New Real Estate Listings Finally Show Some LifeBy Scott WestlakeMarch 21, 20220 comments#realestatelistings #drsherrycooper Statistics released today by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show that national home sales were up in February 2022 as buyers jumped on the first spring listings. The ...Read more...
Canada Reached Full-Employment in FebruaryBy Scott WestlakeMarch 15, 20220 comments#employment #jobs Statistics Canada released the February Labour Force Survey this morning, reporting a much more significant than expected 336,600 net new jobs, with the unemployment rate falling ...Read more...
Recently Funded $2.5M High Net Worth Mortgage + Investment Tax StrategyBy Scott WestlakeMy PortfolioMarch 10, 20220 commentsTWT Recently Funded $2.5M Mortgage Income Debt Serviced $1M in lending, based on personal returns Liquid 90 day rolling average of investment portfolio allowed us to top up mortgage to $2.5M Home Appraised $4M LTV 62.5% but could have been upwards of 72% ...Read more...
Investment PropertiesBy Scott WestlakeMarch 10, 20220 comments#investmentproperty #investmentproperties Investment Properties. So, you are looking to purchase a second property! Congratulations! This is a great opportunity for you to expand your financial portfolio and ensure stability for the future. However, before you launch into this purchase there are a few things you should know, ...Read more...
Curler Forrest, hockey player Westlake named Canada's flag-bearers for Paralympics opening ceremonyBy Scott WestlakeMarch 4, 20220 comments#paraolympics #gregwestlake #flagbearer #beijing2022 Just when the world could use some positive news, we get some. Thousands of remarkable athletes from around the globe have taken massive steps and made remarkable sacrifices for the chance to represent their country in the Paralympic Games. Travelling across the globe, ...Read more...
Bank of Canada Starts Hiking Rates, Signalling More To ComeBy Scott WestlakeMarch 2, 20220 comments#boc #ratechange #variable #rate The Governing Council of the Bank of Canada raised the overnight policy rate target by a quarter percentage point in a widely expected move and signalled that more hikes would be ...Read more...
Recently Funded - $2M Construction FacilityBy Scott WestlakeMarch 2, 20220 comments#portfolio #construction #constructionmortgage TWT Recently Funded a $2M credit facility. Up to 80% of the as-completed value of the home 65% of the land value released upon registration. Remaining funds draws based on the percentage complete. Interest only charged on the funds advanced to-date ...Read more...
5 Reasons to Invest in a Home Inspection.By Scott WestlakeMarch 1, 20220 comments#homeinspection While home inspections might not be the most exciting part of your home buying journey, they are extremely important and can save you money and a major headache in the long run. In a competitive housing market, there can sometimes be pressure to make an offer right away without conditions. ...Read more...
When the Future Becomes the Present.By Scott WestlakeMarch 1, 20220 comments#retirement Thinking about retirement before it happens is just common sense. But what questions should you be asking yourself? While seeking the advice of a professional like a retirement advisor can be helpful, there are a few questions to start thinking about as you begin to plan. Deciding ...Read more...
Welcome to the March issue of my monthly newsletter!By Scott WestlakeMarch 1, 20220 comments#monthlymortgagenewsletter #SW #DLC #TWT #2022 Welcome to the March issue of my monthly newsletter! Spring is just around the corner and we have all the ...Read more...
Inflation Ticked Up Again in JanuaryBy Scott WestlakeFebruary 17, 20220 comments#economicupdate #sherrycooper #SW #TWT #DLC StatsCanada today reported that consumer price inflation rose to 5.1% from year-ago levels in January, compared to 4.8% in December. This was higher than expected but still well ...Read more...
Wanted: Home SellersBy Scott WestlakeFebruary 17, 20220 comments#economicupdate #sherrycooper #SW #TWT #DLC Housing affordability remains a huge political issue, and with the Department of Finance working on the upcoming budget, no doubt measures to reduce home prices will be front and ...Read more...
No Wonder The Bank of Canada Didn't Hike Interest Rates Last MonthBy Scott WestlakeFebruary 7, 20220 comments#economicupdate #sherrycooper #SW #TWT #DLC #rateupdate #boc Statistics Canada released the January Labour Force Survey this morning, reporting a much more extensive than expected decline in jobs last month. The Omicron shutdowns and restrictions ...Read more...
2021 Masters AwardBy Scott WestlakeFebruary 4, 20220 comments#masterclubaward #award #masterclub #DLC #SW #TWT Quick thank you to all those that supported me this past year. Very proud to join the Master Club which is an exclusive group of Mortgage Brokers that represent the top 2% in likely the largest brokerage in Canada - Dominion Lending Centres. What makes this award even more ...Read more...
Staying Out of the Penalty Box.By Scott WestlakeFebruary 2, 20220 comments#mortgaegpenalty #penalty #breakingmortgage #SW #TWT #DLC When it comes to mortgages, it is easy to focus on the rates and your current situation, but the reality is that life happens and when it does, rates won’t be the only thing that matters. First and foremost, the most important thing to remember is that a mortgage is a contract. ...Read more...
Renting Vs. Buying: What You Need to Know!By Scott WestlakeJanuary 31, 20220 comments#rentvsown #preapproval #firsttimebuyers #SW #TWT #DLC When it comes to the Canadian housing market, there are lots of options for where to live! From renting an apartment to owning a single-family home, it all comes down to where you see yourself living and what you can afford! The beauty is, there is no right or wrong answer when it ...Read more...