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 lo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...