Important Changes to Mortgages

 Attention Bloggers,

Very important changes in relation to getting a mortgage.

As always, any questions don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me personally or leave your comments on my Blog and discuss with others.

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The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced a number of measured steps to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market and continue to encourage home ownership for Canadians.

“Canada’s housing market is healthy, stable and supported by our country’s solid economic fundamentals,” said Minister Flaherty. “However, a key lesson of the global financial crisis is that early policy action can help prevent negative trends from developing.”

The Government will therefore adjust the rules for government-backed insured mortgages as follows:

  • Require that all borrowers meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term. This initiative will help Canadians prepare for higher interest rates in the future.
  • Lower the maximum amount Canadians can withdraw in refinancing their mortgages to 90 per cent from 95 per cent of the value of their homes. This will help ensure home ownership is a more effective way to save.
  • Require a minimum down payment of 20 per cent for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner-occupied properties purchased for speculation.

“There’s no clear evidence of a housing bubble, but we’re taking proactive, prudent and cautious steps today to help prevent one. Our Government is acting to help prevent Canadian households from getting overextended, and acting to help prevent some lenders from facilitating it,” said Minister Flaherty. “If some lenders aren’t willing to act themselves, we will act. These measures demonstrate the Government is committed to taking action when necessary to support the long-term stability of a sector that is so vital to our economy and the financial well-being of Canadian families.”

These adjustments to the mortgage insurance guarantee framework are intended to come into force on April 19, 2010.

Welcome to 77 Linwell Road, Unit #91 in St. Catharines Ontario Canada

UPDATE: This St. Catharines home has been sold!

Please use our online complimentary St. Catharines Ontario real estate search to find similar available listings.

 

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This St. Catharines condo is priced at $174,900.00!

This sought-after, northend location is a 2 storey, 3 bedroom executive condo! Nothing to do but turn the key! Large living space of 1260 square feet. Kitchen includes appliances, updated ceramic backsplash, living room with private doors to private fenced back patio/yard backing onto private homes. There are 1 ½ bathrooms, both updated with ceramic floors and cabinetry. The large, bright finished recreation room measures 21’6 X 13’10 and is freshly painted in neutral tones with modern décor.   Updates include roof 2007, furnace 2008, flooring 2008, paint and fixtures. Central air. Property taxes in 2009 were $2234.59. Condo fees of $230.00 include building insurance, common elements, cable TV, parking and water. Parking includes one space in front of unit and additional parking is available at a monthly cost.

Please call The Salisbury Team today should you have any other questions!

For further information on this home, you can go here or please contact Timothy 800-467-8498 or email him.

For this and other homes, please go to the listings page of St. Catharines Real Estate or the blog listings section.

For St. Catharines attractions, you can visit:

Tour St. Catharines
St. Catharines on WorldWeb
St. Catharines Website

Hospitable and Pleasant to Work With is How Steve and Ann King Describe the Salisbury Team

Steve and I and the kids appreciate all The Salisbury Teams effort. They were very hospitable and very pleasant to work with. They took our needs into consideration and were very patient with us until our home sold.

Steve & Ann King

Valentine’s Day Treat

Looking for that special treat for Valentine’s Day? Try this!

FRESH FRUITS WITH CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Use a selection of fruits, peeled and cut into cubes if large. Try mango, pineapple, whole strawberries, juicy pears, strawberries or banana chunks.

fondue.jpgChocolate Fondue Ingredients
200g/1.5 cups dark chocolate
75ml/one-third cup water
50/0.25 cup organic butter
2 tbsp white rum (optional)

Method

Break chocolate into pieces, and place in a heatproof bowl with the butter, water and rum. Place over a saucepan of gently simmering water, so that the base of the bowl is clear of the water. Leave for 5-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chocolate has melted.

Stir to make a smooth sauce, remove from the heat and pour into the serving bowl.

Arrange the fruit on a platter with forks or cocktail sticks. Serve a small bowl of chopped nuts alongside if you wish. To eat, simply dip pieces of fruit into chocolate, then into nuts.

Note:  This recipe makes a generous quantity of chocolate fondue, so you may prefer to omit the alcohol if serving this dessert to the family.

Valentine’s Day – February 14th

rosebouqet3.JPGEvery February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? Why do we celebrate this holiday on February 14th?  Who are some of the greatest romantic couples throughout history? Who wrote “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways”? Spending a quiet night at home?  Discover romantic movie suggestions! Want to know how chocolate is made? Have fun with plenty of ideas or learn about the history of Valentine’s Day at Valentine’s Day Facts.

Current Mortgate Rates for St. Catharines/Niagara area

Rate
Term
5-Year Fixed
3.79%
5-Year VRM
2.15% Prime minus 0.10%

Quote of the Week
The person who never makes a mistake always takes orders from one who does.

Have a great week!

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Paul Croteau, AMP
Mortgage Specialist
BMO Bank of Montreal
31 King Street
St. Catharines, ON
ph: (905) 321-3230
fx: (905) 641-7854
Paul.Croteau@bmo.com

Welcome to 55 Foxtrail Drive in St. Catharines Ontario Canada

UPDATE: This St. Catharines home has been sold!

Please use our online complimentary St. Catharines Ontario real estate search to find similar available listings.

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Enjoy the perfect setting in this family oriented neighbourhood! This up-to-date bi-level semi with 3 bedrooms upstairs. There’s a 4th bedroom down plus a 3 piece bathroom, the lower area has a family room with walkout to the fenced backyard as well. It’s easy to relax in this yard with its fish pond, concrete patio, gas hook up for the BBQ, storage shed. The interior of the home offers stylish easy care laminate flooring in the main principal rooms, upgraded light fixtures, extra cupboards that offer increased storage space, and central air. The hydro is on breakers and the roof was reshingled in 2003. The exterior of the home has good curb appeal and is well landscaped – a gardener’s delight! The property Taxes for 2009 were $2,416.00.

For further information on this home, you can go here or please contact Timothy 800-467-8498 or email him.

For this and other homes, please go to the listings page of St. Catharines Real Estate or the blog listings section.

For St. Catharines attractions, you can visit:

Tour St. Catharines
St. Catharines on WorldWeb
St. Catharines Website