The deteriorating global picture is turning what had been a soft patch for Canada’s export-heavy economy into more than a year of sluggish growth, the Bank of Canada said today in a new quarterly forecast.

 A day after leaving their benchmark interest rate at 1% for a ninth consecutive meeting, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and his officials fleshed out why they believe the economy will perform below its potential until 2013, and why they’re unfazed by hotter-than-expected inflation in recent months.

 Plus, although the central bank sees things improving within two years, policymakers again stressed that a failure to contain the European debt crisis could mean an even bleaker few months ahead.

 “The economic outlook in Canada has weakened, reflecting the substantially downgraded outlook for the global economy,” Carney and his policy team said today in their Monetary Policy Report.

 Click here to read more in the Globe and Mail

Tune into the Mortgage Show with AMP of the year in 2009 Angela Calla Saturdays @ 7pm on CKNW to learn how you can benifit from this information or call 604-802-3983

Mortgage, that is. The decision could end up costing – or saving – big bucks on what is often the single biggest purchase many will make. Research shows that, in the past, a variable-rate mortgage has been cheaper than a fixed-rate one. But today’s market is different from decades past in two big ways. “The spread between fixed and variable rates is extremely low by historical standards. Moreover, we can no longer rely on a long-term down-trend in rates. “Given all that, the historical advantage of variable is less applicable today.” It can be confusing for homeowners. Both interest and short-term mortgage rates are sitting at rock-bottom lows. But inflation is the wild card here. Statistics Canada reported on Friday that the core inflation rate has climbed to 2.2% – its highest level in nearly three years.

Click here for the full Globe and Mail article.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty confirmed he is working on a more explicit inflation mandate for Canada’s central bank, a move that comes as Canadians are increasingly paying more for everyday needs.

Speaking with reporters after Statistics Canada reported on Friday that the core inflation rate has climbed to 2.2 per cent – its highest level in nearly three years – Mr. Flaherty responded to the news by saying he’s more concerned about growth and jobs.

Read More http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/flaherty-central-bank-to-add-clarity-to-inflation-mandate/article2209210/

Call the Angela Calla Mortgage Team 604-802-3983 to see how we can help you with your mortgage or tune into The Mortgage Show Saturdays @ 7pm on CKNW

As expected there is no change to prime rate this morning. This means no change to those whom carry an adjustable/variable rate mortgage or line of credit. The full report can be viewed here http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2011/10/press-releases/fad-press-release-2011-10-25/

Reported last week at www.angelacalla.ca/blog , if you or someone you care about is getting a new mortgage in the near future with the change in the spreads for variable rate mortgage; the consideration of a fixed rate may be suggestible with the closing of the gap the lenders have done over the last few weeks.

If someone that you care about could benifit from a review if their mortgage as their mortgage rate is over 4% or they are carring over $250 a month in outside debts, please introduce us over an email at acalla@dominionlending.ca or call 604-802-3983

Have a great week

Angela Calla, AMP Mortgage Expert

Dominion Lending Centres-Angela Calla Mortgage Team

October 17th 2011- for immediate release

Has the pendulum ever swung over the last year in terms of fixed or variable-rate mortgages!

Reports show us that 88% of the time you will get ahead with a variable rate. And besides the always predictable pay out penalty with the variable rate mortgage that people enjoy compared to the ugly interest rate differential (IRD) payout penalty that can come with a fixed, the spread and cost of security are making more attractive regardless of the ugly trait.

This may be the 12% of the time where going fixed will be the new trend – until rates start to rise.

Here’s why using a 300k mortgage example using rates from the beginning of

2011:

-Variable-rate mortgage at 2.2% is $1138 month -Fixed at 3.89% is $1405 a month -Cost of security is $270 a month

 As variable-rate mortgages are less profitable for lenders while cost effective for Canadians, the gap has been reduced knowing that rates are expected to remain low over the next while.

Today’s example:

-Variable-rate mortgage at 3% for $1262 a month -Fixed at 3.29% for $1309 a month -Cost of security is $47 a month

 This change in fixed versus variable rates is a difference of $223 a month in the cost of security. So for many Canadians, fixed represents a much more comfortable solution.

For first-time homebuyers, one of the most popular choices is a fixed rate as it also helps them qualify for more house. With a variable rate, they must qualify at the Bank of Canada qualifying rate, in most cases, allowing them to purchase on average 30% less house.

Think a fixed rate will protect you from rate change? Guess again! If you don’t manage your mortgage with inflation via an ongoing strategy, when mortgage rates return to normal levels you can have payment shock – even after paying your mortgage for five years of up to $300 a month in the above example.

Bottom line, if you can get a variable rate at Prime Minus 25 or below, it should be a primary consideration. When the spreads get this close, however, a fixed should be your first consideration.

But keep in mind that each option needs to be managed properly so you’re optimizing your mortgage product. Timely information is the key to your success, whether you choose fixed or variable.

Angela Calla is a licensed Mortgage Broker with Dominion Lending Centres, AMP of the Year in 2009, one of Canada’s top mortgage experts and Host of The Mortgage Show on CKNW AM 980 Saturdays at 7pm based in Vancouver, BC.

She can be reached at: 604-802-3983; acalla@dominionlending.ca; www.angelacalla.ca

Angela Calla, AMP

Mortgage Expert

Host of “The Mortgage Show” on CKNW AM980 Saturdays at 7pm

Phone: 604-802-3983

Fax: 604-939-8795

Facebook: Angela Calla Team, AMP Your Mortgage Expert Toll Free: 1-888-806-8080

Email: acalla@dominionlending.ca

Apply Online: www.angelacalla.ca

The Canadian housing market continues to defy the odds in the face of a world economic slowdown, as new statistics from CMHC show new home construction soaring again.

The latest numbers put September starts at 205,900 on an annualized basis, a pace in line with the best period of this housing boom when starts checked in at over 200,000 each year from 2002-2008. This time out it appears the condo sector is driving the market – a trend seen across the country.

 That construction is expected to be a key economic driver. Royal Bank is forecasting 2.4% growth in Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter on an annualized basis with the housing sector responsible for 50 basis points of that growth.

 Bank of Montreal economist Doug Porter noted this week there are now 4.3 construction jobs in the US for every one in Canada – way off the historical norm of seven to one. He said in a note “it’s tough to believe” Canada can continue at its present pace.

 Click here for the full Financial Post article.

To learn more about your options with the current market call The Angela Calla Mortgage Team at 604-802-3983 acalla@dominionlending.ca tune into The Mortgage Show Saturdays @7pm on CKNW AM980

While the creator of the eponymous Smith Manoeuvre, Fraser Smith, is sadly no longer with us, the tax-savings movement he spawned is very much alive and well in Canada.

Born in 1938, Smith died of cancer on September 25th at age 73.

His “manoeuvre” was and is a way for Canadians to achieve what American homeowners enjoy as a matter of course: writing off interest on their mortgages. In Canada, you can’t directly deduct mortgage interest cost on a principal residence from your taxes.

Smith developed a perfectly legal end run that let homeowners convert the bad debt of non-deductible mortgage interest into the good debt of tax-deductible investment loans. The manoeuvre combined the traditional step of paying down mortgage principal with re-borrowing monthly principal payments for the purpose of investing in stocks or other securities. Interest on the latter can be written off for tax purposes.

 Click here to read more from the Financial Post

To learn more about mortgages for tax efficency call The Angela Calla Mortgage Team 604-802-3983 acalla@dominionlending.ca tune into The Mortgage Show Saturdays @ 7pm on CKNW AM980

DID YOU KNOW…

Preparing for a mortgage will increase your chances for approval. Don’t buy or lease big-ticket items or increase debt for 6-12 months prior. Purchasing things such a new car, furniture or major appliances worsens debt-to-income ratios, which can make you ineligible for the best available loan terms.

Contact the Angela Calla Mortgage Team for your mortgage pre approval 604-802-3983