Canadian Funding Corp Reviews CMHC Affordable Housing Reports

CMHC Reports on Affordable Housing in Canada, Reviewed by the Canadian Funding Corp.

by Sheldon Moylan of Dominion Lending Centres

Canada has of course also been going through a real estate crisis, just as the United States has. However, it’s perhaps worth noting that the Edmonton banks are once again beginning to offer mortgages. Of course, it is only to be expected that they are now a little more cautious than before with regards to the way they view a property as well as the borrower. Nonetheless, this is an ideal time to apply for a mortgage given that the interest rates are incredibly low. Furthermore, it is said that the housing market has by all accounts bottomed out, so if this is the first time you’re contemplating purchasing a property, you’ve come along at just the right time in order to get the lowest possible price, together with the lowest interest rates.

Surprisingly enough, even though the government phased out 100% loans, providing you have a good credit history, you can still obtain 95% financing. What this means is; apart from attorney fees, you will only be required to make a down payment of 5%.

Government guaranteed mortgages are still out there too for Edmonton mortgages. A few of the rules have changed, but they are not deal breakers by any means. For instance, the maximum amortization period has changed slightly moving down from 40 years to 35 years. Government backed mortgages will now require that a 5% down payment needs to be paid now, and there is a minimum credit score requirement now.

These steps have essentially been taken in order to safeguard Canadian citizens from witnessing the same mess as is being seen by U.S. citizens. Unlike the current feeling in the United States, the housing bubble in Canada has not yet burst so to speak, particularly in Edmonton because of conservative mortgage lending in the past.

The Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) mortgages offer many flexible financing tools and options, such as extended amortization periods, and the single advance plan as well as progress advances are available. Also do not ever forget that those mortgages offer portability for your next home should you have to move! Also, remember that you will be given a break for purchasing an energy efficient home in Edmonton.

Other good news circulating in the mortgage market is that as from June, 2009 residential starts actually saw an increase for the second consecutive month, whereas in the United States, residential housing starts are all but non-existent.

The Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation recently reported that the overall vacancy rate regarding senior housing in standard units has remained steady at 5.9% since the beginning of the year. Additionally, the average rent for a standard retirement home unit has remained at approximately $2,334 per month in Alberta.

We do however have one thing in common with our southern neighbors in that we also have access to hard money lenders in Edmonton. In fact, it is common knowledge that these lenders have been freeing up a considerable amount of cash in recent times and as a result, mortgages are now available but they come with a loan to value ratio of approximately 70/30 which of course is quite expensive, both in terms of interest and points. For this reason, unless you have been refused a mortgage by the banks, you would be well advised to avoid such private lenders altogether.

http://firstforextrading.com/mortgages-in-edmonton-3643

brought by Moishe Alexander, CFC canadian funding corp CEO

It is well known to Canadian Funding Corp that one of the toughest places for housing in Canada is Nunavut. Building costs are estimated to be at least 60 per cent higher than costs in southern Canada, because building materials must be transported from the south.The harsh climate means a short construction season and makes economical energy-efficient design a challenge.

Canadian Funding Corp knows that there are other housing challenges facing Nunavut–a high youth population; a high percentage of renters and a short cultural history of permanent housing. In Nunavut, a northern territory that is twice the size of Ontario, with a population of about 30,000, the Material Assistance Program (MAP) provides Nunavummiut– residents of Nunavut–with an affordable way to own their own homes.

MAP is one of several Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) programs to help people realize their dreams of homeownership. MAP provides a selection of three- and four-bedroom home designs, as well as technical assistance and homeownership counselling. MAP pays the cost of a package of materials need to build a new home and pays the shipping costs to the client’s community.

The client is responsible for obtaining financing from a financial institution to cover construction costs.

Canadian Funding Corporation lays out the affordable housing solution wherein to qualify, applicants must show that they need assistance, that they qualify for a mortgage from a commercial lender and that they plan to use the home as their principal residence.

The assistance under the MAP is a 10-year forgivable loan. MAP offers a choice of three- and four-bedroom designs along with drawings and specifications. Successful applicants receive counselling about owning a home and advice and guidance about developing a construction plan, choosing a contractor–who must be approved by the NHC.

The client’s responsibilities include buying or leasing the land for the house; finding a contractor; obtaining building permits; obtaining a mortgage; and working with a lawyer on the legalities of purchasing and owning a house.

The NHC inspects the house during construction and when the house is completed to ensure that it meets building codes and standards and NHC energy-efficiency standards.