Consistently I am asked what is better, fixed or variable? Historically speaking the VRM (variable rate mortgage) is a better way to go but it certainly has it’s share of risks. There are a few lenders now offering the best of both worlds. The Frozen Variable Payment is a wonderful solution for those of you looking to ride the variable wave but embrace the security of a fixed payment. Here is an example of how it works: the current variable is Prime minus 0.30% which works out to 1.95%. Your payments are frozen at 3.65% (roughly). The difference in interest is 1.70% so that means that the additional payment deduction of 1.70% now comes directly off your principle which is AWESOME. In the event (when) inflation kicks in and interest rates raise, the closer you get to 3.65%, the closer you get to a normal variable payment. If the interest rate exceeds 3.65%, you are protected with a frozen payment but are now paying less ofthe principle which obviously isn’t a good thing. Now you ask yourself, what happens if the interest rate sky rockets above 10%? Once you eat into your principle payment past to point of their being anything left, it will start to increase your amortization. The lender will contact you before this happens and suggest that you increase the size of your payment to compensate. I also suggest clients to pay attention to my newsletter and be cognizant of rates. If you see them creep over 3.65% (in this circumstance), then increase your payments unless your budget can’t handle it.
I am always listening for your opinion so please feel free to comment below and check out my other blogs on this site. I am a Vancouver mortgage broker working with everyone from first home buyers to investors. At the same time I do my best to education the public on how to be more financially savvy over all. If you would like to learn more about mortgages and over all real estate, please check out www.jessijohnson.ca. To subscribe to my vblogs, please click here: www.firsthomeinfo.ca/blog
Live from a hockey game with Ehsan, we discussed this really cool tool he has on his website called MLS Search Plus. The direct link to this tool is here: http://vancouvercondomarket.com/vow.html. One of the many benefits of using a realtor is you get access to the MLX which is the program realtors use to search for properties. This is also the program a realtor uses to upload properties which takes a number of days to hit the public site www.realtor.ca (previously called MLS.ca). The kicker here is you get access to properties before they are easily accessible to the public. Why read last weeks news? In a hot market, a realtor and program such as this is key. Pretty cool if you ask me.
I am always listening for your opinion so please feel free to comment below and check out my other blogs on this site. I am a Vancouver mortgage broker working with everyone from first home buyers to investors. At the same time I do my best to education the public on how to be more financially savvy over all. If you would like to learn more about mortgages and over all real estate, please check out www.jessijohnson.ca. To subscribe to my vblogs, please click here: www.firsthomeinfo.ca/blog
It’s a new year and fresh start for goal setting. How did you do with your goals last year? It’s one thing to have goals and another to write them down but most importantly you must tell people your goals so that you will be held accountable. Create a list of your annual goals, then go backwards to figure out how you will achieve them. Always aim high but remember to not place a goal totally out of reach. Hitting your goals is a very satisfying feeling and will encourage you to make more goals down the road. Remember, you are guaranteed to not hit your goals if you don’t make any.
I am always listening for your opinion so please feel free to comment below and check out my other blogs on this site. I am a Vancouver mortgage broker working with everything from first home buyers to investors. At the same time I do my best to education the public on how to be more financially savvy over all. If you would like to learn more about mortgages and over all real estate, please check out www.jessijohnson.ca. To subscribe to my vblogs, please click here: www.firsthomeinfo.ca/blog
Creating a website is only half the battle. SEO (search engine optimization) is equally important. Remember to do your research with SEO marketing when creating your website. This is something I am personally lacking on my sites but plan to fix in 2010. The essentials of SEO marketing is selecting the keywords you plan to focus on in your website and plastering them throughout your site. Reusing the right keywords and tag throughout will assist Google and other search engines in finding you. There are further tricks to SEO, here are some suggestions:
The proper use of Meta Title and Description Tags is important due to search relevancy and accuracy of site indexing.
Keep your content fresh and the Search Engine Crawlers will notice
Make sure your content is relevant to your targeted crowd
Only include quality outbound links on your site
Stick to your keywords and use them as much as possible
I will use this as an excuse to post my favourite keywords: Vancouver mortgage broker, Vancouver real estate, jessi johnson, jessi johnson live, first time home buyer, first time purchaser, new purchaser, first home info, how to buy real estate, jessijohnson.ca, jessijohnson.com, mortgage video blog.
I am always listening for your opinion so please feel free to comment below and check out my other blogs on this site. I am a Vancouver mortgage broker working with everything from first home buyers to investors. At the same time I do my best to education the public on how to be more financially savvy over all. If you would like to learn more about mortgages and over all real estate, please check out http://www.jessijohnson.ca.
