How to make Canada’s low inflation work for your money – Ask a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

ROB CARRICK–  The Globe and Mail The economic situation today is as good as it gets for your household finances. Inflation’s low at just a bit above 1 per cent and wage increases average about 2 per cent. “Statistically speaking, we’re doing better,” said Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist at CIBC World Markets. “But don’t […]

Is using your RRSP to buy a house passé? – Ask a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

The $25,000 Ottawa allows you take out of your retirement fund to buy your first home sure doesn’t go as far as it used to. Under the home buyers’ plan, Canadians can take $25,000 out of their registered retirement savings plan and pay it back over the next 15 years without incurring any penalty. For […]

BoC Decision: Pleasantville for Variable Mortgagors – Consult with a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

Today’s Bank of Canada (BoC) interest rate decision was reassuring for variable-rate borrowers. The Bank announced that Canada’s key lending rate will remain just 75 basis points above its all-time low. The Bank suggested its next move is just as likely to be a rate cut as a rate hike. It said the risk of falling inflation “has grown in importance” […]

Canadians saving more, but are they making the most of their savings? – Ask a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

Recent data indicate that Canadians are saving more. Statistics Canada reports that the Household Savings Rate is currently 5.4%, a 0.4% increase from the previous year. Likewise, a recent BMO Bank of Montreal study found that 48% of Canadians are now investing in Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), a 23% increase from 2012. It’s good that […]

Bank of Canada warns low inflation to persist into 2016

BARRIE MCKENNA–  OTTAWA — The Globe and Mail The Bank of Canada is warning that unusually low inflation pressures will persist into 2016 – a new forecast that could further delay future interest rate hikes and send the Canadian dollar lower. The currency plunged after the announcement, sinking to 90.3 cents U.S. by late morning. The central […]

Not the Time for a 10-year Fixed – Consult with a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

OK let’s rephrase that. It’s not the time for a 10-year fixed for well over 90% of Canadianmortgagors. There was a time last year when thespread between 10-year and 5-year fixed rates was below 3/4 of a percentage point. That made even the 10-year scoffers among us rethink our positions. But spreads are now back over […]

Talk of rising interest rates no reason for homeowners to panic – Consult with a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

ROMINA MAURINO-  The Canadian Press Talk of rising interest rates tend to make homeowners jittery and, if you have a big mortgage, you may be feeling extra nervous. But while Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz may have made some people uneasy when he spoke in a televised interview last week about the likelihood of rising […]

Canada’s house prices still rising but sales stall for third straight month – Ask a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

TORONTO — The latest real estate results look impressive for seven-figure homes but the story is not as dramatic once you factor out Canada’s two most expensive cities and look at three months of falling sales. Prices across the country rose 10.4% in December from a year ago to an average of $389,119, according to […]

What you need to know before, and after, buying a condo – Ask a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

What you need to know before, and after, buying a condo ROB CARRICK–  The Globe and Mail Your life as a homeowner will likely include some time in a condo. Condos suit young adults, and retirees who want to downsize. As houses rise in price, more people in between those extremes may opt for condos. […]

With Vancouver prices up, a call for curbs – Ask a Vancouver Mortgage Broker

Along with a jump in house sales, house prices in Vancouver have risen sharply and will likely continue to climb in the new year, pushing some frustrated house hunters to call for curbs on the foreign buyers they blame for stoking the rapid ramping up of housing values. B.C.’s real estate market powered through third-quarter […]

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