CANADIAN MORTGAGE VIEWS

A recent CMHC outlook Conference recently reporeted the following: - economy has rebounded and consumer spending grown - mortgage rates are expected to stay low until well into 2010 -mortgage payments have put less of a burden on after tax income and affordibilty is very positive in Canada - house sales will continue to improve in 2010 but will rely on employment growth - Canadian saving rates have moved up due to uncertaincy about jobs etc. As the recovery continues, saving rates will start to decrease - this recession has not been as deep as the previous one - our exporting will be slow to recover as US households are saving more and consumption has decreased - Canadian consumer spending will remain low for 2010 - Walmart profits have increased significantly, indicating consumer spending awareness - 68% of Canadian mortgages are fixed term - debt consolidation is the biggest reason for refinancing at these low rates - finance, insurance and real estate sectors have seen an increase i...

The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals has just released their annual survey results on how Canadians feel about housing and mortgages. 61% of those surveyed feel that now is a good time to purchase a home compared to 38% at this time last year. 77% are either satisfied or completely satisfied with their current mortgage. This has been due to the decline in rates over the past year. 42% in Ontario, 43 % in Alberta and 47% in BC feel that house prices will rise in the next year. 16 % expressed concern over job loss. Over 80% of this group have more than 20% equity in their home. 2/3 of all mortgages are for 4 or more years, with 56% having a 5 year term. The average amount of equity in a Canadian home is $142000 while those with no mortgage have $322000 equity in their home. Canadians take equity out for 2 main reasons - debt consolidation and renovations. 68% have a fixed rate mortgage while 27% have variable and adjustable rate mortgage. Fixed rates are most pop...