Life expectancy at birth continued to rise, reaching a new high of 80.9 years during the three-year period from 2006 to 2008. This was up 0.2 years from 2005-2007.
Life expectancy at birth was above the national average in three provinces: British Columbia (81.4 years), Ontario (81.3 years) and Quebec (81.0 years).
The lowest life expectancy at birth was recorded in the three territories combined (75.2 years). Continue reading
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.1% in the 12 months to August, mainly as a result of higher prices for gasoline and food purchased from stores. This follows increases of 2.7% in July and 3.1% in June. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3% in August.
The 0.4 percentage point difference between the year-over-year increases posted in August and July was mainly the result of price increases for the purchase of passenger vehicles, electricity, homeowners’ home and mortgage insurance, telephone services and jewellery. Continue reading
From townhouses to triplexes, there are numerous types of properties available to Canadian consumers. Not sure what layout works best for your family? Then check out our explanation of typical housing types below. Your mortgage payments and regular monthly bills may change depending on the kind of house you acquire, therefore it is vital that you carefully weigh the pros and cons related to each design before you make your final decision.
Condominiums, or condominiums as they’re commonly referred to, are a popular form of housing in larger cities. Inside a condominium contract, you own the unit, but do not own the land the unit is situated on, or any of the common space (lobby, gardens, and so on) outside of your unit. In order to ensure the suitable maintenance of these areas, condo proprietors are generally charged a monthly “condo fee.” Fee’s additionally help take care of things like elevator maintenance tasks, snow removal, and the use of any onsite recreational establishments (swimming pools, work-out devices, etc.). Don’t forget, these types of monthly fees are in addition to your residence mortgage payments. Continue reading
When you pay your charge card, electricity or even water bills, you’re establishing your credit track record and developing a good credit ranking. Having a good credit score will show banks, loan providers, as well as mortgage businesses that you are financially sensible as well as able to make normal repayments. In the end exactly what this achieves, is it allows you to obtain a mortgage to purchase a home.
However, in the event you miss obligations on your payments, or pay them late, you might have established a poor credit rating, or are on your path to one. Whether it is outstanding financial debt, the credit you utilize in comparison to what’s accessible, payment background, or derogatory credit score details, several elements play a role in your overall credit rating.
As you look to develop your credit score, whether you’re a first-time , new immigrant to Canada, or just someone who is looking to get back on target financially, here are some tips to get started on establishing a credit standing:
• Have a checking account in your name: Regardless of whether you open your own checking or individual savings account, merely doing deposits, withdrawals, and transfers from that account established in your name will advise you can manage your finances conscientiously.
• Start with a smaller loan: Lots of people borrow to buy a car before they will ever purchase a residence. Showing you can regularly make repayments promptly for a smaller financial loan, demonstrates you will have a similar ability for a larger financial loan.
• Credit is your friend: With regards to establishing a credit rating, one method to successfully do that is usually to have other types of credit such as credit cards. Begin with gas station or department store charge cards, that are easier to obtain than the usual major charge card, make steady installments, and watch your credit score develop.
• Good credit rating will take time: Developing a solid credit record and credit history will take time and responsibility. Select a couple of things you know you can handle financially; stay on track with all your payments, and show mortgage businesses and lenders that you have evidence of your financial consistency.
Know Your Credit Ranking
Beyond just practicing these items for your credit ratings and also to establish your credit track record, you should always bear in mind specifically of what your credit rating score is. Equifax Canada as well as TransUnion are two major Canadian credit rating companies that can provide, for a small fee, a copy of your credit history and credit score.
For years, people across Canada have been turning run down, old properties into money, by transforming homes into income properties. Although most people who watch home renovation or real estate television shows can picture themselves quickly fixing or transforming a property for a financial return, it isn’t always that easy. If done correctly however, renovating your first home to become an income property can help you pay your mortgage, and in the long run, make you money. Here are some things to consider before you turn your home into an income property:
Do your research first
Why would you attempt to renovate a home if you aren’t increasing or at least breaking even in the value of the home? If you plan to rent out the home, (the most common form of an income property), make sure you can meet the industry standard, which is to pay back the cost of your renovations within two years rent. If you can meet these two points, you might be ready to renovate.
Two heads are better than one
If you can, never go it alone. Entering this type of venture with a partner gives you more financial security, allows you to delegate work and tasks, and ultimately, it’s good just to have someone next to you through the highs and lows of the renovation process.
Budget, re-budget, and prepare to budget again
Once you’ve got a design and a quote from a professional contractor, make sure you plan to have a slush fund available for the unexpected. As a simple rule, the more you do in a home, the more damage or issues you might uncover. Things like faulty electrical, mould, structural issues, or any combination of troubles are not uncommon once you start opening walls. To be safe, make your budget, and then add 25% on top of the quote to help ease the surprise and stress connected to these types of issues.
Know your choices and make it liveable
Are you going to create a simple basement apartment, split your home into a duplex, or invite multiple tenants by dividing further? Larger spaces will allow you to demand a higher rent, potentially getting you nearer to mortgage free living. At the same time however, you need to make each space liveable. No one wants a bedroom that will only fit a single bed and no furniture, a kitchen with zero counter space, or a bathroom where you’re stepping over the toilet to get to the sink. Your space needs to be easy to rent, and one that will meet the needs to a variety of tenants.
Make it sound and fireproof
As soon as you welcome tenants into your income property, you’re inviting the risk of annoying sound pollution, and even added fire hazards. This is why when you’re renovating your income property, it’s important to put in quality drywall and other barriers to protect the rest of your home against sound invasion, and to serve as a fire barrier.
From the outside in
Before you worry about what tile to put down, or what colour to paint the walls, consider the entrance to your income property. Not only is this important in terms of curb appeal, but tenants typically prefer their own, secured, private entrance to a home. Shared entrances are sometimes acceptable as long as no one’s living space overlaps, but a separate, private entrance is ideal. As well, consider the surface of the entrance and safety to avoid complaints, lawsuits, or costly repairs. No one ever wants a tenant to fall down a slippery and dark stairwell on the way to their basement apartment.
There is a lot to consider before you renovate an income property. If done correctly, however, you could be on your way to mortgage free living and a future source of additional income. For more information on mortgage budgeting and real estate investing, contact the mortgage brokers at FamilyLending.ca
Chanteille Kennedy Writer for FamilyLending.ca