Canadians are far better off than many of the planets riches countries!

General Angela Calla 5 Jun

 By any measure – health, education, housing or income – Canadians are far better off than residents of the developing world. But they’re also better off than many of the planet’s richest countries, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s latest quality-of-life assessment, released last month. In a comparison of 11 wellbeing indicators in 36 countries, Canada placed sixth, behind top-ranking Australia and third-place US. Norway, Sweden and Denmark also finished ahead of Canada. Click here for the full Globe and Mail article.

Angela Calla, AMP

Dominion Lending Centres-Angela Calla

604-802-3983

callateam@dominionlending.ca

Considerations if you are planning a home renovation

General Angela Calla 5 Jun

Everyone has a different reason for wanting to renovate their home. You may be looking to make a change in the way your home looks or feels, or you may want to fix a maintenance issue or make your home more comfortable or energy efficient. Whatever your reason, undertaking a renovation involves a number of important decisions.

To help you make more informed decisions, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers a number of tips, tools and resources like the Before you Renovate: Renovation Guide. Consulting these resources before you begin can help you save time, money and a lot of frustration – resulting in a better overall renovation experience.

First, always take the time to thoroughly plan your renovation before you pick up a hammer (or the phone). Mistakes on paper are much easier and less expensive to fix than mistakes on the job. Taking the time upfront to identify your priorities and how you want to achieve them can save you a great deal of expense (and more than a few headaches) further down the road.

Next, decide whether your planned renovation is practical. For instance, that addition may look great, but can your home’s systems handle the additional heating, lighting and plumbing

 

requirements? Learn to draw the line between what would be nice and what’s really essential, and consider hiring a qualified professional early in the process to help guide you toward what’s practical for your home.

It’s also a good idea to think about the long-term impact of your renovations. For example, renovations that make your home more energy efficient could pay for themselves through years of lower monthly utility bills. In addition, think about your family’s future needs by making sure your design is flexible enough to adapt to changes as time goes by.

To avoid going over budget, have a clear idea in advance of how much your renovation will cost. CMHC’s Household Budget Calculator is designed to help you understand what you can afford. Get written estimates from at least two reputable local renovators, architectural firms or materials suppliers and, if they ask for a deposit, make sure it’s a nominal amount and request a signed receipt.

If you need help financing your renovation project, it may be beneficial to refinance your mortgage at today’s great low rates! And if the renovation will make your home more energy efficient you may even qualify for financial assistance. Answers to your questions are just a phone call or email away!

Angela Calla, AMP

Dominion Lending Centres-Angela Calla

604-802-3983

callateam@dominionlending.ca

Confidence in the Mortgage Market

General Angela Calla 5 Jun

Canadian homeowners are comfortable with their current mortgage, focusing on reducing their mortgage faster by making lump sum payments, reducing amortization periods and refinancing with lower interest rates, according to the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professional’s (CAAMP) most recent survey report released May 30th – Confidence in the Canadian Mortgage Market.

Following are just a few key highlights from the report:

  • 74% of mortgage borrowers who renewed in the last year saw their new interest rate decrease. On average, the interest rate was reduced by one-half percentage point
  • Borrowers are making significant efforts to accelerate mortgage repayment, such as voluntarily increasing their regular payments (23%) and making lump sum payments (19%), with some borrowers (10%) doing both

 

  • Approximately 50% of borrowers pay $100 per month (or more) above their required payments
  • Recent buyers indicate that their expected amortization period will be about 20% shorter than their contracted length
  • Mortgage brokers account for 26% of all mortgages. For borrowers who took out a new mortgage in 2011, 31% obtained it from a mortgage broker
  • 83% of Canadians have at least 25% equity in their home
  • “Despite daily warnings in the media about mortgage indebtedness – or maybe because of them – Canadians are making responsible decisions about their mortgages and they’re exhibiting confidence in their own situations,” said Jim Murphy, AMP, President and CEO of CAAMP. “We should feel encouraged by this behaviour – it means Canadians are well positioned to weather a potential rise in interest rates”

As always, if you have any mortgage-related questions, I’m here to help!

Angela Calla, AMP

Dominion Lending Centres-Angela Calla

604-802-3983

callateam@dominionlending.ca

Foreclosure investment oppertunity @cknw @angelacalla #mortgageshow #portcoquitlam

General Angela Calla 4 Jun

As heard on this weeks Mortgage Show on CKNW with Angela Calla Saturday June 9th 2012. To get pre approved for this property or any other purchase email us at callateam@dominionlending.ca or call 604-802-3983

This weeks deal of the week has been brought to you by;

http://rboies.mlslink.mlxchange.com/?r=1920324254&id=363434333136.312

Robert Boies
Royal LePage Coronation West
cell: 604 341 3009 t: willingtwo
E-mail: robboies@royallepage.ca
www.willingsellerwillingbuyer.com

Please note that properties like this move quickly and getting set up with Rob Boies directly robboies@royallepage.ca will keep you abreast of all of these types of oppertunities meeting your speciafications

Thanks for visiting

Angela Calla, AMP

 


Bank of Canada June 5th 2012 & Most Popular Mortgage Option

General Angela Calla 4 Jun

Good Morning,

No surprises here, prime remains the same. The full press release can be viewed here: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/publications-research/press-releases/

One of the most popular options being considered currently is a 10 year fixed term at 3.89%.  If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in the next year or you are a first time homebuyer who hopes to keep your residence as a rental when you move up the property ladder, here are 3 reasons why the 10 year is so attractive right now: http://www.angelacalla.ca/blog_post?id=6955&title=3-reasons-to-consider-a-10-year-fixed-term-today .

Getting your information in to us as soon as possible will protect you from rate hikes so you can optimize today’s low interest rate environment and you are not subject to timing where this offer could be withdrawn. We always review all the options that may be best suited for you.

This option was well suited for Bernadette of Surrey this week who quotes ” being on a fixed income and hearing about proposed mortgage renewal changes to qualifications was scary until I called Angela and her team. Knowing that I could have peace of mind for a decade makes me feel comfortable knowing I will not be subject to changes I cannot control. I am also comforted that I can bring this mortgage with me should I choose to downsize. Saving $427 dollars a month by having you review my mortgage and present me the 10 year fixed option sure helps me feel secure, even though you showed me options as low as 2.99%, there was no way I would put my future at risk. Thank you for all of your hard work, showing me all of my options and allowing me to choose the product that best suited my current and future needs”

If you or anyone that you care about has a rate over 4% and would like to save money on their mortgage, we are here to personally help and work towards making 2012 your best money saving year ever!

Contact us at: 604-802-3983 or acalla@dominionlending.ca

Always here to help, have a great week.

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 Experts

T: @angelacalla
Toll Free: 1-888-806-8080
Email: acalla@dominionlending.ca
Apply Online: www.angelacalla.ca
CLICK HERE to Watch My Video Presentation

 

4 Essential Questions to ask your mortgage provider when shopping for a mortgage

General Angela Calla 16 May

4 Essential questions you need to ask your mortgage provider when shopping for a mortgage

It’s important to ensure you’re working with an experienced professional mortgage planner carrying an AMP designation. Since this is the largest financial transaction of your life, you need partner with someone who is capable of properly advising you and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

What questions do you ask? These questions must be answered precisely. If the “professional” hesitates or says something unclear, run to a true professional who can clearly explain the answers!

1. What are mortgage interest rates based on?

The ONLY correct answer is the Bank of Canada rate for variable rate mortgages and for fixed interest rates  mortgage backed securities, specialized mortgage bonds, or Government of Canada long bonds.

A professional mortgage originator should at a minimum know the basics of how interest rates are determined. If an originator has their eyes on the wrong indicators, or worse yet has no idea of what these indicators are, needless to say it’s the “blind leading the blind”. At the Angela Calla Mortgage Team, we consistently review these indicators and, therefore, you can be confident in our ability to suggest mortgage strategies upfront to manage your mortgage long term.

2. How will rising interest rates in the coming years affect me if I take a fixed-rate mortgage product?

Most lenders will say if you’re locked in you are protected, which is a MISTAKE. That’s a dangerous answer when you consider what will happen when rates return to more normal levels (an increase of 2%) as experience shows us that the average mortgage payment in that case will rise $300 a month.

This is referred to as payment shock and it’s very risky for your long-term financial health. Working with a mortgage professional who proactively manages your mortgage and notifies you in live time when rates change with a suggestion on how to minimize payment shock is not only smart, but it also saves you thousands of dollars and years off of your mortgage. The Angela Calla Mortgage Team will show you.

3. What strategy are you recommending and why?

 The key word here is “strategy”. If your mortgage professional can’t clearly articulate the strategy behind their recommendations to you, they’re simply quoting a rate, and frankly anyone can do that. On your largest investment, make sure you’re dealing with someone who has a solid financial plan that is considering your overall financial wellness.

4. What commitment are you giving me to personally manage my mortgage over the long term?

This is crucial. Many mortgage providers, especially bank personnel, have no desire or ability to proactively manage your mortgage over the long haul.

How can you take advantage of changing markets in the future if no one is watching them for you and all you get is information after it’s too late to benefit? Who will ensure you don’t miss an opportunity to renegotiate? If you’re considering a variable-rate mortgage, why would you do this with someone who’s not committed to keeping an eye on it and giving you information in real time to help you optimize the market and maximize your lifestyle?

At The Angela Calla Mortgage Team, the real job starts when your mortgage funds. Anyone can sell a mortgage, but only those truly committed mortgage professionals can manage your mortgage over the long term. With this long-term management approach, we can significantly reduce your total cost of homeownership and have strategies available when things in life don’t go as planned, isn’t that the point?

When you ask the right questions, you’re able to make educated decisions.

Fundamentals never go out of style.

With this being one of the most important and largest financial transactions, either for the first time or in the growth of your real estate portfolio, you may only do this 4 or 5 times in your life… we do this EVERY single day and have over a decade of experience both professionally and personally, and sit on the front lines of advisory boards for lenders, government bodies, insurers and media. It’s your home and your future. It’s our profession and our passion.

We are ready to work in your best interest. call 604-802-3983 or email us at callateam@dominionlending.ca today!

Angela Calla, AMP
Mortgage Expert
Host of “The Mortgage Show” on CKNW AM980 Saturdays at 7pm

@willingtwo deal of the week on @angelacalla #mortgage show @cknw #vancouver

General Angela Calla 10 May

As heard on this weeks Mortgage Show on CKNW with Angela Calla Saturday May 12th 2012. To get pre approved for this property or any other purchase email us at callateam@dominionlending.ca or call 604-802-3983

This weeks deal of the week has been brought to you by:

http://rboies.mlslink.mlxchange.com/?r=1677000860&id=363434333136.312

Robert Boies
Royal LePage Coronation West
cell: 604 341 3009 t: willingtwo
E-mail: robboies@royallepage.ca
www.willingsellerwillingbuyer.com

Please note that properties like this move quickly and getting set up with Rob Boies directly robboies@royallepage.ca will keep you abreast of all of these types of oppertunities meeting your speciafications

Thanks for visiting

Angela Calla, AMP

 


Larger down payment can mean a higher rate by Angela Calla

General Angela Calla 8 May

A diligent saver who demonstrates the ability to put more money down should get the best mortgage terms, right?

This isn’t the case lately! Lenders are providing specials for mortgages that are insured because they can sell those loans and have more money to lend. If you have a larger down payment (20% or higher), you may be offered a mortgage rate that’s 10-50 basis points ($10-50 more per month on an average mortgage) as the lender doesn’t have as much flexibility to use that loan to leverage into lending more money to someone else.

When you do the math, you’re further ahead making a larger down payment. If you have the funds available, it’s great to be in a position to avoid the premium. If you’re looking to refinance, a premium would be considered if it allowed you to pay off high-interest debt using your accessible equity.

Three things to remember:

1. There are no freebies. Sound familiar? This notion always applies to your mortgage as “no-frills” rock-bottom rates always cost you somehow. The Angela Calla Mortgage Team works out all the scenarios for you to ensure the best mortgage strategy is in place, including the best rate.

2. The banks are passing down costs to consumers. Although making record profits, if banks’ costs go up, so will yours. The Angela Calla Mortgage Team is there for the life of your mortgage so we can proactively prepare your mortgage for you (which is a standard approach when we arrange your mortgage at no cost to you).

3. This makes the 10-year fixed-rate mortgage more attractive than ever. No one wants to be a victim to timing or policy change when your mortgage is up for renewal. And with these changes suggested over the next year, where banks may charge more when you owe and they may choose to re-qualify you at renewal and offer a higher rate if your situation is any different, the 10-year is a great way to put your mind as ease. For more about the 10-year fixed-rate mortgage option, visit:

http://angelacalla.ca/blog_post?id=6955&title=3-reasons-to-consider-a-10-year-fixed-term-today 

Remember: when you know better, you do better. The Angela Calla Mortgage Team is here to help you with the best mortgage strategy, education and guidance throughout the life of your mortgage. We’ll help you control what you can in the marketplace. We are not rate quoters – we are planners that believe in empowerment with knowledge as we represent the best options for our clients over the long term.

 Always here to help!

 Angela Calla, AMP

Dominion Lending Centres-Angela Calla

Host of ” The Mortgage Show” Saturdays @ 7pm on CKNW AM980 Phone :

604-802-3983 Fax: 604-939-8795

Email: acalla@dominionlending.ca

www.angelacalla.ca

How Consumer Proposal or Bankrupsy affects a Mortgage by Angela Calla

General Angela Calla 8 May

Bad things can happen to good people. If opting for a consumer proposal or claiming bankruptcy is something you’re considering, you’ll want to ensure you understand all the risks this could have on your ability to get a mortgage (or keep one for that matter). You’ll want to ensure there is no other option in terms of refinancing your existing mortgage, working with your lender, looking at a different loan structure from a lender or borrowing from family before opting for a consumer proposal or claiming bankruptcy. As credit tightens up with Canadian lenders, you may not be prepared for how long the affects can last even after you have paid off your debts.

Here are three essential considerations if you intend to get a mortgage or have one and are considering either a proposal or bankruptcy:

1. Most lenders will want to see that it has been paid in full for six years before lending at the best rates for a purchase or refinance/renewal.

2. Your lender may not renew your mortgage even though you have never defaulted on your mortgage payments.

3. Even though a consumer proposal and bankruptcy are different by definition, lenders still view them the same when it comes to what they will offer borrowers.

If some borrowers really knew how a proposal or bankruptcy would have affected them in the first place, they may not have gone this route. The Angela Calla Mortgage Team is experienced in understanding the affects of all components within your financial health, and will help guide you through life changes with our proactive planning approach.

Angela Calla, AMP

Dominion Lending Centres-Angela Calla

Host of ” The Mortgage Show” Saturdays @ 7pm on CKNW AM980 Phone :

604-802-3983 Fax: 604-939-8795

Email: acalla@dominionlending.ca

www.angelacalla.ca

@willingtwo deal of the week on @angelacalla #mortgage show @cknw

General Angela Calla 26 Apr

As heard on this weeks Mortgage Show on CKNW with Angela Calla. To get pre approved for this property or any other purchase email the Angela Calla Mortgage Team at callateam@dominionlending.ca or call 604-802-3983

This weeks deal of the week has been brought to you by:

http://rboies.mlslink.mlxchange.com/?r=319789016&id=363434333136.312

Robert Boies
Royal LePage Coronation West
cell: 604 341 3009 t: @willingtwo
E-mail: robboies@royallepage.ca
www.willingsellerwillingbuyer.com

Please note that properties like this move quickly and getting set up with Rob Boies directly robboies@royallepage.ca will keep you abreast of all of these types of oppertunities meeting your speciafications

Thanks for visiting

Angela Calla, AMP