Bank rate 1%
Boosts outlook for Canadian economic growth The Bank of Canada kept its target for the overnight rate at one per cent for the third consecutive meeting on January 18th, 2011. Correspondingly, the Bank rate remained at 1.25 per cent and the deposit rate remains at 0.75 per cent. The Bank said that the global economic recovery was proceeding at a somewhat faster than expected pace, but noted that risks remain elevated. The main source of uncertainty to the global outlook remains sovereign debt concerns in several European countries. The driver of the improvement in the global outlook was the...
Read MoreNew Mortgage Rules
On Monday, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced some changes to mortgage rules in Canada. 1. The maximum amortization period is now 30 years (down from 35 years) for government-backed insured mortgages, when the down payment is less than 20 percent. This new amortization limit will come into force on March 18, 2011. 2. The maximum amount that can be borrowed when refinancing a mortgage is now 85 percent the value of the home, down from 90 percent. This new refinance limit will come into force on March 18, 2011. 3. The government will no longer provide insurance backing for home equity...
Read MoreMarket Conditions Beginning to Improve
Vancouver, BC – October 13, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 36 per cent to 5,511 units in September compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province increased 2 per cent in September from August 2010. The average MLS® residential price climbed 4 per cent to $493,846 in September compared to the same month last year. “BC home sales increased for the second consecutive month in September,” said Cameron...
Read MoreRenewing Your Mortgage
Renewing Your Mortgage – A Valuable Opportunity Think of your mortgage renewal as a valuable opportunity. A chance not only to take advantage of today’s great rates, but also get a mortgage product that better fits your current needs. When you receive a renewal form from your current lender, don’t simply sign it without knowing all your options. If you do so, you could be paying a higher rate, and end up with a mortgage that might not be best suited to your needs. Instead, talk to a mortgage professional. He or she will discuss your interest rate options, and can arrange a rate...
Read MoreLow Mortgage Rates Boost August Home Sales
From BCREA Vancouver, BC – September 14, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 35 per cent to 5,590 units in August compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province increased 7 per cent in August from July 2010. The average MLS® residential price climbed 4 per cent to $487,804 in August compared to the same month last year. “August home sales posted the first month-to-month increase since March of this...
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Owen has lived in the Comox Valley for over 30 years. He loves the Comox Valley, and the people who live here! His strong negotiating skills and great personality make him the right choice for your real estate needs. 