GOOD CREDIT VS. SAVING TAX

When doing your tax planning, you must consider your credit. 

For example, if you have too many write-off’s and bring your income low, this will save you tax.  However, it may negatively affect your ability to borrow money.  Tax Credits are most effective in this case as they save you tax without bringing down your income.

As I’ve mentioned before, it is best to seek the help of a professional to make sure that all aspects of your finances are taken into consideration.

The New Stoney Trail NW Ring Road

I did this drive on July 24, 2009… Enjoy!

Below is a map of where I drove during this video…

View Stoney Trail Drive in a larger map

4124 4975 130 Ave SE Calgary – SOLD

Welcome to this beautiful main level corner condo. This unit has an abundance of natural light as it is a corner unit and has brand new laminate flooring. There are two bedrooms on either side of the condo with two bathrooms. This condo is great to share with someone else or use the second bedroom as an office. The living space is very open and large. With all the recent painting you are sure to love what you see here. There is a ton of storage inside the unit along with in suite laundry. Best of all, the location of this condo is great as it is in a quiet location of the complex and you have TWO parking stalls. Call today before you miss this great opportunity.

View 4124 4975 130 Ave SE Calgary Alberta in a larger map

Top Mortgage Companies Rated

I came across this article today and thought that it is something that is worth sharing to all of you… If you are in the pre-approval process, this may help out!

Every year CMP conducts a brokers on lenders survey and this year’s results appeared in issue 4.7 (July), out this week. But there wasn’t room for all of the results for all of the lenders so we were only able to list the top ten for each category. The following is a complete alphabetical list of every lender that recieved more than 50 votes on this year’s survey, along with their scores, which were graded from one (very poor) to five (very good).

Abode Mortgage Corporation
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.47
BDM support 4.18
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.95
Interest Rates 3.27
IT and electronic/ technology 2.86
Overall service level to brokers 3.45
Product Range 2.87
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.54
Transparency of commission structure 4.08
Underwriter support 3.27
Overall Average 3.41

Bridgewater Bank
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.55
BDM support 3.89
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.99
Interest Rates 3.01
IT and electronic/ technology 2.84
Overall service level to brokers 3.54
Product Range 3.44
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.45
Transparency of commission structure 3.90
Underwriter support 3.51
Overall Average 3.42

Equitable Trust
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.58
BDM support 3.56
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 3.04
Interest Rates 3.06
IT and electronic/ technology 2.66
Overall service level to brokers 3.40
Product Range 2.76
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.26
Transparency of commission structure 3.67
Underwriter support 3.68
Overall Average 3.28

First National
Approval/ loan turnaround times 4.48
BDM support 3.76
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 3.44
Interest Rates 3.80
IT and electronic/ technology 4.38
Overall service level to brokers 4.22
Product Range 3.35
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.87
Transparency of commission structure 4.26
Underwriter support 4.22
Overall Average 3.98

First Line Mortgages
Approval/ loan turnaround times 2.04
BDM support 3.59
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 3.42
Interest Rates 3.51
IT and electronic/ technology 2.99
Overall service level to brokers 2.72
Product Range 4.06
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.06
Transparency of commission structure 3.66
Underwriter support 2.77
Overall Average 3.18

Home Trust
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.52
BDM support 3.41
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.98
Interest Rates 3.50
IT and electronic/ technology 2.57
Overall service level to brokers 3.61
Product Range 3.36
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.43
Transparency of commission structure 3.73
Underwriter support 3.72
Overall Average 3.39

ING Direct
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.56
BDM support 3.45
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.84
Interest Rates 3.87
IT and electronic/ technology 3.03
Overall service level to brokers 3.51
Product Range 3.13
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.42
Transparency of commission structure 4.13
Underwriter support 3.54
Overall Average 3.45

Laurentian B2B Trust
Approval/ loan turnaround times 2.81
BDM support 3.06
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.38
Interest Rates 3.37
IT and electronic/ technology 2.40
Overall service level to brokers  3.10
Product Range 3.50
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 2.90
Transparency of commission structure 3.42
Underwriter support 3.04
Overall Average 3.01

Macquarie
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.39
BDM support 3.64
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 3.13
Interest Rates 3.64
IT and electronic/ technology 2.91
Overall service level to brokers 3.48
Product Range 3.05
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.25
Transparency of commission structure 3.74
Underwriter support 3.44
Overall Average 3.37

MCAP
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.60
BDM support 3.44
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.93
Interest Rates 3.95
IT and electronic/ technology 3.60
Overall service level to brokers 3.45
Product Range 3.41
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.31
Transparency of commission structure 3.83
Underwriter support 3.45
Overall Average 3.50

Merix
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.33
BDM support 3.91
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 3.21
Interest Rates 3.94
IT and electronic/ technology 3.52
Overall service level to brokers 3.60
Product Range 3.34
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.38
Transparency of commission structure 3.65
Underwriter support 3.51
Overall Average 3.54

National Bank
Approval/ loan turnaround times 2.43
BDM support 3.03
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.55
Interest Rates 2.50
IT and electronic/ technology 2.41
Overall service level to brokers 2.74
Product Range 3.12
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 2.75
Transparency of commission structure 3.51
Underwriter support 2.77
Overall Average 2.78

Resmor
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.20
BDM support 3.32
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.77
Interest Rates 3.14
IT and electronic/ technology 2.75
Overall service level to brokers 3.26
Product Range 2.79
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.16
Transparency of commission structure 3.59
Underwriter support 3.26
Overall Average 3.13

Scotia Mortgage Authority
Approval/ loan turnaround times 2.95
BDM support 3.20
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.71
Interest Rates 3.43
IT and electronic/ technology 3.33
Overall service level to brokers 3.04
Product Range 3.85
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.10
Transparency of commission structure 3.68
Underwriter support 3.33
Overall Average 3.26

Street Capital
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.49
BDM support 3.87
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 3.15
Interest Rates 3.64
IT and electronic/ technology 2.75
Overall service level to brokers 3.47
Product Range 3.20
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.35
Transparency of commission structure 3.73
Underwriter support 3.55
Overall Average 3.42

TD Canada Trust
Approval/ loan turnaround times 3.01
BDM support 3.07
Broker support (training, information seminars etc) 2.77
Interest Rates 3.26
IT and electronic/ technology 2.87
Overall service level to brokers  3.06
Product Range 3.52
Satisfaction Index on Overall credit policy 3.27
Transparency of commission structure 3.73
Underwriter support 3.12
Overall Average 3.17

LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Property Investment – How to Spot Bargain Properties

You can become rich with property investment if you know what you’re doing. Those who do their homework and seek the help of seasoned professionals can reap the rewards of their efforts. Those who don’t may be trained in this niche through trial and error, but that may mean a lot of time and money down the drain. There are 5 hot tips here to help you win in the real estate investing game. Later, you’ll find out how to get in touch with a leading company for property investment.

The first thing you need to do to be victorious in property investing is to locate a great buyers agent. Such an expert will help you find great properties and help you get the best prices for them too. A good buyers agent can teach you the ins and outs of real estate investing in the area you are interested. You’ll also find out from him/her how to settle on the properties that will meet your investment objectives. In property investment, buyers agents make the processes of finding, settling, and acquiring properties a tad easier.

Discovering great properties for real estate investment also entails the assistance of a property coach. These professionals have gone before you in buying investment properties and they will be the best source of information for every aspect of the process. A good property coach will move beyond the basics of finding the properties to financing and managing them as well. Property coaches will also provide tips on how you can spot properties with great promise and how to get them at the best rates possible. Select your property coach well so you get nothing but valuable advice.

When selecting a positive geared property, keep in mind the growth of the neighborhood and the value of the property. Really promising districts will not only offer great potential, but come with an established infrastructure to help limit risks. You can usually find these areas just beyond city borders, and they entail various types of properties. It is also a good idea to focus in on the lower end of the market, since it tends to be more resilient than median markets might. These items will help you find and buy the property that offers the best possible return on your time and money.

However, don’t try and cover too many suburbs at the same time. Concentrating on specific suburbs will help you know about the value of real estate in those areas faster. This technique will enable you to find properties at bargain rates before everybody else gets to know about them.

The biggest thing to look for is cash flow.  If your new property doesn’t give you a monthly return, it’s going to cost you more than just money in the long run.

Recession Is Now Over… Says The Bank Of Canada

The recession is over, the Bank of Canada said in its quarterly Monetary Policy Report released Thursday.

After shrinking since the last quarter of 2008, the Canadian economy will grow by an annualized rate of 1.3 per cent in the current quarter, the bank said. “We are on track for the recovery both in Canada and globally,” Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney told reporters.

However, unemployment will continue to rise, he said.

For many Canadians, “it’s not a recovery until they start getting their jobs back. And on that score, we could still be in for a long wait,” Avery Shenfeld, CIBC economist, said in a report published Thursday.

The return to growth after three quarters of decline signals the end of the recession, defined as two consecutive quarters of shrinkage.

Growth will accelerate through late 2009 and by the first half of 2010, the Canadian economy will be booming along with four per cent growth. But that will begin to taper off to less than three per cent by the last half of 2011, the bank said.

Carney said consumer spending and housing are pulling the growth, especially in the U.S. But there is a “speed limit” to that kind of growth, and the economy will hit it after the burst in 2010, he warned.

The bank said in its report that “stimulative monetary and fiscal policies, improved financial conditions, firmer commodity prices, and a rebound in business and consumer confidence are spurring domestic demand growth.”

“However, the higher Canadian dollar, as well as ongoing restructuring in key industrial sectors, is significantly moderating the pace of overall growth.”

The loonie was up 1.14 cents to 92.17 cents US, which may have been a reaction to the bank’s forecast.

The economic outlook is not much changed from its April report, although it says “the growth profile is slightly altered by a faster rebound in domestic demand,” the bank said.

What are your thoughts?  Do you believe that the recession is over…

How did it effect you and your family or those you know?

Original Article CBC

1526 McAlpine Street Carstairs Alberta – SOLD

1526 McAlpine Street

This is a quality built home by Terra Banah Builders out of Calgary. This home is 1,419 sq ft with 3 bedrooms up and is in the quiet town of Carstairs Alberta. It is only a 30 minute drive to Calgary from here. There is hardwood, tile and lino on the main level with an open kitchen and upgraded cabinets. This home is high efficient with it’s flow through water heater, high end furnace and Low-E Argon filled windows. You will notice the quality and top end craftsmanship in this home as soon as you enter through the front door.

Here is a map of many of the great amenities that are in Carstairs Alberta.

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24 3015 51 Street SW Calgary – SOLD

This beautiful 2-story two bedroom renovated townhouse condo won’t last. In a desirable location and overlooking green space, it is just minutes from downtown, shopping and Mount Royal College. You will be proud to entertain in your gourmet kitchen which includes plenty of counter-top space, upgraded cupboards with 3 sets of pot drawers, and new flooring. The main floor features a large spacious flex (dining) room and living room. Off the living room you can sit on your deck and look out over the large green space (off leash park), as well as, from your master bedroom upstairs. This retreat is spacious enough for a king sized bed and has plenty of closet space. The second bedroom has a walk in closet and could be enough space for a roommate or office. The 4 pce bathroom has been updated with new mirror, vanity, flooring and toilet. The unit has new carpet, windows, and hot water tank, and a full laundry room with in suite storage. There are two parking stalls, one assigned and second leased.

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106 15 Everridge Square SW Calgary – SOLD

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106 15 Everridge Square SW

You are sure to love what you find here at this condo.  This condo has an open concept feeling to it along with two bedrooms, one 4 piece bathroom and in-suite storage and laundry.  The in-floor heating is a huge bonus during the colder months, however during the summer the condo is very cool.  Despite being an single level condo, the personal exterior door gives you the feeling of your own private home – ‘The Best of Both Worlds’.  The community of Evergreen and this complex is very relaxing and quiet and to top it off is walking distance to Starbucks, grocery stores, video stores etc.  You can bike to Fish Creek in 5 minutes or drive to the train station in the same amount of time.  The parking stall is as close as you can get to the front door of this condo.  The low condo fees and energy efficient Rinnai water heating system makes this a very affordable place to live.  This is truly a place that you will be proud to call home.

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Bank of Canada Maintains Overnight Rate – Prime Unchanged

Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1/4 per cent and reiterates conditional commitment to hold current policy rate until the end of the second quarter of 2010
OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/4 per cent. The Bank Rate is unchanged at 1/2 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent.

The global economy has suffered an intense, synchronous recession and considerable excess supply has opened up. There are now increasing signs that economic activity has begun to expand in many countries in response to monetary and fiscal policy stimulus and measures to stabilize the global financial system. However, the recovery is nascent. Effective and resolute policy implementation remains critical to sustained global growth.

The dynamics of the recovery in Canada remain broadly consistent with the Bank’s medium-term outlook in its April Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Stimulative monetary and fiscal policies, improved financial conditions, firmer commodity prices, and a rebound in business and consumer confidence are spurring domestic demand growth. However, the higher Canadian dollar, as well as ongoing restructuring in key industrial sectors, is significantly moderating the pace of overall growth.

Some of the early strength in domestic demand represents a bringing forward of household expenditures, which modestly alters the profile of growth over the projection period relative to the April MPR. The Bank projects that the economy will contract by 2.3 per cent in 2009 and then grow by 3.0 per cent in 2010 and 3.5 per cent in 2011, reaching production capacity in the middle of 2011.

Total CPI inflation declined to -0.3 per cent in June and should trough in the third quarter of this year before returning to the 2 per cent target in the second quarter of 2011 as aggregate supply and demand return to balance. Core inflation held up at 1.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2009. The Bank still expects core inflation to diminish in the second half of this year before gradually returning to 2 per cent in the second quarter of 2011.

While the underlying macroeconomic risks to the projection are roughly balanced, the Bank judges that, as a consequence of operating at the effective lower bound, the overall risks to its inflation projection are tilted slightly to the downside.

Conditional on the outlook for inflation, the target overnight rate can be expected to remain at its current level until the end of the second quarter of 2010 in order to achieve the inflation target. Consistent with this conditional commitment, the Bank will continue to conduct longer-term Purchase and Resale Agreements based on existing terms and conditions and according to the accompanying schedule.

The Bank retains considerable flexibility in the conduct of monetary policy at low interest rates, consistent with the framework outlined in the April MPR.

Information note:

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is 10 September 2009.

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