There are many things that can affect the market value of a property, ranging from interest rates to home improvements to the mood of the seller.  Below are some of the key dynamics that tend to have the largest influence on home values that every homeowner or aspiring homeowner should be aware of.  These factors […]

Versus (vs) – as compared to or as one of two choices; in contrast with. At least once a day I get asked, what’s the difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’? With this in mind I put together some content that will hopefully provide some clarity in regards to  a few of the more commonly asked […]

Advice from a leading financial writer could drive more clients to market One of Canada’s most respected housing critics is now advising Canadians intent on purchasing in hot markets to do so with less than 20% down. What do brokers think about the suggestion? Rob Carrick, a personal finance columnist for the Globe and Mail, is […]

Brokers are beating the drum for BFS clients Spreading the word about what brokers can do for clients hasn’t been easy – but there are ways to inform and educate, and in the process, build a book of clients. “With all the new government regulations that have come out over the last few years, it […]

Favourite Things   My interview with CMP Magazine. 1._CMP9.9_Page62-63.pdf

Bank tries to win other lenders’ business It may be a clever marketing ploy, but brokers are poking holes in one big bank’s mortgage promotion that offers free mortgage switching from existing lenders – and an enticing cashback offer. “If a client is wanting to switch before renewal time, then it’s likely the current lender […]

Lenders using specials to win business from each other Lenders are duking it out over business and offering special promotional rates to their rival’s clients – much to the chagrin of one leading broker. “The big issue I have right now is the live-deal specials that lenders offer; a lender will publish a new special rate […]

Broker: Lender staffing issues leading to last-minute deal issues Lenders are understaffed and dealing with record volume, according to one former underwriter, which explains the increase in last minute audits and the resulting problems with files. “There is often another level of review after the underwriter signs off on a deal before it gets funded; […]

In today’s economic climate of tighter credit requirements and increased unemployment rates taking their toll on some Canadians, there’s no doubt that many people may not fit into the traditional banks’ financing boxes as easily as they may have just a year ago.   Your best solution is to consult your mortgage professional to determine […]