Helen West Mortgage Agent

I’m ready to answer all your mortgage questions. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, are looking to ease the burden of debt, thinking of upsizing, or are int...erested in converting some of your home’s equity, I can help get the solution that’s right for you. #NDLCpeople ndlc.ca/welcome-home/Helen-West See more

OTTAWA _ The Bank of Canada kept its key interest rate target on hold Wednesday, but hinted that rate hikes could be coming as it noted the Canadian economy was a little stronger than expected in the first quarter. The central bank held its target for the overnight rate _ a key financial benchmark that influences the prime lending rates at the country's big banks _ steady at 1.25 per cent. ``Exports of goods were more robust than forecast and data on imports of machinery and ...equipment suggest continued recovery in investment,'' the Bank of Canada said in a statement. `Housing resale activity has remained soft into the second quarter, as the housing market continues to adjust to new mortgage guidelines and higher borrowing rates. Going forward, solid labour income growth supports the expectation that housing activity will pick up and consumption will continue to contribute importantly to growth in 2018.'' See more

Home Capital Group Inc. is anticipating the highest mortgage renewal rate in the alternative lender's history amid new regulations and company initiatives to stay competitive. Read the full article here: https://www.mortgagebrokernews.ca//home-capital-reports-pr

Out thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

Thinking of a New Real Estate Venture?

Thinking of Buying a New Home This Year?

Start Fresh & Repair Your Credit in 2018. #startfresh #muskokamortgages

Refinancing has its benefits. Start fresh in 2018. #startfresh #muskokamortgages

#mortgagemarketupdate Come January 1st, 2018, Canadians getting or refinancing a mortgage might have to prove that they would be able to cope with interest rates substantially higher than their contract rate. Can you cope? Learn more here https://globalnews.ca//new-mortgage-rules-2018-canada-gui/ http://muskokamortgages.ca

Dominion Lending Centres continues to update our customers as new information arises on the regulatory changes announced by the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)

We have a top notch team here at NDLC and we are consistently outshining the competition. We're very proud to win 2nd place in Dominion Lending Centres Canada Top 20 Mortgages Funded Monthly for June 2017.

BANK VS BROKER Bottom line, using a mortgage broker gives you the freedom of CHOICE and comparables to consider, using a bank gives you no other choice but ONE, theirs.

Did you know that as a Mortgage professional, I work for you, and not the banks; therefore, I work in your best interest. From the first consultation to the signing of your mortgage, my services are free. A fee is charged only for the most challenging credit solutions, and it's especially under those circumstances that a I can do for you what your bank cannot.

In years past, many saw their homes as a shelter of safety, yet today, they are more than ever before, willing to borrow against the equity owned in their homes to further their investment portfolios, send their children to university, make improvements to their home, or even boost their RRSP contributions. Where home equity was once sat upon, today it is often used to one's advantage.

Interesting Real Estate Statistics: The latest numbers from the Canadian Real Estate Association put the average price of a house at a little less than $520,000, propped up by the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver. When those two markets are taken out of the calculation the average price falls by $150,000 to just below $370,000 a drop of nearly 30%.

Mortgage Pre-approval Before you start the house-hunting process, there’s an important step you can take to save you time and make the process smoother: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval allows you to budget for your home purchase and focuses your home search. With a pre-approval you’ll also be able to lock in a mortgage rate in case rates increase during your home search.

While removing equity from your home can be a good idea, you should do so with caution and fully understand the benefits and possible risks. The best thing you can do is to consult a licensed mortgage professional to discuss opportunities to make your home's equity work for you.