The Canadian mortgage market rests in a delicate balance: CAAMP Housing activity high in three major markets; while most of Canada experiences slowdown First time home buyers continue to enter the Canadian housing market in substantial numbers, encouraged by low interest rates and acting in response to their own favourable economic circumstances, according to the [...]

Housing starts in Canada were trending at 184,438 units in May compared to 183,872 in April, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of housing starts. “In May, the trend in housing starts was virtually unchanged for the third consecutive [...]

VERICO Canada and VERICO Compass Mortgage Group are pleased to announce the first winners of the VERICO Purchase Plus Improvement Contest. Dean Larson and Aaron Marsh of VERICO Compass Mortgage along with Sean Widdess, Vice President of Business Development and Jared Dreyer, Vice President of Corporate Relations, VERICO Canada, presented a cheque to winners Ryan [...]

For many of us, exercise isn't easy. So it's no surprise that when taken out of our regular routines it's one of the first things to fall to the wayside - along with that 'strict' diet you've been following, of course! Whether you're flying or driving, at a hotel with a gym or without, here [...]

Housing starts in Canada were trending at 183,515 units in April compared to 184,602 in March, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts. “In April, the trend in housing starts was essentially stable at 183,515 units. [...]

Are you one of millions who wonder how your CPP contributions are invested? This is the year to find out. On June 9, 2014, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is inviting Canadians to join their “electronic town hall”, an interactive webcast to hear about the organization's most recent financial performance, and pose any [...]

Once you’re a homeowner, the payoff can be great. When you make a mortgage payment each month, you build equity in a place of your own. As the equity in your home grows, your financial flexibility also increases. Think of it as an extra source of financing for when the unexpected happens. An added benefit [...]

Buying a home can be very beneficial to your finances in the long-run. This is because a home allows you to build equity. When you make a mortgage payment each month, you build equity in a place of your own (unlike renting). Equity is the difference between the value of the home and your outstanding mortgage. The [...]

New homeowners looking for greater predictability A recent poll conducted by Nielsen finds that Canadians are increasingly focused on moving to fixed-rate mortgages. The poll also revealed that younger Canadians are even more likely to choose a fixed rate mortgage, with 56% of Canadians aged 25-34 saying they would lock in to a fixed rate today; the number has [...]

A recent poll conducted by Nielsen finds that nearly half of Canadians don't think low rates will last forever and expect mortgage rates to be higher a year from now. The poll also shows that Canadians are increasingly focused on moving to fixed-rate mortgages. According to the Consumer Insights survey, many Canadians still prefer fixed mortgage [...]

The Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson and Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) Deputy Commissioner Brigitte Goulard, kicked off Talk with Our Kids About Money Day, a financial Literacy campaign for youngsters. Talk With Our Kids About Money Day encourages parents and teachers to be involved and actively engage in conversations with kids and young adults [...]

There are many factors as to why Canadian homebuyers are thinking more about smart home investing and careful financial planning -As discussed on our previous blogs, Canadians believe that buying a home is a great investment – Part 1 & 2. Based on the Canada-wide survey commissioned by Genworth Canada, homebuyers are working harder and making [...]

In the last blog, Canadians believe that buying a home is a great investment – Part 1, we discussed some of the factors as to why Canadian homebuyers are thinking more about smart home investing and careful financial planning. According to a Canada-wide survey commissioned by Genworth Canada, homebuyers are working harder and making larger contributions towards [...]

According to a Canada-wide survey commissioned by Genworth Canada, homebuyers are working harder and for a longer period to save for a down payment; though many remain confident in buying a home as a long-term investment, according to the national poll surveying Canadians about their financial well-being and preparedness. "Despite tighter mortgage qualification criteria over [...]

(NC) Look on the bright side. Annual spring cleaning doesn't have to be a chore, but rather a chance to revitalize your home. The tasks come in all shapes and sizes, and more often than not, some items are bound to be overlooked. Real top-to-bottom housecleaning can take hours, but not always. Many of the [...]

(NC) The decision to buy a home is usually both exciting and daunting. While you may know the size or style of home you want, such as condominium or townhouse, the choice between a new or resale home is another important consideration. Both new and resale homes have their advantages and drawbacks, which may range [...]

Date Released:  First Quarter 2014 Overview Housing starts to remain stable in 2014 and 2015 2014 187,300 2015 184,900 MLS® sales to rebound in 2014 and increase slightly in 2015 2014 466,500 2015 474,700   *The outlook is subject to uncertainty. Although point forecasts are presented in this publication, CMHC also presents forecast ranges and risks where appropriate. The forecasts included in this document reflect information available as of January 22, 2014. *Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) is a [...]

(NC) If this is the year in which you resolved to buy your first house, you're about to enter a period in your life that is both exciting and nerve-wracking. With so many factors to consider before you sign the dotted line, the financial experts from Desjardins Group have some tips and suggestions to help [...]

March is Fraud Prevention Month. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has consistently been a leader in the fight against mortgage fraud and offers the following tips to protect yourself against becoming a victim of mortgage fraud. What Can You do to Protect Yourself? Be an informed consumer! Be wary of anyone who approaches you [...]

March is Fraud Prevention Month. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has consistently been a leader in the fight against mortgage fraud and offers the following tips to protect yourself against becoming a victim of mortgage fraud.   Misrepresentation of Information   Mortgage fraud occurs when someone deliberately misrepresents information in order to obtain mortgage financing [...]

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