Buyers - Whether you're looking for your first home, your dream home or an investment property, I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service.

When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. Read more

The spring house hunt is now here in markets across Canada.  For those navigating the home purchase process, we look at home buying :

  • Borrow up to $20,000 for your down payment from your RRSP “tax-free"! If you are a first-time buyer, the Homebuyers Plan (HBP) allows you to withdraw up to $20,000 from your registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) to buy or build your home. A Mortgage Consultant can tell you more about this program.
  • Understand closing costs. When buying a home, it pays to be informed about closing costs, which can represent up to three per cent of the purchase price, including: land transfer tax, lawyer fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and home inspection fees.
  • Have a firm strategy for a bidding war. In a competitive market, it is not uncommon for vendors to hold offers off until a particular date. This means you could be bidding for a home along with several other parties. It's easy to get caught up in the emotion of the bidding war, so know your maximum price before you bid and stick to it!
  • Know your financing options. Many lenders offer mortgages which feature a 5% down payment, or in some cases 100% financing. If you borrow more than 80 per cent of the purchase price, your mortgage must be insured by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or Genworth Financial.
  • Don't do it alone.  Explore the benefits offered by Professional Real Estate agents and mortgage brokers. Real Estate agents know the business and will be able to find you the best house and at the best price. Mortgage brokers act as a one-stop shop for planning advice and the best rates.  Mortgage Consultants work with prospective homeowners to provide valuable advice before and during the home buying process.

           Latest Market News Updates and Trends:

Sellers - The decision to sell a home is often dependent on many factors. Whatever your reasons are for selling, my proven effective marketing strategies will ensure that you get the highest possible price for your home.

I guarantee to provide you with professional, ethical and confidential service and keep you fully informed every step of the way. Read more

 

           Latest Market News Update and Trends:

  • January 10, 2007 - CBC News  - Home prices inch up in November: StatsCan

Source: Bank of Canada - Key interest rate: The target for the overnight rate

The Bank of Canada carries out monetary policy by influencing short-term interest rates. It does this by raising and lowering the target for the overnight rate.

The overnight rate is the interest rate at which major financial institutions borrow and lend one-day (or "overnight") funds among themselves; the Bank sets a target level for that rate. This target for the overnight rate is often referred to as the Bank's key interest rate or key policy rate.

Changes in the target for the overnight rate influence other interest rates, such as those for consumer loans and mortgages. They can also affect the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar.

In November 2000, the Bank introduced a system of eight "fixed" dates each year on which it announces whether or not it will change the key policy rate.

The Bank of Canada's next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is 22 April 2008. 

Recent Interest Rates/data (Source: Bank of Canada)

Date

Target (%)

Change (%)

22 April 2008 TBA TBA

4 March 2008

3.50

 -0.50

22 January 2008

4.00

 -0.25

4 December 2007

4.25

 -0.25

16 October 2007

4.50

 ---

5 September 2007

4.50

 ---

10 July 2007

4.50

 +0.25

29 May 2007

4.25

 ---

24 April 2007

4.25

 ---

6 March 2007

 4.25 ---
16 January 2007 4.25 ---
5 December 2006 4.25 ---
17 October 2006 4.25 ---
6 September 2006 4.25 ---
11 July 2006 4.25 ---
24 May 2006 4.25 +0.25
25 April 2006 4.00 +0.25
7 March 2006 3.75 +0.25
24 January 2006 3.50 +0.25
More data