Cabins to Castles

A New Kind of House!

2011-11-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone:History books are chalk full of the little guy who takes on the big guys and wins. The story below is an example. Misinformation is out there and I don't believe our Champions of Change, Bobby Hayes is being treated the way he should be treated by our Government officials.
The new home which was selected by respected business leaders in the community for the Joshua Group is sound, a Civil Engineer looked at it, many trades looked at it and the Provincial Government originally promised it to Bobby for $1. What happened? Don't know but its time we make history once again and speak up, pitch in and make this happen. Remember the Save the Saint Josephs Hospital march or the public rally to poo poo the Poly tech idea for UNB? Well guess what folks this is another big guy blunder of an idea that doesn't consider the social net benefit to the community.
Lets get behind this movement to obtain this building for the Joshua Group- Call your MLA, call your Council do something to help, I understand doing the right thing isn't always easy, but its worth it for Bobby's children.

Bobby’s House

How would I describe Bobby Hayes? He’s a down to earth, gritty, modern day Joshua leading his kids to a brighter future. He’s unorthodox and certainly not politically correct. Bobby Hayes is long on passion and purpose but short on patience for any who fail to see the need to support and invest in his kids and their future. Bobby has been and continues to be a one-man, unofficial, non-certified emotional emergency department for Saint John’s less fortunate kids. If they need clothes he finds them, if they need food he feeds them, if they need glasses or a haircut he makes it happen, but most importantly they get the caring and love that they need.

He has become Saint John’s Pied Piper for the young and the vulnerable. Those who shouldn’t but do fall through the cracks in our social system.

This is no well paying 9 to 5 job, it’s a non-compensated totally dedicated 24/7, 365 day commitment.

As if that isn’t enough I personally witnessed him feeding the homeless a turkey dinner last Christmas Day. Could you measure up to these standards, could you do it?

The old church on Waterloo Street that had been Joshua Group’s home for the past three years was sold and for the past year and several months Bobby and the kids have gone as the expression goes “from pillar to post” Admittedly the old church on Waterloo was nothing to write home about, the roof leaked but the kids had come to accept it as their home, it was theirs. Many of these kids have spent their lives a few months here and a few months there, with little opportunity for a sense of stability and belonging.

Joshua Group and these kids need a permanent home, a place that nobody can take away from them.

We learned recently that a building on Paradise Row belonging to the N.B. government was surplus and was for sale by tender. Bobby and friends of Joshua Group had looked at the building last year and had concluded because of location and configuration the building would make an ideal home away from home for his kids.

Most folk in the city know Danny Joyce, as Saint John’s most honest mechanic. Well it seems that after the Ultramar Station closed he expressed an interest in buying the property should it become available to open a garage. Ultramar decided to sell the property and offered it to John Irving. So how successful do you suppose Danny Joyce would be in a bidding war against John Irving for the coveted property? Mr. Irving gracefully declined to bid. Do you suppose he backed away because he couldn’t use the property for expanded parking or because he couldn’t meet the asking price? Or because he realized the “net benefit” to the community and Saint John would be better served by having Danny and family open a business.

Perhaps Mr. John Irving chose “the right thing” to do over a decision that would have served business interests?

Joshua Group intends to bid on the Paradise Row property. It’s entirely possible, in fact likely, that the Joshua Group will be outbid by some business or commercial interests.

When the tenders are opened the right thing to do would be to award the building to the Joshua Group based on the long term “net benefit” to the community and the future of Bobby’s kids over a decision for a relative few dollars and cents.

The once vacant building on Paradise Row should become the future home of the Joshua Group and be known hereafter and securely known as “Bobby’s House”

“Mom's dead, I got lice, I got no friends, and life isn’t very good." These words spoken by a tearful little girl started Bobby Hayes on what has been an 18 year journey. As he repeated those very words during the CBC Champions of Change interview 18 years later the emotional impact of the memory still brings him to tears. For those who are not aware Bobby Hayes was ultimately selected as the “Champions of Change” from almost 2000 national submissions. www.cbc.ca/change/bobbyhayes.html

He has become Saint John’s Pied Piper for the young and the vulnerable. Those who shouldn’t but do fall through the cracks in our social system.

This is no well paying 9 to 5 job, it’s a non-compensated totally dedicated 24/7, 365 day commitment.

As if that isn’t enough I personally witnessed him feeding the homeless a turkey dinner last Christmas Day. Could you measure up to these standards, could you do it?

Joshua Group and these kids need a permanent home, a place that nobody can take away from them.

Perhaps Mr. John Irving chose “the right thing” to do over a decision that would have served business interests?

Joshua Group intends to bid on the Paradise Row property. It’s entirely possible, in fact likely, that the Joshua Group will be outbid by some business or commercial interests.

The once vacant building on Paradise Row should become the future home of the Joshua Group and be known hereafter and securely known as “Bobby’s House”

Herb Duncan is a Saint John business man and a social advocate for change in Saint John. Herb can be reached at duncan.herb747@gmail.com

The Romans have a saying...

2011-10-12T03:49:00.000-07:00

The Romans say "Rus in Urbe" which means City in the Country. Saint John New Brunswick is really just that a city but in a country setting within minutes or it is just a view away. Our location geographically is superior because we are close to the USA border, accessible by boat along a long beautiful shoreline called the Bay of Fundy, and our scenery is bar none spectacular with vistas of beautiful countryside and beaches for FREE just about any direction you travel.

So as a REALTOR educating individuals about Real Estate in the Greater Saint John area is a joy as there is potential in just about every property I see, because as my backdrop, which is my canvas is County in the City called Saint John New Brunswick. We naturally have it, without even trying.

According to the experts who are experts in why people purchase goods and services I have been validated with my opinion that people will purchase what they want to purchase when they feel like purchasing anything based on a number of factors in their life. Needs and wants are the motivators period and telling them your best pitch just doesn't work. We really don't need to live and be happy by owning a home. An apartment, works just dandy to keep your family safe and warm.

However if one wants to obtain an investment and build equity, owning a home is still the best asset on the planet for the majority of Canadians and in Saint John New Brunswick it is still great value.Educating people about owning a home is my forte especially when it comes to Saint John, and its surrounding communities.

Are you a first time home buyer? Are you transitioning to another type of home accommodations because the family has grown, or just plain old life is changing course?Here is my 7 point short list as to how to go about the home ownership transaction. Maybe this will be a refresher tip for some people but if not, my simple formula is worth the read:

Create a budget and start to save for a home. Reduce credit card debt, reduce the wants and save for the needs. Tough love is needed here but it is the only way to go for the long haul.Get help if needed to figure a budget out. Credit Counseling Services of Atlantic Canada are superb for dealing with debt issues.Visit them at www.solveyourdebts.com
Be practical and think about what you need in a home and where do you want to live.
Visit every bank in town and speak to their mortgage brokers. They are there to help you and not judge, remember you are the customer. This exercise is about relationship building and most banks offer similar products with small twists of accountability and repayment built in the mortgage document. Finding the right bank is essential to the long term of a home investment, especially if life takes a turn for the worse, you want someone you can relate to and understands your financial picture.
Once that portion of the house phase is complete then interview REALTORS to assist you in the house buying process. Its ok to do that as it will build your knowledge and confidence with this new journey of home buying or update you on the latest in the industry.www.solveyourdebts.ca
Be upfront with them and ask them all the questions you can think of. Not all the answers will be known but once again look for the relationship qualities that you like in this person because if you are going to be viewing lots of homes and spending lots of time with a REALTOR it is very nice if you can get along and be on the same page and laugh along the way.
Let the REALTOR be your educator, not your decision maker or the influencer of purchasing a home whether it is your first or fifth. To me being a REALTOR is equivalent to having a personal legal council on call 24/7 for consultation. REALTORS are trained to know the industry just like any other professional. We are trained to dig to obtain the information you request of us to the best of our knowledge. We must divulge the good and the bad, and be totally transparent when representing your interests within the transaction.
Once you decide on the home, with the banking in place, let the REALTOR guide you through the transaction to completion. As a REALTOR I offer a complete end to end service and I see it through until you move in and are at your new digs drinking a cup of coffee, of course with a smile.

Kim Cookson is the preferred REALTOR for UK 2 New Brunswick and is the preferred REALTOR for the National Bank of Canada in Saint John, New Brunswick Kim has been in the business for 36 years.
Kim can be reached at 866 693 2259 or kim@cabinstocastles.ca and kimmy.cookson@gmail.com

A Welcome Retreat: Home as a Haven in a Hectic World

2011-05-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote:
Every spirit builds itself a house, and beyond its house a world, and beyond its world a heaven. Know then that world exists for you.
Does your world feel like this at least within your brick and mortar home? Well it should! No matter how small or large if the home doesn't speak to you, then what is it missing? Sometimes it just as plain as your nose on your face.
Some homes speak to me when I walk through the door and some don't. Its a personal thing however if a Realtor could qualify that certain something and package it in a bottle we all would be in heaven because I would share it with everyone. Happiness would be ours, always!

Here are a few suggestions to help create a home that enhances your brick and mortar spirit, and it has little to do with money.

-Try to de-clutter and keep only the things that really mean something to you and are useful to your lifestyle.

-Keep your home neat and everything in its place. There is lots of data to support the notion that a sense of organization reflects the overall peace of a human being and their efficiency within that place.

-No matter what if you own/rent, keeping a home clean is paramount. Money doesn't buy taste or does it buy health. A clean home that shows pride stands out no matter where it is located.

- This is my personal favourite and it is my Zen suggestion. Create a favourite place for you to sit, drink a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of wine, read a book, listen to music and enjoy your home to refresh your inner home. This place will be the best place in the home not only to relax but to view the world you have created, inside and out.

By the way, the picture is a listing I have on Bonney Road just outside of Saint John close to what I call Happening Hampton. It has many spots to call home. It's calling you.

All the best, Kim

eBook from Cabins to Castles

2011-04-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone:

Just picked up today's Globe & Mail and there was an entire insert supplement about the how and why you should purchase a home. Great piece of literature regarding information to help you navigate the home buying experience sponsored by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals www.caamp.org.

Pick up the Globe today especially if you are in the lending industry as it has lots of tips from these folks, as the lenders are the holy grail to the entire home buying equation. The deal doesn't go through without financing, the rest of us in the industry just dance the deal along to fruition.

Well if this has ever happened to you I know you can relate when a light bulb moment happens when your skills all come together but you have never thought about them in a certain way. Well guess what? I had one of those moments today. Yup I am thick but when I get it I get it.

Guess what it is?

You guessed it, an eBook. After all I do own an electronic publishing distribution business.I have published two books by other authors on the subject. How to Buy a Great House by Kelly Vanbuskirk, and My First House by Dawn McInnis.

Therefore since I have been in the Real Estate industry on and off for exactly 30 years, why not and why not write a book with some humour too.

Did I mention I also do a cartoon called Curb- Appeal with Rhonda Realtor & Friends. Thought I would include my Rhonda because in my heart and hers, the greatest success of all ambition is to be happy at home, inside and out.

Stay tuned, I start writing with gusto this weekend with a launch date the end of June.

Happy Easter,

Kim

Don't just stand there, do something!

2011-04-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hi there:

Been sick with the cold and missed the last couple of weeks.I'm back and better.

It doesn't matter what you plan to do in life, doing nothing and waiting too long can sometimes back fire. I remember my Mom saying "do something but just don't stand there, something is better than nothing."One could apply that logic to home purchasing.

First-time buyers in major Canadian markets

move to get in ahead of higher interest rates, says RE/MAX

Driven by the threat of higher interest rates down the road, first-time buyers are contributing to strong upward momentum in residential housing markets across the country, according to a report released by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX First-Time Buyers Report, highlighting trends and developments in nineteen major Canadian centres, found that low interest rates and balanced market conditions have provided significant impetus in 2011, particularly at lower price points. Just over 30 per cent of markets are reporting sales in excess of 2010 levels as a result, while almost 70 per cent have experienced an upswing in average price. Leading the country in terms of percentage increases in the number of homes sold are Western Canadian markets, including Saskatoon (up close to 15 per cent), Greater Vancouver (up close to 12 per cent), and Winnipeg (up just over 11 per cent). With an average price hike of close to 20 per cent year-to-date (February), Greater Vancouver continues to show unprecedented strength, followed by Hamilton-Burlington (eight per cent), Quebec City (seven per cent), Winnipeg (close to seven per cent), Greater Toronto (five per cent), and Greater Montreal (five per cent).

Despite home-ownership rates approaching 70 per cent, there is clearly room for growth as entry-level buyers make their moves from coast-to-coast, undeterred by higher housing values and changes to lending criteria. Many purchasers intent on realizing home ownership are scaling back on expectations or are willing to sacrifice location, quality and/or size to make their dream a reality – not unlike generations before them.

Inventory levels, while tight in several larger centres, are more balanced overall, giving first-time buyers a good selection of housing product from which to choose. Not surprisingly, condominium apartments and town homes have become the first step for many entry-level purchasers, especially in Greater Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, London-St. Thomas, Hamilton-Burlington, Greater Toronto, the Island of Montreal, and Halifax-Dartmouth where average prices have risen unabated in recent years.

With the Canadian economy on firmer footing overall, residential real estate is well-positioned moving into the traditionally busy spring market. Consumer confidence is climbing in conjunction with economic performance, and concerns over a secondary recession fade with each passing day. The mood is cautiously optimistic, as first-time buyers enter the market.

Changes to recent financing criteria have not created the anticipated run up in activity in most markets. From a financial standpoint, most rookie home buyers remain quite prudent. Those making the leap are not doing it lightly, buying within their means. While this most recent round of policy tightening will likely have a negligible effect on demand, the message is getting across.

Affordability remains a growing concern in most markets, and—aside from first-time purchasers—no one is more in tune with that than housing planners and developers. In fact, the growing demand for reasonably-priced product is creating a shift in the country’s housing mix. That trend is expected to gain traction in coming years, as builders look to create greater options for those seeking to realize home-ownership. In recent years, builders have helped ease the move to home-ownership by concentrating on intensification—condominium buildings with smaller suites and small-lot subdivisions offering detached, compact homes at a fraction of the cost of a traditional single-family home. On the flip side, the affordability factor is also breathing new life into tired older neighbourhoods, and that, in turn, is contributing to rising values.

-more-

RE/MAX First-time Buyers Report 2011.....2

As prices escalate, first-time buyers are indeed spending more—some out of necessity, but others are simply in a position to do so. Unlike in years past—a greater percentage of today’s first-time buyer pool is comprised of dual-income, college or university-educated couples with solid earnings. They’re spending close to average price or slightly more to secure—in most cases—a better location or a home that will grow with them. Yet, the fact remains that those on a tighter budget can get in for considerably less, with reasonable choices in every major market across the country. While some may feel discouraged by eroding affordability levels, the underlying confidence in the concept of home ownership is rising.

While market conditions are one thing that influences first-time buyers, few things trump the fundamental belief in home-ownership. Today’s entry-level buyers are steadfast in their mindset. They know they have to live somewhere, but they simply don’t want to pay someone else’s mortgage. Savvy or practical, they remain a driving force. The bottom line is that the demand for entry-level product will remain steady. The role of starter homes in the marketplace is becoming ever more vital.

A DRAGON LESSON

2011-03-09T09:10:00.001-08:00

What does this have to do with Real Estate and us! Really nothing in terms of facts, figures and the "how to things" during a Real Estate transaction however it is a lesson on how life comes around and opportunity can knock more than once if you miss out on a home that you really wanted.

The philosophy as to how I see and approach my clients is there isn't a scarcity of inventory, the markets are cyclical and there is a reason if all due diligence was taken by your REALTOR and the home deal didn't go through then it simple wasn't meant to be. Its no one fault, there is another home and better around the corner, literally.

So what does is this DRAGON LESSON story all about?

Last year my company was selected as a candidate to face the DRAGONS on DRAGONS DEN. You know that CBC National hit TV Show. They liked us,said some nice things but declined the opportunity, as all five DRAGONS knew little about the industry we represented which isn't Real Estate but the distribution of electronic, art, music and books.

My life partner Herb Duncan who is also an investor in the company was with me, that is why we are both in the picture. Recently I was going through an old box of Herb's doing our "lets clean our office day thing"and I came across a 1992 Profit Magazine where Herb's company was listed as one of the fastest rising ICT companies in Canada. Guess who was featured on the cover as one of those people- DRAGON Kevin O'Leary from DRAGONS DEN. Kevin was young and just sold his start up for an obscene amount of money. Herb at the time had 65 Employees and was building a company to provide economic opportunity for his family and individuals in the Maritime Provinces. It would be interesting to note how many companies who are part of that 1992 Profit Magazine's Alumni t are still in business. Herb's Fundy Computer Services www.fcs.ca still is.

Life lesson for me, I already was in the company of a DRAGON, a better one and we didn't need to prove it that day in Studio 1 at CBC. Opportunity to find the right home is there just like my DRAGON was in my own backyard, I just had to look in the right direction.

WorlDiscoveries: Found Object Assemblage Portraits

2011-02-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

WorlDiscoveries: Found Object Assemblage Portraits: "Look carefully at the image above. Look really carefully. Remote controls, buttons, film canisters, bottle tops, Altoid Tins, spools, wire, ..."

Looking back and forwward -re: TheRe/max Housing Barometer Report -

2011-02-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

‘Wild card’ props up Canadian housing markets

over past decade

Inventory remains key to stability in 2011

Tighter inventory levels helped to make the last decade one of the healthiest periods on record for Canadian real estate, insulating markets in major centres from the peaks and valleys characteristic of past decades, according to a report released by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Housing Barometer Report measured monthly sales-to-new listings ratios in 18 major centres across the country from January 2000 to December 2010. The report found strong seller’s/balanced conditions prevailed for much of the timeframe, prompting significant gains in housing values. The lone exception was when the market dipped into buyer’s territory during the latter half of 2008 and early 2009. However, fewer listings served to offset diminished demand and provided greater stability. Average price increases from 2000 to 2010 ranged from an annually compounded rate of return of 4.82 per cent in London-St. Thomas to a high of 9.56 per cent in Regina. The national average was 6.82 per cent. By far the tightest market in the nation was Winnipeg, where seller’s ruled the roost for 85 per cent of the decade, followed by Hamilton-Burlington (67 per cent), Regina (63.6 per cent), Kitchener-Waterloo (59.8 per cent) and Edmonton (57.5 per cent).

Housing markets have been remarkably hearty over the past decade and the stage is set for a better than expected 2011. Inventoryhas proven to be an effective form of market self-regulation, providing both an ideal climate for price escalation and a shelter in periods of softer home-buying activity.As a number of city centres are already reporting stronger than usual activity out of the gate, it’s clear supply will continue to be the wild card in 2011.

First-time buyers comprise the vast majority of purchasers, with move-up buyers in close pursuit. Demand and supply are on relatively even keel at present in most areas, but the traditionally busy spring season is expected to keep the market at a perfect equilibrium in the days and months ahead. However, there may be some exceptions to the rule. The country’s largest markets—Greater Toronto, Greater Montreal, and Greater Vancouver—are expected to head into the second quarter with fewer listings overall. Two centres—Newfoundland &Labrador and Kelowna—are still firmly entrenched in buyer’s markets.

An improved global economic picture, lower unemployment rates and rising consumer confidence levels have buoyed home buying activity since November. While sales figures are expected to be slightly off 2010’s heated pace, housing values are forecast to continue to climb in Canadian real estate markets in 2011—with most a direct result of lower listing levels.

Western Canada experienced some of the highest rates of return for real estate over the 11-year period. While values in Regina posted the greatest percentage increase (9.56 per cent), Edmonton, (9.25 per cent), Saskatoon (9.2 per cent), Winnipeg (9.01 per cent), Kelowna (8.42 per cent), Greater Vancouver (7.8 per cent), Calgary (7.7 per cent) and Victoria(7.59 per cent) all outperformed the national average.

Equally strong gains were posted in Quebec. While solid balanced market conditions prevailed for much of the decade, housing values in Quebec City and Montreal rose 9.2 and 8.48 per cent respectively on an annually compounded basis.

-more-

RE/MAX Barometer Report…..2

Increases were more moderate in Ontario and Atlantic Canada—with the exception of Newfoundland & Labrador, where values escalated 8.14 per cent on average. Ottawa led in terms of price appreciation in Ontario at 6.78 per cent, followed by Hamilton-Burlington at six per cent, Kitchener-Waterloo at 5.69 per cent, the Greater Toronto Area at 5.35 per cent, and London-St. Thomas at 4.82 per cent.

There’s no question that price growth has been solid over the past decade, but history tells us that exceptional growth supported by sound fundamentals is healthy. Concern is only raised when the underpinnings are insufficient to justify the trajectory. By all accounts, Canada’s real estate market measures up to conventional wisdom and the faith in homeownership has not been misplaced.

While the statistics are impressive, they alone cannot tell the tale. The gains realized over the past decade speak to the tremendous resiliency of the Canadian residential housing market. Considering catastrophic events, both natural and manmade, that occurred throughout the period—SARS, forest fires, ice storms, 9/11, a recession—the performance of the real estate sectorproved that much more significant. It remained a consistent bright spot supporting economic growth and ancillary spending, and subsequently helped lead the nation out of the greatest downturn in recent memory—its hardy nature heightening its appeal as a long-term investment.

Residential Average Price - Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) by Market
2000 - 2010

	Avg. $	Avg. $
Market	2000	2010	CAGR %

Newfoundland & Labrador	$99,525	$235,341	8.14%
Halifax-Dartmouth	$128,003	$253,610	6.41%
Moncton	$89,065	$152,251	5.00%
Montreal	$121,544	$297,621	8.48%
Quebec City	$90,079	$237,240	9.20%
London-St. Thomas	$135,857	$228,114	4.82%
Kitchener-Waterloo	$157,317	$289,041	5.69%
Hamilton-Burlington	$164,168	$311,683	6.00%
Greater Toronto	$243,255	$431,463	5.35%
Ottawa	$159,623	$328,439	6.78%
Winnipeg	$88,553	$228,706	9.01%
Saskatoon	$112,567	$296,293	9.20%
Regina	$94,518	$258,023	9.56%
Calgary	$176,305	$398,764	7.70%
Edmonton	$124,203	$328,803	9.25%
Kelowna	$168,551	$410,302	8.42%
Victoria	$225,731	$504,561	7.59%
Greater Vancouver	$295,978	$675,853	7.80%

CANADA	$164,091	$339,030	6.82%

Source: CREA, TREB, Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board, RE/MAX

-more-

RE/MAX Housing Barometer…..3

###

Does the word DEBT mean anything to you?

2011-01-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

I wonder how many individuals really understand the power of debt management. Read this to enlighten your life as it is an eye opener for first time home buyers.

What's affecting your credit score?

Garry Marr, Financial Post · Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

I still have an Eaton’s department store credit card even though there is no where to shop with it.

That hasn’t stopped the long-forgotten card from making its way on to my credit report and ultimately affecting

my credit score.

When contacted by a representative of TransUnion LLC — one of two companies providing credit ratings in

Canada, the other being Equifax Inc. — for a story about how to improve credit ratings I decided it would be a good

time to check my own score.

TransUnion gave me a code to download my score, something that normally costs $14.95 for a one-time credit

profile and another $7.95 to get your credit score. The company also offers a program that allows you to monitor

both whenever you want for $14.95 a month.

“One of the benefits of checking your credit report is to make sure information is accurate and up to date,” says

Tom Reid, director of consumer solutions for TransUnion.ca, referring to opened accounts you may have forgotten

about.

So how did I do? I scored 786 out of 900, considered “good” and better than 66.02% of the population. But I

somehow feel like the kid who got a B on an assignment. I want that A.

According to my report, I have too many bank or national revolving accounts on my credit report. I have three

major credit cards, American Express, Visa and MasterCard. I have a car loan and an unused line of credit with my

bank.

That Eaton’s card probably didn’t help my score and then there’s the Hudson’s Bay card account that was still open

that I haven’t used in a decade. Show me a Canadian who hasn’t opened up one of those to get the 10% discount. I

just never closed mine.

There are five different categories that go into a credit score. The first is on-time record of payment — got that

covered. Next up is the number of inquiries or applications for credit.

You remember getting that credit card for a free tee-shirt at a hockey game or signing up for the department store

card to get the discount and then destroying it. You think that doesn’t matter? Think again.

“It could potentially have a negative impact on your score,” says Mr. Reid, about applications I’ve made to various

department stores over the years. Fortunately, I haven’t made any in the last two years.Your utilization of credit is also a major factor — that’s your balance divided by available credit. It’s not based on

whether you have a balance at the end of the month but it’s the balance outstanding at a given moment divided

by your available credit.

“If that number exceeds 40%, that is typically a warning sign,” says Mr. Reid, noting a higher credit limit will keep

that percentage down.

The last factors are longer term credit history and the breadth of your credit, somebody who has just one credit

card doesn’t look as strong as someone who also has a line of credit and say a mortgage.

“It’s a fantastic credit score,” says Mr. Reid, about my result, adding I shouldn’t have a problem getting credit. Yeah

but my editor who took the same test scored 831.

All of this may just seem like a vanity project but there are real problems you can encounter with bad credit and a

poor rating, says Vince Gaetano, a principal broker with Monster Mortgage.

“A number of things can happen if you don’t have a good score. Right now 680 seems to be the cut off for buying a

home with mortgage [default] insurance,” says Mr. Gaetano. “If you are below 600, you are in real trouble, you are

going to a B leader.”

Those lenders will just kill you on interest rates — 5% to 6% compared to 2.25% —not to mention the fact you’ll

need to have at least a 20% deposit on your home.

Then there’s the fees for bad credit. Lenders charge 1% of the value of the mortgage for people with bad credit.

Who wants to pay $3,000 extra on a $300,000 mortgage. The broker will also demand 1% because your bad credit

means the bank is not compensating the broker for you, the questionable customer.

What’s the worst score Mr. Gaetano has seen. “Somebody had like 430-something. I mailed them a bullet. I

wouldn’t lend a guy like that $5 for lunch. That’s happens when you stop paying everybody,” he says.

I’m starting to feel better about my score. But I still cancelled my open HBC card and started to investigate how

one goes about canceling a credit card for a store that no longer exists.

Cheers Kim

PS- On the lighter side of life- soon to come my cartoon "CURBAPPEAL" with Rhonda Realtor & Friends and Cabins to Castles will be found soon on weblocal.com

Its not what you make but what you keep. Debt management the Goverment way.

2011-01-18T11:47:00.001-08:00

Ottawa just announced new mortgage guidelines for Canadian lenders today which Jim Flaherty says are designed to curb household debt. There are three main changes announced:

maximum LTV on a refinance is now 85%, down from the previous 90% max.
maximum amortization is now 30 years, down from the 35 year max established in Oct. 2008
and finally, HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) are no longer an eligible insured product. The financial institution can no longer insure these products.

Overall, these changes were expected. The changes will take affect on March 18th, 2011. Take advantage of the old guidelines while they still exist.

Please see attached link http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2011/01/17/flaherty-mortgage-changes.html

For buyers pre-approved or on the fence for purchasing, this is the time to act! If qualifying based on 35 years is what is required to keep the payments at a comfortable level, act now before the amortization period is reduced.

This information was sent to me by Susan Lackie- TD Mobile Specialists in Saint John New Brunswick.

My four minute present to you- Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

I write because I love communicating in words.Anthropology and all that goes with the human experience of us humans on earth is fascinating to me.Especially at Christmas and over the holidays to New Years. I reflect think, and wonder, what's going on with the other people on the planet during this time of year.

In North America especially Canada we have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to. I always consider other people in this world regarding there status of health, happiness, homes, and economics. Are they OK?

I recently found my answer to those questions.The link http://www.flixxy.com/200-countries-200-years-4-minutes.htm says it in a nutshell.

Pour yourself a festive drink, sit down and really listen and watch this video.

Trust me its the best spent four minute of your life. This is my Christmas present to you.

Merry Christmas!

Kim

When We Wish Upon A Star

2010-10-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

This song was a hit when I was a kid.

Have you ever listened to the lyrics? To refresh your memory here they are:

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do

Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

Now you are saying to yourself, ok, this is out in left field where is the connection to Real Estate? Lets see where she goes with this and the connection.

Every person in North America has a dream, a secret longing, a wish when they grow up and that is to work hard and gather enough money together for a down payment for, wait for it... a HOME! Its the thing that says you've arrived, your're secure, right? Every economic engine, even oil is tied into the Real Estate industry. Our GDP counts on it. Not so in Switzerland by the way but that is another blog.

This dream, whether you wish upon a star, plus, plan and save for a home it will come true. It can and I am here to tell you people out there in blogosphere that you can't live at least in Canada inside an RRSP. If you have an RRSP great, but with our winters a home with a warm, safe roof over your head is necessary. I believe there are some folks that are happy to rent, be perfectly happy and will even prosper financially without the status of owning a home. A home doesn't make the person, don't get me wrong, I am a firm believer in that and understand the underlying reasons why some people prefer to rent, however a home, and owning a home is still the best investment on the planet, at least in Canada.

Trends go up and down. The trend is your friend so they say. Lots of opinions out there from chief economist to CEO's of corporations with many buzz words and double speak for us to listen to.In my opinion follow your common sense.

Here are my points to consider when Wishing Upon A Star to purchase a home:

-Save for a home that is within your means.Your mortgage should not be taking every bit of money you have so you can't go out once a month for a family treat or be able to keep your equity looking nice if something needs fixing. Think people first, money second. Saving the old fashion way of putting 10% of you pay every week away and budgeting for needs not wants still works regardless of the economic situation of the day. It takes discipline and a dash of patience mixed with faith.

-Purchase a home that gives you an ahaa feeling when you drive or walk up the street to the front door. If the neighbourhood gives you that feeling super but the feeling you get when you approach your house is the most important.
-Buy for your future plans depending where you are in life. For example I bought a three bedroom home so my daughters could have their own room and one for me.Now they are grown I turned one room into my office and the another became a guest bedroom.
-If you haven't already established a relationship with a lawyer, a banker, an insurance broker, a mover before you start looking, I suggest you do because not only will they be on the look out for you but when you do find the right home. (this is the Fate is Kind part of the song), people are good and will come through for you when the time is right. This becomes Their Secret Longing of the song, because people who are partners with Realtor s in the Real Estate industry do want your business but more importantly they do want to see you happy. Its a normal human need to full fill that journey for their clients.
-Lastly, I believe that every person deserves a clean, safe, home to live in.. It Makes No Difference Who You Are. If you want to own a home, Realtor's like me can make it happen and navigate the other details. Just like the song says No Request Is To Extreme if your heart desires a home, Dreams can come true.

Cheers,

Kim

Curb Appeal is one's interpretation

2010-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

QUOTE
“It's tangible, it's solid, it's beautiful. It's artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate.” Donald Trump

This quote by Donald Trump says it all for me. Since I draw as a hobby and have attended formal and informal art training being a REALTOR combines many of my skills and passions.

Curb Appeal is everything. Just the other day one of my clients fell in love with a property but... when the views looking out from the windows were compromised ( as I say, the optics were no picture postcards) and there was no hope of changing the views the property was off the list of a potential buy.

Now I realize the wording "from my standpoint" from Mr. Trump is open to interpretation by many in our industry.

Therefore I decided who could be a voice to poke fun of those interpretative qualities of a property that fall under"from my standpoint" because I don't know about you but I sure have had a few great and not so great curb appeals to talk about but I am not Mr. Donald Trump. I wanted to develop a creative solution to my dilemma so I utilized my artistic abilities and developed a fictitious cartoon character called Rhonda Realtor. The cartoon is called, wait for it...

Curb Appeal with Rhonda Realtor & Friends.

Rhonda and her wonderful interpretation of "from my point of view" can soon be viewed at RhondaRealtorsCurbappeal.blogspot.com. Syndication could be on the way but no hurry as far as Rhonda is concerned.

My long term objective, by creating the character Rhonda Realtor is that me/we will have a venue that can safely share "a point of view" regarding the various curb appeals in our industry and maybe the public too! Education can be fun through humour and visuals aids. I find laughter is the best medicine to bridge most of lifes issues. At least that philosophy has worked for me.

Got any fun stories to tell Rhonda, about your special Curb Appeal moment? Just let her know.Rhonda can turn it into a positive cartoon gag and make you laugh. I'll get Rhonda an email address once she learns the computer, she is too busy selling Real Estate and drawing. For now I am the contact.

Ok all you Realtor s and friends who like Real Estate or are in a related field take time to laugh it gives you that extra something to keep on keeping on.

Cheers

Kimmy

Kimmy.cookson@gmail.com
1 866 693 2259
www.cabinstocastles.ca

This needs to be said.

2010-07-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Five Reasons Why You Still Need a Real Estate Agent by Forbes.com Magazine

The proliferation of services that help homebuyers and sellers complete their own real estate transactions is relatively recent, and it may have you wondering whether using a real estate agent is becoming a relic of a bygone era. While doing the work yourself can save you the significant commission rates many real estate agents command, for many, flying solo may not be the way to go--and could end up being more costly than a realtor's commission in the long run. Buying or selling a home is a major financial (and emotional) undertaking. Find out why you shouldn't discard the notion of hiring an agent just yet.

1. Better Access/More Convenience

A real estate agent's full-time job is to act as a liaison between buyers and sellers. This means that he or she will have easy access to all other properties listed by other agents. Both the buyer's and seller's agent work full time as real estate agents and they know what needs to be done to get a deal together. For example, if you are looking to buy a home, a real estate agent will track down homes that meet your criteria, get in touch with sellers' agents and make appointments for you to view the homes. If you are buying on your own, you will have to play this telephone tag yourself. This may be especially difficult if you're shopping for homes that are for sale by owner.

Similarly, if you are looking to sell your home yourself, you will have to solicit calls from interested parties, answer questions and make appointments. Keep in mind that potential buyers are likely to move on if you tend to be busy or don't respond quickly enough. Alternatively, you may find yourself making an appointment and rushing home, only to find that no one shows up.

2. Negotiating Is Tricky Business

Many people don't like the idea of doing a real estate deal through an agent and feel that direct negotiation between buyers and sellers is more transparent and allows the parties to better look after their own best interests. This is probably true--assuming that both the buyer and seller in a given transaction are reasonable people who are able to get along. Unfortunately, this isn't always an easy relationship.

What if you, as a buyer, like a home but despise its wood-paneled walls, shag carpet and lurid orange kitchen? If you are working with an agent, you can express your contempt for the current owner's decorating skills and rant about how much it'll cost you to upgrade the home without insulting the owner. For all you know, the owner's late mother may have lovingly chosen the décor. Your real estate agent can convey your concerns to the sellers' agent. Acting as a messenger, the agent may be in a better position to negotiate a discount without ruffling the homeowner's feathers.

A real estate agent can also play the “bad guy” in a transaction, preventing the bad blood between a buyer and seller that can kill a deal. Keep in mind that a seller can reject a potential buyer's offer for any reason--including just because they hate his or her guts. An agent can help by speaking for you in tough transactions and smoothing things over to keep them from getting too personal. This can put you in a better position to get the house you want. The same is true for the seller, who can benefit from a hard-nosed real estate agent who will represent their interests without turning off potential buyers who want to niggle about the price.

3. Contracts Can Be Hard To Handle

If you decide to buy or sell a home, the offer to purchase contract is there to protect you and ensure that you are able to back out of the deal if certain conditions aren't met. For example, if you plan to buy a home with a mortgage but you fail to make financing one of the conditions of the sale--and you aren't approved for the mortgage--you can lose your deposit on the home and could even be sued by the seller for failing to fulfill your end of the contract.

An experienced real estate agent deals with the same contracts and conditions on a regular basis, and is familiar with which conditions should be used, when they can safely be removed and how to use the contract to protect you, whether you're buying or selling your home.

4. Real Estate Agents Can't Lie

Well, OK, actually they can. But because they are licensed professionals there are more repercussions if they do than for a private buyer or seller. If you are working with a licensed real estate agent under an agency agreement, (i.e., a conventional, full-service commission agreement in which the agent agrees to represent you), your agent will be bound by common law (in most states) to a fiduciary relationship. In other words, the agent is bound by license law to act in their clients' best interest (not his or her own).

In addition, most realtors rely on referrals and repeat business to build the kind of clientèle base they'll need to survive in the business. This means that doing what's best for their clients should be as important to them as any individual sale.

Finally, if you do find that your agent has gotten away with lying to you, you will have more avenues for recourse, such as through your agent's broker, professional association (such as the National Association Of Realtors) or possibly even in court if you can prove that your agent has failed to uphold his fiduciary duties.

When a buyer and seller work together directly, they can (and should) seek legal counsel, but because each is expected to act in his or her best interest, there isn't much you can do if you find out later that you've been duped about multiple offers or the home's condition. And having a lawyer on retainer any time you want to talk about potentially buying or selling a house could cost far more than an agent's commissions by the time the transaction is complete.

5. Not Everyone Can Save Money

Many people eschew using a real estate agent to save money, but keep in mind that it is unlikely that both the buyer and seller will reap the benefits of not having to pay commissions. For example, if you are selling your home on your own, you will price it based on the sale prices of other comparable properties in your area. Many of these properties will be sold with the help of an agent. This means that the seller gets the keep the percentage of the home's sale price that might otherwise be paid to the real estate agent.

However, buyers who are looking to purchase a home sold by owners may also believe they can save some money on the home by not having an agent involved. They might even expect it and make an offer accordingly. However, unless buyer and seller agree to split the savings, they can't both save the commission.

The Bottom Line

While there are certainly people who are qualified to sell their own homes, taking a quick look at the long list of frequently asked questions on most “for sale by owner” websites suggests the process isn't as simple as many people assume. And when you get into a difficult situation, it can really pay to have a professional on your side.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/2010/05/25/why-you-need-real-estate-agent-personal-finance-commission.html?boxes=Homepagechannels

Feet on the Street still wins the day

2010-06-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

I follow a few trade online sites which give inside information to people who are seriously in the online business.Everyone is in competition for the consumers sticky eyeballs on the internet, but guess what people, its not winning.

Recently on one of my feeds the results of a new survey conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Company, a reputable company which deals with lots of very large clients posted the latest results about internet usage and how people communicate to each other in their neighbourhoods.

Since Real Estate is all about location location location I wanted to share this with you.

By the way nothing is new under the sun as people are people are people and word of mouth still travels faster and is more sustainable in the world of Real Estate and the Real Estate market is local.

Here are the results which I don't find fascinating but something to keep in mind when looking for a house, you still must walk the property to obtain a real sense of the curb appeal of the neighbourhood.

46% of Americans talked face to face with neighbours in their community.
21% discussed community issues over the telephone - The telephone...imagine!
11% read a blog dealing with community issues: Community Blogs are particularly popular among residents or urban areas, as 17% of wired urbanites read local blogs.
9% exchanged emails with neighbours about community issues and 5% say they belong to a community email list.
4% communicated with neighbours via text messaging on cell phones.
4% joined social network site group connected to community issues
2% followed neighbours using Twitter.

I have been twittering back and forth (like the play on words) about what is really useful to people and what is not regarding the social scene of online in terms of the Real Estate industry. I haven't decided yet so here I am with you trying to figure it out and trying to create something useful for all of us. Something that is meaningful in our own back yards.

I wanted to create more then a blog but a community that offered insight and sharing of communication on a platform that integrated multimedia on one page. I am prepared to pay a monthly fee to obtain the server services and privacy to build this community of caring people who value their neighbourhoods.

I have even created a cartoon to poke fun of all of us. I call the Cartoon Curb Appeal with Rhonda Realtor.

Therefore I would like you to join my ning community at curbappeal.ning.com and share the best and the worst in your community regarding its look and feel. We can all learn and grow our communities to be a better place to live if we just start with our neighbourhood curb appeal. Whether you live in a cabin or a castle all homes are important to the look and feel of your neighbourhood.

There is a wonderful saying I have on my sketch/idea book. It reads
"An artist is a sketchbook with a hand attached to it". We could say the same about our neighbourhoods, they can be works or art but we are attached to it.

Love to hear from you.

Cheers
Kim

Reader's Digest names RE/MAX most trusted Real Estate Brand in Canada

2010-05-04T03:53:00.000-07:00

Reader's Digest names RE/MAX 'Most Trusted Residential Real Estate Brand in Canada'

Mississauga, ON (May 3, 2010) -- Dedication, skill, and professionalism earned RE/MAX REALTORS the designation of Most Trusted Residential REALTOR in Canada by Readers Digest magazine. Readers Digest will unveil its Most Trusted Brands list in its May 2010 issue. The magazine commissioned independent third party Harris/Decima to conduct 1,500 online surveys among a random sample of its panel members from October 2 – 15, 2009.

The results of the survey are proof positive that our sales associates are the best in the business, says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. Weve built a solid reputation based on consistent results. RE/MAX associates sell one in every three homes in Canada and carry more professional designations than any other realtor in Canada. Were specialists in all niches from residential, recreational, and commercial properties to luxury homes. Our focus has always been service excellence, which includes a serious emphasis on professional development and education. The status quo may work for some, but after almost 40 years in the business, were not content to rest on our laurels.

Readers Digest looked at 28 different product categories -- ranging from cereal to residential real estate – and allowed consumers to select the brands that they trusted the most. RE/MAX joins leading brands such as RBC Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, Air Canada, and Blackberry.

Our commitment to the communities in which we live and work also runs deep, says Polzler. I think thats something that has always set RE/MAX apart. Weve been involved in charitable giving long before the terms corporate philanthropy and cause marketing were common. RE/MAX REALTORS participate in countless vital programs and causes each year that help the most vulnerable members of our society and strengthen the foundation of neigbhourhoods from coast to coast. Their enthusiasm, spirit and dedication to others never fails to inspire.

Charitable giving is woven into the fabric of the RE/MAX organization. The company and its sales force has demonstrated a strong desire to give back, exceptionally active in both corporate and local charities. Close to $40 million has been raised in support of Childrens Miracle Network since 1992 – which funds research and development, outreach programs and upgrades to equipment and facilities at childrens hospitals and foundations across the country. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is also a cause close to the hearts of RE/MAX associates—one that RE/MAX continues to support through its popular Sold on a Cure Program and the annual Yard Sale for the Cure.

RE/MAX is Canadas leading real estate organization with over 17,500 sales associates situated throughout its more than 680 independently-owned and operated offices across the country. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 37th year, is a global real estate system operating in 80 countries. Over 6,450 independently-owned offices engage over 92,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience, and production, while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.

Luxury Home Market is Up! Great news

2010-04-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

This press release was taken directly from the head office of Re/max Canada. As a former Ontarian and have been living here for 20 years this coming Mother's day, I can honestly say, we do, not in a big way but sooner or later follow the trend.

The old saying goes, "the trend is your friend".

The Press Release:

Dramatic rebound characterizes Canada's luxury home segment in 2010

69 per cent of markets set records for best-ever first quarter sales

Mississauga, ON (April 26, 2010) - Luxury home sales soared in the first quarter of 2010 as affluent purchasers moved to take advantage of favourable market conditions across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Upper End 2010 Report, highlighting sales and trends in 13 major Canadian centres and five sub-markets, found that improved economic performance, increased personal wealth, immigration and foreign investment all contributed to a serious upswing in sales. Virtually all areas experienced double and triple-digit increases between January and March of this year over 2009 figures for the same period. Nine out of the 13 markets examined (69 per cent) shattered existing records - setting new all-time highs for first quarter activity in the upper end.

"Real estate continues to resonate with purchasers at every price point," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "With the top end of the market shifting into high gear, every segment of the residential real estate sector is now operating in tandem. Despite the upward momentum, there are still deals to be had - especially at the higher price points-a fact that is motivating buyers to act.

Downsizing to Right Sizing-The Right Renovations

2010-02-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well the Canadian Real Estate Association stated in their press release today February 17th, 2010 that they are satisfied with the Bank of Canada announcement regarding the new banking rules for purchasing a home and obtaining a mortgage as an invest property that is not your primary residence.

Good, great, lets move on to the home owners who are downsizing and will have the cash to make a transaction or want to obtain the best price for their home. I coin the phrase my downsizers to right sizing but it really should be my Right Sizers who understand it is time to down size! To attract a buyer renovations are important to make your house show perfect, move in condition and to obtain that "ah ha" moment for any potential buyer walking through your front door.

According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada the following list of home renovations and the potential, not absolute but potential % gain of your costs into the project you will obtain back in your asking price of your home.

Top 4 payback potentials

Bathroom 75-100%
Kitchen 75-100%
Exterior Painting 50- 100%
Interior Painting 5-100%

Top 8 Average payback potentials

Furnace replacement 50 - 75%
Recreation room 50-75%
Flooring 5- -70%
Construction of a Garage 50-75%
Building a deck 25-75%
Central air conditioning 25 - 75%
Roof shingling replacement 25 - 75%

Lowest payback potentials

Landscaping 25-50%
Interlocking brick walkway 25-50%
Building a fence 25-50%
Installing a whirlpool tub 0-50%
Adding a swimming pool 0-25%

Zoomerang is a magazine dedicated to senior issues and appeals to Zoomers, a trendy word but if you are over 50 years of age and you are contemplating scaling down you are a Zoomer, therefore give me a call as I have the skills to assist you in making that downsize to right size move.

Chat later- Cabins2castles - Kim

Mortgage Mania - Yes or No?

2010-02-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

It all boils down to one element in the deal, and that is money. Doesn't matter what part of the journey you're experiencing within the home purchasing or selling process the old saying goes "the man who makes the gold makes the rules" and that is your financial institution, or your lender. I take the time and ensure the people I show houses too have been pre - qualified and if they need help in the financial end, I navigate that too!

At the moment we are experiencing a rather fair to good market in Saint John and surrounding area with statistics to support the trend, which buy the way the trend is always your friend.

One of my fellow colleagues David Johnston from Johnston Mortgage Team is in the lending business. David's tag line is "I work for you not the lender" Everyone one needs a David in their corner when purchasing a residential or commercial property. David sent me an interesting article from his camp as to where the mortgage rates are speculated to go in terms of rate increase and % of dollars required as a down payment.

I am a bit of a knowledge junkie and have learned to discern to eat the meat and throw away the bones when reading economic reports from the experts.Sometimes the experts have conflicting opinions don't you agree? I add a dash of common sense when I need to translate it to the Saint John Real Estate Market. In my opinion based on history economic set -backs don't hit us as quickly in the Atlantic Provinces but they do eventually arrive. Traditionally as well our incomes are lower as well compared to other provinces so that effects our purchasing power.

Knowing the Government once the stimulus money has run out, the home improvement tax credits are now finished but the Government still has to create more liquidity to operate, to change the tide of past revenue losses.

Voila this could be there next big idea! Push the "ride the fencers" who are thinking of purchasing, selling or downsizing off the fence and tell them to purchase, sell, downsize now as the lending rate is going up and the required deposit is going up too. Good or bad once in motion we have to live with it.

Here is David's article. Look forward to your feedback...Kim

Johston Mortgage Team
johnston.d@mortgagecentre.com 849 8660 (Phylis, David's wife will answer the phone)

January 15, 2010
-Study-on-Rising-Mortgage-Rates Claims that Canadians are taking out risky variable-rate mortgages and borrowing more than they can afford “are not based on actual data” and “are misinformed.” That’s according to CAAMP, who issued this study of 40,000 mortgages from 2009: Revisiting The Canadian Mortgage Market…

Despite rising home prices, first-time mortgagors took out “far less” than they could afford last year, says CAAMP.

"The vast majority of Canadian mortgage borrowers are not taking on undue risks. They have factored rising interest rates in to their mortgage decisions," stated Jim Murphy, president and CEO of CAAMP.

CAAMP ran simulations to estimate what would happen if the Bank of Canada hiked rates 3% over two years (and fixed rates rose 1.25%).

It found that income gains should offset much or all of the increases in mortgage payments that most Canadian’s would experience.

"The bottom line from the simulations is that even though mortgage payments will probably rise for most borrowers, the increase in their incomes will more than offset the higher payments," said CAAMP chief economist Will Dunning. “All in all, the degree of risk from rising mortgage rates appears to be small and manageable,” he writes.

A key finding in the report was that 86% of Canadian home buyers took out fixed rates in 2009. Here’s a breakdown of the terms they selected:

* 5% chose 1- to 2-year terms
* 20% chose 3-year terms
* 5% chose 4-year terms
* 70% chose 5- to 10-year terms

Other notable findings from the study:

* 5%: Number of Canadian households who purchase a home each year.
* 50-60%: Number of those who are first-time home buyers.
* 0.03%: Percentage of first-time home buyers (compared to all home owners) that are “pushing the envelope” by getting mortgages they may not be able to afford.

CAAMP estimates these “at-risk” borrowers amount to 4,000 households out of 13,250,000 in Canada.
* 10%: Annual growth rate of mortgage debt in the last five years.

”This growth rate was far in excess of growth of incomes and therefore mortgage debt has become a growing burden for Canadian households,” CAAMP said.

CAAMP attributed this growth to rising home prices and increased home ownership. 70% of households now own homes, versus 63.6% in 1996.

* 5.425 million: Number of Canadian mortgage holders.
* 22.3%: Average GDS ratio of a home buyer in 2009

32% is the traditional GDS (gross debt service) maximum. This stat is a pleasant surprise. According to CAAMP’s findings, most Canadians appear to be under buying, not overbuying--as some critics charge.
* 32.8%: Average TDS (total debt service) ratio of a home buyer in 2009

Similar to GDS above, this is well below the standard. 40-42% is the typical TDS maximum.
* 0.44%: Current percentage of mortgage holders in arrears.

CAAMP says arrears averaged 0.50% in the 1990s. Mortgage arrears are highly correlated with Canada’s employment rate. Reduced hours/pay and separations/divorce are secondary factors. CAAMP says it “appear(s) most likely that the arrears rate is close to peaking.” Today’s
* Arrears around 0.42 %

Dunning closed the report by writing: “Virtually every Canadian who is in a position to buy a home and qualify for a mortgage is well-educated and capable of assessing what is in their best interests, of looking forward, and of anticipating threats to their financial well-being.”

Let’s keep it that way by advising homeowners to remain conservative.

_______________________________________________________

CAAMP Sidebar: More details on the study above:

* Data was collected from a CAAMP survey of its corporate members
* Sample size was 40,000 mortgages totaling $10 billion
* This represents about one-sixth of total mortgage activity for home purchases in Canada.
* The mortgages were all funded in 2009
* The data included purchases only. No renewals or refinances.
* The vast majority of mortgages in the data set are high-ratio and insured.

Knowledge is power when purchasing a home, call David as his tag line states "I work for you not the lender" put David to work, I am.

Chat later, Kim

Average price sets new record in 2009

2010-01-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

SAINT JOHN -- January 25, 2010 -- The average price of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Saint John Real Estate Board rose to the highest annual level on record in 2009. Sales activity also posted a second consecutive year-over-year gain in December.
According to statistics provided by the Board, the average price for homes sold in December 2009 rose 14 per cent from year-ago levels to $178,037. This is the fourth consecutive double-digit price gain. By comparison, the average price for home sales in New Brunswick was up five per cent year-over-year to $148,559.
On an annual basis, the average price of all homes sold in Saint John was $171,027 in 2009. This is a new annual record, up eight per cent from 2008.
Residential sales numbered 97 units in December 2009, rising 20 per cent from year-ago levels. Provincial sales activity, by comparison, was up 15 per cent from a year earlier.
Home sales were up in the fourth quarter of 2009, but transactions in the first three quarters of the year were down from their respective periods in 2008. As a result, annual sales activity in Saint John declined eight per cent to 1,986 units in 2009. It was the third best year on record for home sales in Saint John, standing 12 per cent below the peak in 2007.
The total value of all home sales was $17.3 million in December 2009, rising 36 per cent from one year earlier. This is the highest dollar volume on record for the month of December. The dollar volume for all homes sold in 2009 was $339.7 million, down one per cent from 2008. The monthly dollar volume of residential sales in New Brunswick increased 21 per cent from the previous December.
Total sales in Saint John numbered 112 units in December, up six per cent year-over-year. The total value of these property sales was $19.5 million, an increase of 33 per cent from December 2008.
New listings on the Board’s MLS® System were up 14 per cent from one year earlier to 157 units in December. This is a record for the month. There were 1,030 active residential listings on the Board’s MLS® System at the end of December 2009. Although this is an increase of 16 per cent from one year ago, the pace of supply gains continues to slow as demand improves.
There were 10.6 months of inventory at the end of December, down slightly from December 2008 (11 months). The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.
“Strong price gains continue to draw more sellers to the market,” said Peter Pappas, President of the Saint John Real Estate Board. “Activity improved steadily throughout 2009, and that momentum is likely to carry forward into the new year.”
The Saint John Real Estate Board is an association of about 340 REALTORS® that provides services to and sets standards for members. The Saint John Real Estate Board covers the southern part of New Brunswick to the U.S. border in St. Stephen, and includes the counties of St. John, Kings, Charlotte and portions of Queens County.

A Fresh Start that Fits

2010-01-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

Its a new year for everyone, and everyone has the opportunity to make a fresh start to accomplish anything they desire. That's right anything. Change your mind and it will change your life if you want change says Wayne Dyer a international motivational speaker.
Here is the tricky part, YOU must make the choice and YOU must be motivated to make the decision to make the choices of change plus be authentic to your true self while in the process.

In the realm of home buying or home selling which is my arena, it isn't difficult to do.Really it isn't. Its all in the attitude and who you engage in helping you accomplish the dream of home ownership. If you are selling your home it is as equally as important to engage the right Real Estate Agent who is knowledgeable about the market. There are many professionals out there in our industry who really care, about your needs but the fit for YOU is what is important and being authentic and true to who best fits you is essential.

Selling or purchasing a home requires at least 26 - 30 people in other industries within the entire transaction from movers, to lawyers to painters to Home Inspectors they are all involved to move the experience along. The agent is the project coordinator of all these individuals in one way or another. Think of us, me as a consultant, the extended arm of you representing your best interest to make the dream come true.

So the next time you want to list your property or purchase a home interview the Realtor,and pay attention to how they fit into your philosophy regarding the experience of one of the most significant monetary assets in your life.Your castle,your home.

I look forward to being interviewed.

Gee Kim if you put it this way, everyone has a chance.

Want to learn how to buy your first castle?

2009-10-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone:
I love reading non-fiction books. I know, I know, I am missing out but I can't help it because real life wisdom and stories are addictive since I just love to learn. I understand that one can learn from fiction too but I just need it to be more straight forward in a non-fiction genre.

When showing houses I want to be ready for a teaching sharing moment. I learn so much from people while in the process and experience joy when individuals purchase their first castle (home) due to my knowledge or advice. You've heard the saying a man's home is his castle. My version is your home is your castle. I wasn't born with this knowledge, I read, I listen and I practice what I have learned daily.

In Suze Orman's book The Courage to be Rich she writes a great chapter called Seeking Shelter. I wish I could afford an unlimited amount of copies to give everyone I meet but I realize a better way to share this knowledge and bask in many other talented financial people is to visit your local public library. Yes that is right.Your local library is one of your biggest fans and friend for future knowledge in many subjects.

Inside your local public library is a wellspring of knowledge and community minded people to help you. Therefore with that in mind I am starting in November ongoing seminars called...get ready for it. - "HOW TO BUY YOUR FIRST CASTLE"

The first seminar is on November 19th at the Saint John Free Public Library from 7 - 8pm. I will be there to teach the skills to assist you in purchasing your first home, or for me it is your castle. Other related Real Estate industry professionals are dropping by as well during these monthly get together s, they are:
Cindy McFarland -from Home Loans Canada. 647 1164
Susan Lackie - Mobile Specialists from TD Canada Trust.650 2241
Leah Straight -from The Investors Group 632 8930

The day of our first seminar the library will be hosting a reading by first time author, Dawn MacInnis. Dawn won Trinity Enterprise Inc. pitch the publisher contest, with the book titled "MY FIRST HOUSE" A single girls journey.

Dawn doesn't mix words and if you want to hear the real deal come and meet Dawn at 7 pm at the Saint John Free Public Library on Thursday November 19th from 7- 8 pm.

Each month I will rotate to each library in and around the Saint John area. As much as possible I will invite guests from various industry sectors of the Real Estate industry. If you are part of our industry please contact me as you may want to join us and share your expertise. Coffee and a light snack will be provided.

Below is my schedule from November to May.

November 19th, Saint John Free Public Library- Author reading MY FIRST HOUSE 7-8 pm
November 26th, West Side Pubic Library - 7- 8pm -
December 1 East Side Public Library -7-8pm
January 26, 2010-KV Public Library-7-8 pm
February 25, pm Saint John Free Public Library-7-8pm
March 25,-West Side Public Library 7-8 pm
April 29th, -East Side Public Library 7-8pm
May 27th, KV Public Library 7-8 pm

We will break for June, July and August as the summer is too short to be inside.

If you are looking to have a Real Estate consultation now don't hesitate to call me to book an appointment.

If you currently own a castle (home) I offer free market evaluations. To learn how to stage and prepare your home for re-sale go to Re/max's website www.remax.ca to find out lots of helpful free tips about many real estate topics.

See you at the library!

Kim Cookson
From Cabins to Castles Consult Kim
kimmy.cookson@gmail.com
506 693 2259
cell: 506 644 8412

2009-09-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Back to Basics for Kim at Cabins2Castles

2009-09-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone:

Well, I have completed a test over the last three months that has created a new outlook for me in terms of time management. First I decided to forget about email and use the phone more often and, second I decided to be more out and about and networking face to face to meet and attract people to my Real Estate business and other initiatives in my life.

Guess what? It worked. My conclusion of my test for the last three months is as follows:

Technology is a tool and should not be deemed that an email- website- blog- twitter -facebook- myspace- linkdon-and so on is going to spur people on to get them fired up and call you. Find you yes, research about you, yes, but to make a decision unless you are indispensable which no one is, NO.Back to basics is my motto and sharing bits of your life not huge chunks is all that is needed.

I love the feel of meeting people, reading their body language,seeing there faces and hearing the tone of their voice engages my senses to really understand my clients. I feel better at the end of the day and I know I have made a difference in the transaction.

Don't get me wrong, you can't beat this box we call a PC for administration and organizing. You can't beat it for long distance phone savings or web- cam to see loved ones, and you can't beat it for ordering a widget or selling one if you can't obtain it locally, but for your business back to basics and feet on the street works best.

Real Estate is all about walking the property and feeling the ground underneath while asking yourself, can I come home to this place and put my feet up?

I am now blogging at the end of each month and twittering once a week on Fridays. Facebook is now going to be put on hold except to respond to people. Email is for validating phone conversations and putting it to file for clients or for immediate correspondence for legal documents. Research remains a Google domain and other then that out of my 10 - 12 hour day this screen gets max 1 hour of my day maximum 1.5 hours.

Try it. My world has changed, for the better.

See you at the end of October.

Kimmy Cookson

CBC's season IV of DRAGONS DEN starts September 30Th. Kimmy faced the fire of the DRAGONS...stay tuned.

We may not have it altogether but together we are better

2009-07-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

One of the rewarding things about being in the Real Estate industry is how quickly as an agent I can find the necessary resources for a buyer or a seller within my Saint John community especially in Ward 1 which emcompasses Uptown, South End and the North End of the City of Saint John.

It is a large geographical area that has many beautiful homes of all strips as well as multi-units and of course the fixer uppers that are just ready to be loved. It has many businesses and services too that can assist me in helping my clients.

If you think about it your home is the centre of almost everything you do. It is your refuge, your place to regroup, to play and have fun and create memories for you and your family. If you are a first time home buyer its the beginning of a wonderful journey.

Your home is an expression of who you are. Once you have approved financing, a location or a few locations are in your mind and your criteria of what you desire in a home is made, I go to work for you to assist in finding that place, or finding that buyer who will continue to love your property while you move on to another one.

Its fun, and I consult and care about you first. Along the way the following people and their resources are with me after I sell or find your paradise. I have spoken to all of these people one way or another and everyone is keen on helping you during and after your journey of selling or purchasing a home.

Together we can make your experience better. Just give them a call and say you read it on
my blog cabins2castles@blogspot.com. They are keen on helping you.

I never refuse a referral and never think twice about calling me for a consultaion. I'm here for you with over 30 years of business experience in the field of buying and selling.

Industry associates:

HLC-Home Mortgage Canada 647-1164 cindy.macfarland@hlcmortgages.com
Homestar www.homestarinc.ca 3333202
RBC Barry Anderson Mortgage Specialists 658-8300 barry.anderson@rbc.com
Mortgage Brokers.com Cory Watson 642 8977 cwatson@themortgageplanners.ca
Gorman & Nason 634- 8600 fph@gormannason.com
Zed & Company 634-0800 jfeean@zedandcompany.com
Hughes Surveys 634-1717 hs@hughesurveys.com
Floor Fashions 634-8590 flooringboy@nb.aibn.com
B & N Flooring 635 8823 corey.childs@nb.aibn.com
All World Moving & Storage 635-1105 www.allworldmoving.com
Rob Scott Insurance Agency Ltd 657-0007 rob.scott.1xkt@statefarm.com
Pillar to Post 647 2044 gary.driscoll@pillartopost.com
Alberts Draperies 658-0020 www.albertdraperies.com
Glidden Paint Centre 634-2017 -42 Waterloo Street
City Fabrication and Insulation 632-0025 550 Sommerset Street
Fairview Lanes 652 8480 bobcormier@rogers.com

More businesses are coming into the cabins2castles fold. We may not have it altogether but together we are better. Please take notice that the majority of the above businesses are independent owner and operators so it is important that we work together.

Lastly....I know I am long winded today but the tax credits being offered for closing costs and renovations have a time limit. Remember its the goverment so nothing goes on forever so give me a call so I can explain the process. The energy efficiency grants I believe will have a longer shelf life so take that into consideration too when buying or selling your home.

See you next week.

CABINS2CASTLES-Kim