www.michellemortgages.ca
The Mortgage Monitor

January 2011

Michelle BrienzaI hope everyone had a pleasant holiday last month and are ready for 2011.

As I have mentioned in previous newsletters the Canadian government and The Bank of Canada have been concerned with the amount of debt Canadians are taking on while interest rates are at historic lows. In those newsletters, I recommended consolidating debt as a good idea for long term financial planning and continue to offer free one hour consultations. 

The uncertainty of the global economy and the concern around record high levels of household debt (which is measured as a ratio of money owed vs. disposable income) is nearing a startling 150% as of the third quarter of last year. That level surpasses the debt held by American households, whose appetite for borrowing money helped stoke the financial crisis of a few years ago. As a result, the Canadian government has introduced new mortgage rules which will take effect March 18th of this year.  Read further down for more details.

There's still time to consolidate debt, take advantage of the low rates, pay down debt and create savings at an accelerated pace. Call me to find out how and set up a private consultation.

Now that I've talked about how we can help ourselves, let's talk about how we can help others. My first paid job was selling high-end shoes while I was in University. That gave me my appreciation for good footwear, so you'll understand why I have chosen to support the Ron White Shoe Drive this winter. This is the time to get rid of those shoes that you don't wear anymore but are still in good condition. I will be collecting shoes until Feb 11th here at my office located at 1678 Bloor St. W, 4th floor. So come on down and drop off your gently worn shoes and I'll bring them in for you.

Michelle

Michelle Brienza, AMP (Lic # M0806298)
Senior Mortgage Agent
Lending Logic Financial Inc.(Broker # 11782)
Direct: (416) 410-5761   Fax: (416) 410-5761
www.michellemortgages.ca
michelle@michellemortages.ca
Debt Worries Trump Home Sales  


Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is betting that Canada's cooling housing market is strong enough without the fringe buyers who have been propping it up.

 

Housing has been key to Canada's economic recovery; prices are now higher than they were prior to the recession, and construction activity has been healthy. But home sales are now under pressure from the threat of higher interest rates, and Mr. Flaherty's latest move to curb 35-year amortizations stands to eliminate a number of potential buyers from the market.


Click here for the full article and click here for specific changes

Why should I insure my mortgage?


Your home is likely the largest one-time investment that you will ever make.  What would happen to your family if you suffered a major disability or an untimely death?

Why should I have an individual policy instead of what the bank offered me?

Your home likely is the biggest investment you have made and carrying a mortgage on it means that you may have long-term debt [20 - 35 years]. If something happened to you, what would happen to your family?  Would they have to move out and sell the house because they couldn't afford the mortgage payments without your income?

Click here for more information or click here to contact Michaele-Sue directly
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Michelle Brienza
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Phone: (416) 410-5761
Real Estate Investor Workshop: Thursday, February 17
 

You won't want to miss our upcoming free, no obligation investor's workshop which will reveal important information about how imperative it is for you to prepare for and protect your financial future, given our current economic volatility.

This workshop is free and will be held from 7-9pm on Thursday, February 17th at 1678 Bloor Street West on the third floor (elevator); just East of Keele Street, on the North side of Bloor Street-between Tim Horton's and Midas Muffler.

Parking is available on Bloor Street or in the Green P behind Midas Muffler. If you are taking transit, it is just a short walk from the Keele Street or Dundas West subway stations. Please see attachment for more details.

If you have already attended one of these workshops, please feel free to invite those you think will benefit from this workshop. Please RSVP by no later than February 3. There are a limited number of seats available so I would recommend that you RSVP as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing you there!

Click here for further details

Ron White Foundation Shoe Drive


The Ron White Foundation kicked off the fifteenth year of Canada's largest shoe drive earlier this month.

Celebrities including Celine Dion, David Foster, Paul Anka, The Canadian Tenors, Nikki Yanofsky and Charice have all signed and donated their shoes to support Ron as he encourages people to "Follow in the Footsteps of their Favourite Celebrity" and donate their gently worn shoes and boots to those in need.

What are considered gently worn winter shoes?

Any winter shoes or boots that still have some life left in them are welcome. Men's, Women's & Children's running shoes, casual shoes and dressy shoes can also be donated. All kinds of footwear can be utilized to help someone get back on their feet again! Click here for a list of drop-off locations