The Mortgage Rate Rise: What Is the Impact?

In August to September of 2013, Canadian banks started to increase their five year fixed mortgage rate. The popular five year closed fixed rate was increased by all of the major banks.

 

Rates are still ridiculously low by historic standards, but quite a bit higher than rates were even last year, when under 3.00% was possible for a five year fixed mortgage. Lower rates are possible with other lenders on a case-by-case basis.

Why have rates increased?

The five year closed fixed mortgage rate is a closely watched metric, and is controlled to a large degree by the bond markets. The rate is priced relative to the yield on a five year Canadian bond. That yield has been increasing as of late, which has caused the banks to adjust their five year mortgage rate upwards.

The primary reason for the increase in bond yields is because the American economy is improving and growing again. This causes many to feel that our GDP may increase, stoking inflation fears. Increased inflation expectations  cause bond buyers to demand higher yields on bond investments. Other factors include our weakening Canadian dollar and a cyclical shift from bonds into stocks globally.

What is the likely impact of a rate increase?

If recent history is any guide, the increase in rates will be short lived - in the sense that the rates have been adjusted up and are likely to stay at their new level throughout the winter. The uptick in rates has caused a boost in the Toronto real estate market, with condos sales and prices showing improvement along with the already strong low-rise home market. This is inevitable, as home buyers who were pre-approved at the lower rates rush to find homes and close deals with home sellers before their pre-approval expires or is adjusted upwards.

 

Once this temporary demand boost is satiated, it's likely that the market will slow over the winter months. If the global economy does not provide any large surprise, it is likely that rates will come down in the spring - or at least the discounted rates offered by banks will fall. Banks will want to boost lending and spur the market during the spring months, so incentives are more than likely during this period.

Our ReMax Real Estate Team uses the following principles to help keep our team focused and efficient. Our realtors and support staff have been implementing these strategies for time management in both work and personal areas of their lives and found themselves to be more productive and less stressed. 

Please read the following tips and remarks from Remax Realtor Jay Magnussen and let us know in your comments tips for how you manage your time, and strategies for improving. Thanks!   

Prioritize tasks. At the start of the day our real estate team sits together to make a list of tasks that need to be accomplished, individually and as a team. Our strategy is to focus our immediate attention on the most important tasks and once those are accomplished time may be given to other tasks or unimportant tasks could be carried forward to next day. In short, prioritize your tasks to focus on those that are more important.

Delegate tasks. Delegation is not running away from your responsibilities but is an important function of management and productivity. Learn the art of delegating work to your co-workers or employees as per their skills and abilities in order to focus your time on tasks best suited to your skill set. This is one of the most valuable tools to Remax Realtor Jay Magnussen "Surround yourself with excellent people, delegate and let them do their job!"

Avoid procrastination. Procrastination is one of the things that badly affect productivity. It can result is wasting essential time and energy. It should be avoided at all costs. As a Realtor and real estate team, we are accountable to oursevles and our clients if we procrastinate and if we do not accomplish tasks. It is a self-driven business. It could be a major problem in both your career and your personal life. CLICK HERE to read 11 tips on how to stop procrastinating.

Create deadlines. When you have a task at hand, set a realistic deadline and stick to it. Try to set a deadline few days before the task so that you can complete all those tasks that may get in the way. Challenge yourself and meet the deadline. Reward yourself for meeting a difficult challenge.

Use a schedule. Realtor Jay Magnussen suggests - "Use technology to it's fullest potential - use the calendar in your smart phone, set reminders, sync your desktop with your other devces so you always have access to your schedule."  If you're not adept with technology, carry a planner or notebook with you and list all the tasks that come to your mind. Make a simple ‘To Do’ list before the start of the day, prioritize the tasks, and make sure that they are attainable. To better manage your time management skills, you may think of making 3 lists: work, home, and personal.

Take breaks. Steal breaks whenever you can. If you can find 10-15 minutes, or if you can afford to take off for 10-15 days periodically. Between tasks - take a walk, powernap, listen to music - take a break! Too much stress can take toll on your body and affect your productivity. The best idea is to take off from work and spend time with your friends and family. You will be better prepared to work once you feel rejuvinated. 

Learn to say no! Politely refuse to accept additional tasks if you think that you’re already overloaded. Take a look at your ‘To Do’ list before agreeing to take on extra work. For some people this can be very difficult, so work at it and reward yourself. 

Stop multi-tasking. Multitaskers often seem to think they get more accomplished, but it’s not always the most productive or efficient route. Studies have shown our minds work better when we are truly able to focus and concentrate on one thing. 

For most people, finding the right home begins with a house-hunting strategy combining personal preferences, guidance from others (including your Remax Real Estate Agent) and a mix of neighborhood exploring and online searches.

For some, the search takes a while; others find what they want right away. In either case, our Calgary and Okotoks Real Estate Team will be a huge resource of insight and guidance, working through issues or complications that arise along the way; and pointing you in the right direction. 

ReMax Realtor Jay Magnussen has provided this general outline of what to expect during a home purchase, from the buyer's perspective:

Buyers make a purchase offer - This is it! You've found the home of your dreams, looked over disclosure documents, reviewed comparable sales data, talked it over with your agent and submitted an offer. The sellers may accept your first offer, but more often will return a counteroffer. In fact, additional negotiations are common, and your agent will help you through this generally stressful stage. 

Buyers put up a deposit - To solidify your intent to buy, you'll place a deposit on the property. The amount varies, but is generally at least 1 percent of the purchase price. Note: This money counts toward your down payment later.

Buyers apply for a mortgage - This step is streamlined if you have already been preapproved for a loan (it is most common practice to be prequalified before even making an offer) so now you will complete the loan process. The lender inspects title history and orders a property appraisal. The lender needs key information about the property before granting a loan. This is when potential problems can come to light. For example, the appraisal could show a lower value than the purchase price, or the lender could have trouble finding comparable homes. Also, the title search could turn up liens or other problems. 

A home inspection takes place - You'll hire an inspector – our ReMax Real Estate Team can suggest a couple trustworhy and qualified home inspectors – to check the home and point out minor and major problems that should be fixed before closing. At this point, you still have the option of backing out of the deal. Through your agent, you'll submit a list of requested work, and the sellers have the option to complete the tasks, do some of them but not others, or reject the request. The sides will negotiate until reaching an agreement.

Removing conditions - If the house passes inspection, appraisal and title search, and everything is good to go, then all contingencies can be removed, paving the way to a closing. 

Closing time arrives - Once conditions are removed and financing is set, all parties sign a seemingly endless stack of documents, and the transaction closes.

Packing begins - When the final signatures are in place, it’s time to put down the pens, shake hands, exchange smiles and start packing for the move!

Remax Realtor Jay Magnussen and his team have a bounty of strong recommendations from all of their past clients and the following testimony from a recent Okotoks client is no differnt! Please read on and see why ist pays to choose The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team if you are buying or selling a home in Okotoks or Calgary.  

"My husband and I have moved several times throughout our lives and used many different realtors.  The team of Jay Magnussen was definitely a new and very positive experience!  Jay and his team really went out of their way to “sell our house”.  Jay personally attended every showing  of our home.  He was able to point out all the special features about our home that people would have missed.  Communication between my husband and I and Jay’s team was exceptional.  The pictures taken of our home were also outstanding.  We could not be more pleased with this great team!  Highly, highly recommended!!!" - Jerry & Tara Epp

CLICK HERE to read more client testimonials for The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team. Or contact us today to find out what we do for our clients that helps us to sell homes faster for the most money! 

A mega, Asian-style, shopping mall is in the works for a location just off of Highway 2, north of Calgary and south of Cross Iron Mills shopping center. The huge market style complex will house more than 500 stores as well as dining & entertainment.

CLICK HERE to watch a virtual tour of the Horizon Mall from Global Calgary. 

Sales for the project are underway with some major players looking at setting up shop. This will bring an extra boost to the local economy (not that Calgary really NEEDS it). 

“Calgary is the place to be for anything. It’s a leader in the nation for retail sales, growth, disposable income. It’s a very attractive place to invest both as a developer and for merchants to run businesses because the vacancy rate is so low,” said Eli Swirsky. Swirsky is the president of The Torgan Group which is developing the project with The MPI Property Group, said construction is expected to start in late 2014 with completion in late 2016.

You read more about the Horizon Mall in this article from The Calgary Herald. 

Like any other large retail, commercial project this will have a vast positive impact on the City of Calgary. Not only bringing in more options for shoppers but offering jobs, opportunities for entrepreneurs, more tax dollars for the city and it will make the Calgary real estate market more competitive. No doubt there will be many people looking for housing in the city creating a stronger demand for current inventory. 

If you are moving to Calgary please call us first for your best chances at finding the perfect home in Calgary. 

Okotoks ReMax Realtor Jay Magnussen volunteered for another year at the 2nd Annual Okotoks Wishmaker Walk held on Oct. 19 at Ethel Tucker Park. ``It is wonderful to see this event grow, and to see our community support such a great cause`` said Jay Magnussen. 

The Okotoks Wishmaker Walk benefits the Children`s Wish Foundation with all proceeds from our local event staying in our area and directly helping families in our community. 

``Our Okotoks real estate team enjoys supporting events like this - where we know families in our community will be directly impacted by everyone`s efforts.`` explained Jay Magnussen.

``Please don`t hesitate to contact us and ask for support for your Okotoks event. We often donate silent auction items or act as a sponsor for local events`` said Jay Magnussen. Jay Magnussen is a long time and highly experienced ReMasx realtor and the founder of The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team which services Okotoks, Calgary and it`s surrounding areas with their award winning real estate service. 

``We appreciate and feel honored when people have recognized us and chosen to use our services because they know the value of the work we do in the community. And by people supporting us, and receiving top notch real estate service when buying or selling their home, we can give back more and invest in this thriving community.`` Explains Savannah Magnussen, who is the Business Manager, for The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team.   

Keep up the good work Okotoks, and again - please give us the opportunity to support your local event or cause!

Contact Us today to inquire about donations or sponsorships. 

Our Okotoks Remax Real Estate Team is proud to be supporting the 2nd Annual Okotoks Wishmaker Walk! 

The Okotoks Wishmasker Walk is a suportive 1KM walk around the Sheep River area of Okotoks benefiting the Children's Wish Foundation. This year's event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Ethel Tucker Park.

Be sure to say "HI" to Okotoks realtor Jay Magnussen who will volunteering at the event. "This is an opportuntiy to come together to make a difference, to raise awareness and funds so that local families continue to experience the magic of a wish for their children dealing with life-threatening illness" said Remax Realtor Jay Magnussen.

You can REGISTER ONLINE today for the Okotoks Wishmaker Walk. There is a minimum $15 pledge to participate in the walk, and participants are encouraged to collect more donations. You can also MAKE A DONATION online if you're unable to participate. 

Check-in begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 19, followed a 'Zumba' warm-up at 10:30 and the ceremonial balloon drop to officially start the walk. 

There will also be plenty of activities for kids and families including roving entertainers, local mascots & bouncy structures. The photo booth will no doubt be a hit again this year. As well as participants and volunteers take great joy in signing the 'Wish Wall'.

Our Okotoks real estate team has donated several prizes including a family movie night gift basket which will be part of the raffle draws. After the 1KM walk you can look forward to a bbq lunch will be served up by the generous folks at Okotoks Sobeyʼs. Family activities will continue in the park until 1pm.

Jay Magnussen will SEE YOU THERE on Saturday, October 19th for the 2nd annual Okotoks Wishmaker Walk.

Okotoks' newest community is Mountain View, a combination of starter, move up and estate homes. Situated on the northwest edge of town overlooking the Sheep River escarptment with stunning west facing mountain views which no doubt was the source of its name. 

For a list of Okotoks' other communities and more information on Mountainview click here. 

OFFICIAL MOUNTAIN VIEW WEBSITE

A mere 20 minute dirve from Calgary, Okotoks has become one of the fastest growing towns in Western Canada. With it's lingering small town charm, Okotoks now offers some of the conveniences and ammenities of a largeer city - Costco, Home Depot, a variety of shopping & dining options and more. 

Folks shopping for a new home in Mountain View of Okotoks can choose between homebuilders Excel Homes and Sterling Homes. Like any community soon there will be turnover and freshly built, but previously enjoyed homes will be on the market in no time. But at this time the only inventory on the Okotoks real estate market specifically for Mountain View is newly built homes. 

Wether you're interested in buying a brand new home, or in the future an existing home, The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team should be your first call. Our Okotoks real estate specialist Jay Magnussen has extensive experience negotaiting with home builders to get our clients the best price on a new home. It costs you nothing to have an agent represent you in a real estate purcahse transaction then you have the added value of experience and knowledge on your side. 

Give us a call if you would like more information on buying a home in Mountain View or one of Okotoks' other communities. 

Our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team is thrilled to have such an amazing and loyal client base - this is truly what allows us to thrive as one of the top REMAX realty professionals in Okotoks & Calgary. We appreciate your repeat business as well as your referrals. 

We enjoy taking opportunities to thank our outstanding clients and this is one...  We extend you the invitation to join Remax Realtor Jay Magnussen at a private screening of Disneys PLANES movie at the Canyon Meadows Cinemas! More info below...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 'PLANES' MOVIE TRAILER

To stay in the loop on all of our real estate client appreciation events Follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook! 

Just because the summer is over and we're still a couple months away from the holiday season does not mean that we have to retreat to our homes quite yet, or at all. The town of Okotoks is ripe with community events that will keep you, your family, and visitors entertained without the slightest hint of post-summer depression settling in. Each month our Okotoks real estate team makes recommendations to prospective home buyers (potentially soon be new to town) that happen upon our blog. Today, we present to you some "something for everyone" events worth checking out over the first official month of autumn.

October Events in Okotoks:

1. Live Music & Silent Film Night @ Rotary Performing Arts Centre (October 19, 8-10PM)

This event is an absolute can't miss for fans of the roaring 20's and the silent films that graced the screen of its time. Critically acclaimed silent films will be presented amidst a backdrop of original live scores courtesy of famed composer/pianist Robert Bruce. To learn more about this exquisite ode of music, art, and film visit the event site.

2. Yuk Yuk's Stand-Up Comedy @ Rotary Performing Arts Centre (October 5, 8PM)

Once again we send you to the RPAC as the famed Yuk Yuk's Comedy Tour makes its way into Okotoks to make our bellies hurt from laughter. Up to bat on stage will be Jasen Fredrickson who is known for his happy-go-lucky act that wonderfully borders on absurd. The show also features Ian Wallace, a pop culture comedian that comes armed with decades of wisecracks and sarcastic quips. What better way to join the community than by laughing together in unison?

3. Okotoks Garden Club @ Okotoks Public Library (October 7, 6:30-8:15 PM)

Come meet and greet the gardening enthusiasts of the community by checking out the Okotoks Garden Club's harvest themed evening. Topics addressed at this month's event not only include the usual recipe sharing (which families back at home love to taste test!) it will also dive into the specifics of optimum canning, fermentation, blanching, herb drying.

4. Ghost Walk @ Okotoks Museum (October 28, 6-9:30 PM)

While we plan on writing an entire Okotoks Halloween Events article midway thought the month of October we thought we'd include this one eerie fun event for those that want to get the traditionally-on-the-31st activities started a little early. Beginning on the 28th of October will be the 3rd annual Okotoks Ghost Walk tour. The tour is hosted by the Okotoks Museum & Archives in conjunction with the District Historical Society. This is a great way to meet the town, learn about its history, while being served a healthy dose of goosebumps along with it.

If you happened to come across this article and you are considering a move to the Okotoks region we welcome you to contact our Okotoks real estate team anytime. We look forward to having you join us, and the rest of the community, at one of these October events.

This weekend our Remax Real Estate Team will be taking in the sights and wonder in High River.

High River will playing host to the 2013 Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships, seeing 15 hot air balloon pilots from across Canada completing for a coveted spot at the World Championships in Brazil in 2014. Not to be missed is the iconic REMAX hot air balloon!!! 

There will be competition flights every morning & evening coinciding with sunrise and sunset - with additional `Fiesta Balloon Flights`by some impressive balloons including a Darth Vader balloon from Belgium. Also a sight to see is the `Night Glow` (shown above) where all of the balloons line up and inflate, illuminate by their flame againsty the night sky, but do not take flight. This gives spectators a uniue opportunity to see the balloons close up! 

The competition as well as Fiesta balloon flights (non-competing balloons) will be flying through the High River skies from Sept 25-29. CLICK HERE to view a schedule of events, some amazing hot air balloon photos & more.

Or you can following along on Facebook by liking the 2013 Hot Air Balloon Championships fan page.  

Also worth a read is this interesting article featured in the Calgary Herlad about the upcoming hot air balloon event.  

Simultanesouly, the 10th Annual River City (High River) Show & Shine will be held on Saturday, September 29. Consistently being deemed the biggest & best show & shine car show in Alberta, you can see classic, antiques, motorcycles & more.  

CLICK HERE to visit the River City Classic`s Car Club website for more inforation on the Annual Show n Shine or if you`re interested in becoming a member. 

Purchasing real estate in Calgary or pruchasing a home in Okotoks has been a profitable option for investors for a very long time.

Many southern Alberta investors have made hundreds of thousands of dollars (in some cases millions) by purchasing properties, building equity, and then selling for a profit.  

If you have questions about how to start building your real estate portfolio just ask Okotoks Realtor Jay Magnussen - an expert on the local rental market and a real estate investor himself! 

Here are four key considerations when deciding to invest in housing in Calgary or Okotoks:

1) Affordability

Purchasing a property and renting it out to cover the mortgage may seem like an attractive opportunity, but as the old saying goes "don't bite off more than you can chew."  One of the most common ways to lose money in an investment property is to fail to rent the property out and then not being able to afford the monthly payments. Try to budget so you can afford to pay the mortgage on a monthly basis even if you can't rent it out (due to some unforeseen circumstance).

2) Location

Location is one of the most important points to consider when purchasing a property for investment purposes. Look for nearby rent-drivers, such as colleges/universities (MRU, SAIT, UofC), public transportation, highways and other attractions. Of course, the better the location is, the more expensive the property will be, but the easier it will be to rent.

3) Condition of the property

Don't let the cosmetics of a prospective property put you off. Put on your investor hat and look at everything with a dollars-and-cents point of view. Ask yourself, "What can I do to improve this place?" or, "How will adding this or fixing that impact the value of the property?" Plus, if a property meets most of your criteria but isn't the prettiest looking home on the street, you may be able to get it for a lower price.

4) Do your research

Study the local market or ask our team of Okotoks Realtors for advice, consistently review the stats and look at the properties available in your target area. You never know when the right property at the right price will present itself. Our Remax real estate team can set up an automated search will will send you homes for sale as soon as they are listed to keep you in the know about the cost of property.

Our Okotoks Real Estate Team wants you and your family to enjoy the Spruce Meadows Masters with these FREE tickets! 

Elizabeth Street will be closed and the smell of chili will be hanging in the air on August 31 in Okotoks. The annual chili cook off known as Chili Fest will take place from 10 am - 3 pm, along with an Artisan Market, live music, bouncy houses for kids, face painting & more family fun.

A taste of chili will cost $5.00 with all proceeds from the Okotoks based event will go to the Foothills Humane Society. Chili will be served from 11 am - 1 pm. There will be prizes for the judge's choice and people's choice as well as for the best theme display and most enthusiastic team. 

"This has long been a favorite event for the community" said Jay Magnussen, a long time OKotoks resident and local Realtor with RE/MAX. Our Okotoks real estate team including Jay Magnussen & Savannah Magnussen will be in attendance and are eager to cast our vote for BEST CHILI!  

Competitors still have time to sign up for the cook off, and can do so online here, or can phone Barnes at 403-305-2286. Entry is $20 and includes 20lbs of ground beef from Hirsche Fraser Meats.

For more info visit the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1394167667475030/ 

With less than two weeks until the kids are back to school the dog days of summer have arrived here in Okotoks. But even though the days are getting a little shorter our Okotoks Realtors want to remind everyone that summer is still in full swing so let's not give in quite yet.

Many of you have recently moved to our charming nook of south central Alberta and are just now getting to know the lay of the land. There's no better way to get to know both the area and the community within it than by getting out there and attending some of the events that bring everyone together in late August and into the Labor Day long weekend. As a local real estate team we consider it our duty to act as a Welcoming Wagon for our new residents and so this week's blog entry details a few event recommendations where you and your family can join the town in celebrating, well, everything.

Dog Days of Summer Events in Okotoks:

1. Films @ Rotary Performing Arts Centre (August 22 through September)

The Rotary Performing Arts Centre is playing Tinseltown host to a variety of Hollywood blockbusters, free for the whole family. This coming weekend (August 22) presents Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. View the complete schedule of films to come through the remaining summer weeks. http://okotoks.ca/culture/Default.aspx?cid=3052&lang=1

2. Western Chic @ Okotoks Art Gallery (August 23, 7-9 PM)

This yearly Okotoks Art Gallery event is a grand mix of old west meeting contemporary flare. Continuously blessed by beng held in warm summer evenings this event is starred by cocktails, entertainment and of course art displayed on the lawn fronting the Gallery. This year CPO cellist Rafael Hoekman will pour sweet honey in your ears, while glasses will be filled at the wine bar & saloon, bellies will be contented with scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, and treasures secured at the silent auction, all the while taking in the gallery's exhibits. http://okotoks.ca/culture/Default.aspx?cid=2742&lang=1

3. Foothills Highland Games @ Foothills Composite High (August 24, 7AM-5PM)

This fun community event incorporates Highland piping & drumming, Irish & Scottish dance competitions, feats of strength "heavy" events, food and craft vendors, beer garden (of course), musical entertainment, a dog talent show, children’s actuvities, and is highlighted by a friendly grudge match of Tug of War. For more information you can visit www.foothillshighlandgames.com

4. High Ride Charity Motorcycle Ride @ Cycle Works Foothills Okotoks (August 24, 9AM-3PM)

In support of the High River flood recovery motorcycle enthusiasts are gathering beginning at Cycle Works Foothills for a charity ride this weekend. This important community event is concluded by a BBQ, creating a great atmosphere to do some good while meeting members of your community with similar tastes in recreation. Registration is from 9-10 am the date of the event or online at xperiencelife.ca where you can learn more about the affair.

5. Okotoks Chili Fest & Cook Off @ Olde Towne Okotoks (August 31, 10AM-3PM)

There's no better way to bring an Albertan town together in the summer than by holding an old Western-themed chili cook off while packing the strip full of family activities to complement the affair. Come down to quaint Olde Towne Okotoks to meet the community while tasting the best chili creations the Province has to offer.

If you happened to come across our blog/website and are considering a move to the Okotoks area we welcome you to contact our Okotoks real estate team anytime. We look forward to having you join us and our families at these very events next year, if not next week.

CMA, or Comparative Market Analysis, is a term heard often in real estate but for some it's nothing more than industry jargon. Well let us clear that up for you...

One of the benefits of working with a professional Real Estate team (such as The Jay Magnussen RE/MAX Team) when selling your home is our ability to provide you with a ‘Comparative Market Analysis’ (CMA). Completing a CMA allows us to ensure that we are pricing your home for the highest price that the market will bear.

What is a CMA?

The estimated value of your property is appraised by a method known as a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
This approach assumes that the market value of the subject property is equal to the price recently paid for similar properties.

A CMA is comprised of two areas with homes comparable to yours. (1) Homes that are currently for sale & (2) Homes that have recently sold. Upon reviewing homes in these categories we will see trends that will help us properly price your home.

(1) Homes that are currently for sale, or pending a sale, which are similar to yours will give us an idea of what buyers will be seeing and comparing your home and its price against. 

(2) Homes that have recently sold will give us a good indication of what the market will bear, and allows us to see trends in increasing or decreasing house prices.

With this information we can provide you with the best possible chance of selling your home for the highest price possible, in the shortest time frame possible.

It is also important to note that a buyer and their Realtor have access to the same information and will use this same process to determine the price they are willing to pay for home. Moreover, bank appraisers and financial institutions that will be lending a considerable amount of money against a property will use this process to determine if the lending risk is worthwhile for them; properties that are overpriced most often do not get financing due to the unnecessary risk.   

If you would like us to complete a CMA on your home contact us today. 

The Foothills AIM Society (FAIMS), established under a different name in 1980, has grown to accommodate the needs of citizens with developmental disabilities and now service Okotoks, High River and Strathmore. With a vision of a community that freely accepts and includes all person regardless of ability. AIM = Advocacy in Motion! 

Mission: To ensure all people with developmental disabilities are contributing members in their community.

This dedicated and compassionate staff at AIM, including employees & volunteers, coordinates & offers services for residential care, in-home & out-of-home respite care, outreach support, employment coordination & much more. For more information on FAIMS, or if you know someone who requires their services, visit www.FAIMS.org. 

The FAIMS hosted their 12th annual charity golf tournament yesterday, June 13, at the Highwood Golf & Country Club. The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team had proudly been supporting FAIMS for several years, and sponsoring their annual golf tournament is one of the ways we choose to help.

"We enjoy giving back to the Okotoks and High River community and appreciate the importance of community support to these organizations" said Okotoks Realtor Jay Magnussen.

Between the golf tournament, silent auction, live auction and generous donations FAIMS was able to raise much needed revenue to help their programming. With recent government cutbacks to organizations like FAIMS province wide, this group is going to need our community support more than ever.

If you are interested in donating or volunteering to help FAIMS, please click here!  

June 15 is Parade Day & Children’s Festival in Okotoks!

A full day of family fun, and so many free activities to choose from!

8:00 am - FREE Pancake breakfast hosted by the Lions Club (27 McRae Street - parking lot) 

11:00 am - Annual Okotoks Parade - Past, Present & Future (downtown district - McRae Street / Elizabeth Street)

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Annual Children’s Festival featuring Zumbatomic, Norman Foote and Tasha Platt (Ethel Tucker Park) FREE admission for all. Live entertainment, face painting, music, games, bouncy house, food for sale, bubble blowing,  

7:00 pm - Okotoks Oilers Stampede Party featuring Tanya Ryan concert (Centennial Arena) tickets are $20 

For more information on the Okotoks Parade Day activities, visit www.Okotoks.ca. For more information on the Okotoks Oilers Stampede Party visit www.OkotoksOilers.com. 

When you bought your home, you most likely signed a mortgage agreement - still the most common form of lending for the purchase of a home - which remains in effect for a certain period (this is called the term).

When your mortgage term comes to an end, you have 3 options:

1. Pay off your mortgage
2. Renew for another term 
3. Switch your mortgage to another lender

The end of your term is a good opportunity to reassess what you need in a mortgage and to look for mortgage options that better fit your needs today. In some cases, you might want to renegotiate your mortgage before the term ends.

You might want to renegotiate your mortgage if your financial situation has changed. Or perhaps you might want to take advantage of changes in the interest rates that are available from mortgage lenders.

Renegotiating generally involves breaking your mortgage contract and may result in some significant costs. Before taking this step, it’s important to consider carefully the costs and benefits.

Whether you plan to renew or renegotiate, knowing what questions to ask can help you get the best mortgage for your needs.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has prepared and provided some helpful information on how the process works, what to expect and possible outcomes of either renewing or renegotiating your mortgage.

If you are currently searching for a new institution to switch your mortgage to, please allow us to refer you one of The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team's most trusted mortgage professionals.