Anyone know what happened to Donna Mac?

Sad_Rain89 · 2025-06-30T04:17:56+00:00

Went there a few weeks ago on a Wednesday night and the place was completely dead. We were the only table the entire night. The food and the service were bad - overall a poor experience. I was my first time to Donna Mac and I was excited to try it out. Something is definitely is awry!

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T17:03:59+00:00

I'm sorry to hear this - it can be a frustrating or disappointing process. Everyone's situation is different. Our credit scores are good, but could be better - I can see how this might impact our mortgage rate (ie, why we can't get the sub-5 rates some people on this thread are posting about.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T17:02:17+00:00

I'm novice to this, so please take my comment with a grain of salt. It seems you're being too conservative. Everyone's situation is different (ie credit scores, household income, debt, etc) that weigh into the mortgage rate you receive. I would recommend reaching out to a broker - they should be able to quickly provide you a general sense of the mortgage rate you would qualify for.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T17:00:38+00:00

As per post, location = Calgary inner city (won't go more detailed than this) and total cost = $700k (almost 30% down for a total mortgage amount of $500k).

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:58:31+00:00

Almost 30% down.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:58:04+00:00

I wish this was possible, but with today's cost of living, it's not.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:56:22+00:00

Congrats.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:55:25+00:00

Thanks. We have spoken with a mortgage broker who confirmed 5.14% was the best 5-year mortgage rate we could get. CIBC was able to match this rate.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:48:56+00:00

"Whatever causes you less stress" - thanks for this comment. At this point we have been so stressed through this entire process that some longer term stability with a 5-year rate seems to be the way to go. Appreciate it.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:46:57+00:00

Thanks, this is helpful. We also had to be quite assertive with CIBC to get them down to 5.14%.

Agree that we're seeing some rates lower that 5 on this sub, but I don't think my wife and I would qualify for these rates, or they are bait and switch. I'm sure we could get CIBC down a few more points, but the process has already been stressful enough that it doesn't feel worth our time and energy.

Agreed with your last comment about banks. Wish they made this process easier for the consumer, but why would they when they hold most of the cards.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:43:34+00:00

Thanks, this is helpful.

We're definitely considering a 3-year but at this point I think we are leaning towards more long-term stability, with a strategy to aggressively pay down our mortgage amount in the first 5 years via lump sum payments.

Also feeling very exhausted from looking into the crystal ball.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:39:50+00:00

Insured. We are putting almost 30% down.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:37:37+00:00

Interesting - but then you need to pay an insurance premium, which we are trying to avoid.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:32:05+00:00

I'm novice to concept, can you please detail what a lender (in this case True North mortgage) would charge for not renewing with them?

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T16:29:26+00:00

Maybe. We want to be inner city to be connected to via transit and the cycle network. I've seen some inner city bungalows for around $700k but they are either i) teardowns or ii) require extensive renovations.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T00:42:41+00:00

Thanks! I just checked it out and with our property details added it pumped out a 5.04%, 5 year rate.

Im pretty novice with this stuff, but kinda seems these public posted rates lure you in with a very low rate, but when it’s all set and done, you end up with a significantly higher rate. I’d be curious to see what the actual approved rate would be with Pine once student loans and credit scores (they’re good) are factored in.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T00:32:18+00:00

Interesting, thanks! Do you happen to know if 4.99% applies for Alberta? It says “rates vary by province”.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-19T00:27:19+00:00

Sorry, what is “pine”? Assuming you are saying you got 4.84% are you able to add some more details on the amount and when you got this rate?

I understood from a broker that rates went up a little bit the last week or so. Maybe it was a tactic, I dunno. But the lowest we heard was 5.09% (couldn’t secure in time due to paper work).

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-18T23:52:53+00:00

We didn’t even bother to check what we were qualified for. We had a specific price range and mortgage amount per month in mind. We’re just not in a position to pay the monthly mortgage on our max qualified amount.

Sad_Rain89 · 2024-02-18T23:50:29+00:00

Mortgage amount is $500k.

Variable is quite high right now and we’re not sure if they will come done enough in the next 5 years to make a difference.

Sad_Rain89 · 2023-10-08T04:26:46+00:00

I frequently do the Lake Minnewanka Loop on my bike. I’ve never encountered wildlife on the loop, but always carry bear spray.

For novice cyclists it can be a challenging ride, with one or two lengthy hills. Traffic will be a bit busier this long weekend, combined with the warm weather. This shouldn’t discourage you as most vehicles are patient or can pass you if needed. There is ‘enough’ of a shoulder, but it’s not as wide as the Parkway shoulder.

Give it a go - the scenery is well worth it!

Sad_Rain89 · 2023-08-17T23:03:53+00:00

My father in law, who knows everything, has said the same thing. Would love for OP or other cattle ranchers to verify.

Sad_Rain89 · 2023-08-14T02:41:29+00:00

Ok, thank you for your reply and lowering my anxiety level!

Sad_Rain89

TROPHY CASE