Yet another stockbroker

This year's stock market has made you long for a safer investment, like a cobra farm. But try a conservative fund before raising reptiles.

Donating shares to charity lets you sidestep capital gains taxes entirely, and get a charitable deduction

If you haven’t obtained a mortgage within the past 6-months, you’ll find that the mortgage process is unlike any mortgage process you may have been through previously.  Due to the large volume of foreclosures, short sales and buy and bails that have occurred over the past couple of years, Lenders have responded by tightening both their guidelines and overlays to mitigate future defaults.  A process that will continue to tighten until the real estate industry stabalizes.

Lending is all about full disclosure with an incredible paper trail!  So much for going paperless!  The quicker you simply accept the fact that you’ll have to comply if you desire a mortgage, the easier it will be for you to get through the process.  If you “think” that an item isn’t really necessary trust me when I say that if we’ve asked for it, it’s required and we won’t be able to close on your loan without it.  Waiting to obtain that requested document may mean a delay in your closing and added frustration as you rush around at the end trying to clear conditions that you’ve known about for some time.

One of the biggest changes for a consumer is the documentation that is required for pretty much every deposit reflected on their bank statements.  Deposits that are not clearly notated as payroll must be documented with a copy of the deposit slip and all supporting documentation i.e. checks, to clear the condition.  If you bank on-line, this is a pretty easy process as you can simply click on the deposit and print the deposit slip and supporting checks.  Why you might ask would we care the source of your deposits?  The reason we closely monitor deposits, is to insure that their source is acceptable to lending guidelines and is neither an undisclosed loan or a pay-day loan, which is seen as a clear indication that you are already struggling to meet your monthly obligations.

For those that have never been through the loan process, the current climate is the norm, for those that have, understand that the conditions aren’t personal, but are required from all Borrowers.  For every action there is a reaction and although it may seem like an over reaction, it is what it is and it is the new norm for the forseeable future.

Our primary focus is your success in homeownership!   To insure your success, we are going to make sure that the loans being made will help you and your family meet your financial goals.

As the European crisis unfolded, traders dumped their international bonds like they were a reality show groom.

Index funds are good things. Can you make them worse? Yes. Can you make them better? Maybe.

Bank of Canada holds interest rate steady – Business – CBC News.

 

Bank of Canada holds interest rate steady – Business – CBC News.

Most people own international funds for diversification. But most international markets run more or less in lockstep with U.S. markets.

Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, November 16, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,379 transactions through the TorontoMLS® during the first two weeks of November.  This result represented more than a 13 per cent increase compared to November 2010.  New listings were up 16 per cent over the same period.

“The results for the first two weeks of November point to two important facts:  First, despite global economic uncertainty, buyers have remained confident in the affordable housing market in the GTA.  Second, stronger growth in new listings means that it is becoming easier for buyers to find a home that meets their needs,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.

The average selling price through the first 14 days of November was $481,548 – up by 10 per cent compared to the average of $437,510 reported for the first two weeks of November 2010.

“Little or no movement is expected for mortgage rates through 2012.  Low rates coupled with the consensus outlook for continued economic growth next year suggests that homes will remain affordable in the GTA and households will remain confident in doing deals.  Look for the average selling price to advance to the $485,000 mark next year,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, November 16, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,379 transactions through the TorontoMLS® during the first two weeks of November.  This result represented more than a 13 per cent increase compared to November 2010.  New listings were up 16 per cent over the same period.

“The results for the first two weeks of November point to two important facts:  First, despite global economic uncertainty, buyers have remained confident in the affordable housing market in the GTA.  Second, stronger growth in new listings means that it is becoming easier for buyers to find a home that meets their needs,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.

The average selling price through the first 14 days of November was $481,548 – up by 10 per cent compared to the average of $437,510 reported for the first two weeks of November 2010.

“Little or no movement is expected for mortgage rates through 2012.  Low rates coupled with the consensus outlook for continued economic growth next year suggests that homes will remain affordable in the GTA and households will remain confident in doing deals.  Look for the average selling price to advance to the $485,000 mark next year,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.