It was roughly one year ago that Finance Minister Flaherty announced his fourth round of mortgage restrictions in as many years. The reason for these changes was simple: cool down an out-of-control housing market. By tightening lending rules, Flaherty hoped to lower the risk to taxpayers and curb excessive rates of household debt.
A Look at Housing Affordability
How affordable are homes on the Canadian housing market? This is the question at the top of every mortgage broker and home hunter’s mind. As mortgage rates begin to climb and home prices creep ever higher, industry leaders are keeping a close eye on affordability in an attempt to avoid a bubble. It’s no secret that more and more houses … Read More
Listing This Spring? Sounds Like You Could Use a CMA
Thinking about listing your property this spring? Then now’s the time to request a comparative market analysis (CMA) from your real estate agent. A CMA is an evaluation of listings and sale prices of similar houses in your neighbourhood. Similar to an appraisal in that it provides sellers with an estimate of their home’s market value, a CMA can help you … Read More
Should You Trust Your Bank?
When it comes to financial advice, including information on the best mortgage rates, who do you turn to? According to a survey released by the Bank of Montreal last Friday, Canadian’s are more likely to turn to their financial institution with money problems than anywhere else. This includes friends, family members, financial advisors and mortgage brokers. Even in the age … Read More
Housing Slow Down Has Started
The future of Canada’s housing market rests in the hands of the nation’s buyers, or at least that’s what the latest housing stats would have us believe. Signs are everywhere that Canada’s once red-hot real estate market is about to freeze over, thanks to a combination of tighter mortgage rules and increasing consumer debt levels. Not only are home sales … Read More