Canadian Home Buyers Savvy and Optimistic

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) 2009 Mortgage Consumer Survey results were released last week, and indicate that nearly 90% of recent home purchasers across the country believe that home ownership is a good long-term investment and that almost 70% think that now is a good time to purchase a home in their community.

Buyers are knowledgeable about the mortgage process and their lender’s assessment of eligibility. For example, 86% are of the view that the level of total housing and other monthly payments should generally not exceed 40% of gross household income, which is in line with generally accepted mortgage lending practices.

Recent buyers are prudent mortgage managers.
According to the survey, 75% of purchasers have a goal to be mortgage free sooner than their original amortization. In fact, 20% of recent purchasers report having made a lump sum payment to their mortgage.

“The survey results are encouraging and provide insightful information, indicating that Canadians feel positive about Canada’s housing market. As well,  Canada’s Economic Action Plan’s home purchase and renovation incentives, and CMHC’s recent outreach campaign to help Canadians who may be facing difficulties with their mortgage payment, are clear actions to support homeowners and the housing market.” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “

Canadian mortgage consumers recognize the benefits associated with mortgage loan insurance (MLI). According to the survey, 80% of recent buyers believe that MLI provides an important benefit to the financial system. Similar to CMHC’s last Mortgage Consumer Survey, the 2009 survey also indicates that Canadians continue to be well served by the mortgage industry, with 77% of recent mortgage purchasers expressing satisfaction with the service received from their lender or broker.

Posted by:  Deya Bautista - Affiliated Real Estate Agent working as part of the McGill Immobilier team. Specializing in condos and revenue property in the metropolitan area of Montreal. For buying or selling contact Deya at: 514.917.7889

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