Course Profile   Mathematics of Personal Finance, Grade 11, College Preparation, Catholic and Public

 

Unit 5:  Home Sweet Home

Time:  20 hours

 

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3 | Activity 4 | Activity 5

Description

Students investigate costs and make comparisons among various types of accommodations, summarizing their findings in presentations. Common mortgage terminology is introduced and the methods of mortgage interest compounding are explored. Appropriate technology is used to calculate total interest and to determine the time required to “pay off” a mortgage when specific mortgage features are varied (i.e., payment frequency, amortization period, and payment amounts). Students use mathematical analysis as a basis for sound accommodation decision-making.

 

Activity

Time

Expectations

Assessment

Tasks

1. Out On My Own

150 min

PFV.02, PFV.04, PF2.01, PF2.02, PF2.03, PF2.04, PF4.01, PF4.02, PF4.03, PF4.04

Knowledge/ Understanding

Communication

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Explore accommodation alternatives in the context of moving out on their own

2. Are You Ready to Buy?

225 min

CIV.03, CI3.05, CI3.06

Knowledge/ Understanding

Develop understanding of mortgages and demonstrate this through a classroom simulation

3. Table Talk

300 min

CIV.03, CI3.07, CI3.08

Application

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Investigate amortization tables and create using technology

4. How’d They Do That?

300 min

CIV.03, PFV.04, CI3.09, CI3.10, PF4.05

Application

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Manipulate mortgage features to observe the effect on total interest paid

5. Summative: Check It Out!

225 min

PFV.02, PFV.04, PF2.02, PF2.03, PF2.04, PF4.03, PF4.04, PF4.05

Thinking/Inquiry/ Problem Solving

Communication

Make an accommodation decision based on a specific scenario using mathematical justification

 

Activity 1:  Out On My Own

Time:  150 minutes

Description

Students collect information from various sources on types of accommodation in a specific community. Students collect and compare information on the cost of university or college residence, rental accommodation and the purchase of a home. Students present their researched options in the form of a written letter to their parent/guardian(s).

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Overall Expectations

PFV.02 - determine, through investigation, the relative costs of renting an apartment and buying a house;

PFV.04 - demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions involving life situations.

Specific Expectations

PF2.01 - collect, organize, and analyse data involving the costs of various kinds of accommodation in the community;

PF2.02 - compare the costs of maintaining an apartment with the costs of maintaining a house;

PF2.03 - compare the advantages and disadvantages of renting accommodation with the advantages and disadvantages of buying accommodation;

PF2.04 - summarize the findings of investigations in effective presentations, blending written and visual forms;

PF4.01 - describe a decision involving a choice between alternatives (e.g., Which program should I study at college? What car should I buy? Should I stay at home or rent an apartment?);

PF4.02 - collect relevant information related to the alternatives to be considered in making a decision;

PF4.03 - summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives to a decision using lists and organization charts;

PF4.04 - compare the alternatives by rating and ranking information and by applying mathematical calculations and analysis, as appropriate (e.g., calculating loan payments or interest rates; constructing graphs or tables), using technology.

Planning Notes

·         Collect local newspapers, real estate magazines, local housing guides, sample lease agreements, etc.

·         Make arrangements for the use of the Internet if possible.

·         Borrow college and university calendars with residency information from the guidance department.

·         Acquire copies of a residential tenancy agreement (see Resources).

·         Obtain brochures from financial institutions on mortgage information.

·         Sticky notes (5/student) are recommended.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

·         Introduce a discussion with students regarding the various decisions that would need to be made if you were to leave home to go to college.

·         Lead student discussion towards a focus on accommodation decisions.

·         Distribute collected resources throughout classroom to allow students to explore options.

·         Provide each student with five sticky notes.

·         Instruct students to record five different accommodation options from the provided resources with an estimated monthly cost on each sticky note.

·         Instructing student groups of three or four to share their researched accommodations.

·         Suggest that within their group the students move the sticky notes around to classify them in some manner (cost, type, etc.).

·         Facilitate a discussion on the possible classification system for these options. If students have not proposed the option of buying, mention this possibility. Conclude the discussion by grouping all of the sticky notes on the front board into the following categories: college residence, renting off-campus or buying. Suggest that within each type, options could be classified even further. For example, within renting, options could include a division between single and multiple bedroom units.

·         Instruct students to use the cost information on the sticky note to establish an “average” cost for each type of accommodation. For example, the average cost to rent a 2-bedroom apartment is $785/month.

·         Instruct students to compare their “average values” to the “average values” determined by other groups. Discuss the reason for the difference.

·         Lead a discussion as to the validity of their results. Have students consider how they can achieve a more valid figure in the classroom (i.e., take averages using more figures).

·         Instruct students to combine all of their figures (by accommodation chart category) on the front board and find an average.

·         Questions to be considered during a discussion of the results: Are the rental figures consistent regarding what utilities are included? What considerations (other than cost) exist when making accommodation decisions? Discuss how the “average values” may differ between different communities.

·         Provide students with the headings for an “Accommodation Chart” and provide resources for the completion of the chart. Suggested headings are: Type of Accommodation, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Cost Structure.

·         Present the following scenario: You have been discussing attending college far from home with your parent/guardian(s). They have asked you where you are going to live. You suspect that if you present solid arguments for a specific accommodation choice that you have researched, they will assist you financially. Write them a letter to communicate three specific accommodation options, and your choice, with justification.

·         Provide students with the assessment rubric for the assignment (Appendix 1.1).

Student Activity

·         Discuss and explore accommodation options should you leave home to go to college.

·         Identify and investigate the details and costs of five accommodation choices using resources from a college community. After communicating these investigated alternatives to the class, participate in a class discussion to classify these alternatives.

·         Based on research by students in the class, determine the average monthly costs of these accommodation types for this college community.

·         Use this information as you develop a chart listing these accommodation types and citing the advantages, disadvantages, and approximate cost structures involved with each.

·         Through a written letter of justification to your “parent(s)/guardian,” outline the details of three accommodation alternatives and request your parents’ financial support for one of these choices.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Assess students’ Knowledge/Understanding by the quality of the information in their “Accommodation Chart”.

·         Assess Communication and Knowledge/Understanding by evaluating the “letter to the parents” using the provided rubric (see Appendix 1.1).

·         Assess students’ ability to work independently by observing the extent to which they independently retrieve information and complete the accommodation chart using provided resources.

Accommodations

Students with poor handwriting are encouraged to type their letter to their parents.

Resources

http://osca.ouac.on.ca/res-c.htm for residence and housing information for Ontario colleges

www.relocatecanada.com for the National Guide for People Relocating

www.acaato.on.ca/colleges.html for addresses and phone numbers for all of Ontario’s colleges

www.lawsmart.com/landlord.html or www.ilrg.com/forms/lease.html for a tenancy agreement

http://www.realtylocator.com/inforesourcelocator.nsf/indexpagedisplay/resources!Opendocument
for real estate information around the world

 

Activity 2:  Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

Time:  225 minutes

Description

Students learn terminology associated with mortgages and develop an understanding of how interest is calculated on mortgages in Canada. Graphing or financial calculator technology is used to determine mortgage payments, while varying the compounding period. Students use this knowledge to participate in a simulation where they verbally justify to their parents (as a follow-up to Activity 1) that they are prepared to be a homeowner.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Overall Expectations

CIV.03 - demonstrate an understanding of the effect on investment and borrowing of compounding interest.

Specific Expectations

CI3.05 - identify the common terminology and features associated with mortgages;

CI3.06 - describe the manner in which interest is usually calculated on a mortgage (i.e., compounded semi-annually but calculated monthly) and compare this with the method of interest compounded monthly and calculated monthly.

Planning Notes

·         Prepare “e-mail from the parents” (see Appendix 2.1) to introduce the lesson, and provide structure to students for further research.

·         Gather resources from banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, etc. that list information for consumers on mortgages. Most of these will include a glossary which should include the following key terms: equity, mortgagor, mortgagee, appraisal, term, principal, pre-approval, conventional mortgage, closing date, interest rate, mortgage, payment frequency, amortization, offer to purchase, portability, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), closing costs, land transfer tax, down payment, legal fees, etc.

·         Prepare to deliver a brief lesson on the basic concept of compounding, as required.

·         Prepare worksheet (see Worksheet 1) for students to determine monthly payments for various mortgages, using both monthly and semi-annual compounding. The use of the TVM Solver or the equivalent of any graphing or financial calculator is suggested.

·         Prepare index cards with three different scenarios. Each scenario includes a home price, down payment amount, mortgage interest rate, and amortization period. There should be a set of scenarios for each group of three students in the class. These scenarios form the basis for the parent-student role-play that completes this activity.

·         Prepare “Student’s Understanding of Mortgages” assessment tool (see Appendix 2.2).

·         Graphing or financial calculators are required for this activity. Student Worksheet 1 can be readily modified for use with any graphing or financial calculator. Consult your owner’s manual for appropriate symbols.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

Day 1:

·         Provide students with a hardcopy of the “e-mail” response sent by their parents as a result of their letter in Activity 1 (see Appendix 2.1).

·         Use this e-mail as a vehicle for communicating mortgage terminology to students that they will be required to define in their own words. They are required to define all of the underlined words in the letter. Provide resources (bank pamphlets, flyers, dictionary) for students to research definitions.

·         As a preparation for the upcoming “simulation,” demonstrate the use of the graphing or financial calculator to calculate monthly payment. Explain the symbols used on the calculator as they pertain to the mortgage terminology definitions that the students have already explored. When compounding period is explained, pose the question to students as to what kinds of compounding will result in paying less interest.

Day 2:

·         After students have predicted which compounding periods result in lower payments, go through calculations together to (a) calculate monthly payments, and (b) illustrate that semi-annual compounding results in lower payments than monthly compounding. Let them explore this on their own and come to their own conclusion. It would be more meaningful to them this way.

·         Students may wish to explore various compounding periods other than monthly or semi-annual, but it should be made clear that ALL mortgages in Canada have interest that is compounded semi-annually but often paid monthly.

·         Assign Worksheet 1.

Day 3:

·         As a follow-up to the parent letter, explain that students are to participate in an activity to “simulate” a conversation with their parent/guardian(s). Working in a group of three, each student has the opportunity to convince the other two “parents” that they are “home-ownership worthy.” Their arguments are based on the information provided in their individual scenario card (each student in the group has a different set of figures). When students pose as “parents”, they provide feedback on the student’s arguments using a provided assessment tool (see Appendix 2.2).

Student Activity

In response to the letter you wrote in Activity 1, your parents have written you a detailed e-mail which includes a great deal of mortgage terminology. You learn what these terms mean, and work through sample mortgage calculation problems using a graphing or financial calculator. You will write a quiz to show what you’ve learned. This work prepares you for a role play activity where you convince two other students (posing as your parent/guardian(s)) that you are knowledgeable of and ready for home ownership. Your “parents” will then give you feedback on your ability to communicate your understanding.

Student Worksheet 1

1.   List the mortgage term that relates to each of the following symbols:

N=                                     I%=

PV=                                   PMT=

FV=                                   P/Y=

C/Y=

2.   Complete the following chart using a calculator with financial functions.

A

For a mortgage amount of $105 000 at 8%/a interest amortized over 25 years

N=                   I%=                  PV=                 FV=                 P/Y=

Compounded Semi-Annually

C/Y=                            PMT=

Compounded Monthly

C/Y=                            PMT=

B

Home purchased at $140 000 with a down payment of $20 000 at 7.4%/a interest amortized over 25 years.

N=                   I%=                  PV=                 FV=                 P/Y=

Compounded Semi-Annually

C/Y=                PMT=

Compounded Monthly

C/Y=                PMT=

C

Home purchased at $125 000 with a down payment equal to 25% of the purchase price at 10.25%/a interest amortized over 20 years.

N=                   I%=                  PV=                 FV=                 P/Y=

Compounded Semi-Annually

C/Y=                PMT=

Compounded Monthly

C/Y=                PMT=

3.   What should C/Y always be set at when working with mortgages in Canada?

4.   Calculate the monthly payments for each of the following mortgages, assuming semi-annual compounding:

(a)  $87 500 mortgage @ 9.85%/a amortized over 25 years

(b)  $155 700 mortgage @ 8.90%/a amortized over 20 years, etc.

Assessment and Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Assess students’ Knowledge/Understanding by using the feedback from students in the simulation (Student’s Understanding of Mortgages Assessment Tool)

·         Evaluate students’ Knowledge/Understanding of mortgage terminology and calculations using a quiz.

·         Assess students’ initiative observing their participation in simulation (as both student and parent).

Accommodations

Students may be provided with the definitions of mortgage terms in list form.

Resources

Information on mortgage terminology can be found at the following sites:

www.bmo.com/ (Bank of Montreal)

www.canadatrust.com (Canada Trust)

www.cibc.com (CIBC)

www.royalbank.com (Royal Bank Financial Group)

www.tdbank.ca/ (Toronto Dominion)

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca (CMHC Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

www.mortgagecentre.com/enter.cfm (The mortgage centre)

www.canmortgage.com/ (Canada Mortgage)

For help with the TVM solver function of the TI83+
www.ti.com/calc/docs/act/83finch2.htm

For assistance with other brands of calculators:
CASIO – http://www-personal.umich.edu/~hjo/casio/

HP: http://galaxy.einet.net/hytelnet/BBS009.html

SHARP: call 1-800-BE-SHARP to order a calculator manual

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS: http://navigation.helper.realnames.com/framer/1/112/default.asp?realname=Texas+Instruments+Calculators&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eti%2Ecom%2Fcalc%2Fdocs%2Fcalchome%2Ehtml&frameid=1&providerid=112&uid=30005189  for calculator guidebooks

For a mortgage amortization calculator and other information for this unit

http://finance.canada.com/bin/putform?Type=Calculator

 

Activity 3:  Table Talk

Time:  300 minutes

Description

Students learn to complete calculations related to annuities and effective interest rates to prepare for the game “Table Talk.” In this game, students make calculations necessary to fill in incomplete monthly payment and monthly interest tables. Students develop an understanding of mortgage interest when they form and test a hypothesis for the total amount of interest paid over the life of a specific mortgage. This understanding is reinforced when they learn to interpret and generate amortization tables.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Financial Decisions

Overall Expectations

CIV.03 - demonstrate an understanding of the effect on investment and borrowing of compounding interest.

Specific Expectations

CI3.07 - generate an amortization table for a mortgage, using a spreadsheet or other appropriate software;

CI3.08 - calculate the total amount of interest paid over the life of a mortgage, using a spreadsheet or other appropriate software, and compare the amount with the original principal of the mortgage or value of the property.

Planning Notes

·         Prepare overhead of “Table Talk” Monthly Interest table (see Teacher Facilitation: Interest on $1.00 Compounded Semi-annually)

·         Prepare overhead of “Table Talk” Monthly Payment table (see Teacher Facilitation: Blended Monthly Payment Table for a loan of $1 000)

·         Tables reflecting the “Interest on $1.00 Compounded Semi-annually” will be required.

·         Prepare overhead of complete amortization table.

·         Prepare worksheet of incomplete amortization tables (Student Worksheet 1).

·         Secure the use of one or more computers so that spreadsheet software can be employed. Be prepared to provide review on basic spreadsheet use, as needed.

·         Local resources regarding homes available for sale will be required (e.g., Newspapers, Internet, etc.)

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher facilitation

Day 1:

·         Review calculations involving annuity formulas and effective interest rates, as needed.

·         Introduce the game “Table Talk” and divide the class into two groups.

·         Present the first “Table Talk” game board on the overhead. It reflects the interest on $1.00 compounded semi-annually. A sample of a completed game board is provided below. When used as a game board on the overhead, this table should appear mostly blank. The figures below can serve as your answer key.

Interest on $1.00, Compounded Semi-Annually

Time

6%

6.5%

7%

7.5%

8%

1 day

.000161979

.000175265

.000188519

.00201741

.000214931

1 week

.0011375235

.001230874

.001324008

.001416925

.001509627

1 month

.004938622

.005344740

.005750040

.006154524

.006558197

Sample Calculation (6% for 1 month)

(1.03)2 = (1+i)12

1+i = (1.03)2/12

    i = 0.004938622

This means that for any mortgage, one month of interest at 6% compounded semi-annually would be equal to (0.004938622) x the outstanding principal.

For example: A person’s outstanding balance on their mortgage (at a 6% rate) is $87 415.07. The interest portion of their payment for the next month would be:  $87 415.07 x 0.004938622 = $431.71.

It should be noted that from the time periods included in this table, the “1 month” time is the only one used in amortization tables and is used most often. Time periods of one day and one week are used to determine interest penalties or interest charges for periods shorter than one month.

·         Complete a calculation for one of the boxes on the game board as a class.

·         Identify a team spokesperson to select a “box” for which the team would make the calculation.

·         All members of the team must reach a consensus on the answer before the answer is presented.

·         The team colour is used to shade in each box that is calculated correctly.

·         Each time a team makes three calculations (diagonally, horizontally or vertically) a point is earned.

·         When the first game board is filled in, continue scoring using the “Table Talk” blended monthly payment table. The completed table (below) is to be used as an answer key; the game board presented to students is to be mostly blank.

Blended Monthly Payment Table (for a loan of $1000)

Amortization

6%

7%

8%

9%

10%

20

7.12189

7.69311

8.28358

8.89190

9.51665

25

6.39807

7.00416

7.63214

8.27978

8.94488

30

5.94824

6.58604

7.24712

7.92833

8.62668

 

Sample Calculation (for 10% interest, amortized over 20 years)

Solve for  PMT in the formula for the present value of an ordinary simple annuity.

PV = PMT

Because interest is compounded semi-annually and payments are made monthly, we can not use this formula until we first make the compounding periods the same. To do this, we calculate the effective monthly interest rate for 10% compounded semi-annually.

(1.05)2 = (1 + i)12

i=.0081648461.

We can then use this figure in the simple annuity formula PV = PMT [1-(1+i)-n/ i].

PV= 1000, i=.0081648461, n=20  12 = 240

ˆ PMT = 9.51665

·         Complete a calculation for one of the game boxes as a class. The winning team is the one with the greatest number of “tic-tac-toes” (three-coloured squares in a row).

Day 2:

·         Present this “interesting scenario” to the class: Estimate how much total interest is paid on a mortgage of $120 000, at an interest rate of 7% given that interest is compounded semi-annually, amortized over 25 years.

·         Record students’ estimates on the board to be revisited later.

·         Display and explain a complete amortization table (as generated by a spreadsheet) for this example.

·         Review spreadsheet software by presenting the formulas that were required in the spreadsheet to generate this amortization table.

·         Distribute Worksheet 1 to provide opportunity for students to make amortization table calculations.

Day 3/4:

·         Provide resources for students to investigate homes that are available for sale in their community. Instruct students to select one home they would like to purchase in the future (in a price-range consistent with their anticipated income established in unit one). The price of this home is to be used as the mortgage amount.

·         Provide three specific mortgage profiles for students to use (i.e., Interest rate 8.5%, amortization= 20 years, etc.) Instruct students to apply their understanding of amortization and spreadsheet software to generate an amortization table for each mortgage profile.

Student Activity

By participating in the game “Table Talk,” you learn how to calculate the figures found in various mortgage calculation tables. Using these tables in your calculations, you learn to interpret, explain, and complete amortization tables. You demonstrate this understanding through the completion of a worksheet.

Student Worksheet 1

1.   Determine the monthly payments using a graphing/financial calculator or blended monthly payment tables for the following:

a)   $75 000 mortgage at 10.25%/a interest amortized over 25 years

b)   $97 400 mortgage at 9.5%/a interest amortized over 20 years

2.   Using an interest table for $1 compounded semi-annually, determine the interest factor for a month and a week for the following annual mortgage interest rates:

a)               8.75%               b)         14.25%             c)         12.5%

3.   In each case below, determine the monthly payment and the appropriate interest factor, then enter either “numerical data” or “formulas” to complete the first four rows of each amortization table (DO NOT complete the calculations by hand …use formulas)

a)   A                     B                      C                      D                     E                      F

1    $70 000 mortgage @ 7%/a interest amortized over 25 years

2    Interest factor is __________

3

4    Payment           Monthly            Interest             Principal

5    No. Payment                 Portion              Portion Remaining

6    0

7    1

8    2

9    3

Now that you have a better understanding of the total amount of interest paid during the life of a mortgage, you will be required to create specific mortgage amortization tables based on the purchase of a home in your community or your future college community.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Use student Worksheet 1 to assess students’ Knowledge/Understanding and Application of spreadsheet and amortization table calculations.

·         Assess Application by students’ ability to successfully produce amortization tables for their chosen home.

·         Assess teamwork by observing students’ interaction with classmates during the “Table Talk” game.

Accommodations

Visually impaired and/or learning disabled students may require an enlarged hardcopy of the game boards.

Resources

For financial calculators on the Internet go to:

http://www.financenter.com/calculate/all_calculate.fcs

 

Activity 4:  How’d They Do That?

Time:  300 minutes

Description

Students explore various mortgage features (i.e., payment frequency, amortization period, alternative payment options, interest rates, etc) using appropriate technology. Total interest will be compared when each option is varied, as well as total time required to pay off the mortgage. Students analyse how these different factors influence the total interest paid and the time required to “pay off” the mortgage.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Overall Expectations

CIV.03 - demonstrate an understanding of the effect on investment and borrowing of compounding interest;

PFV.04 - demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions involving life situations.

Specific Expectations

CI3.09 - compare the effects of various payment periods, payment amounts, and interest rates on the length of time needed to pay off a mortgage;

CI3.10 - demonstrate, through calculations, using technology, the effect on interest paid of retiring a loan before it is due;

PF4.05 - explain the process used in making a decision and justify the conclusions reached.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Development of amortization tables

·         Application of interest and payment tables in developing spreadsheet formulas

·         Use of graphing or financial calculators

Planning Notes

·         Computers are required for a portion of this activity, and graphing or financial calculators are useful at all stages.

·         If spreadsheets are unavailable, options include using a template of a spreadsheet to allow for the set-up of an amortization table, or a data projector.

·         Create a generic amortization table spreadsheet template to be made available to students.

·         The classroom is divided into five stations, as described in the chart below. The equipment for each station is to remain at each station throughout the activity.

 

Station Number

To compare the effects of …

Requirements

1

Varying Payment Frequencies (monthly vs. weekly vs. accelerated weekly)

Graphing/financial calculator for every student at this station.

2

Varying Payment Frequencies (monthly vs. semi-monthly vs. bi-weekly)

Graphing/financial calculator for every student at this station.

3

Varying Amortization Period (20 vs. 25 vs. 30 years)

Graphing/financial calculator for every student at this station.

4

“Lump Sum” Payments

Spreadsheet Software with file “station4”

5

Payment Size (constant vs. payment increasing by a percentage)

Spreadsheet Software with file “station5”

 

·         For stations 1-3, have the graphing/financial calculators set up at the appropriate screen to perform required calculations.

·         For station 4, prepare a spreadsheet amortization table for an $85 000 mortgage at 7.9%/a interest, amortized over 25 years, including a calculation for total interest. Save as “station4.” The same file may be saved at station 5, but saved as “station5.”

·         Worksheets 1 and 2 are designed to be adapted to the graphing/financial calculator being used. See the owner’s manual of the specific calculator being used for additional information.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

Day 1:

·         Provide two scenarios, as illustrated below, to show how a more expensive home may end up costing less over the life of a mortgage, based on mortgage features that were utilized.

Example 1: $99 000 home, $10,000 down payment, 8.75% interest, 25 year amortization, paid monthly. This leads to a monthly payment of $722.34, and approximately $226 700 paid over the life of the mortgage

Example 2: $145 000 home, $10 000 down payment, 7.5% interest, 20-year amortization, pay accelerated weekly. This leads to a monthly payment of $1078.11, and an accelerated weekly payment of $269.53. Also, with this scenario, the mortgagor is allowed to increase their weekly payment by 20% starting the second year of the mortgage. Approximately $221 979 is paid over the life of the mortgage

·         Initially, share only the house price, and total money spent over the life of the mortgage. Have students brainstorm how this could be possible.

·         Ask students to brainstorm the factors that influence the total cost of a mortgage. Guide students towards practical approaches (using mortgage features) that may be used to lower mortgage costs. Allow students to explore these approaches by changing the information on the spreadsheet template that has been prepared by the teacher.

·         Demonstrate the feature of the graphing or financial calculator which allows you to determine the number of payment periods based on a given amortization period and payment frequency
(see Student Worksheet 1).

·         Demonstrate the calculation of payments for various payment frequencies based on the monthly payment (see Student Worksheet 1).

·         Distribute Student Worksheet 1 for completion.

Day 2/3:

·         Prepare students for upcoming station activity by demonstrating examples using a graphing or financial calculator or spreadsheet as a demo. Using a constant mortgage amount and interest rate, complete the following as a class:

Example 1 (to prepare for stations 1 and 2)

Determine the monthly payment and total amount paid (Payment x N); determine weekly payment (monthly * 12 /52), and determine “N” using a graphing/financial calculator, and calculate total paid (weekly payment x N). Compare the total amounts paid.

Example 2 (to prepare for station 3)

Determine monthly payment using 25 year amortization, and calculate total amount paid over 300 payments; Determine monthly payment using 20 year amortization, and total amount paid over 240 payments. Compare total amounts paid.

Example 3 (to prepare for station 4 and 5)

Using a spreadsheet, illustrate how to calculate total interest for a given mortgage by adding all values in interest column. Determine total paid by adding principal amount (and down payment if known) to this total. Demonstrate how to increase payment by 5% (payment * 1.05) and enter this as the new payment illustrating the situation where a mortgagor may increase their payments. Demonstrate again how to total the interest paid, highlighting the fact that it will now take less time to pay off the mortgage, and only those rows with positive interest values should be added. Re-calculate the new total amount paid, and compare to the original total.

·         Set up the classroom with five types of stations (2 of each). See Planning Notes.

·         Provide students with student Worksheet 2 to facilitate station work.

·         After station work, re-group students and discuss conclusions that were drawn, as a class, to insure correct conclusions have been drawn.

Day 4:

·         Challenge students to a friendly exploration to see which group can find conditions (within certain parameters) that will minimize the costs on a $150 000 home. Suggested parameters are:

·         can use an interest rate ¾% less than any advertised rate they can find

·         can use either: lump sum payments (up to 10% of the principal remaining) once/year OR several lump sum payments totalling no more than 10% of the principal at the start of the year OR increasing the size of the monthly payment (no more than double)

·         can use other mortgage features.

·         To apply these conclusions, each group will be given two homes with different prices (keep within $30 000). Assuming both homes were purchased using the same down payment, students are to vary mortgage features in each case to demonstrate how it is possible to pay less in total for the more expensive home than for the cheaper one. Remind students they may vary interest rates (no more than 1.25% difference as a guide), amortization period, payment frequency, and payment amounts. When complete, they should be able to describe the payment plans established for each home, along with the total costs for each (see Student Worksheet 3).

Student Activity

Brainstorm the ways that the total amount paid for a home varies depending on the mortgage features selected. Review the use of a graphing or financial calculator to determine unknown values such as payment, number of payment periods, etc. by completing Student Worksheet 1.

 

Student Worksheet 1 – Determine missing values using graphing or financial calculator (students are to complete columns 2 and 3). Additional examples may be added to assess Knowledge/Understanding.

Given Information

Calculator Values

Missing Information

$85 000 mortgage @7.6% interest amortized over 20 years

N=                   PMT=

I%=                  FV=

PV=                 P/Y=

                        C/Y=

Monthly payment =

 

Semi-monthly payment =

$115 000 mortgage @9.35% interest amortized over 25 years

N=                   PMT=

I%=                  FV=

PV=                 P/Y=

                        C/Y=

Monthly payment =

Accelerated weekly payment =

Number of payments using accelerated weekly payment =

 

Sample Worksheet 2 How Do The Features Affect Total Cost?

Use $85 000 mortgage @ 7.9% interest amortized over 25 years (unless told otherwise)

N =                  I% =                 PV =                PMT =  ?          FV =    P/Y =12            C/Y =2

Station 1 – compare monthly/weekly/accelerated-weekly payments with TI83

Monthly payment = ______

Total Paid = PMT x

N = ______

Weekly Payment = ______

Using weekly PMT, value for “N” = ____

Total Paid = PMT x

N = _______

Accelerated Weekly Payment = _______

Using accelerated weekly PMT, value for “N” = _________

Total Paid = PMT x

N = ___________

Conclusion from Station 1

Station 2 – compare monthly/semi-monthly/bi-weekly payments with TI83

Monthly Payment = ________

Total Paid = PMT x

N = __________

Semi-Monthly Payment = ________

Using semi-monthly PMT, value for
“N” = _______

Total paid = PMT x

N = _________

Bi-weekly payment = _________

Using bi-weekly PMT, value for
“N” = _______

Total paid = PMT x

N = ________

Conclusion from Station 2 –

Station 3 – Compare 25 year amortization to 20 or 30 year amortizations using TI83

25 year: N = ______

Monthly PMT = _____

Total Paid = PMT x

N = ______

20 year: N = ______

Monthly PMT = _____

Total Paid = PMT x

N = ________

30 year: N = _______

Monthly PMT = _____

Total Paid = PMT x

N = _________

Conclusion from Station 3 –

Station 4 – Compare constant payments to “lump-sum” payments using a spreadsheet (for example add lump sum payments on every “anniversary date” of mortgage)

(Open file “station4”)

Monthly PMT = ____

Total Interest = _____

Total Paid =

Principal + Interest = _______

-On every 12th payment, increase payment on spreadsheet by $1500 (i.e., at payment # 12, 24, 36, etc.)

New total Interest paid = _______

New total Paid = ____

-On every 12th payment, increase payment on spreadsheet by $2500

-New total Interest paid = ________

New total paid = ________

(Close file. DO NOT save changes)

Conclusion from Station 4 –

Station 5 – Compare constant payments to increasing payments by a percentage (for example, increase payments 2 years into the mortgage)

(Open file “station5)

Monthly PMT = _____

Total Interest = _____

Total Paid =

Principal + Interest = ______

Increase PMT by 10%

New PMT = ______In spreadsheet, change all payments to new increased PMT starting at payment 24

New Total Interest = __________

New Total Paid = ____

Increase original PMT by 15%:

New PMT = ________

In spreadsheet, change all payments to new increased PMT starting at payment 24

New Total Interest = ___________

New Total Paid = _____

Conclusion from Station 5 –

 

Student Worksheet 3

Two homes are purchased at $85 000 and $120 000, both using down payment of $10 000. Demonstrate how mortgage features may be selected so that the total amount paid for the $120 000 home will be less than the total amount paid for the $85 000 home. Any or all mortgage features may be different, but you may not vary the interest rate by more than 1.25%.

$85 000 Home

-Interest Rate:

-Amortization Period:

-Payment Frequency:

-Payment Amount:

-Changes to Payment Amounts:

 

Total Interest Paid:

Total Principal Paid:

 

Total Paid Altogether:

$120 000 Home

-Interest Rate:

-Amortization Period:

-Payment Frequency:

-Payment Amount:

-Changes to Payment Amounts:

 

Total Interest Paid:

Total Principal Paid:

 

Total Paid Altogether:

 

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         Assess Application by students’ ability to use technology to complete the missing values at each station.

·         Assess students’ Problem Solving by their ability to draw conclusions or trends for each of the varying mortgage features (Summative Assessment).

·         Assess Thinking/Inquiry/Problem Solving based on their arguments and justification presented as a result of their exploration associated with Student Worksheet 3.

·         Assess work habits as a result of their completion of Student Worksheet 3 and the justification of their arguments.

Accommodations

As indicated in students’ IEPs, students with learning disabilities may require more time to complete this activity and to make their own conclusions. The teacher may wish to assign fewer questions.

 

Activity 5:  Summative: Check it Out!

Time:  225 minutes

Description

Students develop a checklist designed to help individuals decide whether to rent or buy. As a class, students explore the process of making an accommodation decision and the various organizational tools that may be used (i.e., tables, lists, etc.) to support such a decision. Accommodation alternatives for specific scenarios are investigated and compared. Students make and present accommodation decisions on these scenarios.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Personal Finance Decisions

Overall Expectations

PFV.02 - determine, through investigation, the relative costs of renting an apartment and buying a house;

PFV.04 - demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions involving life situations.

Specific Expectations

PF2.02 - compare the costs of maintaining an apartment with the costs of maintaining a house;

PF2.03 - compare the advantages and disadvantages of renting accommodation with the advantages and disadvantages of buying accommodation;

PF2.04 - summarize the findings of investigations in effective presentations, blending written and visual forms;

PF4.03 - summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives to a decision using lists and organization charts;

PF4.04 - compare alternatives by rating and ranking information and by applying mathematical calculations and analysis, as appropriate (e.g., calculating loan payments or interest rates; constructing graphs or tables), using technology;

PF4.05 - explain the process used in making a decision and justify the conclusions reached.

Planning Notes

·         Prepare overheads/visual aids that display the use of tables, pros/cons lists, charts and graphs as a support for decision-making.

·         The use of graphing or financial calculators and spreadsheet software is required.

·         Prepare two sets of family scenario cards: one set where the families would likely be recommended to buy; another set where the families would likely be recommended to rent. Renting scenarios may include situations where a family will stay for a limited time period; an older couple who cannot maintain a home; a student who does not have the time to maintain a home, or possibly a family or person that cannot afford the costs of home ownership.

·         Community resources on homes for sale and rental opportunities are required.

·         Availability of the Internet is also desirable.

·         Poster board, markers, and other supplies for students to create a visual display are required.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher Facilitation

Day 1:

·         Instruct pairs of students to generate ideas for a two-column checklist. “You Should Buy If… and You Should Rent If” checklist. Completion of the checklist would give guidance to an individual making accommodation decisions.

·         Encourage students to share their ideas and develop one list as a class.

·         During the discussion, relate to students some general information regarding the financial requirements for mortgage approval. You may consider presenting specific financial ratios (Total Debt Service Ratio [TDS]: the ratio of all monthly expenses to gross monthly income should not exceed 40% and/or Gross Debt Service Ratio [GDS]: the ratio of mortgage, taxes and heating to gross monthly income should not exceed 32%.

·         Present the class with a family scenario. For example: The Jones family has a total income of
$85 000 and is moving to your area. They intend to stay here for some time, given the fact that they have family here. They have about $5000 in savings. The family has two kids, aged 15 and 17. (Note: add enough information to allow students to make a decision)

·         Encourage students’ input as to whether the family should rent or buy. Incorporate the checklist created by the class into the discussion.

Day 2:

·         Time permitting, work through another scenario as a class to reinforce the process of problem solving: I lived in a condo and paid $1000 per month. I stayed there for 4 years. If I had a down payment for a house, should I have bought? What would I have to show for it? What equity would I have had today? What if I had invested that down payment and lived in the condo? What would I have in the bank?

·         Present the various lists and organization charts that can be used to organize information when making decisions: advantages/disadvantages chart or pros and cons list, concept maps and mathematical calculations where appropriate.

·         Incorporate these tools into the discussion, reinforcing their importance in the decision-making process.

·         Emphasize the decision-making process and the importance of justification wherever possible.

Day 3/4:

·         Present each student with two scenario cards (one renting, one buying).

·         Instruct students to research accommodation in their own community for the renting family. Students are to thoroughly explore and present two accommodation alternatives that best meet the needs of this family. They are to present a final recommendation for just one of these two (with justification). The picture of the accommodation and/or the advertisement is required as part of the project.

·         The same process is to be completed for the buying family scenario, although specific details from mortgages available from community financial institutions will need to be used. Students are to submit an amortization table based on monthly payments, 25-year amortization, and interest rates posted in local newspapers. They are also to explore realistic alternatives that may enable this family to reduce the total interest paid. This may include: a lower interest rate, different amortization period, different payment frequencies, and/or altering payment amounts. Students are to justify why their chosen alternatives are, in fact, realistic for the family in question. Using technology wherever appropriate, students are to demonstrate the amount of interest that this family could save as a result of the students’ suggestions.

Student Activity

With a partner, develop a checklist that would help people decide if they should rent or buy. Working together with the class, create a final usable “checklist”. Apply this checklist to two specific family scenarios. Using real housing data in the community, select two viable accommodation alternatives for each family, then use mathematical reasoning (with justification) to make one recommendation for each family. Apply mathematical calculations (total monthly payment, total interest paid, variations of mortgage features) and the use of technology the analysis of each alternative. Using lists and organization charts, as well as amortization tables, you develop a visual presentation of the recommendation to each family.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Use the rubric (see Appendices) to evaluate each students’ Problem Solving and Communication skills independently.

Learning Skills

Assess students’ organization by their ability to organize their report and visual presentation.

Accommodations

Additional scaffolding (such as structured worksheets and/or specific suggestions for strategies to lower interest costs) for this final project may be required. Arrange for peer assistance for students with reading or writing disabilities when preparing the visual presentation of renting versus buying.

Resources

For a home financing calculator go to:

http://finance.canada.com/bin/putform?Type=Calculator

 


Appendix 1.1

Rubric for the Assessment of Students’ “Letter to Parents”

 

Level 1

(50 – 59%)

Level 2

(60 – 69%)

Level 3

(70 – 79%)

Level 4

(80 – 100%)

Knowledge/ Understanding

Proposal detail

- alternatives provide limited detail

- alternatives provide some detail

- alternatives provide considerable detail

- alternatives provide thorough detail

Accuracy of financial information for alternatives

- limited accuracy

- some accuracy

- considerable accuracy

- a high degree of accuracy

Communication

Use of correct mathematical terminology

- limited correctness

- some correctness

- considerable correctness

- a high degree of correctness

Mathematical and written justification

- limited mathematical/ written justification

- some mathematical/ written justification

- considerable mathematical/ written justification

- convincing mathematical/ written justification

Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.

Appendix 2.1

Parent/Guardian Letter

Thanks for the note about where you might like to live. It’s obvious from all of the work you’ve done that you’re really growing up.

However, you mentioned the possibility of “buying” a home. Are you sure you’re ready for such a big commitment? I mean, when we were your age, we knew nothing about buying a house. We didn’t know about mortgage brokers or that you could go from bank to bank trying to get the best interest rate.

We’d love to help you out with buying a home, if it’s the best choice, but we just don’t want you to make the same mistakes that we did. If we had played our cards right, we could have saved a bundle in interest. We didn’t make any extra payments, we just paid the same monthly payment every month for 25 years. We were never told about things like: double up or lump sum payments or different payment frequencies. We didn’t even know there were amortization periods other than 25 years. Apparently, there’s some new type of calculator that helps you make all kinds of calculations with mortgages.

Also, if we had realized all of the closing costs we would need to pay (in addition to our down payment) such as legal fees, and land transfer tax, we would have avoided many problems. All we were concerned with was “Can we afford the monthly payment?” When the furnace broke down, the unanticipated maintenance costs caused us to have to use milk crates and the “floor” as our furniture for a while.

If you can prove to us that you’re ready for this commitment and that you’re knowledgeable of mortgages and home ownership issues, we will help you out. (Of course, we’re going to need to know some numbers—like how much you’re going to need up front). Let’s meet so that we can talk about these things further.


Appendix 2.2

Assessment Tool for Student’s Mortgage Understanding

Use the following form to assess _________________________ as they present to you, the parent, their understanding and knowledge of home ownership. It is very important that you read this over entirely before the student proceeds as you play the role of the “parent”. Also, ensure that you assess fairly and honestly. It will be very helpful to include detail where space is provided. Remember that YOU will be evaluated on your thorough completion of this page.

 

1.   Check off all mortgage terminology used in the role-play and add any terms that are used but not listed here.

Accelerated payment

Interest

Monthly Payment

Amortization period

Interest Rate

Mortgage Broker

Closing costs

Land Transfer Tax

Payment Frequency

Double-Up Payment

Legal Fees

Weekly Payment

Down Payment

Lump Sum Payment

________________

_________________

__________________

________________

 

For questions 2-6, circle the best response and add extra information if possible.

 

2.   Were the terms used in the proper context? (i.e., used properly in sentences, not just “listed”)

Never         Not often at all              Sometimes        Usually             Often    All the time

0                      1                            2                    3                      4            5

Details:  ________________________________________________________________

 

3.   Did it appear from the explanations given that the student understands these terms?

Not at all     Just a little         Mostly              Almost Totally               Completely

0                1                    2                              3                             4

Details:  ________________________________________________________________

 

4.   a)   Was the home price given?                                Yes      No

                                                                                1        0

b)   Was the down payment given?                           Yes      No

  1        0

c)   Was the monthly payment given?                       Yes      No

  1        0

d)   Was the total of all closing costs given?              Yes      No

  1        0

e)   Was there an explanation for the values above?

None                Some, not too clear        Most, fairly clear           All clearly explained

   0                               1                                  2                                  3

 

5.   As the “parent”, are you convinced that your child understands what they are getting into and deserve your support?

No way, wouldn’t

Sort of, but

Seems to

Understand clearly

lend them a nickel

I’d still worry

understand

and is ready to be a homeowner

0

1

2

3

 


Appendix 2.2  (Continued)

 

6.   List all evidence that they’ve “learned from the parent mistakes” and would make better decisions. Each thing they would change MUST include how it would help them in order to count.

Details: _____________________________________________________________________

 

7.   a)   Was a graphing or financial calculator used to demonstrate costs?                        Yes      No

  1          0

b)   Did the student explain the use of the graphing or financial calculator, including what the values mean?

Not at all     Very little          Somewhat         Pretty Well       Very Clearly

0               1                      2                       3                        4

Details: ________________________________________________________________


Appendix 5.1

Rubric to Evaluate Student’s Accommodation Recommendation

 

 

Level 1

(50 – 59%)

Level 2

(60 – 69%)

Level 3

(70 – 79%)

Level 4

(80 – 100%)

Communication

- use of terminology

 

 

- clarity of presentation of alternatives

- limited use of appropriate mathematical and mortgage terminology

- some use of appropriate mathematical and mortgage terminology

- considerable  use of appropriate mathematical and mortgage terminology

- consistent use of appropriate mathematical and mortgage terminology

- presents alternatives for reducing total mortgage costs with limited clarity

- presents alternatives for reducing total mortgage costs with some clarity

- presents alternatives for reducing total mortgage costs with considerable clarity

- clearly presents alternatives for reducing total mortgage costs with a high degree of clarity

Problem Solving

- reasoning

 

 

 

 

 

 

- reasonableness of recommendation

- presents argument and refers to amortization table to support argument with limited effectiveness

- presents argument and uses amortization table to support argument with some effectiveness

- presents argument and uses amortization table to support argument with considerable effectiveness

- presents argument and uses amortization table to support argument with a high degree of effectiveness

- recommendation offers limited realism as to the given family scenario

- recommendation is somewhat realistic for the given family scenario

- recommendation is considerably realistic for the given family scenario

- recommendation is highly realistic for the given family scenario

Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.

 

 

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