Everyone has a different reason for wanting to renovate. Sometimes it’s the simple need for a change. Other times, the motivation is more practical. If you wake up one day with a puddle in the basement and a water-stained ceiling, you know you have to act fast. In general, there are three types of [...] . . .
The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at one per cent in its latest decision on Tuesday. Since raising its overnight lending rate to one per cent in September, the bank has held steady for five consecutive policy decisions. Economists had expected the central bank to hold rates steady, citing the fact [...] . . .
Driven by the threat of higher interest rates down the road, first-time buyers are contributing to strong upward momentum in residential housing markets across the country, according to a report released by RE/MAX. . . .
The outside of your home is the first thing to greet visitors and offer an impression of what may be inside. If it fails to inspire from the outset, it considerably lowers expectations for the inside. Creating curb appeal isn’t about trying to transform the house and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. More [...] . . .
Thinking of selling your home but not sure if now is the “right time?” Talk to a REALTOR® for sound advice on when to sell your home in the least amount of time for the best possible price. First a REALTOR® will help you examine your reasons for wanting to sell. The most common reasons [...] . . .
Historically, borrowers have saved money by selecting the Variable Rate Mortgage option. But how do you hedge your bets as interest rates rise? The Bank of Canada has recently withdrawn its previous commitment to hold rates steady until June 30th thus clearing the way for an increase as early as June 1st. The question Canadian [...] . . .
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is a combination in Ontario of the 8% PST and the 5% GST. Effective July 1, 2010, HST will apply a new tax on many items that, in the past, would have been subject only to the GST or PST. Now, these items will be charged both taxes through harmonization. What is [...] . . .
The goal is to sell your house as quickly and as profitably as possible. Right? In real estate, buyers buy space and the more space you can show them, whether it be living or storage space, the more you will be able to sell for. To accomplish that, you will need to stage your home. [...] . . .
Are you considering buying or selling a property? Contact me and I will explain how you can benefit as a buyer or seller of real estate by aligning yourself with an AstrumStar Member. These amazing mortgage rates are reserved exclusively for members and their real estate clients. Astrum Financial offers 3 year and 5 year fixed and variable closed mortgages that [...] . . .
For a great many of us, purchasing a home is the largest investment we will make in our lifetimes. Despite the enormous price tag and the fact that most of us will be paying off our mortgage for decades to come, on a more personal level, the act of purchasing a home probably stirs up [...] . . .
OTTAWA – A pair of surveys on housing prices released Wednesday show that many Canadians are worried about rising prices and interest rates, but that is not stopping many from entering the housing market sooner, or taking on more debt than they want to. According to a new BMO survey conducted by Harris-Decima, 71 per [...] . . .
Insured buyers must show ability to pay James Pasternak, Financial Post Published: 3/17/2010 When Frank and Susan Williams bought a house near Hamilton, Ont., this month, they followed a time-honoured tradition of using leveraged financing. With mortgage insurance, they only had to put down 5% of the $270,000 purchase price. They went with a closed variable [...] . . .
Home sales decline in February. Financial Post March 15, 2010 OTTAWA — Home resales in Canada fell in February for a second straight month, with the biggest drop recorded in Vancouver, although purchasers were still higher on the year, the Canadian Real Estate Association said Monday. The February decline in Vancouver and other parts on [...] . . .
Spruce up your kitchen for under $1,000 Leanne Brownoff, Edmonton Journal We can’t control the weather, but we can create a little spring sensation indoors in the heart of every home: the kitchen. A trip to your local garden centre is a great place to look for inspiration – even in February. “It is always [...] . . .
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