Latest News Kim Stenberg 18 Feb
These changes will come into effect on April 6, 2020 — definitely a step in the right direction! The new qualifying rate will be the mortgage contract rate or a newly created benchmark very close to it plus 200 basis points, in either case. The News Release from the Department of Finance Canada states, “the […]
Read MoreLatest News Kim Stenberg 11 Feb
Market interest rates have fallen sharply since the coronavirus-led investor flight to the safety of government bonds. The 5-year government bond yield–a harbinger of conventional mortgage rates–now stands at 1.34%, down sharply from the 1.60+% range it was trading in before the virus became global news (see chart below). This morning, one of the Big-Six […]
Read MoreGeneral Kim Stenberg 4 Feb
HOW TO VERIFY YOUR DOWN PAYMENT WHEN BUYING A HOME Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges facing people wanting to buy their first home. To fulfill the conditions of your mortgage approval, it’s all about what you can prove (hard to believe – but some people have lied in the […]
Read MoreGeneral Kim Stenberg 30 Oct
It is rare for the Bank of Canada and the US Federal Reserve to announce rate decisions on the same day, but today’s announcements highlight the stark differences in policy in the two countries. The Bank this morning announced they would maintain their target for the overnight rate at 1.75% for the eighth straight […]
Read MoreLatest News Kim Stenberg 4 Sep
The Bank of Canada held the target overnight rate at steady at 1.75% for the seventh consecutive decision date but will monitor closely the impact of the US-China trade war on economic activity around the world and in Canada. The second-quarter growth–posted at 3.7%–exceeded the Bank’s forecast in the July Monetary Policy Report (MPR), but […]
Read MoreLatest News Kim Stenberg 10 Jul
The Bank of Canada held the target overnight rate at 1.75% for the sixth consecutive decision and showed little willingness to ease monetary policy, as stronger domestic growth offsets the risk of mounting global trade tensions. There has been ongoing speculation that the Bank of Canada would be pushed into cutting interest rates by the […]
Read MoreMortgage Tips Kim Stenberg 3 Jul
Great neighbourhood, amazing yard, love the floor plan … You’ve found the PERFECT HOME! Almost. Maybe you want to update the kitchen, replace the windows, or finish the basement. With Purchase Plus Improvements, customizing your dream home is simple and affordable. Buy your new home and include the renovation costs in the mortgage with as […]
Read MoreLatest News Kim Stenberg 6 Mar
In a very dovish statement, the Bank of Canada acknowledged this morning that the slowdown in the Canadian economy has been deeper and more broadly based than it had expected earlier this year. The Bank had forecast weak exports and investment in the energy sector and a decline in consumer spending in the oil-producing provinces […]
Read MoreLatest News Kim Stenberg 9 Jan
The Bank of Canada left the overnight benchmark policy rate at 1-3/4%, as expected. In another dovish statement, the Bank of Canada acknowledged a slowdown in global economic activity and highlighted that oil prices are roughly 25% lower than what they had assumed in the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). The lower prices primarily reflected […]
Read MoreMortgage Tips Kim Stenberg 13 Dec
Flipping properties can be a very lucrative business — if done correctly! Many clients have the vision and come across great opportunities, but their main obstacle is often CASH — finding the funds to get started. Typically when you are purchasing a property that you do not intend to occupy as your primary residence, you’ll […]
Read More