The Mortgage Market Analysis by Alberta Mortgage

Fixed vs. Variable Rates: the debate

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Since late in 2008, the Canadian Mortgage Lending market has been experiencing a dramatic period of change. From fluctuations in interest rates to the emergence and disappearance of home financing products, the past 24 months have provided potential and existing home owners with a wide range of opportunities and challenges. Now, as the markets begin to settle, a new debate has emerged for the Canadian Home Owner: Fixed vs. Variable. Over the course of the coming weeks, we will discuss some of the potential benefits and challenges associated with both Fixed and Variable rate mortgages. We'll start of with Fixed Rate Mortgages.

5 year fixed rate mortgage have continued their downward trend through the first 2 weeks of December. Many are expecting to see even further decreases in rates over the course of the coming winter months, as buyer activity shrinks in the face of subzero temperatures, and a general post holidays slump in real estate activity. Fixed rate mortgage interest rates remain at or near historical average lows, and provide an excellent opportunity for existing and potential home owners to secure a great interest rate for the next 3 - 5 years. By taking advantage of a historically low mortgage interest rate, home owners can have peace of mind knowing that at least one component of their home ownership cost will be a constant for the near future.

However, while security is always great, variable rate mortgages are once again becoming increasingly attractive. As Canadian mortgage lenders become more confident in the market, and credit becomes more abundant, look for even more attractive Variable Rate Mortgage products to come out. In fact, over the past 12 months we've seen a tremendous shift in Variable Rate products --from Prime + 1.25% earlier this year, to now Prime - 0.25%! With Prime currently sitting at 2.25%, home owners can take advantage of as low as a 2.00% interest rate, and significantly increase their interest savings.

The debate will continue with next week's blog post, but for more information in the meantime call one of the qualified Mortgage Associates at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit http://www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

5 Year Fixed Rates Falling --Closer to September Levels

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:30:00 +0000

As predicted a few weeks ago, 5 year fixed mortgage interest rates have fallen. From a high of 4.39% in mid-October down to 3.99% today, the situation for home buyers is improving. We might not see rates fall much (if any) lower, but look out for a relatively long stretch of continuously low mortgage interest rates. For homeowners looking to take maximize their savings over the course of their mortgage term, a Variable Rate Mortgage may be the solution, as home owners will be able to take advantage of a historically low Prime interest rate for the time being, and then lock before rates go up.

For more information regarding mortgage interest rates and trends, contact one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage today @ 780-479-2222 or visit us online @ http://www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

"Prime -" Variable Rate Mortgages Are Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:15:00 +0000

This week, "Prime -" came back. Today, a few of our mortgage lenders announced the return of "Prime -" mortgage products in Canada. Existing and potential Canadian Homeowners can now get a 3 or 5 year Variable Rate mortgage at Prime - 0.10%!* Considering just 8 months ago we were looking at variable rates as high as Prime + 1.50%, the new rates are very welcome news.

To find out how much you could possibly save by switching to a new variable rate mortgage through Alberta Mortgage, call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage today, or apply online.

*Subject to qualification criteria

Fixed Rates Continue Downward Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Five Year Fixed Rate mortgage interest rates continue to fall this week down to 3.89%,* further increasing affordability for existing and prospective Canadian home owners. Similarly, recent downward pressure on the Variable Rate side has led to the resurrection of the "Prime -" mortgage.

As the Canadian economy continues to recover from the economic downturn, look for even more competition in the Variable Rate market, further increasing affordability for Variable Rate Mortgage holders. However, many are forecasting that a recovered market will also mean significantly higher fixed mortgage interest rates. For more information about interest rates, and to get pre-qualified, contact one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or Apply Online @ www.albertamortgagecentre.com
.

* subject to qualification criteria.

On New News, Variable Rates Looking Attractive

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Variable Rate Mortgages are looking more and more attractive. With a combination of the recent news that the prime rate will remain unchanged until at least the second quarter or 2010, and no reason to expect a dramatic rise through the year and the fact that Canadian mortgage lending institutions are once again competing for variable rate business, Variable Rate Mortgage holders are seeing significant savings. Considering that the same homeowner can see savings of over 1.5% on their mortgage interest rate between going with a variable rate over fixed rate mortgage today(a savings of $4,385.96 over a 12 month period!), the Variable Rate Mortgage is once again looking like a viable home financing alternative.

For more information about Variable Rate Mortgages, or to see what you could save, call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or Apply Online at www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

BOC Sees Recession Turnaround in 3rd Quarter

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:24:00 +0000

It looks like we have finally reached the promise land. After nearly 2 full years of a slowing economy, it appears that things have turned around. The Central Bank of Canada predicted that Canada would be heading out of the recession in the 3rd Quarter of 2009. The data is not out yet, but it is likely that the Bank will have forecasted correctly, as many of the current market indicators reflect a once again growing economy(visit my blog entry about market indicators here). Even with this news, the Bank remains prudent and has not yet raised its key interest rate from 0.25% --meaning variable rate mortgage holder are safe, for now.

For homeowners with existing Variable Rate Mortgages in place, this may be the time to convert to a Fixed Rate Mortgage –and prolong the one good part of the recession. As the economy recovers, fixed rates will continue their upward trend and the Prime rate is sure to rebound. For instance, in 2009 the 5 year fixed rate has gone from 4.99% to 3.29% to 4.09%* today. As the market recovers, expect to see higher five year fixed rates --as the market compensates for government cash infusions over the past 24 months.

For more information about interest rates, or to discuss the available options with a mortgage broker, call Anuj Gupta, AMP, BComm, Mortgage Associate with Alberta Mortgage @ 780-479-2222 ext 14 or visit http://www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

*subject to qualification criteria

Variable Rate Market Heating Up

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:11:00 +0000

It looks like the Variable Rate Mortgage market is getting competitive. In mid-2007, Variable Rate Mortgages seemed like they could become a thing of the past. Products went from Prime - 0.9% to Prime + 1.50% within 1 week, and many lenders discontinued the programs altogether. But now, as the market has regained some confidence, competition has returned to the world of the Variable Rate Mortgage. Over the past 45 days, Variable Rate Mortgage products have fallen as low as Prime + 0.25%, and this morning, out came news that Canadian homeowners now have access to a Variable Rate Mortgage with an interest rate of Prime + 0.15%.

If the trend continues, it is possible that we will see an at-Prime Variable Rate Mortgage before the end of 2010 --and possibly even a return to the days of Prime -. But for now, I'll take whats on the table.

To learn more about Variable Rate Mortgages, call Anuj Gupta, AMP, BComm of Alberta Mortgage @ 780-479-2222 ext 14 or visit http://www.albertamortgagecentre.com today.

The "NO FEE REFINANCE": save between $1,000-$2,000 and still get the best rates!

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Canadian homeowners looking to use the equity trapped in their homes now have an excellent, cost effective option. Alberta Mortgage is proud to be able to offer the new "No Fee Refinance" mortgage product to Albertan home owners, which is a program specially designed to reduce the cost(s) of refinancing a home.

In particular, this new program has been designed to eliminate the cost of: a lawyer, an appraisal, transfer fees and title registration at the time of refinance, saving homeowners anywhere from $1,000.00-$2,000.00 at the time of refinancing their home. The best part about this program, is that borrowers still get the best available mortgage interest rates on any available mortgage term!

At a time when money is tight, Alberta Mortgage is proud to be able to offer home owners yet another money saving home financing solution. Take into account the fact that mortgage interest rates remain well below historical averages, and homeowners can be looking at significant savings by simply by replacing their existing home mortgages and securing a historically low mortgage interest rate for the next 5 years. In combination, a terrific interest rate and the "No Fee Refinance" could save you thousands. Take it a step further, and home owners can save even more.

By consolidating their consumer debt (credit cards, car loans, personal loans) into their mortgages, homeowners can maximize their savings. Learn more about debt consolidation mortgages here.

To learn more about this amazing money saving mortgage financing solution, contact one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com today.

5 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Interest Rates Fall...Slightly

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:56:00 +0000

5 year fixed rate mortgage interest rates have fallen slightly after experiencing upward movement by as much as 0.6% over the previous 45 days.

As of today, 5 year fixed rate mortgages are available with an interest rate as low as 4.29%, subject to qualification criteria. We have also seen some downward movement in the variable rate products offered by many lenders, now available as low as Prime + 0.35% (2.60%), subject to qualification criteria.

For more information, call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage @ 780-479-2222 or visit us online at www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

With the Market Recovery Just Around the Corner, Rates May Be on the Move

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Today, the Bank of Canada has announced that they will be reigning in some of their lending stimulus programs now that the economy appears to be recovering. Should part of this reigning in involve upward movement of the Bank's key overnight lending rate, which would meaning a higher Prime lending rate --home owners with Variable Rate Mortgages would see increases in their mortgage rates and payments.

Fixed rates still remain well below historical Canadian averages, however, Fixed Rate Mortgage interest rates have seen upward movement by as much as 0.5% since May, 2009. To learn more about interest rates, and see if now is possibly the right time to do something about your mortgage, contact one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222, or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Indications are that fixed rates may be on the rise...

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:23:00 +0000

It appears that fixed mortgage interest rates may be getting ready to move again --but upwards this time. As discussed in a previous blog here, fixed mortgage interest rates are tied to the Canadian Bond market --as compared to variable rate mortgages, which move with the Bank of Canada's key overnight lending rate.

With recent recovery in the bond market and stronger than expected real estate activity, some lenders have already begun raising their five year fixed rates. If you were waiting for the bottom to refinance, it is possible that you missed it. Still, mortgage lending rates are well below historical averages and still offer a tremendous opportunity for existing home owners to reduce their living expense, and to help potential home owners qualify for the purchase of a home.

If you want to learn more about fixed mortgage interest rates, or would like to get pre-qualified or discuss the possibility of refinancing, call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

It looks like things might be getting ready to change

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:36:00 +0000

It appears that things may be on the verge of changing in the world of fixed mortgage interest rates. Below is some information about bond rates in Canada and their effect on fixed mortgage interest rates.

• Canadian 5 yr bond yields + .07bps to 2.09 - Four weeks ago it was 1.86. The spread today vs the 5 year rate is now down to 1.67%.
• http://www.financialpost.com/markets/market-data/money-yields-can_us.html?tmp=yields-can_us NEW LINK

The yield, rate of return on your bond, can be read through a yield curve, which is the pattern of yields on bonds. This increase in bond yield is something to watch. If the bond yield continues to go up, the spread will continue to shrink and this could be a trigger for interest rates to rise!

For more information about interest rates, or to apply call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Secure your interest rate today and enjoy peace of mind knowing you have one of the lowest mortgage interest rates in Canadian history

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Canadians can now get a 5 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage with an interest rate of 3.59%! For existing and potential homeowners looking to get a great rate on their mortgage, this may be the solution for you.

To learn more, get pre-approved, or get started --call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com/ today!.

*Subject to qualification criteria

Five Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates as low as 3.59%*

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Canadians can now get a 5 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage with an interest rate of 3.59%! For existing and potential homeowners looking to get a great rate on their mortgage, but who are not interested in making large lump sum payments or moving within the next 5 years this mortgage may be the solution for you.

To learn more, get pre-approved, or get started call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com today!.

*Subject to qualification criteria

Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate Fall...Again

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Just when it appeared that five year fixed mortgage interest rates had reached the bottom, rates have fallen again. As of April 15th, 2009 existing and potential Albertan homeowners can get a five year fixed mortgage with an interest rate as low as 3.69%, subject to qualifications.

If you want to find out how much you could possibly save be refinancing your existing mortgage, or to pre-qualify yourself for a mortgage call one of the qualified Edmonton mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates Continue to Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Five year fixed mortgage interest rates have fallen again, creating even greater opportunity for prospective home buyers who were unable to afford home ownership in the past. the combination of existing real estate values and historically low fixed mortgage interest rates means home ownership is now much more affordable than it was over the past 3 years.

To find out if you qualify to purchase a home contact one of the qualified mortgage associates at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Protect the Equity in Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:16:00 +0000

With real estate values having declined by as much as 20%, some Albertan home owners are finding themselves carrying mortgages that are equal to and in some cases even larger then their property values. In this type of scenario it is very important for home owners to bring down the principal portion of their mortgage as fast as possible in order to create some equity in their homes in order to build a nest egg or even refinancing opportunities for the future. There are many strategies that home owners can use to quickly and effectively bring down the size of their mortgages. Below, we will outline a few simple strategies that can pay dividends for years to come.

1. Increase the frequency of your payments
When choosing a payment scheme, make accelerated bi-weekly payments in order to get a "free" principal reduction which would be equivalent to one full mortgage payment every year, painlessly.

2. As income rises, raise your mortgage payments.
While disposable income is fun to spend, putting it towards your mortgage will save you a lot of money in interest payments which will be even more fun to spend in the future.

3. Round your payments up, instead of down.
Over time, by making even extra nominal payments of $20 to the principal, the amount of interest that you will be saving yourself from will amaze you.

4. If mortgage rates fall, don't reduce you payment scheme
If so far, you the payment amount has not been an issue of concern, then there is no benefit in reducing the payment amount. However there is a downside to reducing your payment being that interest payments will grow.

By taking advantage of these easy to use options available in most mortgages (as well as some other simple strategies)arranged by the mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage, home owners can save themselves hundreds and even thousands of dollars in interest on their mortgages. In addition to these simple strategies, with the help of one of a qualified mortgage professional at Alberta Mortgage you can save tens of thousands of dollars in interest without making any significant changes to your existing spending patterns. To find out more, call one of the mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222, or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates Drop...Again

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:20:00 +0000

For the first time in a very long time, 5 year Fixed Mortgage interest rates in Canada have fallen below 4.00%. Falling mortgage interest rates provide an excellent opportunity for home owners to reduce their monthly living expense and actually pay off their mortgages faster.

To find out if you qualify, call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage @ 780-479-2222 or Apply Online at www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Reducing Monthly Living Expense in Uncertain Times

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:24:00 +0000

In an uncertain financial climate, all of us are looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses. One of the single largest monthly expenses for many Albertans is the cost of monthly mortgage payments. With the Global Recession now appearing to be deeper and more prolonged than previously forecasted, an opportunity to reduce monthly living expenses for many Albertans appears to now be on the horizon. Variable rate mortgages are currently sitting at historical lows, and coupled with 35 year amortizations --homeowners can see reductions in monthly mortgage payments of hundreds of dollars.

One question many homeowners have is "how long will the benefits of a variable rate mortgage last?" While lower payments today are great, many homeowners worry about the days ahead when the World Economy finally does recover and interest rates accordingly rise --meaning their monthly payment on their variable rate mortgage rises. One excellent feature of most Variable Rate Mortgages is that they allow for homeowners to convert their existing variable rate mortgage into a mortgage with a fixed mortgage interest rate at any time, at no cost.

While interest rates are low today take advantage of the tremendous savings potential offered in these markets, and converting into a fixed rate mortgage when you feel that the available interest rate is suitable.

to find out how much you could save by switching from a Fixed Rate Mortgage to a Variable Rate Mortgage, call one of the qualified mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage today @ 780-479-2222 or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Falling mortgage interest rates create opportunity for Albertan homeowners to lower their monthly mortgage payment expense

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:17:00 +0000

While many sectors of the Albertan economy have been negatively impacted by lower oil prices and a relatively weakened Canadian economy, recent drops in Prime lending and Fixed mortgage interest rates have created an opportunity for Albertan homeowners to reduce their monthly mortgage payment expenses by refinancing their mortgage.
Many Albertans are starting to feel the effects of a slowing global economy at work, at home, and in their bank accounts. In these trying economic times, it is important for Albertans to look for ways to reduce expenditures. For many people, monthly mortgage/home equity line payments make up the single largest ongoing expenditure encountered. As homeowners face reduced working hours and even job loss, a reduction of even a few hundred dollars each month provides significant financial relief. With recent reductions in the Prime lending rate in Canada, as well as reductions in fixed mortgage interest rates opportunities have arisen for Albertan homeowners to significantly reduce their monthly mortgage expense while creating more equity in their homes.

For Albertan homeowners with at least 10% equity remaining in their homes, there is now a way to reduce monthly mortgage expenses while at the same time creating more equity in their home with each monthly payment. The concept is simple --with a lower mortgage interest rate mortgage payments are lower, and the interest portion of each payment made is smaller.

To learn more about ways to reduce mortgage expenses, or to learn more about the refinancing process, contact one of the qualified mortgage professionals in your area or visit http://www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Pay off your debt faster without changing your lifestyle --is it just a myth?

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Becoming debt free has just become a little bit easier.

Alberta Mortgage is proud to now be able to offer a revolutionary debt elimination system for Albertans -home owning or not, that will help people eliminate their debt in as little as one third the scheduled time it would take to be debt free. If you have a mortgage, credit cards, student and vehicle loans, or any other form of personal debt, the mortgage associates at Alberta Mortgage can show you how you could possibly see a dramatic reduction in the amount of interest you pay on your debt without making any significant changes to your lifestyle.

To learn more about this product, and see how much you could save, contact one of the qualified mortgage associates at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222, or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

How do decreasing property values affect my mortgage?

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Property values all over Alberta have been steadily dropping since late 2007, and this change has had a dramatic impact on Albertan homeowners. In particular, with property values in some cases dropping by as much at 17%, homeowners who purchased homes with 0-5% down now owe more on their home than it is worth. As a result, they are no longer able to refinance their existing mortgage in full --meaning that they cannot take advantage of the lower fixed mortgage interest rates now available without first making a substantial prepayment on their mortgage.

To learn more about the affects of a declining market on your mortgage, call one of the qualified edmonton mortgage brokers at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222, or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com today.

If my mortgage currently carries a large prepayment penalty, is it worth refinancing?

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Fixed rate mortgage interest rates in Canada are currently at historical lows, meaning mortgage money is effectively cheaper than it had been at most any point in Canadian history. While the existing economic climate is not being welcomed by most Canadians --homeowners or not, the accompanying decreases in mortgage interest rates are certainly a welcome reprieve. Today, 3 year, fixed rate mortgages are available well below 4%, meaning that for any home owner who locked into a fixed rate mortgage at anytime in the past 4 years can potentially save thousands in interest and lower monthly payments over the course of their mortgage term.

Even after paying penalties, the benefits of replacing an existing mortgage with a new fixed rate mortgage can often far outweigh any associated costs. In particular, the greatest two benefits of refinancing to a lower mortgage interest rate are as follows;

A decrease in monthly payments, and therefore more discretionary income; and second, lowering the amount of interest that makes up each payment --meaning that at the end of your term, you will owe less on your home than you would with a higher rate mortgage!

To find out just how much you could possibly save, call one of the qualified Alberta mortgage professionals at Alberta Mortgage at 780-479-2222, Apply Online, or visit www.albertamortgagecentre.com.

Federal budget and home ownership

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Earlier today, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tabled the federal budget. Several measures affect Canada's housing and mortgage industry.

• Temporary home renovations tax credit of up to $1,350 for eligible home renovations and alterations
• Increase in the home buyers RSP plan, withdrawal limit increased to $25,000 from the current $20,000
• A new first time home buyers tax credit that will provide up to $750 in tax relief for closing costs
• Broad based personal tax reductions including an increase in the personal exemption and increases to the limits for the two lowest tax brackets

Source: Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals
www.caamp.org

The Credit Crunch & Your Mortgage: how to make the best of a complicated situation

noreply@blogger.com (Alberta Mortgage) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:57:00 +0000

The global economy has cooled, credit markets have tightened, and it has been particularly cold here in Alberta --what a way to start 2009. While the headline stories may not be appealing, these challenging economic times have created a tremendous opportunity to homeowners looking to decrease their monthly expenses.

In response to the contraction of credit markets over the past 16 months, governments around the World have cut overnight lending rates to historic lows. Similarly, mortgage lending interest rates in Canada have dropped well below historical average lending rates. This new climate has created an opportunity for homeowners with existing mortgages to refinance, therefore, significantly lowering the cost of their mortgage.

For example, a $285,000 mortgage financed in late 2007 with an interest rate of 5.89% will have monthly payments of $1,804.86/month. If that same mortgage were replaced with a new mortgage for $285,000, total monthly payments would be $1,560.02 --a savings of $244.84/month. Over the remaining term of the mortgage, this homeowner will save over $10,000 in monthly mortgage payments!

To find out how much you could potentially save, call one of the qualified Alberta Mortgage Professionals at 780-479-2222, or apply online at www.albertamortgagecentre.com.