Calgary Real Estate Blog 
September 2, 2010 Mortgage Rate Update by Carlos Montes courtesy of Jen Mikla
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 4:18pm. 33 Views, 0 Comments.
Hello!
Just wanted to send out a quick email about some of the “special” rates that have been popping up by some of the big banks and other lenders lately.
I spoke to reps at the banks about their current rate specials to determine the “CATCH” and there is indeed a catch. In all cases, you are limited to your pre-payment privileges, must use a 25 years amortization, and can only pay out the mortgage if you sell your home OR refinance at that institution.
This poses a few problems in my eyes and puts the client at somewhat of a disadvantage.
On the 25 year amortization limit it can significantly limit the clients qualification. Here is an example:
A couple with an 60K combined income @ 3.54% over 25 years can potential qualify for a mortgage of…
September 2, 2010 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN CALGARY, ALBERTA
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 10:16am. 2 Views, 0 Comments.
Please remember to slow down in School zones as today September 2nd is the first day back to school for the majority of students here in Calgary.
An Overdue Makeover. The Forest Lawn Revitalization project in Calgary, Alberta
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 5:27am. 63 Views, 0 Comments.
The area of Alberta has a long history that stretches until the days of the pioneers. In the case of Forest Lawn in Calgary, a portion of that history is still unfinished. A hundred years ago, part of the community’s plan was to have a railway. In fact, the railroad tracks were already laid down and settlers were asked to pay extra in order to live in the vicinity. However, the railroad was never completed.
Almost a century later, the construction of the LRT tracks promises to bring the story to a happy close. The track is part of the 17th Avenue S.E., the system that runs through Forest Lawn and other communities found on the city's east side. It will serve as an access to the east-west traffic route and create an entry point to Forest Lawn’s…
Pre-Approvals Have Sky Rocketed by Jen Mikla Calgary Mortgage Broker
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 4:49pm. 229 Views, 0 Comments.
Hi Everyone,
Pre-approvals have sky-rocketed! Things seem to have picked up! Rates are almost what they were in March on a 5 year fixed and variable are also super low. If you are shopping around and have been pre-approved at your bank you are likely not getting these incredible rates. If you would like a FREE SECOND OPINION and the opportunity to save some money, give me a call. These rates cant be beat! Happy Home Hunting! :)
Great new 3 & 5 year rate special available! 3 year at 2.90% must close by Oct 15th and 5 year fixed at 3.89% (must close by Sept 30th). Longer rate hold available at 4.09 for 120 days. 5 year VRM at Prime -.65 and 3 year VRM at Prime -.70. Still offering the Free Downpayment mortgage at a lower rate of 5.59%. Great for clients…
The Opening of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility in Calgary, Alberta Canada
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 9:42am. 66 Views, 0 Comments.
The Opening of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility
The completion of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility represents the opening of one of Canada’s most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plants. The entire project, which cost a total of $430 million, was officially opened by Mayor Dave Bronconnier. Studies have shown that the facility can meet Calgary’s population growth demands over the next 10 years. It also gives Calgary the core infrastructure that it needs in order to make future expansion possible and service up to 1.75 million people.
According to city officials, Calgary has been known as a leader in advanced wastewater treatments and the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility further…
A Mortgage Broker Versus a Bank. Which is the Better Option?
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 4:49pm. 39 Views, 0 Comments.
Your bank might not always be the right choice for your mortgage as they represent only one option. That is where a mortgage broker comes in as they offer access to a variety of lenders. But not all mortgage brokers are created equal, and it’s important to ask the right questions when determining who you want to work with.
1. How long have you been a mortgage broker, and how much experience do you have? Experience is important, but even a fairly new broker might have more mortgages under their belt than an agent that has been in the business 10 years.
2. Do you have your AMP designation? The Accredited Mortgage Professional designation means that the broker has professional
training, and meets ongoing educational requirements.
3. How many lenders do…
The Construction of Calgary Alberta's West LRT by Carlos Montes
Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 9:47am. 57 Views, 0 Comments.
The Construction of Calgary, Alberta's West LRT
The silhouette of the downtown Calgary skyline is about to be drastically altered as the construction on the west leg of the LRT begins. This elevated structure is planned to run along 1.5 kilometers and will feature Sunalta Station, which is slated to be the city’s first elevated LRT station.
The construction of the West LRT elevated guideway was kicked off with the symbolic lifting of the first precast segment. It is expected that the timeline of the construction will go at a fast pace since many of the preparatory work have already been completed or are in the process of being completed. The elevated guideway is just one of many sections of the project which is already making substantial progress. In…
Eco Friendly Options for Countertops by Carlos Montes, Calgary Real Estate Agent
Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 10:55am. 63 Views, 0 Comments.
Eco Friendly Options for Countertops
Sustainable designs in the homes are seen with growing popularity. As the importance of environmental awareness comes to light, more and more homeowners want to use products that are both safe and responsible to the environment. Although there is no such thing as a perfect product, there are many options that fit within environmentally conscious practices.
Many of the countertop products available contain some recycled material. One example is a product called Vetrazzo, which is made out of recycled beer bottles and glass. The glass is set using a cement-based resin. The product is said to be able to last for several years and can be made into a new countertop at the end of its lifespan.
Recycled paper has also…
Calgary, Alberta Canada Leads Other Cities in Being Eco Friendly
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 9:16am. 70 Views, 1 Comments.
Proving that commitment reaps its own rewards, Calgary has been named as the most environmentally friendly city in the world. The clinchers that earned it this distinction are water quality and traffic conditions. Calgary topped hundreds of cities found all over the world. Honolulu came in second with Ottawa and Helsinki tied for the third place. The ranking report was made by business analyst organization Mercer. According to Mercer, the study was conducted in order to help governments and private companies properly peg the income of employees stationed abroad.
The criteria in consideration in order to properly rank the cities that participated in the research included the availability of water, how potable water is, waste removal, sewage, air…
Pictures of Coventry Hills Stampede Breakfast July 17, 2010
Saturday, July 17th, 2010 at 12:35pm. 48 Views, 0 Comments.
Here are some pictures of today's Stampede Breakfast in Coventry Hills Calgary, Alberta.