News, Views and Trends!
For months we’ve been warned by “experts” that rates are sure to shoot up. That the Bank of Canada will change their tune based on the state of the economy. That by year’s end, we’ll be well on our way to pre-pandemic rates that will make anyone with a variable rate mortgage regret ever buying a home.
It’s December. None of that has happened.
Continue reading “Surprise, Surprise: No Rate Hike From Bank of Canada”
The real estate market is more active and more competitive than any time in history. The results? Pure chaos.
It used to be normal for people to insert a few conditions when making an offer to purchase a home. The standard conditions used to be along the lines of obtaining satisfactory financing within 5 to 10 business days and obtaining a satisfactory home inspection. The lender would go through an in depth underwriting process, then verify income, down payment, credit, and finally the property would get reviewed and appraised to ensure it meets the lender’s criteria and lending value.
Continue reading “No Conditions with an Offer… Is This the New Normal?”
I’m a bit of a hypocrite. Whenever I go for a haircut, the gym or even to visit my dentist there’s a tv and it’s usually tuned in to a news channel. For the record, I don’t watch the news. I’m the guy that asks them to change the channel. I’m not interested in constantly hearing about how terrible the world supposedly is.
My take… if you want to be depressed, watch the news. If you want to be aware and alert, choose where you get your information.
Continue reading “The Good News”
2020… It will be known as the year of the pandemic. It will also be known as a year of a record-setting real estate market. We saw records for volume of sales and new high prices in many cities across Canada. To say there was a lot going on is an understatement. I have to admit I was happy to close my office and give everyone the week off between Christmas and New Year’s.
Continue reading “New Year New Outlook”
Bridge loans are short-term loans that bridge the gap between two different closing dates. More commonly used when an existing homeowner sells their home, and buys another home, with two different closing dates. But bridge loans have become a very popular way to take possession of that new home while it’s empty for 2 or 3 weeks to allow for renos. Best of all, it’s really inexpensive!
THE OLD WAY
In the past, most homebuyers would have their selling and buying dates match. It’s always been a bit of a juggling act as you have to pack your moving truck and unpack it, all in less than a day. Somehow, everyone manages to get it done… but talk about one of the most stressful days in your life, moving ranks right up there! Throw in some kids, maybe a dog, and a house full of stuff and you have a real chore on your hands.
THE NEW WAY Continue reading “Bridge Loans… the what and why!”
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