Canada, Belgium, Sweden – What do they have in common? The Economist has just updated their interactive tool tracking property values on a global scale. The update includes fresh data from the 3rd quarter of 2011. One can visually see …
Monthly Archives: November 2011
Cross border shoppers: Get Shopkick!
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
It is no secret that many Canadians do frequent trips to the US for the simple reason of shopping. Discounts across the border are much bigger and with the our currency almost at par with the US dollar, many find…
Home insurance on the way up
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
Blame the weather… It’s not because the insurance companies are getting greedy. It is the climate change to blame. According to Michael Tremblay, director of research with the Insurance Bureau, severe-storm-related water damage now comprises 44% of claims compared to…
Consumer behaviour: Postpone…
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
. . . the purchase and you will enjoy it more Really? Finally, there is a case when procrastination is a good thing. At least that’s what psychologists are saying: You know that feeling you get when you’re dreading giving…
60% down compare to 2007
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
Best time for bargain hunters The American association of Realtors reported today that sales are up, home prices still down about 5% compare to last year, but inventories are declining too. Some call it “a hopeful sign”. Negative news, though,…
Prepayment penalties: India started waiving them
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
As of today home owners and borrowers in India will start breathing easier. Their variable rate mortgages and loans would not be subject to any penalties if prepaid before the term. That opens the door for consumers to go to…
Christmas 2011: Only if I new what to buy…
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
Boys want gadgets, girls – cash! With just a little more than a month before the biggest holiday of the year, stress is piling up. “What to buy for Christmas?” is a question that makes many to panic. You can…
Why using a mortgage broker?
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
Globe and Mail published an article last Thursday on the benefits of using a mortgage broker. Financing a home has many aspects, but the customer would always be better off dealing with a broker vs walking into the local bank…
What do you drive?
by Vasko DeLev • • 0 Comments
It is not Honda, not even Toyota… When it comes to wheels the conversation will always veer towards the longevity and quality of Japanese cars. Toyota and Honda would be mentioned first, but recently a couple of Korean makes will…
For sale by owner: Is it catching fire?
by Vasko DeLev • • 1 Comment
FSBO websites are all over the place, but still lagging in sales It’s true – people want to save money and when selling a big ticket item like a house, the savings from avoiding the middle man could be sizable.…