Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported recently that national housing starts increased by 9.2% in May compared to April. This leads some economists to think that a bottom might be forming in the country's homebuilding activity.
March saw a jump in overall nationals housing starts, that jump was largely due to condo development in Ontario, the Prairies, the Atlantic provinces and Quebec. The only region to see a decrease was B. C. where the market is still moderating. It is believed that housing starts will bottom out slightly below 120,000 before stabilizing throughout next year.
This is a good indication that homebuilding activity will cease being a drag on economic growth and employment heading into next year, however this being the case, housing starts are not expected to head back to previous levels of 150,000 before 2011.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Funding for Commercial Mortgages In Canada
The commercial mortgage market has been on a roller coaster ride the past two years with loans based on retail space drying up. The A lenders have increased the credit quality scale and many borrowers are faced with high fees resulting from having to place their mortgages with private lenders in an effort to stop foreclosure.
A lot of the changes to the commercial mortgage arena results from the collapse of the Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS). The collapse of the CMBS had large institutional lenders like insurance companies and pension funds leave the market completely.
Lenders are paying stricter attention to the quality of the property, looking at whether the operator is a good one, what the neighborhood is like, and are insisting on appraisals. All this means the lenders aren’t loaning as much LTV and the vendor has to put in his own funds for the balance. Lenders won’t go over 65% LTV with some not going above 50% LTV.
Retail properties are some of the worst hit for financing with fears that if the conglomerates were to shut down some of their big box stores, there would be far too much vacant space available and makes the risk factor much higher for the lender.
An easier option for financing right now is CMHC approved rental apartments in large urban areas. Not only are they the safest, from a lender’s point of view, but with rates the way they are (around four per cent on five-year deals), never has there been a better time to look at insured loans.
Other niches, such as seniors’ care facilitations, rentals, medical buildings and local strip malls with decent tenants (i.e.: not the giant big box stores), are also areas still performing, even if there is limited money to loan on them.
There is sentiment in the marketplace that things are looking better already and investors belive that the market may have finally bottomed out and are deciding to get back into the market.
The market is picking up, interest is good, liquidity is getting better and confidence is coming back.There will be fewer buyers/investors for major commercial deals but those who get the financing will benefit from the historically low interest rates we currently have.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
A lot of the changes to the commercial mortgage arena results from the collapse of the Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS). The collapse of the CMBS had large institutional lenders like insurance companies and pension funds leave the market completely.
Lenders are paying stricter attention to the quality of the property, looking at whether the operator is a good one, what the neighborhood is like, and are insisting on appraisals. All this means the lenders aren’t loaning as much LTV and the vendor has to put in his own funds for the balance. Lenders won’t go over 65% LTV with some not going above 50% LTV.
Retail properties are some of the worst hit for financing with fears that if the conglomerates were to shut down some of their big box stores, there would be far too much vacant space available and makes the risk factor much higher for the lender.
An easier option for financing right now is CMHC approved rental apartments in large urban areas. Not only are they the safest, from a lender’s point of view, but with rates the way they are (around four per cent on five-year deals), never has there been a better time to look at insured loans.
Other niches, such as seniors’ care facilitations, rentals, medical buildings and local strip malls with decent tenants (i.e.: not the giant big box stores), are also areas still performing, even if there is limited money to loan on them.
There is sentiment in the marketplace that things are looking better already and investors belive that the market may have finally bottomed out and are deciding to get back into the market.
The market is picking up, interest is good, liquidity is getting better and confidence is coming back.There will be fewer buyers/investors for major commercial deals but those who get the financing will benefit from the historically low interest rates we currently have.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Is The Housing Sector in Recovery Mode?
Pent-up demand for residential housing has bolstered sales in Canada's major markets-a sign that the housing sector has shifted into recovery mode, according to a recent report by Re/Max.
Canada's largest markets, Toronto and Vancouver, led the way, with June sales among the highest in history for both local real estate boards. Close to 11,000 properties changed hands in Toronto, up 27 per cent over one year ago, setting a new record for sales in the month of June. Residential sales in Greater Vancouver increased 75.6 per cent over one year ago, to 4,259 units, just short of the record-breaking 4,333 sales in June 2005.
"The strength of the market, amid the most significant global recession in recent history once again underscores its relevance to the nation's economic engine," says Michael Polzler, executive vice-president, Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "Those who chose to sit it out on the sidelines are now facing a market in transition, characterized by the threat of rising interest rates, low inventory levels, and upward pressure on housing values."
The recent surge in resale activity can be attributed to three key factors-pent-up demand, low interest rates, and greater affordability. The combination-in conjunction with declining inventory levels-has created heated market conditions in certain neighbourhoods, prompting a resurgence of multiple offers in June. Average prices are holding steady or climbing, days on market are down, and inventory levels continue to tighten, especially at entry-level price points.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Canada's largest markets, Toronto and Vancouver, led the way, with June sales among the highest in history for both local real estate boards. Close to 11,000 properties changed hands in Toronto, up 27 per cent over one year ago, setting a new record for sales in the month of June. Residential sales in Greater Vancouver increased 75.6 per cent over one year ago, to 4,259 units, just short of the record-breaking 4,333 sales in June 2005.
"The strength of the market, amid the most significant global recession in recent history once again underscores its relevance to the nation's economic engine," says Michael Polzler, executive vice-president, Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "Those who chose to sit it out on the sidelines are now facing a market in transition, characterized by the threat of rising interest rates, low inventory levels, and upward pressure on housing values."
The recent surge in resale activity can be attributed to three key factors-pent-up demand, low interest rates, and greater affordability. The combination-in conjunction with declining inventory levels-has created heated market conditions in certain neighbourhoods, prompting a resurgence of multiple offers in June. Average prices are holding steady or climbing, days on market are down, and inventory levels continue to tighten, especially at entry-level price points.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Monday, August 3, 2009
Funding for Commercial Mortgages in Canada
The commercial mortgage market has been on a roller coaster ride the past two years with loans based on retail space drying up. The A lenders have increased the credit quality scale and many borrowers are faced with high fees resulting from having to place their mortgages with private lenders in an effort to stop foreclosure.
A lot of the changes to the commercial mortgage arena results from the collapse of the Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS). The collapse of the CMBS had large institutional lenders like insurance companies and pension funds leave the market completely.
Lenders are paying stricter attention to the quality of the property, looking at whether the operator is a good one, what the neighborhood is like, and are insisting on appraisals. All this means the lenders aren't loaning as much LTV and the vendor has to put in his own funds for the balance. Lenders won't go over 65% LTV with some not going above 50% LTV.
Retail properties are some of the worst hit for financing with fears that if the conglomerates were to shut down some of their big box stores, there would be far too much vacant space available and makes the risk factor much higher for the lender.
An easier option for financing right now is CMHC approved rental apartments in large urban areas. Not only are they the safest, from a lender's point of view, but with rates the way they are (around four per cent on five-year deals), never has there been a better time to look at insured loans.
Other niches, such as seniors' care facilitations, rentals, medical buildings and local strip malls with decent tenants (i.e.: not the giant big box stores), are also areas still performing, even if there is limited money to loan on them.
There is sentiment in the marketplace that things are looking better already and investors belive that the market may have finally bottomed out and are deciding to get back into the market.
The market is picking up, interest is good, liquidity is getting better and confidence is coming back.There will be fewer buyers/investors for major commercial deals but those who get the financing will benefit from the historically low interest rates we currently have.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
A lot of the changes to the commercial mortgage arena results from the collapse of the Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS). The collapse of the CMBS had large institutional lenders like insurance companies and pension funds leave the market completely.
Lenders are paying stricter attention to the quality of the property, looking at whether the operator is a good one, what the neighborhood is like, and are insisting on appraisals. All this means the lenders aren't loaning as much LTV and the vendor has to put in his own funds for the balance. Lenders won't go over 65% LTV with some not going above 50% LTV.
Retail properties are some of the worst hit for financing with fears that if the conglomerates were to shut down some of their big box stores, there would be far too much vacant space available and makes the risk factor much higher for the lender.
An easier option for financing right now is CMHC approved rental apartments in large urban areas. Not only are they the safest, from a lender's point of view, but with rates the way they are (around four per cent on five-year deals), never has there been a better time to look at insured loans.
Other niches, such as seniors' care facilitations, rentals, medical buildings and local strip malls with decent tenants (i.e.: not the giant big box stores), are also areas still performing, even if there is limited money to loan on them.
There is sentiment in the marketplace that things are looking better already and investors belive that the market may have finally bottomed out and are deciding to get back into the market.
The market is picking up, interest is good, liquidity is getting better and confidence is coming back.There will be fewer buyers/investors for major commercial deals but those who get the financing will benefit from the historically low interest rates we currently have.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Buying a Home - Are You Ready Financially?
For most Canadians, purchasing your home is likely the most important investment you will ever make.
How do you know if you are financially ready for the responsibilities that home ownership comes with?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers these tips to assess your current financial situation, to calculalte your monthly expenses and to determine how much home and mortgage you can afford.Calculate your net worth - the total of all your assets (include investments, savings, properties, vehicles etc.) minus your liabilities, (mortgages, car loans, personal or student loans, credit cards or other debts).
Your net worth is the difference between your assets and your liabilities and will give you a visual of your current financial situation and an idea of how large a down payment you can afford.
Calculate your current monthly expenses to determine what kind of mortgage payment can comfortably fit into your budget. These include current housing expenses such as rent, utilities, parking and other fees as well as cable/TV/internet, debt payments, insurance, gas and repairs for the cars, clothing, medical and dental costs, child care expenses and groceries.
When you have a clear picture of your financial situation, determine how much you can afford in monthly housing costs. These costs should not exceed 32% of your gross household income. Overall, the total of all your monthly debt load shouldn't be more than 40% of your gross household income.
After determining your financial picture and if you are ready, then contact me http://www.marywozny.com/ for your mortgage financing.For many people, the hardest part of buying a home - especially a first home - is saving enough money for the down payment.
With CMHC mortgage loan insurance, you can purchase a home for as little as 5% down payment on approved credit. With some lenders that 5% can even be a gift from a relative.
To find out more contact me, http://www.marywozny.com/, email mwozny@mortgagealliance.com.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
How do you know if you are financially ready for the responsibilities that home ownership comes with?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers these tips to assess your current financial situation, to calculalte your monthly expenses and to determine how much home and mortgage you can afford.Calculate your net worth - the total of all your assets (include investments, savings, properties, vehicles etc.) minus your liabilities, (mortgages, car loans, personal or student loans, credit cards or other debts).
Your net worth is the difference between your assets and your liabilities and will give you a visual of your current financial situation and an idea of how large a down payment you can afford.
Calculate your current monthly expenses to determine what kind of mortgage payment can comfortably fit into your budget. These include current housing expenses such as rent, utilities, parking and other fees as well as cable/TV/internet, debt payments, insurance, gas and repairs for the cars, clothing, medical and dental costs, child care expenses and groceries.
When you have a clear picture of your financial situation, determine how much you can afford in monthly housing costs. These costs should not exceed 32% of your gross household income. Overall, the total of all your monthly debt load shouldn't be more than 40% of your gross household income.
After determining your financial picture and if you are ready, then contact me http://www.marywozny.com/ for your mortgage financing.For many people, the hardest part of buying a home - especially a first home - is saving enough money for the down payment.
With CMHC mortgage loan insurance, you can purchase a home for as little as 5% down payment on approved credit. With some lenders that 5% can even be a gift from a relative.
To find out more contact me, http://www.marywozny.com/, email mwozny@mortgagealliance.com.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Renewing Your Mortgage
I want to explain the reality of mortgage renewals for you and save you thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your mortgage.
A renewal happens when the term of your current mortgage becomes due and your current lender sends you an offer to renew the mortgage with them. This is the standard practice used by banks today.
Often these lenders will issue renewals and quote rates on various types of mortgages, for example 1 year fixed, 3 year fixed and 5 year fixed. Do they give you, their valued customer their best rate when they send you these renewals? NO they don't! The banks hope that the consumer will simply think that they have to sign this renewal and send it back to them.
I urge you all, talk to me first! As a mortgage agent with access to over 30 lenders, I can almost always get you a better rate on your renewal. Allow me to show you if you are getting a good deal or not from your old lender. Normally not! Your bank has only one lender, themselves. As a mortgage agent, I work for you, the client, not the bank. I have almost 30 different lenders to choose from to meet your unique needs.
Contact me when you are renewing or refinancing your mortgage, http://www.marywozny.com/ or email mwozny@mortgagealliance.com.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
A renewal happens when the term of your current mortgage becomes due and your current lender sends you an offer to renew the mortgage with them. This is the standard practice used by banks today.
Often these lenders will issue renewals and quote rates on various types of mortgages, for example 1 year fixed, 3 year fixed and 5 year fixed. Do they give you, their valued customer their best rate when they send you these renewals? NO they don't! The banks hope that the consumer will simply think that they have to sign this renewal and send it back to them.
I urge you all, talk to me first! As a mortgage agent with access to over 30 lenders, I can almost always get you a better rate on your renewal. Allow me to show you if you are getting a good deal or not from your old lender. Normally not! Your bank has only one lender, themselves. As a mortgage agent, I work for you, the client, not the bank. I have almost 30 different lenders to choose from to meet your unique needs.
Contact me when you are renewing or refinancing your mortgage, http://www.marywozny.com/ or email mwozny@mortgagealliance.com.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wells Fargo Financial Canada Discontinues Residential Real Estate Lending!
Hot off the press! Disturbing news for consumers!
Effective July 30th, 2009, Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada will no longer be accepting residential mortgage loan applications through its consumer branch and indirect broker network channels.
Notice was given Thursday and brokers were advised of immediate cancellation of any Mortgage Broker Origination Agreement or other real estate lending agreements they may have had with Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada or Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada HomePlan Mortgage.
To the extent Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada HomePlan Mortgage has issued a valid fully executed mortgage commitment, provided the applicant or applicants fulfill all of the terms and conditions of the mortgage commitment (including any time specified for closing or expiration of the mortgage commitment), we will honour those commitments.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Effective July 30th, 2009, Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada will no longer be accepting residential mortgage loan applications through its consumer branch and indirect broker network channels.
Notice was given Thursday and brokers were advised of immediate cancellation of any Mortgage Broker Origination Agreement or other real estate lending agreements they may have had with Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada or Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada HomePlan Mortgage.
To the extent Wells Fargo Financial Corporation Canada HomePlan Mortgage has issued a valid fully executed mortgage commitment, provided the applicant or applicants fulfill all of the terms and conditions of the mortgage commitment (including any time specified for closing or expiration of the mortgage commitment), we will honour those commitments.
Warmly,
Mary Wozny
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
