Here are a few resources that will help you navigate the Olympics:

The road closures have already begun. If you have to drive be sure to check for closures and restrictions ahead of time. Many of the major downtown routes will have Olympic Vehicles only lanes. You might decide to walk or take public transport instead!

Visit travelsmart2010.ca for road closures and parking restriction maps.

Want to share a ride? Find ride matches at  ride-share.com.

Buses, Sky Train and Sea Bus maps and schedules

Did you know the Olympic Line is FREE?
The Olympic Line connects Granville Island to the Canada Line Olympic Village Station (Cambie Street and West 2nd Avenue) between January 21 and March 21, 2010.
For more information on the Olympic Line CLICK HERE

MAPS, MAPS AND MORE MAPS

From walking tours and routes, to a public art map and transportation routes for transport trucks, to a half dozen city maps of various kinds.  FIND THEM HERE

WHAT’S HAPPENING on and around the Olympics?

VANCOUVER2010.COM is the main website for the Olympics. You could spend hours on the site finding interesting stuff to do.

Information about the VENUES for both sporting and non-sporting events

CULTURAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Not interested in sports, or want a good dose of culture too? There is so much to do you’ll want to hire a social secretary. For your dose of culture CLICK HERE

Let’s not forget about RICHMOND and   WHISTLER

This year Justin and I were once again recipients of The Mortgage Group’s Summit Award. The purpose of the Summit Awards is to acknowledge the top producing brokers in the company.

Part of the Summit Award was a trip to a Five Star resort in Mexico.

Here are Justin and myself with two other Summit Award winners, Monique Cornish and John Charbonneau.

Honest … we didn’t have THAT much to drink, but somehow they managed to get us to pose for the following.    Cast your vote for your favorite mortgage team costumes!

Surf and Turf Team Special

Team Arriba!!

We’re planning on even MORE fun next year!

Here’s a market update from our friends at Macdonald Realty; Simon Clayton, Kristie Marsden, Jason Low, Sandra Ens, Jason Feinstadt and Jenny Stephanson.

Welcome to 2010!

Last year at this time, uncertainty from the financial sector spilled over into every facet of the economy. The housing market was hardest hit as buyers and sellers froze in fear of whatever bad news lurked around the corner. However, by April, it looked as though the worst of the crisis was over, and pent-up demand, especially amongst first-time buyers, began to thaw the frozen housing market.

Fast-forward to today and it’s almost as though the crisis never happened. In many areas, prices are back up to pre-financial crisis levels, and multiple offer situations have been occurring throughout the winter months - traditionally the real estate market’s coolest period.

This year, we are expecting that momentum to continue as the strength of the winter selling season moves into the traditionally stronger spring. The continued ascension from this most recent recession is expected to be a positive factor in the market, as will Canada’s new Approved Destination Status with China. In addition, there is mild optimism that the seven-year build-up to the Olympics will translate into greater economic activity throughout Western Canada, although the jury is still out on whether this will affect house sales activity or prices.

Regardless, 2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year on a number of fronts. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.

January 2010 Market Update

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us by phone or by clicking on one of the links below:

Simon Clayton 604-764-0711

Kristie Marsden 778-836-4389

Jason Low 604-790-5276

Sandra Ens 604-263-1911

Jenny Stephanson 604-675-6214

Jason Feinstadt 604-263-1911

MacDonald Realty 604-263-1911

If you have been following the controversy, you probably are aware that the new combined GST and PST (HST) will come into affect on July 1st, 2010.   That’s an extra whammy of 7% being added to purchases (goods and services) that never had them before.  That’s right … instead of paying 5% GST on many goods and services, you will now be paying 13%.

If you are buying a home … will that affect you?  YES … on NEW home purchases.

IF you are considering purchasing a NEW home … now is the time to buy because on July 1st  the price will automatically go up an additional 7%  (total 13%).

Every year The Mortgage Group hands out its annual awards for the Top Mortgage Brokers in Canada.  This is our fourth year in a row to win the award.

Here we are at the annual company party getting our award.  The owners of The Mortgage Group are Grant (left) and Debbie Thomas (right), and that’s us in the middle … Justin on the left and Mike on the right.   The award means a lot to us … as does YOUR continued support!

According to all the financial experts, the answer to that question is an unqualified YES.

In a nutshell, you are taking on a good debt when you are “investing” in your future.  Bad debts are incurred when you are buying something today or paying off something you purchased in the past that will depreciate in value.  Most credit card debts are bad debts … you just HAVE to get that wide screen TV right now. You need a holiday and can’t really afford it, so you slap that onto the credit card as well. You are basically taking on debt with no hope of ever recouping your interest payments.  You would not be able to resell that TV set for even 1/2 of what you paid for it, the minute after you walked out of the store.

Here are a few examples of good debt … an investment in your future:

• Borrowing money to maximize your RRSP contributions will help you grow your tax sheltered retirement fund faster.
• Investment properties including your home or rental properties.
• Student loans are an investment in a good career, and your future earnings.
• A business loan, will help build and grow your business.

Bad debt will end up limiting your resources becasue you are not only paying for the product or service, but are paying a high price for servicing your debt.

• Maintaining a balance on credit cards or department store cards. If you can’t pay off your credit card monthly, reconsider your purchase.
• Using borrowed money to purchase items that will depreciate in value.
• Cash advances on your credit card. Unlike other purchases, interest starts accumulating the instant you get the cash advance.
• Deferred payments … such as “do not pay until 2011″ have hidden financing charges. You are paying for the “privilege” of the deferred payment, it is just hidden in the setup charges.

Justin Blacklock and Mike Averbach can advise on a mortgage strategy that meets your needs, including consolidating high interest consumer debt into your mortgage.  Call today to learn about all your financing options.