Statistics Are In. RECO Information Guide, Tresa, Holiday Snacks, Contribute Now to Home Savings Account. The Gift of Another Rate Drop! Bottom Yet?

  CURRENT INTEREST RATES IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS RECO Information GuideTRESA Toronto Star – Open bidding — allowing home buyers see competing bids — has arrived in Ontario. But will anyone actually use it? Ontario homeowners worried about impact of extreme weather – survey (Insurance Business Magazine) Toronto Star – Investors now own more than 50% of Toronto’s new condos — and experts say they’re driving up housing prices for everyone Toronto Star – The rules for real estate bidding wars in Ontario have just changed. Here's what you need to knowCanadian Housing Markets Bottoming - Dr. Sherry Cooper Homebuyers are finally feeling relief now that soaring mortgage rates have reversed and monthly payments are at their lowest level in 8 months (Yahoo Finance) Home prices continue to fall under the weight of high interest rates, but affordability not improving (Canadian Mortgage Trends) Financial Post - Home prices fall again as sellers start to back away National home prices declined again in November amid signs that sellers are giving up on the housing market after rushing to list properties earlier in the fall. CTV News - Canadian home sales, listings, prices down in November from a month earlier: CREA Home sales, prices and listings fell in November from a month earlier as many potential buyers and sellers hunkered down to wait for signs of relief on interest rates, the Canadian Real Estate Association said Thursday. Sales fell 0.9 per cent compared with November last year, and fell by the same amount on a seasonally adjusted basis compared with October. Global News – Liberals to revive ‘war-time housing’ blueprints in bid to speed up builds National Sales Slowdown Continued in October as Buyers ‘Hibernating’: CREA The Top Buyers’ and Sellers’ Markets Across Canada for Winter 2023 Financial Post – OSFI maintains mortgage stress test amid calls for it to be eased Storeys – Buyers’ ‘strong bargaining position’ will drive home prices down until rate cuts begin Mortgage interest payments up nearly 90% since start of BoC rate hikes: StatCan (Canadian Mortgage Trends) How your savings can cut your mortgage and tax bills at the same time (Yahoo News) Posthaste: Get ready for the 'great adjustment' in Canada's housing market (Financial Post) Housing affordability at worst levels in 41 years, Bank of Canada index shows (Global News) Business in Vancouver - Roughly half of first-time buyers likely to use first home savings account: BMO poll A new survey suggests a little more than half of potential first-time homebuyers are interested in using a first home savings account, even though they don't know much about it. CBC The Current – Why some experts say modular homes could ease the Canadian housing crisis Financial Post – Short-term rentals are adding to Canada's housing crisis, report finds Financial Post – Plummeting bond yields could mean lower mortgage rates by spring, say industry watchers National Post – 'Desirable hotspots' in Canada where average home costs under $500K, B.C. realty firm finds National Post – HOLMES: Home renovation tips that never go out of style RBC bracing for renewal impact: three quarters of its mortgages to see higher rates by 2026 (Canadian Mortgage Trends) Lower bond yields could soon mean cheaper mortgages. Here’s why (Global News) Short-term rentals have 'significantly impacted' housing affordability: Desjardins (Business in Vancouver) Mortgage rates under 5%? They’re coming back as lenders slash fixed rates (Canadian Mortgage Trends)    Diana Winger, REALTOR® CNE, SRS, SRES, ABR Mortgage Agent, Level 1 Valko Financial LTD #13047 eXp Realty | Dominion Lending Centres |  226-705-3369 | 250-588-8839 ON YOUR TEAM! WingerRealEstate.com Housesforsale365.com   |   SearchBestMortgages.com     Share Tweet Forward

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Ready to Begin Your Homeownership Journey?

Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of homeownership? Buying a home is a significant milestone, and with the right planning and preparation, you can make this dream a reality. In this blog, we will discuss important aspects to consider as you begin your homeownership journey, including creating a savings plan, understanding mortgage affordability, and setting realistic goals. Creating a Savings Plan: One of the first steps in preparing for homeownership is creating a savings plan. Purchasing a home involves many costs, such as the down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. By setting aside a portion of your income each month, you can gradually build up your savings. Consider automating your savings by setting up a separate account specifically for your homeownership fund. This will help you stay disciplined and ensure that you're consistently saving towards your goal. Understanding Mortgage Affordability: Before diving into the home search, it's crucial to determine how much mortgage you can afford. Lenders typically use a debt-to-income ratio to evaluate your affordability. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. It's important to strike a balance between borrowing enough to afford the home you desire while ensuring that your monthly payments are manageable. Use online mortgage calculators or consult with a mortgage professional to get a better understanding of your affordability. Setting Realistic Goals: As you begin your homeownership journey, it's essential to set realistic goals. Consider your current financial situation, future plans, and lifestyle when determining what type of home you want to buy. Think about the desired number of bedrooms, location, proximity to schools or workplaces, and other factors that are important to you. Setting realistic goals will guide your home search and ensure that you make a well-informed decision. Neighborhood: Another crucial aspect of homeownership is choosing the right neighborhood. Research the areas you're interested in and consider factors such as safety, amenities, schools, and proximity to your workplace. Take the time to visit neighborhoods and explore the surroundings to get a feel for the community. You may also want to connect with a local real estate agent who can provide valuable insights into different neighborhoods. In conclusion, starting your journey towards homeownership requires careful planning and consideration. By creating a savings plan, understanding mortgage affordability, and setting realistic goals, you can pave the way for a successful homeownership adventure. Remember to take your time, explore different neighborhoods, and seek professional guidance when needed. Good luck on your exciting path to becoming a homeowner!

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