Power of Sale and Investments

9 OXFORD Street
Woodstock, Ontario N4S6A2

21 DUKE Street
Woodstock, Ontario N4S5V4

191 FERGUSON Drive Unit# 2
Woodstock, Ontario N4V1A4

153 DUNDAS Street
Woodstock, Ontario N4S1A3

466 FINKLE Street Unit# 7
Woodstock, Ontario N4V0B7

Not intended to solicit clients under real estate contract.

Here We Grow Again

We are excited to announce the recent merger of Hometown Financial and The Chatham Mortgage Centre (Diane Gagner).

Julie Brenneman, Principal Broker will continue to serve Woodstock and area clients as well as those in the surrounding Chatham-Kent area. Julie has more than 14 years of expertise in the mortgage industry. Ms. Brenneman, along with her new and current team of mortgage agents want to make it their mission for all clients to have the best experience with all their financing needs. 

As always, we work for our clients, not the lenders. With fast, knowledgeable, and helpful assistance, we aim to make the financing process as quick and stress-free as possible. Reach out, no question is too small.

Check Yourself: 7 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Tackle in September

For most of the country, September signals the end of summer's dog days and a return to fuzzy sweaters, chilly evenings, and, of course, pumpkin spice everything (this is America, after all).

But before those first autumn leaves begin to fall, it's crucial to take a few steps to stave off any cold weather home breakdowns. Luckily, we're here to make it as easy as possible for you with our handy checklist of home maintenance chores to tackle this month. These quick, relatively painless tasks can potentially save you major repair costs down the road.

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CMHC NEW RULES – EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, 2020

On June 4, 2020, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) announced changes to the eligibility rules for mortgage insurance, in the agency’s latest response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes are created “to protect future home buyers and reduce risk” and will take effect July. 1st, 2020.

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Bank of Canada believes this time rate cut will bolster housing market, not fuel froth

Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz suggested Thursday that lower interest rates would not send home prices skyrocketing, but could instead help bolster consumer confidence and the housing market amid the spread of the new coronavirus.

Poloz told reporters following a speech in Toronto that the recent “shock” could weigh on people’s minds, possibly prompting them to be more cautious and hold off on making big purchases, a risk the central bank sought to get ahead of.

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New member of our team!

Welcome Sarah Robertson as our newest marketing assistant. 

She has joined our team after returning from a year abroad in Taiwan and we couldn't be happier!

We look forward to continuing growing our business and serving our community to the best of our ability. 

Power of Sale and Investments

26 STAFFORD Street
Woodstock, Ontario N4S3Z6

1075 CANFIELD CRESCENT
Woodstock, Ontario N4S8P3

983 ALICE STREET
Woodstock, Ontario N4S8B2

5 - 246 Lansdowne Avenue
Woodstock, Ontario N4T1N9

149 EAST PARK DRIVE
Woodstock, Ontario N4S3N1

340 CARTIER DRIVE
Woodstock, Ontario N4S7V1

(not intended to solicit those under real estate contract)

Explaining Mortgage Deferrals and Eligibility

The Principal Broker and CEO For the Mortgage Centre in Woodstock joined Heart FM today to explain how mortgage deferrals work.

Julie Brenneman explains who qualifies for mortgage deferrals right now. 

"Basically anybody who is currently off work because of the coronavirus, whether they have been ordered off work, or if they have been in quarantine because they have been travelling, they are the ones who would qualify for the deferrals." 

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This Quiz Can Tell Exactly How Canadian You Are

Let's have a little fun and fill our time with a little online quiz:

Take Quiz Here...

DIY ideas to keep your kids entertained at home during the COVID-19 pandemic

With most Toronto residents staying at home and indoors, it can be difficult to keep kids entertained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many parents, however, are getting creative, including Sepideh Coady, a mother of two young children.

“Right now we’re not going to the playground. We have to accept it,” Coady tells CTV News Toronto. “And we have to use whatever we have at home to keep them engaged and keep them moving.”

Coady is a yoga and pilates instructor, and has found a way to include her kids, ages two and four, in the physical activity. 

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Chance to Win a Fitbit Versa 2!

We are hoping to help you trim the fat on your bank accounts this year and get you to your financial fitness goals! While giving you the chance to win a fitbit versa 2 to help reach your physical fitness goals.

In order to get you there, we can consolidate those high interest cards and credit by tapping into your home's equity. Each client to refinance or close a home equity loan before April 1st, 2020 will be entered into a draw to win the fitbit versa 2.

Give us a call today!

New mortgage stress test to 'add further fuel' to housing, say experts

The Close Morneau unveils mortgage stress test changesBNN Bloomberg's Greg Bonnell looks at the new changes to the mortgage stress tests unveiled Tuesday.

The federal government announced Tuesday it is easing the “stress test” for insured mortgages, which some experts say will loosen the barrier to entry — even if only somewhat — into Canada’s overheated housing markets. The changes, which take effect April 6, will slightly decrease the threshold, or the minimum rate, a customer has to pay to qualify for insured mortgages, while increasing the amount the customer can borrow.

Below, economists and housing experts weigh in on how these changes may impact the Canadian economy, the highly-indebted consumer, the Bank of Canada’s future decision on interest rates and, of course, the prospective homebuyer.

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Fun Things To Do In Ontario During Spring

Ontario is a beautiful place to be in the spring. As the winter snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom, it is a time of great hope for many people after the darkness of winter. The mild weather means the Ontarians can spend more time outdoors. There are many ways to enjoy the nice weather, including festivals, hiking trails, outdoor tours, and other unique activities. Read on to discover 40+ fun things you can do across Ontario this spring.

Check them out here...

5 REASONS TO BUY A HOUSE IN THE WINTER

Now that the snow is falling, going out to open houses and buying a home may be the last thing on your mind but there are positive motivations to be house shopping now opposed to the summer months.

1. Less competition

As soon as the snow melts, a hoard of buyers go out and try to find a home, unfortunately there aren’t always enough houses to go around leading to heavy competition. When I went to buy a home for the first time in May the first 3 offers that my husband and I submitted were out bid by up to $60,000 over asking price. Thankfully we eventually found a home we loved but the stress of not being able to find a home and not being able to offer as much for a home as others is an awful feeling. During the winter there are less homes for sale but there are a lot less people house hunting which means the first offer you submit may get you the house you want and not just the house that you can get.

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Investment and Power of Sale

250 HURON STREET
Woodstock, Ontario N4S7A1

4 DOVER STREET
Woodstock, Ontario N4S3L8

24 STAFFORD Street
Woodstock, Ontario N4S3Z6

1086 CANFIELD CRESCENT
Woodstock, Ontario N4S8P3

457 SPENCER STREET
Woodstock, Ontario N4S2H8

1093 NELLIS STREET #28
Woodstock, Ontario N4T1P5

[not intended to solicit those under real estate contract]

To-Dos: Your January Home Checklist

January may be cold and dark, but it can also be a time for bold beginnings. Make the most of your month by clearing space in your home, boosting warmth and dreaming up plans for the year ahead. Here are 13 to-dos to give your home a little midwinter TLC.

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Bank of Canada holds interest rate at 1.75%, wary of global slowdown

The Bank of Canada maintained its target overnight interest rate at 1.75 per cent Wednesday, as widely expected by analysts.

Yet Governor Stephen Poloz said Canada has "not been immune" to the effects of a global economic slowdown.

In his opening statement during a meeting with members of the media, Poloz said the "worsening global situation" is the primary issue for the Canadian economy.

"Economic forecasts have been marked down further in most countries, largely as a consequence of the escalation of trade actions and uncertainty around what may be next. Heightened uncertainty about future trade policies is directly reducing business investment, and there is a risk that this will spread to households as well."

In a written statement about the decision and its latest Monetary Policy Report, the central bank said "the outlook for the global economy has weakened further" since its last report in July.

Christmas Movie Trivia - Upper Thames and Molly Blooms

We are hosting not one, but TWO trivia nights this November. One in Woodstock at Upper Thames Brewery and one in Stratford at Molly Blooms. 

For the Woodstock trivia night - reach out to Catie at catie@hometowngroup.ca to register a team now [limited spaces left].

For Molly Blooms trivia night - call and reserve a table at 519-271-2778.

This month, we are doing a Christmas Movie themed trivia night - so brush up on your classics and come on out!

The ins and outs of mortgage pre-approvals and how to polish up your credit score

Murtaza Haider and Stephen Moranis of the Haider-Moranis Bulletin explain the procedure of getting a mortgage approval and why it is so important

Watch Video Here

THE INS AND OUTS PURCHASING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY

With the Summer market ending, now may be the perfect time to consider buying an investment property. Buying an investment property can be very beneficial as a long-term investment with rental income paying down the mortgage and covering any additional costs. The equity you gain from mortgage being paid down and the increasing property prices going up is your gained profit.

Here is some tips you need to consider if serious about buying.

The pre-approval process for buying investment properties

Getting a pre-approval is essential before you go out and start shopping since there’s a lot more factors in investment properties than buying an owner-occupied property (which still needs pre-approval)

Continue article here:

https://mortgagesbyjulie.ca/2019/09/26/the-ins-and-outs-purchasing-an-investment-property/

Back to Budgeting

Autumn is in full swing, and you know what that means; kids are back in school, the air is getting crisper, and we are gearing up for a whole new season.

Let's start off on the right foot, shall we? The team at stnce has put a lot of thought into what you need for a truly comprehensive budgeting tool. And it's free for subscribers, like you!

Step into autumn with confidence, knowing you have your budget on lock.

Get Free Template Here:

https://mailchi.mp/bf6d3d7d4258/back-to-budgeting?e=c6058a7752

70 Best Fall Decorating Ideas to Turn Your Home Into a Seasonal Escape

Colder weather, here we come! It’s time to welcome fall in all its glory with open arms—and guess what? You don't even have to leave your house to do so. With our very best fall decorating ideas, you can invent the indoor oasis of your dreams and make your home look and feel as cozy as possible. Sure, there's a lot to do outside the four walls of your house (pumpkin farm visits, corn mazes, and epic color-changing nature, anyone?), but these indoor fall decor ideas will bring all that magic straight to your living room. Simple additions like festive wreaths, dining room decor, and plaid pillows and blankets make a huge difference.

Of course, you don't have to stay in the living room. A warm decorative runner or forest-inspired wallpaper in the kitchen works too. You’ll also be blown away by the amount of creative centerpiece options we've got here, from wheat sprays in classy cloches to a carved-out pumpkin vase.

On a budget this year? No problem: You can always snag some leaves, pine cones, or branches from a backyard tree, then put them on display in a glass vase. Our craftier autumn decorating ideas will get you there! And after you've finished up inside, don't forget to perfect your front porch with our very best outdoor fall ideas too.

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https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/decorating-ideas/advice/g1536/fall-decorating-ideas/

Pre-Approval Pizza Party!!

Come have dinner on us, and while you're at it, get pre-approved for a mortgage!  We are hosting a pizza party with Bill McLeod at Century 21 Woodstock, centred around getting people started on the home buying process.

We will be discussing buying a home with no down payment, and other options to get you into the real estate market, including the new CMHC plan to help with down payment.

OR, if you are looking to buy a new home, we can let you know what you can afford this time around! We will be taking pre-approval applications right then and there.

So come on down September 11th from 6pm-8pm, get some free pizza and get pre-approved!!!

To-Dos: Your September Home Checklist

Prep your home for cooler weather with these tasks to do in an hour, over a weekend and during the month. 

From the first days, which probably still feel like summer, to the last, when you may notice that first chill in the air, September is a time of transition. Get your home ready for the season ahead by ticking off these to-dos, from adding cozy layers to scheduling necessary maintenance — and then curl up in your favorite chair and savor the comforts of home.

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Canada considers applying mortgage stress test rules to private lenders, sources say

Concerns that lenders’ rapid growth poses threat to economic stability.

Canada is considering subjecting private lenders to the same mortgage stress test rules faced by banks to prevent housing markets from being destabilized by the lenders’ rapid growth, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

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Our New Stratford Office!

Our new Stratford office is officially up and running and we couldn't be more excited!

Special thank you to all those who came out to support our new location at our open house. This would not have been possible without the support and dedication of not only our Mortgage Centre team, but our loyal clients and partners as well!

We want to thank you all for everything you have done, helping us get to where we are now, and for the love and support we continue to recieve on a daily basis!

So, come on down and check out our new office, or, visit our new Facebook page for the Stratford office to stay up to date on all info and events; including our upcoming Trivia Night!!

To-Dos: Your August Home Checklist

With the transition from summer travels to the beginning of a new school year (and maybe some back-to-work blues), August can feel like a sudden downshift from the fun of vacation. Stretch out these last days of summer by squeezing in a few more home projects, savoring simple pleasures and, when the time comes, cleaning up the beach toys and preparing the house for a busy fall. Pick from these 13 to-dos to create your perfect August plan.

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25 DIY Projects to Tackle Before Summer Ends

Now's the time to wrap up these home improvement projects before the weather turns.

You've still got a few weeks left to tackle those last-minute DIY projects you've been meaning to get to all summer. Make these last few moments count!

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GRAND OPENING!!

We are proud to announce the grand opening of a new Mortage Centre location in Stratford!

Come on out July 19th to help us celebrate our new location and enjoy some fries from Ken's French Fries!!

Details:

Date: July 19th

Time: 12-2pm

Location: 206 Ontario St Stratford

Your July Home Checklist

Care for your house inside and out, and enjoy the good times of summer

Parades and fireworks and clambakes. With summer in full swing, the month of July can seem to zip by. Make the most of your month with these 14 to-dos, covering everything from weekend guests to flag etiquette.

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15 Brilliant Ways To Keep Your Home Cool Without Air Conditioning

In warmer months, it's tempting to crank the AC or plant yourself in front of the nearest fan. But these aren't the only tricks to keeping cool. It turns out there are plenty of ways to buffer your home from the heat without racking up your electric bill. And they’ll make you feel like a DIY champ, too.

Keep your cool, and…

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