Moving can be stressful for every member of the family—children included. Depending on the age of children, their fears about a move vary from child to child, but most children approach the idea of moving with some hesitation. One out of five Canadian families move into a new home each year. Some families experience a stressful time two weeks before and two weeks after a move. For many ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on February 24, 2010
The Canadian housing market has rebounded well from the lows in sales experienced at the beginning of 2009. Sales climbed back to healthy levels across the country because the cost of home ownership remained affordable in most areas. Compared to last January, the market has returned to balance. Increasingly confident consumers moved to take advantage of the affordability created by lower interest ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on February 24, 2010
Great news from ScotiaBank in Waterloo! As of February 3, 2010, the variable rate pricing will be changing. The 5 year variable fixed has changed to Prime minus 0.20% currently, making it only 2.05%. Also...
1 year fixed 2.49% 3 year fixed 3.40% 5 year fixed 3.89% Variable fixed 2.05% Variable open 3.05% PLUS!!!
Any new mortgages funding in the next 4 months will be offered a ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on February 9, 2010
My husband and I went to go see the Olympic Torch as it came through Uptown Waterloo the evening of December 27th. What a momentous occasion! Worth sitting out in the cold for a couple of hours, for sure. Roger took this photo of me with a Canadian Mitt while we patiently waited for the flame to arrive.
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on January 8, 2010
With all the billboards springing up around the city, it's hard to miss the 13% harmonized sales tax (HST) slated to become law July 1.
For many, the tax is just a convenient combination of 8% provincial sales tax (PST) and 5% goods and services tax (GST).
But for the home renovation industry, which contributes $20-billion and 195,000 jobs to Ontario's economy, the HST may have some hidden ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on January 8, 2010
Some Disadvantages of Renting
1. No equity/appreciation
2. No long-term security
3. No tax deduction
4. Limited freedom to decorate/design/customize
5. Restrictions on housing pets, guests, etc.
6. Rent increases
7. Limited parking
8. Landlord who doesn't respond to your repair requests
9. Hearing loud people who share your walls/floors/ceilings ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on January 5, 2010
Have you ever watched the show "House Hunters" on HGTV? I kind of hate to admit it, but it's one of my favourites! Not very realistic to narrow the entire house buying experience into a 30-minute episode, I know, but it is fun to see home buyers narrow down their search, as they point out the pros and cons of each property.
My mom recently gave me a book by Suzanna Whang, the host ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on January 5, 2010
Bank of Canada sees no early rate hike despite data
December 8, 2009
By Louise Egan
OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate near zero on Tuesday, as expected, and dampened any expectations of an early rate hike even though it said it sees economic recovery gathering momentum in coming quarters.
The central bank repeated its pledge to hold the overnight rate at 0.25 ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on December 10, 2009
A friendly reminder and safety tips - it only takes 2 minutes to read. Despite the recent abnormal warm weather, winter is just around us and waiting to ambush us. Be Alert, Be Prepared and Be Safe!
Adjusting to Winter Conditions
Ontario winters are challenging for all of us as drivers and motorists. Safety should be on top of our priority list. My effort is to make sure my friends ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on December 9, 2009
There is a fundamental difference between buying a property solely for investment purposes and buying it to live in it.
We all want to live rent-free. Having the revenues cover all of the expenses, including the unit we occupy. And while all of this is feasible, it is important to mention that certain factors affect this outcome: size of the building, revenues, etc. So let’s take a look at ...
Posted by Julie D. Martin
on November 30, 2009