BC Real Estate Up 72%?

This is what the headlines are for real estate sales in the month of December in BC. Yes sales are up when you compare December 09 to December 08. We do need to keep in mind that Dec 08 was one of the worst months in real estate sales in 20 years. So, do not get over panic that a huge bubble is occuring in real estate sales. We currently have unbelivable low interests rates and prices dropped which has created a very attractive enviroment for purchasers.

Canadian Mortgage Holders Cautious?

There was an article released today from CAAMP survey that said people are taking more fixed rate mortgages then variable rate mortgages over the course of the first eight months of last year. I believe this was entirely due to pricing on the variable rate mortgages which went from prime-.90 to prime plus 1.00% over the course of a very short time in late 200/2009. Since the credit markets have improved variable rate pricing has as well and we should start seeing a trend back to variable rate mortgaes. Currently the difference between variable and fixed rate is 1.85% higher on the fixed. That is a lot of extra interest being paid to the banks vs your pocket!

BC Real Estate Sales Up

Stats jusr released and we saw December sales up 132% over last December. Camerion Muir stated that we started on a 25 year low of sales and then ended the year on a 20 year high of real estate sales. With mortgage ratesat still record low rates and to maitain at these levels for the first six months of the year we should see sales continue at good levels.

A New Decade Ahead

Hello Friends,

A very Happy New Year to you and your family!
I can't believe another decade has come and gone. I look back with fondness and forward to the future with great anticipation.
How things have changed....

Last night our family got together and watched all our old videos and pictures, but not in the way I did when I was a kid. We used our PS3 to link wirelessly to our Apple which in turn fed all our videos and pictures to our flat screen TV. As my 12-year-old son managed the PS3 controller with precision to scroll through our family memories, I was overcome with a sense of how things have changed.
I too am on the technology bandwagon and have a Twitter account and tweet daily. I also blog, do video casts, cook live on my iphone with Jamie Oliver and manage my workout schedule with ifitness. I never would have thought I would be doing this a year ago.
This past year I look back in reflection and I am so grateful…
For my children who are fast becoming their own wonderful persons as they move from 10, 11 and 12 year olds to tweens. Help! Recently on a a flight with my family at Christmas break my daughter asked the flight attendant if they recycle while placing a water bottle into a garbage bag with other waste. Amazing!
As a team and with your help, I am thrilled that we raised over $4000.00 for Dreyer Group Smiles in 2009 - our charity that raises money for children’s homeless shelters in the Fraser Valley. We have also partnered with an inspiring group of business leaders and entrepreneurs with a vision to rebuild a community in Swaziland, South Africa, called Bulembu. click here to watch the video.... it's incredible.

I am grateful for my health and completed my first marathon this year in Victoria. Thank you to my friends and coaches, Neil Yamorshuk and Jay VanUnen - I couldn’t have done it without you!
And as always, I am grateful to live in this beautiful city and country. We are so fortunate.
This coming year, I will continue to dedicate myself to helping my friends, clients, team, industry and of course my family achieve their goals. I am turning 40 this year and feel like I have only just begun giving and learning!
A warm and heartfelt thank you for supporting my business this past year.

I wish you all the best for a happy and healthy 2010!

Mortgage Changes For Canadians?

There has been a lot of talk recently of changes of mortgage regulations by the Federal Government. These changes could include shortening the amortization period of mortgages from 35 years to 30 years and potentially increasing the minimum down payment from 5% to 10%. We should have a better idea within the first quarter if any of the changes come into effect. In the interim, if you anyone you know is considering purchasing a home or refinancing your existing mortgages, no is the best time to do this before any proposed changes come to fruition.

Interest rates hold steady at all time historic lows for both fixed and variable rate mortgages. Call me to discuss the best mortgage option for your financial goals.

As an independent mortgage professional, our team shops over 400 mortgage products across the county to ensure you get the best mortgage at the lowest rate.

Why Should You Look At your Mortgage?

You should be looking at your mortgage as part of your plan for 2010. Need to make sure you have the best options for your plans. This means looking at the terms of the mortgage, interest rate, and is there a need for new mrtgage money in the future.
With the rates at all time lows and the federal goverment looking at making chages to the mortgage amotization period. This could be the best time to do any type of refiancing or purchasing a home.

Committed For 2010?

As we enter 2010, i have made the comittment to this blog. As i write this we have just come off a comeback year in full force in the mortgage world. We saw fixed and variable rates plummet to the lowest levels in history. This spurred mortgage holders to refiance exsisting mortgages and home sales throughout Canada soar. Will this last or is it a bubble? That is the popular question of the week. The answer will come on Jan 5,2011. In the meantime get your share this year.