AGENT LICENSE ID
135410
Marjan Watt
: Director of Mortgage Solutions
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Address:
227-5589 Byrne Road, Burnaby, British Columbia
Making sure that your mortgage is right for you, the lowest rate may not always be your best option.
Today's clients are sophisticated and knowledgeable but recognize their limitations of time and expertise. They consult their team of professionals such as accountants at tax time, realtors when it is time to make a real estate purchase and their mortgage broker when it comes to purchase or refinance and wouldn't you....our services are free and there are no costs built into the rate.*
It is easy to see why a mortgage broker will provide professional expertise, followed by objective opinions on current rates and products. We don't represent the bank... we represent you, the customer. Our business is built on referrals and repeat clientele and mortgages are what we specialize in.
BLOG / NEWS Updates
How To Be A Debt Ninja
These five proven, debt-destroying techniques can help you pay down your mortgage and clear your balance faster.1.Apply your windfalls.Expecting abonus? Selling off an asset? Rather thansplurge when you're flush with cash, putsome money down on your mortgage.Last year, nearly a million Canadianmortgage holders (975,000) made anaverage $10,000 lump-sum payment totheir balance, according to the CanadianAssociation of Accredited MortgageProfessionals (CAAMP), wiping out atotal of $10 billion in mortgage debt.2.Pay more than you have to.Mostlenders allow an increase of 10% to 20%above and beyond your regular pay-ments. Every extra dollar goes rightto your principal, in turn reducinginterest costs.According to CAAMP's Spring 2013Consumer Mindset survey, one in fourmortgage holders plan to increase theamount of their payments this year.3. No amount is too little.Even afew dollars a month helps chip awayat debt, and you'll hardly miss it.Two-thirds of mortgage holderssurveyed in a recent ScotiabankMortgage Landscape Study agreed it'spossible to pay off their mortgage fasterwithout changing their lifestyle. Mostrespondents (59%) said they believeadding $20 per month to their mortgagepayment would have no impact ontheir finances.4. Set a timeline on non-mortgagedebt.Don't ignore the outstandingbalance on a credit line or home equityloan. Calculate the monthly cost to payit off over 18 months, two years orwhatever timeline you set as a goal.Canadians lowered personal debts by2% in the first quarter of 2013, accordingto a report by TransUnion, the biggestdecline since 2004.5. Leave no expense unturned.Underused gym membership? Costlyphone plan? Track your monthly householdspending and aim to cut down on yourbiggest non-essential expenses.We can find ways to help you savemoney on your mortgage or determinewhether refinancing makes sense as partof your debt-repayment strategy.Looking for a Mortgage Broker you can trust? Contact Marjan Watt - 604.603.9119
Canadian home sales activity strengthens in July
Statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show national home sales were up from June to July 2018.
Highlights:
National home sales rose 1.9% from June to July.
Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was down 1.3% from July 2017.
The number of newly listed homes edged down 1.2% from June to July.
The MLS Home Price Index (HPI) in July was up 2.1% year-over-year (y-o-y).
The national average sale price edged up 1% y-o-y.
National home sales via Canadian MLS Systems rose 1.9% in July 2018, building on increases in each of the two previous months but still running below levels recorded from mid-2013 to the end of last year. Led by the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), more than half of all local housing markets reported an increase sales activity from June to July.
Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was down 1.3% y-o-y. The result reflects fewer sales in major urban centres in British Columbia and an offsetting improvement in activity in the GTA.
This years new stress-test on mortgage applicants continues to weigh on home sales but its effect may be starting to fade slightly in Toronto and nearby markets, said CREA President Barb Sukkau. The degree to which the stress-test continues to sideline home buyers varies depending on location, housing type and price range. All real estate is local, and REALTORSremain your best source for information about sales and listings where you live or might like to in the future, said Sukkau.
Improving national home sales activity in recent months obscures significant differences in regional trends for home sales and prices, said Gregory Klump, CREAs Chief Economist. Regardless, rising interest rates and this years stress test on mortgage applicants will likely prove to be difficult hurdles to overcome for many would-be first time and move-up homebuyers, heading into the second half of the year and beyond.
Hacks to slash your car expenses
(NC) When you consider the rising costs of gas and insurance, owning a vehicle can get pricey. Fortunately, these easy tips can help lower how much you spend on your car so theres more room in your budget for other expenses, like groceries and recreation.
Increase your fuel economy. Did you know that a small spark plug problem can lead to a big expense? A dirty spark plug can cause a misfire, which wastes fuel and can ultimately harm your engine. To combat this, look for a spark plug thats designed for improved fuel economy, like the those from Fram. Try the Autolite Iridium XP Enhanced Alloy Technology line, which is precisely engineered with a focused ignition point for maximum power, efficiency and life.
Get regular tune-ups. When a vehicle is properly tuned, all systems work in harmony, including the fuel, ignition, emission and computer systems. While it can be a hassle getting to regular appointments at your mechanic or dealer, remember that you are investing in the long-term performance of your car, saving you time and money. Regular engine tune-ups bring power and efficiency back to your car, ensuring that its reliable, safe and road-ready.
Change your filters. There are many ways to keep your engine in good shape, helping it to last longer. One is checking the air filter every time you have the oil changed, because engine life and durability are directly related to keeping incoming air clean. Its an air filters job to remove contaminants from the air before it goes into the engine, and neglecting this component results in reduced performance. Fram extra guard filters provide premium engine protection and are proven to let in two times less dirt than the average leading standard retail brands.
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