The anticipated growth in the influence of seniors on the housing market in the future as their share of the population rises from about 14 per cent to almost 24 per cent by 2036. Urban core housing need improved between 2002 and 2008 as 87% of urban Canadian households either had, or could afford, acceptable housing in 2008.

After two consecutive quarters of deterioration, Canada's housing affordability has improved modestly in the third quarter, according to the latest Housing Trends and Affordability Report released today by RBC Economics. "Elevated uncertainty relating to the European sovereign-debt crisis and the downside risk for economic growth have contributed to keeping interest rates at low levels," said Craig Wright, senior vice-president and chief economist, RBC. "The lower interest rate environment - which also includes mortgage rates - has played a part in slightly reducing the costs of owning a home in Canada in the third quarter."

October 17-23 is Canada's third annual Financial Planning Week and as part of its campaign to get more Canadians engaged in their financial wellbeing, Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC®) hit the streets to hear what Canadians are saying about money.

Despite another slowdown in the economy, Canadian private companies are still aiming for growth and expansion. In fact, their confidence level is the highest it's been since 2005. This year's Business Insights survey showed that 82% of respondents are striving for growth compared to 66% last year.

TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - Canadian entities have announced $1.42 billion worth of acquisitions in China over the last nine months, a 158% increase over annual 2010 dollars volumes, says PwC's latest M&A report to clients, the Capital Markets Flash. This upward trend outpaced the broader Canadian M&A market over the same period, where M&A dollar volumes remained 5% higher than 2010 and 33% less than the 2007 peak.

Statistics Canada reported this week that Canada’s household debt-to-income ratio crossed 150% (150.8% to be exact) in the second quarter of this year. That continues to put its debt ratio on an upward trend that is surpassing other countries like the US. In turn, it prompted concerns about household leverage and the impact of an extended period of low interest rates.

Housing investment edged up 0.2%, a much slower pace than the 1.8% advance in the first quarter. After two consecutive quarterly gains, ownership transfer costs related to housing resale activity declined 7.8%. In contrast, new housing construction rose 4.1%. Renovation activity was flat this quarter.

The British Columbia commercial real estate investment market maintained its traditional strength in the first half of 2011 after reaching record deal and dollar volume highs in 2010. During the first six months of 2011, $594 million was invested in 36 transactions involving office, industrial and retail assets in BC.

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - A new poll from CIBC conducted by Harris-Decima shows that while Canadians are taking steps towards reducing their debt in 2011, many still see their debt as an obstacle to achieving their financial goals, and may not be using all available options to help them become debt-free sooner.

The Canadian housing market is becoming highly segmented and multi-dimensional which is making traditional measures, like average prices, increasingly irrelevant in gauging the health and state of the sector, finds a new report from CIBC World Markets Inc. "Glancing at popular metrics such as the price-to-income ratio or the price-to-rent ratio, it is tempting to conclude that the housing market is already in clear bubble territory and a huge crash is inevitable," writes Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, in his latest Consumer Watch Canada report.

The June issue of Mortgage Journal magazine is available online.

Toronto has leapt into the number two spot in the world in the just-released PwC survey of "Cities of Opportunity" - the consultancy's fourth analysis "of the trajectory of 26 cities, all capitals of finance, commerce and culture." New York is slightly ahead of Toronto in first place, while San Francisco, Stockholm and Sydney round out the top five.

TORONTO, April 12 /CNW/ - Steeper gas and food prices are significantly impacting Canadians and their budgets, according to 45 per cent of the Canadians surveyed by the quarterlyRBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index (RBC CCO). These rising costs were registering highest among those living in Ontario (51 per cent), Atlantic Canada (49 per cent) and Quebec(48 per cent).

With the Decline in Value of American Real Estate, Leger Study Shows 20 per cent of Canadians Would Consider Purchasing a Home or Property South of the Border. Men Are More Likely Than Women to Purchase a Home in the U.S. (29 per cent Versus 16 per cent). BMO Economics Indicates the U.S. Housing Market Has Likely Bottomed and Is Expected to Strengthen by Next Year.

What's the best thing you've done for your business?

Canada Real Estate Magazine asked: "What do you love about your job?"

Gary Siegle, one of three recipients of the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame award, says he attributes three things to his accomplished career. He takes some time to talk to JAC News about the career he has enjoyed over the past 38 years.

Troy Alexander, a mortgage broker with VERICO Select Mortgage in Victoria, BC, recently returned from a two week aid mission to help children with cleft-lips in the Philippines. Mr. Alexander was one of three Canadians on the twenty-seven member team that participated in a medical mission with Rotaplast International, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that offers cleft-lip surgery to children in need. “My thought on day one when I landed in Cebu was one of awe. I have never been to a developing or third world country so had no idea what to expect..."

Jan Rice is one of three inductees to the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame. Canada Real Estate Magazine talks to Ms. Rice about her serendipitous start to an accomplished career in the mortgage industry as well as her current position as CMHC National Manager of Insurance Business Development and the services that CMHC provides to mortgage brokers.

Canada Real Estate Magazine speaks to Hali Strandlund, Chair of CAAMP, as her term comes to an end.

Pierre Martel is one of three inductees to the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame. Canada Real Estate Magazine talks to Mr. Martel about his passion for the industry and what's truly at the core of his business. “I received a phone call from Colin Dreyer, Chair of the nominating committee and I was completely taken by surprise,” says Martel. “I am very honored to receive this recognition from my peers and to join a league of such remarkable professionals who are pillars of the industry.”

Kelly Curtis speaks to JAC news about one memorable coffee meeting during the summer of 2006 which would become the start of Canadian Mortgage Designers Inc. Kelly also talks about her role in developing the MBABC Applied Information Course for new brokers and offers some advice for those wanting to join this industry.

The Bank of Canada forecasts that, as a result of the crisis, cumulative foregone economic output from 2009 to 2012 will be 16 per cent of GDP in Europe and 9 per cent of GDP in Canada (see Appendix, Chart 1). Over the longer term, we estimate that these shortfalls could grow to about 40 per cent and 30 per cent of respective GDP. Given the synchronous nature of this global crisis, there are reasons to fear such severe outcomes.

Jessi Johnson, President of VERICO Jessi Johnson Mortgage Team, has one of the strongest social media presences in the mortgage brokerage industry. Mr. Johnson takes some time to talk to JAC News about the role of social media in this industry and his unique experience thus far in his career.

"Operating for 27 years in the Mortgage Business doesn't come easy," states Wayne Sudsbury, President of VERICO Homeguard Funding Ltd, on the company’s website. With over three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Mr. Sudsbury has truly seen it all. Read about Mr. Sudsbury observations on how the industry has evolved since the 1980s and his advice to those just starting out in their careers.

Mark Squire, National Bank’s Director of Broker Services and Virtual Banking, expects the rest of 2010 slow down. “Talking with other lenders and what we have experienced ourselves, we went into 2010 very strong and ahead of where we thought we were going to be. We are noticing a slow down in our pipeline. 2010 is going to be a bit slower, there is still a lot of business out there, we just need to work a little harder to get it. For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, I think it will be balanced and level off”

Ellen Watt, Vice President of Broker Distribution at Macquarie, discusses the lender’s strategy to further develop relationships with independent brokers. Macquarie utilizes the 80/20 rule as part of its growth strategy and focuses on brokers who consistently work with Macquarie. Ellen also introduces us to Macquarie’s new Bridge product, which will be launched this summer.

Ron Swift, President of MCAP Service Corporation, believes that competition will be fierce in the second half of 2010. The combination of factors including the beginning of a market slow down, new rules from insurers, new qualifying rules from the Department of Finance, HST and taxation issues will result in aggressive campaigns from major banks and its sales forces.
In an effort to help brokers stay competitive, Ron also discusses the various tools that MCAP offer independent brokers to help them stay competitive.
His best tip to mortgage brokers? Be knowledgeable about your local marketplace and also the domestic and international financial markets. The ability to interpret this knowledge will help your clients select a product that right for them.

Canada Mortgage Magazine was invited into the home of Gord Dahlen, President and CEO of Invis and Mortgage Intelligence, to talk about the synergies of the two companies since the 2008 merger, the culture of its brokers and what the future holds for these two organizations. We learn a little more about Mr. Dahlen who chose a path less traveled when he decided to leave an executive position at MCAP to pursue an entrepreneurial career that has culminated in the leadership of two of the biggest names on the Canadian mortgage landscape.

Person to person with Colin Dreyer, President and CEO of Verico.

Mr. Dreyer shares with JAC News his thoughts about industry-leader Verico’s upcoming fifth-anniversary and the defining of quality and professionalism within the industry. In this in-depth video interview, Mr. Dreyer also reflects on the recent industry rule changes, lender efficiencies, the industry moving forward, the importance of association involvement and in giving back to the community.

The CAAMP Vancouver Symposium held this week was by any measure a success. Member attendance was strong resulting in ample networking opportunities for brokers and the trade show floor and break-out sessions were informative and entertaining. JAC spent time with Hali Strandlund, Chair of CAAMP, to discuss a range of issues including the associations goals and priorities for 2010 and beyond.

With the upcoming launch of his new book “The Canadian Real Estate Action Plan: Proven Investment Strategies to Kick-Start and Build Your Portfolio”, JAC News asked Peter Kinch what inspired him to become an author and what general knowledge-gap he felt needed to be filled.

As co-author of the number-one bestseller “97 Tips for Canadian Real Estate Investors”, “The Canadian Real Estate Action Plan” is his first solo-effort and has already received positive reviews from senior industry executives.

JAC News Corp. one-on-one with Margo Wynhofen, incoming President of The Independent Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario (IMBA) and her thoughts about The Association and Industry in general.

Mortgage brokers are getting bigger, faster and stronger says Garth Ellis, owner of VERICO Ellis Mortgages Canada. He says that the opportunity for brokers in today’s market lies in the sophisticated level of industry knowledge, association services and business tools offered by organizations such as VERICO. “Consumers are looking for a second opinion and when they get that second opinion, they go to an independent mortgage broker. We have the opportunity to demonstrate how much we offer before, during and after the mortgage process…”

Leann Riguidel, Owner of VERICO Universal Mortgage Solutions, is a strong believer in community giving and so is heavily involved with the Red Deer Hospice and the Children Services Centre.

Pat Dell, Owner of VERICO Crown Mortgage Services, says she enjoys helping clients achieve the Canadian dream of home ownership and that there are many opportunities for mortgage brokers in the new home owner market and also those who need a second mortgage.

Roslyn Goldmintz, founder of VERICO RBG Realty Mortgage Brokerage, says that there were more industry changes in the past year than in the past 20 years combined. And she expects more to come. “…I think there will be a lot more changes coming forward and they are going to happen a lot faster. It is really important that as brokers we learn to adjust and adapt if we want to continue to provide the level of service that we should be to our client base…”

Don MacVicar , President of VERICO Premiere Mortgage Centre, talks about the important role of mortgage brokers in today’s marketplace and offers his views on the mortgage landscape. With locations in Altantic Canada and GTA, Don has carved out the organization’s niche with a full service relocation business in addition to providing consumers with mortgage and financial expertise.

Marty Coubrough, co-owner of VERICO One Link Mortgage & Financial says the Winnipeg and Manitoba economies are continuing on a positive track as evident in the thriving construction and major infrastructure projects across the city. He also talks about his role in government relations at CAMMP and some of the issues that they are currently dealing with.

Person to Person with Garth Ellis, recipient of the National Bank Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent CMP Awards Gala.

GE: Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award means a lot to me because it represents just how far the mortgage brokerage industry has come since I started my career. When I first entered the industry, only 4% of Canadians used a mortgage broker for their real estate financing needs. Of that 4%, much of the business was sub-prime. So at that time, possibly only 1 or 2% of Canadians who could be classified as A-1 clients looking for an A-1 mortgage sought the help of a mortgage broker. It has taken a lot of hard work, by a lot of mortgage brokers, over a lot of years to convert the Canadian public one by one, to accept and embrace mortgage brokers as their preferred choice when securing real estate financing.