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The coming year will see a rise in mortgage rate comparison websites, variable-rate mortgage discounts and non-prime lending, according to The Globe and Mail.


Highlighting likely real estate industry trends for 2013, the newspaper’s Robert McLister predicts that, among other things, the proliferation of digital media will result in more popularity for mortgage rate comparison websites.


Meanwhile, McLister also forecasts that variable-rate mortgages will increase in popularity due to steeper discounts.


Finally, McLister predicts that tighter mortgage restrictions will lead to more borrowers taking out loans from higher-cost non-prime lenders.


“Those borrowers include the self-employed, property investors and anyone who needs secondary financing or refinancing above 80 per cent loan-to-value,” he writes.


While tighter mortgage restrictions have led to a cooldown in Canada’s overall housing market, Alberta mortgages, fueled by activity in Calgary, are leading the nation in growth.


The Canadian Real Estate Association reports that Alberta will lead the country in resales during both 2012 and 2013.


The province is expected to end this year with a 13.1 increase in resales compared to the same time last year, and is projected to grow by another 1.3 percent during 2013. 

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Alberta leads in resales

The province of Alberta will lead the country in resales during both 2012 and 2013, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.

 

Data from the organization shows that Alberta will end this year with a 13.1 percent increase in resales compared to last year, with 60,800 sales. Alberta is projected to lead in 2013 with a growth of 1.3 percent, reaching 61,600 sales.

Calgary mortgages helped Alberta take the lead, with 1,831 home sales in the region during November. This marks a 10.6 percent increase from the same time last year. In the province as a whole, sales increased by 3.2 percent during November, reaching 4,034.

 

“National sales activity has remained fairly steady at lower levels since mortgage rules were changed earlier this year, but that stability masks some real differences in trends among local housing markets,” said Wayne Moen, president of the CREA.

 

In addition to increases in sales, home prices also rose during November. The average November sales price in Calgary rose by 3.8 percent on a year-over-year basis.

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Among the highlights in the 2012 Observer:

  • The recently introduced Canadian Covered Bond Legal Framework, which will support financial stability by facilitating diversified funding for lenders and strengthening the robustness of the Canadian covered bonds market;
  • Annual housing starts and the average mortgage payment as a percentage of personal disposable income per worker are both close to their long-term averages, while debt-service ratios are below or near their long-term averages;
  • Most mortgage holders have substantial equity in their homes, while the percentage of residential mortgages three months or more in arrears has been declining;
  • Housing designed with flexibility in mind is better able to adapt to meet the needs of an aging population and accommodate the accessibility and other needs of persons with mobility, cognitive and agility disabilities.  
Booklet is available for FREE from CMHC
Need the link?  
Just let me know  - terri.s@shaw.ca


Airdrie Homes 
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A summary of factors that affect your credit score:


The BEACON score is calculated based on the information contained in your Equifax credit history. While knowing your actual score is a good start, understanding the key factors affecting your BEACON score is much more important. These factors will provide you direction on how you can increase or maintain your BEACON score over time.

The negative factors listed below are reasons why your BEACON score might not be very high. Your focus on these factors will help you to raise your BEACON score over time. These negative factors are provided in order of impact to your score, the first factor listed indicates where you stand to gain the most points over time and so on.

 

You have recently been seeking credit as reflected by the number of inquiries posted on your credit file in the last 12 months


Research shows that consumers who are seeking new credit accounts are riskier than consumers who are not seeking credit. Inquiries are the only information lenders have that indicates a consumer is actively seeking credit.

There are different types of inquiries that reside on your credit bureau report. The score only considers those inquiries that were posted as a result of you applying for credit. Other types of inquiries, such as account review inquiries (where a lender with whom you have an account has received your credit report) or consumer disclosure inquiries (where you have requested a copy of your own report) are not considered by the score.

The scores can identify "rate shopping" so that one credit search leading to multiple inquiries being reported is usually only counted as a single inquiry. For most consumers, the presence of a few inquiries on your credit file has a limited impact on BEACON scores.

A common misperception is that every single inquiry will drop your score a certain number of points. This is not true. The impact of inquiries on your score will vary - depending on your overall credit profile. Inquiries will usually have a larger impact on the score for consumers with limited credit history and on consumers with previous late payments. The most prudent action to raise your score over time is to apply for credit only when you need it.

As time passes the age of your most recent inquiry will increase and your score will rise as a result, provided you do not apply for additional credit in the meantime. Our best recommendation - apply for credit only when you need it.

 

The length of time your revolving or non-revolving accounts have been established is too short

This reason is based on the age of the revolving or non-revolving charge accounts on your credit bureau report. A revolving account such as Visa, MasterCard, or retail store card allows consumers to make a minimum monthly payment and roll or "revolve" the remainder of their balance to the next month. Non-revolving accounts such as American Express and Diners Club must be paid off in full each month.

Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not.

It is a good idea to only apply for credit when you really need it. Meanwhile, maintain low-to-moderate balances and be sure to make your payments on time. Your score should improve as your revolving credit history ages.

 

The amount owed on your accounts is too high

The score measures how much you owe on the accounts (revolving, non-revolving, and installment) that are listed on your credit bureau report. Research reveals that consumers owing larger amounts on their credit accounts have greater future repayment risk than those who owe less. (For credit cards, the total outstanding balance on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit bureau report. Note that even if you pay off your credit cards in full each and every month, your credit bureau report may show the last billing statement balance on those accounts.)

Paying off your debts and maintaining low balances will help to improve your credit score. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will usually not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed.

 

Proportion of loan balances to original loan amounts is too high

Simply having installment loans and owing money on them does not mean you are a high-risk borrower. To the contrary, paying down installment loans is a good sign that you are able and willing to manage and repay debt, and evidence of successful repayment weighs favorably on your credit rating. The BEACON score examines many aspects of your current installment loan and revolving balances. One measurement is to compare outstanding installment balances against the original loan amounts. Generally, the closer the loans are to being fully paid off, the better the score. Compared to other measurements of indebtedness, however, this has limited influence on the BEACON score.

Paying down installment loans on a timely basis generally reflects well on your credit score. But if you want to improve your score, one way to do it is to try to pay the loans, down as quickly as you can.

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While on Realtor Tour today - Dec. 11, 2012

I saw a great home that boast a fully developed lower level, plus bonus room and 3 bedrooms up.  Total of 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.


Fully fenced yard, and rear deck with dog run area.  Home has been taken care of for a foreclosure.  $411K  - In Cooper's Crossing 

With a quick possession - and negotiable price...this home can be yours - or a great revenue property - that could rent out for atleast $1800 plus a month.


I also found a few condos - townhouses in Airdrie that might appeal to a few folks.  Affordable living with easy care.  Condo fees cover the exterior maintenance - if you don't want the yard work.


I also saw a recently renovated older home - kitchen has been renovated very nicely.  House is a bit overpriced - but I'm sure there is room for negotiation.  Nice thing is the oversized guys dream garage.


Terri Stephens - at your service

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Each month we will be featuring another special offer for anyone that purchases a home in Chinook Crossing during that month.

For December we are offering to pay off your credit card balance up to a total of $3500. If you purchase a home in Chinook Crossing during the month of December, we will give you up to $3500 to pay off the credit card purchases you made for the Christmas season. Now you’ll be able to do your shopping for friends and loved ones without worrying how you’ll pay for them once your statement arrives.

This is the perfect time of the year to take advantage of an offer like this. Typically, your December statement is when most people will have the largest credit card balance of the year. Now, not only will you have your Christmas purchases paid for, but also the usual monthly items that appear on your statement. When you purchase a condo in Chinook Crossing in December you can forget about the worry that can come with receiving your credit card statement and enjoy the new year.

 
Who are you going to buy Christmas gifts for? It’s all up to you.

Want More Information?


Email:  cirairdrie@gmail.com

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NEW CONDOS IN AIRDRIE

Creekside Village is a new condo development in Airdrie, designed for those seeking a convenient, comfortable living space at an affordable price.

Located in Airdrie, Alberta, Creekside Village is surrounded by schools, parks, shops and amenities. You’ll also be a quick drive to the heart of downtown Calgary.

At The Carlisle Group, we don’t believe owning a home needs to come at the expense of your other financial goals.

Why rent when you can own a new condo for as low as $239 bi-weekly? With prices beginning in the $120’s, now is the time to make your dream of owning a new condo a reality.

We also encourage you to make your condo your own. After purchasing your new condo, you’ll meet with a member of our team to pick and choose the color motif or select additional upgrades.


More Information

Email:  cirairdrie@gmail.com


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Don't get in the way of your own learning. Here are five ways to step aside and continue to increase your smarts.


Most people don't really think much about how they learn. Generally you assume learning comes naturally. You listen to someone speak either in conversation or in a lecture and you simply absorb what they are saying, right? Not really. In fact, I find as I get older that real learning takes more work. The more I fill my brain with facts, figures, and experience, the less room I have for new ideas and new thoughts. Plus, now I have all sorts of opinions that may refute the ideas being pushed at me. Like many people I consider myself a lifelong learner, but more and more I have to work hard to stay open minded.

But the need for learning never ends, so your desire to do so should always outweigh your desire to be right. The world is changing and new ideas pop up everyday; incorporating them into your life will keep you engaged and relevant. The following are the methods I use to stay open and impressionable. They'll work for you too. No matter how old you get.

1. Quiet Your Inner Voice

You know the one I am talking about. It's the little voice that offers a running commentary when you are listening to someone. It's the voice that brings up your own opinion about the information being provided. It is too easy to pay more attention to the inner voice than the actual speaker. That voice often keeps you from listening openly for good information and can often make you shut down before you have heard the entire premise. Focus less on what your brain has to say and more on the speaker. You may be surprised at what you hear.

2. Argue With Yourself

If you can't quiet the inner voice, then at least use it to your advantage. Every time you hear yourself contradicting the speaker, stop and take the other point of view. Suggest to your brain all the reasons why the speaker may be correct and you may be wrong. In the best case you may open yourself to the information being provided. Failing that, you will at least strengthen your own argument.

3. Act Like You Are Curious

Some people are naturally curious and others are not. No matter which category you are in you can benefit from behaving like a curious person. Next time you are listening to information, make up and write down three to five relevant questions. If you are in a lecture, Google them after for answers. If you are in a conversation you can ask the other person. Either way you'll likely learn more, and the action of thinking up questions will help encode the concepts in your brain. As long as you're not a cat you should benefit from these actions of curiosity.

4. Find the Kernel of Truth

No concept or theory comes out of thin air. Somewhere in the elaborate concept that sounds like complete malarkey there is some aspect that is based upon fact. Even if you don't buy into the idea, you should at least identify the little bit of truth from whence it came. Play like a detective and build your own extrapolation. You'll enhance your skills of deduction and may even improve the concept beyond the speaker's original idea.

5. Focus on the Message Not the Messenger

Often people shut out learning due to the person delivering the material. Whether it's a boring lecturer, someone physically unappealing, or a member of the opposite political party, the communicator can impact your learning. Even friends can disrupt the learning process since there may be too much history and familiarity to see them as an authority on a topic. Separate the material from the provider. Pretend you don't know the person or their beliefs so you can hear the information objectively. As for the boring person, focus on tip two, three, or four as if it were a game, thereby creating your own entertainment.


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