We have seen some wild fluctuations in the weather this week however the real estate and mortgage market seems to keep chugging along at a pretty decent pace given the time of year.  Many agents I’ve been in touch with this week say they’re going on lots of listing appointments and showing a reasonable amount of homes too.  Offers are coming together too, however I’ve seen a few that are challenging at best.  It seems people have been preapproved by lenders only to find out that their preapproval didn’t hold water due to either undisclosed facts or the lender not actually digging deep enough to get all of the facts. 

Interest rates are still at record low rates and many people are starting to act on refinancing their homes after they have seen what savings can be had but doing so.  If you, any of your current clients or friends and family would like to run the numbers to see if it makes sense to do so, please call or email me anytime.  I can honestly say that I personally did this last year and it was the smartest thing I’ve done in a while (since becoming a broker!).

This weekend I’ll be getting caught up on some work around the house as we only have one game on the road!  Call or email me anytime if you have a question or would like me to speak to your clients. 

This was by far the most “wintery” week we’ve had in a long time, however it doesn’t appear to have slowed the market down at all.  Most agents still are saying there is a reasonable amount of activity out there.  Many said they’ve been busy with listing appointments and many have been also showing properties.  Who knows why it is this active for the deep freeze in the middle of January, but I’m sure going to take advantage of it!

Interest rates are still low and steady with no change in the federal prime rate this week.  Many of my inquiries the past month or so from potential clients have been about refinancing an existing mortgage, before renewal in order to take advantage of lower interest rates.  In most situations it makes sense however it all boils down to how long our rates are going to stay low.  Most people are willing to pay a bit to break their existing 3.50%-4.50% mortgage in order to guarantee 2.99% for the next 5 years.  Many have been keeping their payments the same as they were before, but working hard on paying down the principal by shortening the amortization.  If you or anyone you know would like to run numbers based on your own situation, I’m just a phone call away. 

No surprises this weekend for my “schedule”……hockey hockey hockey.  I will welcome the opportunity to speak with you or any of your potential or existing clients so feel free to call me anytime. 

For those who are looking to buy in the Owen Sound and Saugeen Shores areas, the listings have been coming on fast and furious over the past few weeks.  The offers are starting to fly too so if you’re looking for a house, get out there soon before all the good deals are snapped up! 

Interest rates took a fair hike a couple weeks ago which doesn’t seem to have dampened the market much.  Variable rates are still at exceptionally low rates, and fixed rates are still in the low 4’s range, so by no stretch of the imagination high. 

A quick tip for buyers…..make sure you’ve got a rate hold in place at this time of year.  History has shown that typically rates go up in the spring and go down in the fall.  By locking in a preapproved rate, or rate hold, you guarantee you won’t pay more than today’s rate on fixed rate mortgages as long as you buy before a certain date which is typically 90 to 120 days out. 

To hold a rate for yourself simply email me your information, specifically name, phone number and estimated mortgage amount and I’ll hold a rate for 120 days for you. 

I’m available anytime to meet or speak over the phone so email me at brianmill@ndlc.ca or call 519 379 3003 anytime.

Sincerely,

Brian Mill, B.A., CFP, AMP

Mortgage Professional, Neighbourhood Dominion Lending Centres

Today is March 28th and April will be here by the end of the week, however this morning it was -14 for some reason.  That being said, the snow is disappearing, slowly, and the real estate market is starting to heat up!  The phones are ringing, listings are coming on the board and showings are way up! Its a great time to buy a house!

Interest rates appear to be cooperating for the spring market too…..by staying low.  Fixed rates have been dropping bit by bit for the last 2 weeks and I now have some fantastic deals on both short term and longer term mortgages.  Call me anytime to discuss. 

This week I’ll be doing a first time homebuyer seminar at the Royal Lepage office in Owen Sound in conjunction with Wayne Lee and Don McMillan……email me if you’re interested in coming! 

As always, call me at 519 379 3003 or email me anytime at brianmill@ndlc.ca to dicsuss your mortgage options. 

Sincerely,

Brian Mill, B.A., CFP, AMP

February is almost over and the spring market will soon be on us.  Interest rates are sneaking back down with some lenders, however the best rate still remains the same at 3.94% for a 5 year fixed.

Many clients are leaning towards variable rate mortgages right now since there is a fairly significant differential between fixed and variable rates.  Call me anytime to discuss the best rates and which product is best for you…..519 379 3003. 

On a separate note, cell numbers will be going public next month, so make sure you register your cell number at the following website.  Phone solicitors are not allowed to call numbers on the Do Not Call list unless they already to business with you so keep that in mind. 

https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/insnum-regnum-eng

Please check out my website for all your mortgage inquiries and contact me directly with any questions or if you’d like to discuss getting a mortgage.  Email brianmill@ndlc.ca or check out www.brianmill.ca 

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Brian Mill, B.A., CFP, AMP

The spring market in Grey Bruce usually begins in mid March, however the phones have been ringing already with interested potential buyers. 

Interest rates, particularly variable rates are still at near record lows and make buying a house even more attractive right now.  Prices over the past few years have not risen significantly, if at all, so many people will be getting a good deal on a house this spring. 

Many people are considering refinancing their existing mortgages too in order to take advantage of lower interest rates. 

Contact me directly at 519 379 3003 or email me at brianmill@ndlc.ca to discuss your mortgage options and I’ll help show you whether a refinance is a good idea for you. 

Have a great week!

Brian Mill,B.A., CFP, AMP

Well, Valentine’s day is cold, windy and starting to look downright nasty weatherwise.  Hopefully your safe inside somewhere with YOUR “Valentine”. 

All the rate hikes are complete and the best deal we’re seeing right now is 3.94% on a 5 year fixed and I’m offering a special rate on variable right now at 2.15%. 

I’m not guaranteeing what’s going to happen with mortgage rates, however typically they go up in the spring, and start to fall in the, well, fall. 

If you’re looking to buy, email me or call me right away and I’ll lock in a rate for you which will guarantee today’s rate for 120 days. 

Brian Mill, B.A., CFP, AMP

519 379 3003

Interest rates took a fairly sizeable jump this week, most lenders increasing their fixed rates by 25 basis points (.25%).  The good news is, however, that prime is still at 3% and I’m offering a special rate of prime -.85% for a limited period of time to get the spring market rolling. 

Now that there is almost a 2% spread between a 5 year fixed and variable rates, I would expect many people to lean towards the variable side when choosing a mortgage.  Another good option is to “split” your mortgage into two components, one fixed and one variable. This way you’ll have the best of both worlds. 

PLEASE NOTE, if you currently have a variable rate mortgage that is “over” prime, call me and I’ll show you how to save some money. 

So, if you’re afraid you’ve missed the good rates, call or email me and find out what I can do for you. 

Brian Mill, B.A., CFP, AMP

519 379 3003

brianmill@ndlc.ca

We’re now officially into fall weather and the leaves are turning colour.  The next 6 weeks or so will typically be busy on the real estate market, and interest rates are going to help.  Current rates are at 54 year lows and I’m even able to offer 3.49% for any deal closing on or before October 29th.  There is a possibility that this will be extended, however if you have a purchase happening prior to this, call me at 519 379 3003 or email brianmill@ndlc.ca to get the best rate we’ve seen since our parents bought houses.