October 2012
House Hunting: Finding the Right Fit for You
With so many choices and variables, how do you find the perfect fit? Before
you start your search, it’s a good idea to narrow down the playing field by
looking at what would fit you best. Here’s where to look:
Look Inside
What do you already own that your new home would need to accommodate?...
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August 2012
The Renovation Contract
One of the major reasons for disputes over renovation work is the lack of a
contract. The best way to avoid this is to draw up an agreement describing
the work to be done and the cost of this work. This contract becomes a legal
document, binding both parties once they have signed it. Don’t sign
anything until you are fully satisfied it describes exactly what you want and
contains everything you have agreed upon....
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July 2012
How to Find a Builder or Realtor?
Builder or Realtor
Often, when buying a new home, you’ll deal with a builder/contractor. If
you’re buying a resale home, however, you’ll probably encounter a realtor.
Below are some tips and advice for finding a reputable realtor or builder...
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May 2012
Financial House Cleaning for Couples
(NC)—Now that the tax season is over, how did you and your significant other do?
Were you faced with tax bills or did you receive a refund? If you both had a less than
spectacular financial year, don't be discouraged. Mid-year is a great time to review your
financial situation and resolve to make changes now to ensure you're in a better
position next year. Here are some ideas that can help you both max out on the good
and reduce the bad...
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April 2012
Understanding Your Mortgage Options
Congratulations! You’ve decided to begin your search for a new home, or
perhaps you’ve already found the home of your dreams and are ready to
make an offer. It’s now time to consider your mortgage options. But with so
many different choices available, how can you select the right kind of
mortgage for your needs?
To help you make an informed
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October 2011
The Financial Implications of Living
Longer
It's a fact that Canadians are living longer today than ever before and while this is great because we'll have more time to spend with loved ones—it's a bit alarming from a finance and savings perspective.
Data suggests that retirement years have stretched from 13 to 20 years — or a 54% increase. This means that a proportionate...
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September 2011
How to Save on your Fall Home Improvement Projects
(NC)— The Government of Canada has renewed the ecoEnergy Retrofit — Homes Program from June 6, 2011 until March 31, 2012. What does this mean? Homeowners tackling renovations may be eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 when incorporating more energy-efficient solutions...
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August 2011
How to be Mortgage Free Faster
Think your house is comfortable now? Imagine walking through the door knowing that you never need to make a mortgage payment again. In addition to the satisfaction of being mortgage free, paying off your mortgage faster can save you money by reducing the interest you pay...
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July 2011
Parents are the best financial role models for kids
When thinking about those important lessons you must pass on to your children, parents don't often consider money management skills. But lessons about the value of a dollar, saving and investing shouldn't be left to chance. Children's attitudes about money develop early in life...
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June 2011
Add money to your wallet and enjoyment to your life
We all love to save money, but most of us don't enjoy penny–pinching or sacrificing to do so. Luckily, there are many ways to generate significant savings…while actually increasing the enjoyment in our homes and lifestyles...
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April 2011
Taking the edge off the formal living room: how to make it comfortable and luxurious
There's no need to drain one's bank account or energy reserves to create a living room that provides the kind of livable luxury we could all use. Louis XVI formality and matchy-matchy...
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February 2011
New Mortgage Rules Introduced in 2011
On January 17, 2011, Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, announced prudent adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market and support...
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January 2011
Budgeting for Interest Rate Hikes
Interest rates, near historic lows for much of the past two years, are widely expected to increase through the latter half of 2011. The cost of carrying debt, including mortgages, lines of credit and...
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December 2010
Goal Setting Keeps Resolutions on Track
January is a popular time of year to set resolutions for physical fitness, personal finance or new career directions. But with the declaration of failed resolutions in February...
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October 2010
Down Payment Options and Pre-Approvals
As a first-time home buyer, you probably have many questions, including the right down payment amount and whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage...
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September 2010
10 Worst First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes
Are you gearing up to buy your first place? Arm yourself with these tips to get the most out of your purchase and avoid making 10 of the most costly mistakes that could put a hold on that sold sign...
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August 2010
Dealing with Mortgage Payment Difficulties
When unforeseen financial circumstances impact your ability to make regular mortgage payments, it’s important for you to take quick action. With early intervention, cooperation, and a well executed plan you can work together with your mortgage professional...
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July 2010
Second Mortgage Loans vs. Home Equity Loans
It’s not surprising that some homeowners confuse the terms “second mortgage” and “home equity loan.” After all, a second mortgage is a type of home equity loan. But more often than not, home equity loan is used to describe a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. If you want to take advantage of the equity that you have built up in your home, you will need to...
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June 2010
House Hunting: Finding the Right Fit for You
With so many choices and variables, how do you find the perfect fit? Before you start your search, it’s a good idea to narrow down the playing field by looking at what would fit you best. Here’s where to look:
For full newsletter - click here
March 2010
Establishing Credit History
In order to purchase a home, you must have an established credit history.
Each time you pay a bill (for your credit card or for a monthly service such as your telephone or electricity); you are establishing...
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February 2010
A Shift in First-Time Homebuyer Demographic
The demographics of the typical first-time homebuyer are changing these days.
More and more women today can afford to purchase a property on their own to build up valuable equity and are no longer waiting to find a life partner before ...
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January 2010
Ice-Proof Your Attic (and Keep Winter Out of Your Home!)
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t spend much time in the attic.
In fact, the vast majority of Canadians go up to their attics only when dealing with a leaky roof or “animal intruders” like bats or squirrels...
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October 2009
House Hunting: Finding the Right Fit for You
With so many choices and variables, how do you find the perfect fit? Before you start your search, it’s a good idea to narrow down the playing field by looking at what would fit you best. Here’s where to look:...
For full newsletter - click here
September 2009
Finding, Fixing and Flipping Homes
Flipping houses is a hot topic these days. Here are 10 tips to help you find the perfect flip from HGTV’s The Big Flip renovator’s John Stassen and Randy Mackay.
1. Find properties that are diamonds in the rough – homes that are rundown in comparison to those around them – as these... For full newsletter - click here
August 2009
The Renovation Contract
One of the major reasons for disputes over renovation work is the lack of a contract. The best way to avoid this is to draw up an agreement describing the work to be done and the cost of this work. This contract...
For full newsletter - click here
July 2009
HOW TO FIND A BUILDER OR REALTER?
Often, when buying a new home, you’ll deal with a builder/contractor. If you’re buying a resale home, however, you’ll probably encounter a realtor. Below are some tips and advice for finding a reputable realtor or builder..
For full newsletter - click here
June 2009
FIVE TIPS ON SELLING IN A SLOW MARKET
Selling a house in a slow real estate market can be difficult. In times like these, it’s not enough to simply list your home and wait; you actually have to sell your home. Here are five tips...
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