OTTAWA – Canada’s economy was surprisingly hot at the end of last year, setting the stage for another fast start in 2011 that bodes well for jobs and other economic indicators.   The economy grew a better than expected 3.3 per cent in the last quarter of 2010, a full point stronger than the Bank […]

 As you’ve likely heard in the news lately, Canadian household debt is at an all time high with an average 150% debt to income ratio.  As a  Mortgage Expert, I can offer solutions.  When you think you may want a fixed rate, look at our variable protection strategy. It gives  the benefits of taking a […]

Why do mortgage rates rise fast, fall slowly? John Greenwood   Financial Post Why do mortgage rates rise quickly but fall like molasses? That’s the question posed by an article in the latest issue of the Bank of Canada Review, and it’s a good one. The report, by Jason Allen of the central bank’s financial stability department, […]

Here we go, again. The economy is generating more jobs, a handful of banks raise mortgage rates and all of a sudden you’re being advised to lock in your mortgage before the bank doors slam shut. In fact, some say you’d better hurry up and buy a house now before mortgage rates go so high […]

Think Outside the Bun  Rob McLister, CMT  That is Taco Bell’s slogan.  It’s meant to remind us that fast food doesn’t end with hamburgers. Tacos are pretty tasty in their own right. In the lending world, the closest equivalent to “the bun” is the 5-year fixed mortgage. Like hamburgers are to fast food, the 5-year […]

Housing market will be stable next two years: RBC A stronger economy will offset the effects of higher mortgage rates andkeep Canadian house prices stable over the next two years, according tothe Royal Bank of Canada.In a market update that has the bank forecasting price gains of 0.5 percent in 2011 and 1.3 per cent […]

By The Canadian Press OTTAWA – Interest rates are going up, and the federal finance minister says he expects them to rise even more. The Royal Bank increased several of its posted and special mortgage rates on Tuesday, joining TD Bank and CIBC. All three banks have increased the posted rate for a five-year closed […]

By LuAnn LaSalle, The Canadian Press MONTREAL – Your current lifestyle may impact your retirement more than you think. Can it be sustained? How much money will it take to maintain the standards you’re used to? What will it take in RRSPs, investments, savings and private and government pensions once retired? “Understand how much it […]

By Sunny Freeman, The Canadian Press TORONTO – Canadian home sales this year will be better than previously thought, helped by improving consumer confidence that will partially offset the anticipated deterrent of interest rate hikes, the Canadian Real Estate Association predicts. CREA released a revised forecast Tuesday that estimates there will be 439,900 existing homes […]

  Many people who would like to own homes have fears that prevent them from buying. If you’re one of these people, take heart – there are simple steps you can take to overcome your fears and become confident that you will make a sound purchase. Here are some of the top reasons you may […]