May 2012
2 posts
WOW! Rates dropping at midnight tonight - 3 yr...
Call now for further details! Patricia Collins Vancouver Mortgage Broker www.patriciacollins.ca
May 28th
Mortgage Brokers warn about new refinancing rules →
Patricia Collins Vancouver Mortgage Broker www.patriciacollins.ca
May 22nd
April 2012
6 posts
In search of value, Vancouver Home Buyers head... →
Patricia Collins Vancouver Mortgage Broker www.patriciacollins.ca
Apr 30th
"Patricia is our mortgage broker for life" -...
“Working with Patricia was an absolute delight.  She went above and beyond by investigating discrepancies in our credit history and even going so far as contacting the credit bureaus on our behalf to clear those inconsistencies up.  We also had a fairly complex financial history being self employed with mostly foreign income and Patricia communicated with us every step of the way to makes...
Apr 17th
Bank of Canada maintains target for overnight rate... →
Variable mortgage and LOC rates are based on the Prime Rate, and the Bank of Canada decided to maintain this rate and make no changes today. Based on their more positive outlook, the rate may start to increase in late 2012 at the earliest or early 2013.  When it does start to increase, it is expected to be gradual and controlled in line with economic recovery, both in Canada and globally.  Any...
Apr 17th
Bank Offers You Should Refuse →
Apr 16th
First Time Homebuyers Have Options For Their Down... →
Suggestions include help from parents, reducing personal spending, taking advantage of a new $10,000 bonus, or borrowing from your RRSP. Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Apr 7th
Congratulations on your new home Chris and Karly! ...
“As first time homebuyers the whole idea of fixed rate vs. variable mortgages and banks vs. brokers were definitely new concepts and we felt completely lost.  After a few simple Google searches on the subject I found Patricia Collins and the rest you could say is history.  I met with her early in the home buying process and she answered every question I had (even the bad ones…).  I had...
Apr 2nd
March 2012
14 posts
10 Things to Consider Before Your Mortgage Renews →
Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Mar 30th
Mortgage rates in Canada have nowhere to go but up →
Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Mar 28th
Scotia's 2.99% is gone, TD's is gone today, BMO...
Mar 27th
Rate specials are going away! Call for a...
www.patriciacollins.ca
Mar 27th
What you should know about refinancing →
Mar 26th
Thank you so much Elaine! I wish you many, many...
“If I were asked what single element of my recent real estate purchase was the most positive and useful, I would answer: Patricia Collins.  Without exaggeration, Patricia made our dreams come true.  She’s a Fairy Godmother, net-worker extraordinaire, and lovely human being - in mortgage broker form!  She handled everything from strongly negotiating and obtaining an amazing (seriously,...
Mar 26th
There is more to mortgages than the rate →
Mar 22nd
How Canadians can boost home value through... →
Home renovations are on many homeowner agendas these days, with financing options available at such extremely low rates (call me to discuss!). This article discusses where your renovation dollars are best spent. If you are thinking of renovating, let me know and I can refer some wonderful renovation and design professionals.  I also know a great mortgage broker that will help you make it all...
Mar 21st
Ten sensible tips to achieve work-life balance →
As I’m staring at the mound of work still waiting for me today, I just printed this to read again later.  That’s definitely a sign that I need to work on this! : ) Balance and enjoy your weekend! : ) Patricia www.patriciacollins.ca 604-996-7701
Mar 16th
Lenders with 2.99% 4 year pre-approval rates are...
www.patriciacollins.ca 604-996-7701
Mar 16th
Did you know that your mortgage penalty may be tax...
The cost of the mortgage penalty can be used as a tax deduction if you are breaking your mortgage to move 40 km or more to be closer to work. The CRA has a provision that allows you to deduct the costs of moving if you are doing so for a job or full time study.  You can claim other costs associated with selling your old residence as well: advertising, notary or legal fees, real estate...
Mar 14th
WOW! New 3 year fixed special at 2.69% and 3 year...
Contact me for details regarding these and other rate specials! Happy Thursday! Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Mar 8th
Federal Government published a Mortgage Prepayment... →
For all federally regulated financial institutions, this code will guide them in communicating how they calculate their IRD penalties, ensuring it is in a clear and simple manner that is ‘not misleading.’ Lenders will also be making available to the consumers much more information to help enhance borrower awareness, as well as publicly accessible calculators to estimate prepayment...
Mar 5th
Metro Vancouver market balanced, board says →
Mar 3rd
February 2012
7 posts
WE's Best of the City 2012 has hit the stands -... →
Pick up a copy of the West Ender paper this week and check out their ‘Best of Vancouver’ edition this week.  The pocket guide with all of your top picks will be included in a March edition. Thank you so much for all of your support again this year! : )  I look forward to another great year with you! Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Feb 24th
BC First Time Home Buyers Bonus Announced -up to... →
In its 2012 Budget announced yesterday, the Provincial Government announced a temporary one-time refundable personal income tax credit worth up to $10,000, effective Feb 21, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
Feb 22nd
HST to drop 2% on new homes to smooth Apr 1/13... →
Feb 18th
Top 26 Grants and Rebates for Property Buyers and... →
This is a great reference for homeowners and investors - an updated list of 26 Grants and Rebates available to Vancouver homeowners.  I hope you are able to find some savings in here! As always, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you or anyone you know! Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Feb 16th
Housing market expected to remain steady: CMHC →
Feb 13th
Fixed rates going up! My mailbox is full from...
Feb 10th
TD, RBC end 2.99% mortgage deals early. I still... →
Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Feb 9th
January 2012
6 posts
I was chosen as one of Vancouver's "Best Mortgage...
I truly appreciate the trust and support of my clients, referral partners and friends - it means the world to me : ) Patricia www.patriciacollins.ca
Jan 24th
WOW! Rates drop again - 2 year fixed - 2.59% * 3...
Call now to lock in a rate or discuss options for renewal, refinances, or switching your mortgage!  *All of the above offer 30 year amortization. Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Jan 17th
Bank of Canada keeps its key interest rate on hold... →
Market Commentary from First National summarizes nicely: “As expected, the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate steady at 1%, citing an uncertain global economic backdrop an expectations that recent growth in the US will moderate in the months ahead. Should the economic picture deteriorate further, the Bank of Canada has the flexibility to decrease its overnight rate, and in fact, markets...
Jan 17th
Why are mortgage rates hitting record lows? ... →
Ask your bank what your penalty would be to break your contract, and call or email me with the number.  In a matter of minutes, I can tell you whether it is in your best interest to stay in your current mortgage or if the savings are great enough to change. Feel free to contact me with any questions : ) Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca
Jan 16th
Home sales up 1.8% in December →
Jan 16th
Fixed mortgage rates continue to drop to record... →
Fixed rates have dropped to a record low this week with the big banks, and lenders are now determining what their new offerings will look like. I’ll send out a note with what the landscape looks like on Tuesday - now would definitely be the time to refinance if you’ve been on the fence! Patricia www.patriciacollins.ca
Jan 14th
December 2011
3 posts
5 reasons why a fixed mortgage could be your best... →
Dec 8th
3.89% for a 7 year fixed mortgage! 4.39% for a 10...
Feel free to inquire with me regarding these amazing low fixed rate specials! Patricia Collins patricia@patriciacollins.ca www.patriciacollins.ca
Dec 6th
Bank of Canada holds rates →
‘The Bank of Canada kept its overnight interest rate at 1% on Tuesday, predicting that Europe’s recession would be “more pronounced” than previously thought but giving no suggestion of an impending rate cut.’ Patricia Collins patricia@patriciacollins.ca www.patriciacollins.ca
Dec 6th
November 2011
12 posts
Continued low interest rates make housing slightly... →
Nov 25th
Retire that mortgage before you do →
Nov 24th
Canadians lack knowledge about Home Equity Lines... →
What homeowners should know before securing their biggest asset for a loan. Patricia Collins www.patriciacollins.ca 604-996-7701
Nov 21st
'Mingles' moving housing markets- a new trend of... →
45% of first-time homebuyers are singles who are purchasing on their own.  For those who still want to share the expense but don’t want to rent?  A new trend of non-romantic duos are teaming up to purchase a home.   “Single women are not waiting for Mr. Right to come along and sweep them off their feet.  If they can’t afford it on their own, they mingle and pool their...
Nov 21st
"Is the four-year fixed the new five-year fixed?" ...
“Is the four-year fixed the new five-year fixed? Brokers now seeing an overwhelming preference for those shorter terms aren’t prepared to go quite that far. But they are calling it an unprecedented blip in the well-established buying habits of clients, who are now willing to sacrifice an extra year’s security in order to access significantly better rates. “Outside of the last three months,...
Nov 18th
Bank of Canada predicted to cut interest rate... →
Nov 10th
'Renewing and refinancing mortgages is saving... →
Almost a quarter of Canadians renewed or refinanced their mortgages in the past year, 78% of them getting a rate reduction.  For many, huge monthly and long-term savings far outweigh any penalty in place.   It takes a 10 minute phone call for me to determine how much you would save by refinancing or switching lenders- it’s definitely worth the free call!  Fixed rates are still crazy low - 3...
Nov 9th
Metro Vancouver home prices propelled by existing... →
Nov 7th
Variable or fixed? It's no contest now... Those... →
Nov 7th
This mortgage can make your reno happen -... →
This program covers the sale price of the home as well as any renovations that would increase the value of the property.  LOCS are generally only go to 80% of the value, so for people with only 5% downpayment- this allows them to buy their home AND improve it how they want as well. Feel free to send me any questions you have on this or other topics! :) Patricia Collins 607-996-7701 ...
Nov 7th
I spoke with Bankrate.ca for an 'Ask the Expert'... →
Feel free to ask me any questions on which is best for you- the right mortgage is always specific to your own situation and needs! Patricia Collins 604-996-7701 www.patriciacollins.ca
Nov 2nd
Inequalities drag down Canadian ranking in UN... →
Nov 2nd