC) has introduced a Second Home program - helping Canadians borrow up to 95% of the home's value - the purchase of a second home is easier than ever. And the attraction of the real estate investment is just as compelling with your second home as it is with your first. Not only can it be a good financial investment, but it's an important
emotional investment too. Here are some things to keep in mind when you finance a second home:

Can You Afford It?

This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If you are planning to purchase a second home, you'll want the best possible financing for your new real estate investment. There's no question that financing is easier than ever. But a mortgage broker can help you figure out exactly how much second home you can
comfortably afford. It's a great time to begin that conversation;
market conditions are in your favour, and mortgage interest rates are still at a near all time historical low.

What Are Your Financing Options?

The CMHC Second Home program has been the big breakthrough for Canadian second-home buyers CMHC will insure a property purchased
for a family member attending college or university away from home. And the program is very popular as a means of purchasing a vacation property. There are a few provisos here: either the borrower must occupy the property for at least some part of the year, or a family member must occupy the property on a rent-free basis. The property must be winterized, and be accessible for year-round occupancy.
And it must be located in Canada. Be careful with island properties; they should have year-round bridge or ferry access. Note, too, that program can't be used to purchase time-shares or similar rental pools.

What Do The Mortgages Look Like?

By far your best bet here is to talk to an independent Ontario mortgage broker with access to a wide range of lenders. The mortgages for second homes can vary widely in the rates and requirements.

Can I Leverage My Existing Equity In My Primary Home?

This is an option that your mortgage broker can help you look at. This involves a cash-out refinancing of your existing primary home mortgage with a higher borrowed amount. Instead of waiting and saving years for a second home, you can access money based on the value of your primary residence and your present financial profile to help you finance a second property.

A Second Mortgage For A Second Home?

Is this the right option for you? A second mortgage is the most common way to use your home equity. No need to wait until you've saved a down payment for a second home investment, but you must
have the funds and cash flow to comfortably make both mortgage payments. Your broker will work out the best terms for you.

It's your second home. That means that it's primarily for your own or your family's use (although you may rent it out casually and temporarily). If you're looking to purchase an investment property, your mortgage broker can help with that too... but it's not the same as purchasing a second home.

If there's a family cottage in your dreams or a student condo in your plans, this is the time to get serious about a mortgage plan to make it happen.

Check out your options.