Quantus Mortgage Solutions

What’s your best rate? That's often the first question we mortgage brokers get asked. But, we often don't like talking about rates at the beginning of the mortgage convo. Why? "The rates advertised by banks and lenders and what your contract rate will actually be are usually very different. Your contract rate depends on how much you have for a down payment, the property you choose, the mortgage product, and other factors."... So which rate do you choose then? Check out the full post to learn all that you need to know about fixed and variable rate mortgages!

We know these amazing people need more than one day to be celebrated, but today we want to let them know how grateful we are to have them in our lives. Have a Happy Mother's Day!

We read this and had to put it to the test. You know those annoying divets left in the carpet after you move the furniture? Apparently, ice cubes can help. Place ice cubes within the divets and leave them there for a few hours or even overnight. The water should absorb into the areas and cause the fibres to rise up back to normal. ... We give this tip a 10 out of 10.

It feels like you need the Force to help you find a house these days! Unless you work with a mortgage broker, of course. Happy May the 4th!

We have to say, there were some impressive hobbies you all picked up over the last year! So much so, that our two winners won by only tenths of a number in our Q-uarantine Hobby contest. Congrats to Royce H. from Edmonton for his original outdoor furniture and stonework, and Gord M. for his ambitious six-month truck restoration! Thank you everyone for participating and showing off your awesome hobbies.

Were you looking at recreational properties this year and thought the prices seemed higher than normal? According to Canadian Real Estate Wealth and Royal LePage Canada, recreational properties in Canada rose in value by 11.5% year-over-year through the first three quarters of 2020, and are expected to increase by another 8% in 2021. Even with the increase, buying a recreational property is still possible. These are the questions we want you to ask before you start looking at house showings.

We all know that you're waking up today thinking, "where did Boxing Day come from?" Don't worry! We're here to answer that burning question. Boxing Day is recognized as a holiday in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. The Oxford English Dictionary traces its earliest print attribution to 1833. While the exact roots of the holiday name are unknown, but there are two leading theories.... The first theory is that the day centuries ago was when aristocrats would typically distribute Christmas boxes often filled with small gifts, money and leftovers from Christmas dinner to their household servants and employees. Another popular theory is that boxes with money and gifts were placed in churches, and clergy members distributed the contents of the boxes to the poor on December 26, which is also the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr and a figure known for acts of charity. SO, now you can relax today knowing the history of Boxing Day.

We know things might look a little different this holiday, but the spirit remains. Wishing all of our friends, family, clients, and business partners a Merry Christmas. Rip the wrapping paper, eat the chocolate, and stay safe.

We could probably run some numbers if you were curious...

Does anyone else feel like Christmas shouldn't be this week? Like, we feel like it should still be March... Apparently the calendar says it's the holidays. Our offices will be closed from December 24 until January 4. But, the mortgage world doesn't stop. If you have any questions, make sure to reach out to your broker.

Canadian Mortgage Professional recognized us as a 2020 Top Brokerage...they know who we are right? Honestly though, we're honoured to be nationally recognized. We wouldn't be here without our amazing team who, like many, have had a year unlike any other. Congrats to all the other brokerages recognized this year. Cheers! ... https://issuu.com/keymedia/docs/cmp15.10_lr_ipad

Remember that time when you planned an awesome Halloween and Fall decorating contest and then it snowed? Yeah, we do. But, there's hope on the horizon as warmer weather is forecasted for Halloween! Enter before Oct 30 for a chance to win! Right now, your chances are looking really good ;) ... https://gleam.io/V7pxN/halloween-fall-decoration-contest

Here's a positive headline. "Residential Unit Sales up 35.55% compared to September 2019," says the REALTORS Association of Edmonton. Not a bad time to be selling in Edmonton, with increasing unit prices and decreased days on market. https://realtorsofedmonton.com///Monthly_Market_Stats.aspx

If we weren't mortgage brokers, we'd be performing with Cirque du Soleil. Great work, The Jan Advantage! "Thanks, Jan, for all your hard work securing us a mortgage at a great rate. I know the lenders make you jump through so many hoops and I’m glad you were there to manage everything successfully for us. I know it was a ton of work." Mitzy F.

Now is the appropriate time to say this, winter is coming. It's time to get the yard ready for the season. We have three tips from the experts at the Calgary Horticultural Society to help you put your lawn in the best condition for spring.

Don't get us wrong. We have a lot to be thankful for. But, it's time. Time to end the great Thanksgiving dinner debate. Turkey or Ham ... No matter what your favourite, have a happy, healthy, and very full, Thanksgiving!

We are going to be taking off Monday to take time for what really matters - our families. We are so thankful to work with such an amazing team, clients, and business partners whom we consider our family. Have an amazing and safe Thanksgiving weekend!

How did the housing market in Calgary perform in September? Consensus says, better than expected. CREBNow reported September sales activity jumped to 1,702 units, the strongest September total since 2014. We see a positive for both sellers and buyers. While housing prices are still lower than they were last year, sellers are starting to see an increase in their selling price. ... As for buyers, there's a balanced supply of houses available, meaning you have options to choose from at good prices and rates. That's our obligatory housing update for this week.

Thank you Robyn Molenaar - First National Financial and the rest of the FN crew for these delicious treats! It's OK to have just doughnuts for lunch right?

Today, we remember our Annual Conference in Las Vegas which kicked off last week, one year ago. Helicopters were flown. Golf balls were hit. And (many) drinks were had. 2019 will be remembered.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to see the world through Quantus co-owner, Paul Bojakli's eyes, no need to wonder any longer. Last Thursday, we took a team day to the Innisfail Golf Club where they graciously let us be ourselves. Thank you to MCAP and Corbin Raison for joining us and sponsoring the tourney. We'd have to agree with Paul on this one. We're all semi-pro now.... Can't wait for the next team event!

FORE! If you're headed to The Innisfail Golf Club this Thursday, keep your eye to the skies as the Quantus team hits the greens. With the amazing support of our lender partner, MCAP, we're taking some time to be together (while apart) on the golf course. Good thing we had that practice round at Top Golf last year in Las Vegas (also thanks to MCAP) or we'd be on the course all day.

Are you still thinking of getting that second home or rental property in the mountains? You don't necessarily have to put 20% down to get it, but you may need more than 5% if you're looking to get a rental property in the Bow Valley. Trisha Isaac Mortgage Solutions, our mortgage broker in Canmore, tells us that, "as long as that purchase price is below $1 million, it can still be insured by one of the mortgage insurers, and you may still be able to get into the market with that smaller down payment if it's for your second home."

Join Sarah Davison: Your Grande Prairie Mortgage Specialist today at 11 am. A great topic and a great broker