Happy Holidays! Last Week for the First Time Home Savings Account & Real Estate News

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past twelve months. Beyond the world of real estate and mortgages, 2023 has been a year filled with personal milestones, joyous occasions, and cherished memories with family. One of the highlights that stands out for me is the unforgettable Whistler snowboarding experience. Sharing the slopes with the father of a snowboard olympian and even capturing some jump videos made for an exhilarating adventure, one that will be etched in my memory for years to come. A surprising and heartwarming moment was the Blue Jays game I attended as a surprise for my dad's 70th birthday with all of my siblings and their families. The joy on his face and the shared excitement of the game created memories that will forever be cherished. We had pretty great seats, too. Home took center stage this year as I had the pleasure of hosting four memorable parties, including a spectacular 40th surprise celebration for my brother-in-law. There's nothing quite like the warmth of family and friends gathered under one roof. On a bittersweet note, we said goodbye to a beloved member of our family, Cleo, our beautiful cat. While it was a difficult farewell, we find solace in the long and happy life she lived, leaving behind cherished memories. Both doggies healthy and happy and so is our cat Rumi. I feel blessed to have such cuteness in my life! Family celebrations continued with a beautiful wedding and the arrival of a new baby boy, adding to the growing list of adorable nephews who bring so much joy and love into our lives. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the thrill of being just eight rows from the ice at a Leafs pre-season game against the HABS. The energy of the game and the proximity to the action made it an experience to remember. As the year concludes, I am wrapping up 2023 with a trip to spend time with family and soak in the sun in the south—a perfect way to rejuvenate and reflect on the blessings of the past year. I want to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your real estate journey. It's clients like you who make every day in this profession rewarding and fulfilling. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with happiness, good health, and continued success. Thank you for being a valued part of my 2023 journey. Best wishes in 2024!Diana. 2023 IN REVIEW... PHOTO HIGHLIGHT VIDEO   CURRENT INTEREST RATES IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS RECO Information GuideTRESA Global News – Underbidding now taking place in many real estate markets across Ontario: realty company RECO Guide link - https://www.reco.on.ca/getmedia/da38cca5-8432-4018-821e-57260d6caebc/RECO-Information-Guide.pdf Here’s why prospective first-time buyers should open a First Home Savings Account before Dec. 31 (Canadian Mortgage Trends) Mortgage Professionals Canada - The Housing and Mortgage Market Review: December 2023 Financial Post - Record population growth risks aggravating Canada's housing headaches, say economists Financial Post – 'Record after record'— Canada's population grows at fastest pace since 1957 Financial Post – Bank of Canada's Macklem talks down interest rate cuts, but says 2% inflation 'now in sight' Financial Post – VIDEO: Expect Canadian real estate market to come 'unstuck' in 2024 Globe and Mail – EDITORIAL: B.C. drafted a bold housing blueprint. The rest of Canada should copy it Storeys – B.C. is allowing up to six units per lot. Will they actually be built? Canadian Mortgage Professional – What is Canada's latest population figure? Five-year fixed mortgage rates fall below 5 per cent as bond markets anticipate rate cuts (CTV News) A comprehensive retrospective of CMHC housing reports (CHMC) Canadian Real Estate Association CREA - Housing Market Snapshot for November 2023 Canadian Real Estate Association CREA - Canadian Home Sellers Joining Buyers on the Sidelines Canadian Real Estate Association CREA - VIDEO: Housing Market Report Canadian Real Estate Association CREA - Bank of Canada Holds Policy Rate at 5% in Final Announcement of 2023 Canadian Real Estate Association CREA - Things You Can and Can’t Negotiate When Buying a Home Canadian Real Estate Association CREA - Why Open Houses Can Be Helpful, Even If You’re Not Buying Just Yet Can Canadian homeowners stay on top of mortgage payments in 2024? (Wealth Professional) The silver lining of Canada’s real estate market recession (Real Estate Magazine) Buyers are tuned out, despite mortgage rates hitting lowest point since June (Yahoo Finance)     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  

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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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