Spending on renovations outpaces new home construction

More money was spent renovating homes in Canada than building new ones during the 12 months to the end of June, according to data compiled by the Bank of Montreal. “In the four quarters through [the second quarter], renovation activity outpaced investment in new residential construction $48.4-billion to $46.3-billion, as the latter has rolled over […]

Canadians’ debt payoffs rise as mortgage principal payments targeted

Contrary to all the hype about consumer debt levels, Canadians are actually paying off their debts at a faster rate than the Bank of Canada estimates, says Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce economist Benjamin Tal. Indeed, he says consumers are being quite responsible in the face of extremely tempting low interest rates. True, they are […]

We’re paying off mortgages faster than thought

TORONTO – A new report suggests that Canadian homeowners are paying down their mortgages faster than they’re being given credit for. CIBC deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal says homeowners are taking advantage of record-low interest rates to accelerate their mortgage payments, and shorten their amortization periods. The CIBC World Markets study says that homeowners are […]

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 […]