Vaccines are Here – Can Higher Interest Rates be far behind?

 Vaccines are Here – Can Higher Interest Rates be far behind?

How Long Can Interest Rates Stay Low Once Vaccines Arrive?

The announcements, two so far this month, about a vaccine for Covid-19 have taken markets by storm. When news broke that drug makers, Pfizer and Moderna had COVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs that appeared 90-94.5 % effective, the Dow Jones industrial average soared and the Toronto market also took off. Canadian oil and gas shares shot up with the prospect of people once again taking road trips and climbing aboard planes. The price of oil rose 10 %.

2019 Arrival of Corona-virus - Bank of Canada Cut Interest Rates

To help the economy struggle through the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem, cut rates by 50 bps to 1.25 % on March 4th 2020, bringing borrowing costs to the lowest since June 2018. It is the first time since March 2009 that the central bank slashed rates by 50bps.

Good News is Bad News for Borrowers

If you are thinking of buying a home, good news is often bad news for you, the 'Borrower'. According to Macklem, central bankers may not be thinking about hiking rates soon but a sudden surge of optimism that the pandemic  is over, which has until now felt endless, could mean that borrowers must at least think about the idea that rates will not stay near zero forever.

Fixed Rate or Variable Rate - Time to Talk with Your Mortgage Broker

You may be considering what a victory over COVID-19 will mean for the mortgage rates you now pay. Traditionally the variable rate mortgage averaged lower than the fixed rate but over the next 5 years the opposite could be true. You may consider this a time to lock in your mortgage.

Next Monetary Policy Report, MPR

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is December 9, 2020 with a full update of the Bank's outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, expected January 20, 2021.

Call me if you have any questions 403-680-4479

Go Big! - Home Owners Seek to Upgrade

 Go Big! - Home Owners Seek to Upgrade 

Big Backyard - Big-time Fun

The Trend for Tiny Homes is a Thing of the Past

The recent market trend for that tiny, more efficient home has ended. Covid-19 has changed the way people live and where they work. Goodbye commute, many Calgarians work from home. This is a movement that will stay for the 'for-seeable' future and may be a development that is here forever. People think about the square footage they now occupy day in and day out. They want to increase the space of their home and by a lot!

Single Family Home Sales are Up

The time when buying downtown meant a place to invest is no longer a sure bet, at least not for the time being. The real estate movement these days is buying into suburbs, up by 45%. The average price is in the $600,000 range. Consequently, apartment sales this past season have fallen by one per cent compared with the same time last year.

Main Floor Office Space a High Priority.

"Buyers during the COVID pandemic are favouring larger homes," says Barb Richardson, senior vice-president at Sotheby's International Realty of Canada. It reflects a growing preference among buyers for space. Having plenty of room especially for an office on the main floor is important. "Office space in homes is paramount," she says.

Big Backyards are in Demand

Most families dream of a back yard where the kids can play and be safe. Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, it is more important than ever. Recent numbers from the Calgary Real Estate Board show that there is an increase in buyers wanting a big yard, landscaping and even a vegetable garden.

Think of Selling to Upgrade - Don't Expect a Crowd at Open Houses

Calgary realtors say they are surprised by the level of activity in the city's housing market but open houses aren't what they used to be. The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) has reported that much has changed when it comes to open houses because of Covid-19.

New technology with 3-D scans of the homes, inside and out allows buyers and sellers to have open houses 24/7 online. Realtors have stated that website traffic has definitely spiked since the pandemic hit.

Any questions? Give Chris a call 403-6804479