Happy Canada Day!! “This year isn’t like other years. But even these challenging times are a good opportunity to think about what it means to be Canadian. I’m inviting you, whoever and wherever you are, to take part in all the great activities we have planned. Today Canada’s history—our values, our talents and our creativity—are […]

The spring real estate market is showing signs of life – and the usual big bank low rate teaser. There is an annual tradition in the Canadian mortgage market whereby a large bank grabs the headlines with an eye-catching rate as soon as our spring real-estate markets kick into high gear. True to form, now […]

For many Canadians, the Victoria Day holiday weekend is the time to start thinking about summer. Bonus: It’s a day off school! But why do we celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, who died nearly 115 years ago? Until 1956, the birthday of the monarch—that’s the king or queen—of Great Britain was also celebrated in […]

Multifamily, office and industrial real estate will emerge from the COVID-19 crisis as winners, while losers will include the energy, transportation and hospitality sectors. Those are among the insights offered by CIBC World Markets managing director and deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal during a May 5 Real Estate Forums webinar. “It’s not a recession, it’s not a depression, it’s […]

Every year, we fret over the perfect Mother’s Day gift and every year, we’re reminded it’s something that can’t be bought. No gift can ever properly say “thank you” for the countless hours of carpooling, shopping, guiding, consoling, coaching, and folding the dreaded fitted sheet. No gift can match the value of an embrace after […]

Several businesses in and around downtown Calgary will be displaying orange lights on Thursday evening, showing their appreciation for shelter and agency staff keeping the homeless population safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve organizations will be participating, including the Calgary Tower, Telus Spark Centre, Glenbow Museum and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief Tom […]

Ultra low mortgage rates, offered through various internet sites, are often restricted mortgages.  You may have higher prepayment penalties than generally available in the marketplace, as high as 3% of your mortgage balance.  Low rate mortgages often do not allow an in-term transfer, which is generally referred to as porting the mortgage with you to […]

Bank of Canada Maintains Overnight Rate Target and Unveils New Market Operations The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1/4 percent, which the Bank considers its effective lower bound. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1/2 percent and the deposit rate is 1/4 percent. The Bank also announced new measures […]

The Federal Government announced on March 18,2020 that it would provide increased flexibility to lenders to defer mortgage payments. Then the big-6 banks announced they would be allowing up to 6 months of mortgage payment deferrals to assist those impacted by COVID-19.  The Monoline lenders followed suit.  Since then they have all been doing as best […]

Banks offering COVID-19 Relief on Auto & Personal Loans, Credit Cards, Credit Lines Details of Major Banks offering relief in various forms ATB Customer Relief Program Credit Union customers – access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow. Check with your Credit Union. Important note – […]