I’ve written in the past about how Genworth, the leading private-sector mortgage insurer in Canada, will work with you if you are anticipating problems making your mortgage payments in the future, and now they have released an online tool to start the process in the privacy of your own home.

This simple, 4-screen questionnaire, that takes only a couple of minutes to complete, will give you a brief description of how they might be able to help you, based upon your answers. It ends with a contact form so that you can start the process in complete privacy. Or you can contact your lender, or contact me and I will help you through the application process if you can’t make your mortgage payments.

I think it is excellent that owners of real estate are able to have such great protection for their investment; it is such a complete opposite of how things are done in the USA. Banks here do not want to own real estate; they’d rather see people stay in their home.

As I’ve said in my previous post, your mortgage must be up to date to take advantage of this opportunity, so when you hear that you might be laid off, that is the time to take action.

What do you think of this proactive move to help keep families in their homes? I’d love your comments.

And to be fair, here is some information from CMHC . . . 

Dealing with Mortgage Payment Difficulties

When unforeseen financial circumstances impact your ability to make regular mortgage payments, it’s important for you to take quick action. With early intervention, cooperation, and a well executed plan, you can work together with your lender to find a solution to your financial difficulties.

What Can I Do to Help?

If you find yourself facing financial difficulties, as a result of job loss, family income reduction, or for other reasons, it can be an overwhelming experience leaving you feeling uncomfortable and unsure of what to do. By following these three simple steps, you can make a big difference in resolving

your financial difficulties.

1. Talk to your lender

To increase the chance of successfully managing your financial situation through early intervention, call your lender at the first sign of financial difficulty;

Ask the lender about information on the options available for managing your financial situation; and

Keep the lender informed as circumstances evolve.

2. Clarify the financial picture

In order to help your lender fully understand your financial situation, before meeting with your lender, prepare a detailed list of financial obligations including any credit cards, loans, household bills with the amounts owing and their due dates. Be sure to include information about your current income, savings accounts, investments, and any other assets.

3. Stay informed

The more information you have at your disposal on managing your finances, the easier it will be to make the right decisions.

Take Charge of Your Debts is an online tool from the Government of Canada that is designed to help borrowers like you understand debt problems, and includes information on making a budget, budget counselling, collection agencies, credit, and credit repair. To view this tool, log on to www.ic.gc.ca (Industry Canada) and search for “Take Charge of Your Debts”.

How Can Lenders and CMHC Help?

Your lender wants to establish and maintain a positive relationship with you over the long term. As mortgage professionals, they are fully trained and have the tools to help you deal with the temporary financial setbacks that you may be facing.

For mortgages insured by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), CMHC provides lenders with tools and the flexibility to make timely decisions when working with you to find a solution to your unique financial situation. These tools include:

Converting a variable interest rate mortgage to a fixed interest rate mortgage in order to protect you from a sudden interest rate increase, should one occur.

Offering a temporary short-term payment deferral. Your lender may be prepared to offer greater payment flexibilities, particularly if previous lump sum prepayments have been made, or if you have previously chosen an accelerated payment schedule.

Extending the original repayment period (amortization) in order to lower your monthly mortgage payments.

Adding any missed payments (arrears) to the mortgage balance and spreading them over the remaining mortgage repayment period.

Offering a special payment arrangement unique to your particular financial situation.

CMHC is also willing to consider other alternatives proposed by the lender to resolve or avoid mortgage payment default. In every case, the options available will depend upon your individual financial circumstances.

CMHC is Canada’s national housing agency. For over 60 years CMHC has shared a wealth of knowledge and housing expertise to help create an informed and reassured homeownership experience for Canadians.

Another installment from Keller Williams Research . . .

Note that the 5.25% rate they refer to is the posted rate; available rates are around 3.5%

Canadian Housing Market Firming,
Government Support Remains Strong

While buyers absorb inventory and demand remains intact especially among first-time buyers, industry experts envision a continual shift to a more balanced market in the coming months. Home prices, which firmed in late winter, remained lower compared to last year but are showing clear signs of a potential rebound. With inventory levels still somewhat high, builders are proactively adjusting by slowing new residential construction starts, which now stand at their lowest level of the decade.

Spotlighting an interesting trend in the condo market, research suggests many of Canada’s older baby boomers and younger eco-boomers hold a preference for condos.

The low maintenance and smaller footprint are compelling points for the older generation, while the more affordable prices serve as an entry point for an aspiring younger generation of homeowners.

In a welcome surprise, April’s employment numbers showed an unexpected addition of nearly 36,000 new jobs compared to the anticipated loss of 50,000.

While this news is encouraging, the potential for future weakening in the labour market still poses a risk to overall housing demand.

Canada’s government remains firmly focused on supporting the housing market. The Bank of Canada cut the overnight rate to a record low and has made a commitment to keep rates at this level until mid next year. A commitment of this nature is unprecedented among central banks.

The Numbers That Drive Real Estate

1. Sales
2. Prices
3. Inventory
4. Mortgage Rates

According to the most recent data, existing home sales increased for the second month in a row. Home sales increased 7%, which built on the 10% gain the month before. The number of sold transactions now stands 18% above levels reported in January, when activity fell to the lowest level in a decade.

The monthly increases in activity were the most significant in British Columbia and Ontario. Sales were also up in the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Buyers are starting to take notice of lower prices, interest rates, and rising affordability conditions.

Average Home Price (in Thousands)

The pace of home price declines is tapering which is providing some glimmer of stabilization in the housing market. Home prices increased 2% from the previous month but is down 8% from the same time last year, which is the smallest year-over-year decline in six months.

The average home price currently stands at $288,641. The national average price continues to be skewed downward by lower activity in Canada’s more expensive housing markets, i.e., British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario which accounts for 67% of national activity. 7 out of 12 provinces and territories actually saw price increases.

Home Prices by Province
7 out of 12 Saw Increases

Inventory (Sales to Listing Ratio)

Market conditions moved toward balanced conditions due to increase in demand and fewer new listings. In the first quarter of 2009, there were 6% less homes entering the market compared to the previous quarter, which represents three consecutive quarters of declines in new listings.

Mortgage Rates

Average for: 25-Year Amortization,5-Year Term

Bank of Canada lowered its overnight lending rate to the lowest rate on record. As a result, mortgage rates decreased to 5.25% last month. Mortgage rates were 1.7 percentage points lower than the same time last year.

Recent Government Action

Bank of Canada Makes Historically Unprecedented Move

In an effort to stimulate the economy, the Bank of Canada has come to yet another historic cut in its interest rate policy on April 21. The Bank cut the overnight rate from .5 to .25%. This rate cut mostly influences traditional lending institutions but should also impact pricing in open markets as well.

The Bank has committed to keep rates as is until mid-2010. No known central bank has ever committed to anything of this nature, illustrating the Bank’s firm commitment to supporting the economy.

After a frigid winter that saw existing home sales plunge dramatically, the Toronto-area housing market continues to experience a fragile spring thaw.

The Toronto Real Estate Board reported 8,107 sales yesterday for April, down 7 per cent from a year ago, but less than the 47 per cent free fall experienced in January.

“Conditions in the resale housing market have improved markedly this spring,” TREB president Maureen O’Neill said.

Read More

Courtesy of Canada’s Housing Agency, CMHC, there are a number of very informative videos here, accessed by clicking on the dropdown arrow just below the video window.

Click HERE to access the videos.