Ottawa, ON, February 18, 2020 – Earlier today, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau announced changes to the mortgage stress test.

The new benchmark rate used to determine the minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages, coming into effect on April 6, 2020, will be the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insurance applications, plus 2 per cent.

Recently, the gap between the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate and borrowers’ actual contract rates has been widening, suggesting the benchmark rate has become less responsive to changes in the market.

In October 2016, Finance Canada introduced a stress test for insured mortgages. In 2017, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) issued…

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What is it?

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. We have some of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial women in our offices and we want to showcase our support for gender equality. Read More about the history and values of International women's day

What is the #EachForEqual pose?

Get a group together with arms out front at right angle to the body, elbows bent and palms down to make an equal sign to show that you are committing to being "each for equal" and that you will challenge the status quo and help forge women's equality. One or more of the group holds the Selfie Cards. Someone takes a picture. Post on social media using #IWD2020 #EachforEqual…

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Kim McCurdy - MaxWell Challenge Realty

Angel Godson-Onumejor - MaxWell Elite Realty

Nancy Dere-Akande - MaxWell Elite Realty

Cathrine Watson - MaxWell Elite Realty

Pardeep Brar - MaxWell Polaris

Arsh Brar - MaxWell Polaris

Eric Dennis - MaxWell Capital Bridges

Glenn Jorgensen - MaxWell Progressive Realty

Kevin Carmichael - MaxWell Progressive  Realty

Jake McIntyre - MaxWell Capital Bridges

Dale Hildebrand - MaxWell South Star Realty

Robert Vanouwerkerk - MaxWell Excel Reatly

GauravNagpal - MaxWell Elite Realty

Kim Lillo - MaxWell Polaris

Rejo Mathew - MaxWell Progressive Realty

MonicaPaolini - MaxWell Polaris

Manpreet Singh - MaxWell Central

Dragic Janjic - MaxWell Devonshire Realty

 

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Broker/owner of MaxWell Excel Realty, Wayne A Gatza, is excited to be joining the MaxWell Network. We had the pleasure of interviewing Wayne, and it was a wonderful moment getting to know him.

Here are eight questions with Wayne:

1. How many years in the industry as an agent?

I began an agent in 2008 so for 12 years now

2. What led you to want to make the change to being an owner/broker?

I always had aspirations to be a broker. In 2015 I had looked into being a broker/ owner with Realty Executives, but the territory was owned by someone else who tried to recruit me, but I wasn’t interested. Then I saw the MaxWell Realty email in June 2019, and the rest is history.

3. Was there anything that surprised you or you may not have…

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People process large decisions differently.

Most of the time relationships work because your partner tends to balance you out. This also means that you and your partner will have different points of view on certain things, and at time can drive each other bonkers. 

In most cases, you and your partner will argue when buying or selling a property. You and your partner are unique, but you're not alone. This is a high stress situation and can be very emotional. So let's talk about how to stay together while looking for a property!

**Note: I (Sandi Hegland) do not hold a psychology degree. I've helped a lot of couples buy homes and have mediated tons of arguments. I have shoved many bottles of wine into client's hands and assigned the homework:…

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City Of Airdrie |159 Windford Street SW | Airdrie 

 

There is definitely something about Airdrie, that only the people from Airdrie can understand, something that makes the city a great place to live & visit.

A stop at the Nose Creek Valley Museum might hint toward our history, where early settlers founded a stopping point for the steam trains to take on a drink of the fresh Nose Creek waters, or a historic connection to our sister city in Scotland might depict a king's naming over Airdries' high elevations. Whether you perceive it as a 'small-town feel' or 'small city attitude'; Airdrie is filled with rustic charm and authentic appeal, farm-fresh experiences, innovative technologies, urban design, neighborly sentiment and family-focused events…

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What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria.

What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want?

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough. 

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement. If…

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We're in the final stretch of winter and spring is so close I can almost feel it. Although, that may just be another chinook on the horizon. Whether you're counting down the days to warmer weather or trying to sneak in one last ski day, one thing we all may have in common are those winter blues. I've compiled a list of 5 things you can do to get you through the last cold month.

1. Get outside! Lack of sunlight can cause a drop in your serotonin levels and a rise in melatonin levels resulting in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

2. Eat wholesome foods! What we eat has so much more to do with our moods than we think. Give your body foods rich in vitamins and drink your water! You will be pleasantly surprised by your improved mood.

3.…

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With 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary hitting the Real Estate Market, it is time to answer the age old question: Why Live in Legacy, Calgary?

Legacy

Legacy is a residential neighborhood located in the SE of Calgary, Alberta. The community of Legacy has roughly 15 km of scenic pathways that pass serene ponds, wide open green spaces the ridge of the environmental reserve making Legacy a wonderful option for walk-ability. There is ample space to cycle, jog, stroll, enjoy a coffee or picnic wherever you choose. You can even walk from one end of the community to the other without ever leaving the pathways. Legacy is home to: All Saints High School, A future Public Junior High School, Separate K-9 School, Public Elementary School. Kids of all ages can go to…

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Selling Your Home Now? Embrace the Season

Embracing the festive season can be a great way to make your home more marketable this winter.

Is your home currently for sale? Consider these tips:

1. Add a festive wreath to the door and potted chrysanthemums on the porch.

2. Clean up the fireplace and set up fresh logs. You can even light a fire before the buyers arrive.

3. Install twinkling lights along your front and back porch to create a more welcoming atmosphere.

4. Spray festive scents like pine, peppermint or apple pie in the main living areas.

Buyers want a place where they can spend their own future holidays with loved ones. Embrace the season and show them your house is that place!

 

 

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