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March 30 & 31, April 1
Spring Ideal Home Show 2012
Exhibition Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Booth #440

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April 27, 28, 29
The Colchester County Home Show
The Colchester Legion Stadium, Truro, Nova Scotia
Booth #136

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Resolution #1: Be prepared.

Prepare a fire evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out in case of a fire.

Resolution #2: Get green!
Save energy and money with simple home improvements. Did you know that more than 17 percent of the energy consumed in Canada is used to run our homes?

Resolution #3: Budget … and stick to it.
Don’t delay! Now is the perfect time to take a long hard look at your finances and prepare a realistic household budget.

Resolution #4: Plan for the future.

Get the thumbs up on buying a house with help from CMHC’s Homebuying Step by Step guide and worksheets.

Happy Holidays!

Fast away the old year passes… Get a head start on the New Year with our Winter Home Maintenance Schedule.

See the blazing Yule before us… as you discover efficient, convenient wood heating.

Heedless of the wind and weather… in a comfortable, warm and well insulated home.

While I tell of Yule tide treasure… Keep those attic treasures safe from roof leaks, ice dams, and attic condensation.

Save time, money and water from the ground up … with a low maintenance lawn.

Try going down a different garden path. A rain garden can reuse stormwater, ensure drainage and add beauty!

The sun is shining and the job list is waiting. Make hay with our Summer Home Maintenance Schedule!

Find your green thumb and dig in! Start by picking the best plants for your garden.

Download in PDF Format

Since hitting a low in January of 2009, longer-term interest rates have trended higher with the move accelerating in July. The prospect that the worst is over for the global economy is giving investors the confidence to venture out of low-return fixed income securities and seek higher risk investments. While we expect many bumps on the road to recovery we still see potential for a very modest decrease in long-term rates in the final quarter of this year.

Outlook for the future

Momentum in the global economy appears to be changing. Leading indicators currently point to the end of economic contraction for the industrialized world in the third quarter of 2009. Stimulus from central banks, combined with government fiscal stimulus packages, is expected to support a fledgling recovery that is forecast to build momentum in 2010.

Until this recovery is well underway, no changes to policy rates are likely. The Bank of Canada is expected to maintain the status quo until mid-2010. Once the recovery is well established, central banks will normalize their policy rates, and interest rates are likely to increase.

Fixed vs. variable rate mortgages

One of the biggest decisions homebuyers face is choosing between a fixed or variable rate mortgage. This is not a simple decision, which is why many people are looking for advice to help them decide which mortgage interest type is best for them, based on their personal circumstances. I can help homebuyers and homeowners decide which option best fits their situation and risk tolerance.

Mortgage rates continue to trend at historic lows, despite the fact that fixed rates have edged up recently. In this environment, people who are comfortable without a guaranteed rate are opting for a variable rate mortgage. Such a strategy could result in considerable interest savings.

What homebuyers choose should depend on how they feel about rate fluctuations and their cash flow. For example, a first time homebuyer may want assurance that the rate, payment and repayment schedule will not change, and may be wise to opt for a fixed term. A homebuyer who is not concerned about rate fluctuations may want to take advantage of today’s low variable rates in a bid to save more on mortgage interest over the long term.

Today’s flexible mortgage products let you bridge the gap between these strategies. For example, the RBC Homeline Plan lets homebuyers split their mortgages and enjoy the advantages of both variable and fixed rates within a credit limit of up to 80% of the value of the home. The variable portion offers potential long-term savings, while the fixed rate portion offers rate protection. The dividing line is entirely up to the homeowner.

RBC has many resources available:

Fixed or variable rate – know your options
Consider the security of a fixed rate mortgage
The advantages of a variable rate mortgage

Get more information

RBC publishes free research information.
It’s easy to stay informed. Register at www.rbc.com/economics/ for automatic email delivery of new reports.

Your new home doesn’t come with mortgage advice. I do.
Contact me today:
Heather McLane, Regional Sales Manager
RBC Royal Bank
(902) 755-0346
heather.mclane@rbc.com