Hub Blogs

Hub Blogs contains fresh contributions written by Financial Independence Hub staff or contributors that have not appeared elsewhere first, or have been modified or customized for the Hub by the original blogger. In contrast, Top Blogs shows links to the best external financial blogs around the world.

Mortgage Brokers vs. Banks: Which is better?

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By Alyssa Furtado, RateHub.ca

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Shopping for a mortgage can be a challenging task. Much like when you buy a car, it can be hard to get clear information. Mortgage rate comparison websites like RateHub.ca can help you learn about your options in general terms. But when it actually comes time to apply, a mortgage agent can give you objective advice and get you the best mortgage rate.

Canadians have two main options when looking for a mortgage: banks and mortgage brokers. When you talk to a mortgage advisor at a bank, you have the ability to negotiate directly with someone at that financial institution. When you work with a mortgage broker, he or she will work with a number of different lenders and negotiate on your behalf.

These are two different approaches to the same thing. But which option is better?

Each has benefits and drawbacks

To answer this question, we need to dive in to the benefits and drawbacks of each. Let’s start at the bank.

When looking for a mortgage, you can expect the mortgage advisor to be quick and responsive. You’ll have the option of convenient face-to-face meetings, and many banks even have mobile salespeople who will come to your home to discuss your mortgage needs. Continue Reading…

As “new” China economy stabilizes, markets poised for upside surprise

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By Dwarka Lakhan (Sponsored Content)

There is growing optimism that the Chinese markets will surprise on the upside as government reforms begin to take hold.

Since the beginning of the year, the country’s macro-economy has stabilized, fuelled by strengthening industrial output, an expanding service sector, rising retail sales, steady growth in electricity generation, power consumption and rail volume, and robust domestic demand.

Valuations are currently quite attractive, following a significant correction in China’s onshore markets from their 2015 highs. Non-financial blue chip companies are presently trading at an average of 15-20 times price/earnings ratio, below their historical highs.

Upside surprise waiting, Barclays says

Recognizing the potential for investors to make gains in China, Barclays Capital recently noted that there is an upside surprise waiting in the wings for China investors. “We think the latest data from China point to continued robust growth,” says Jian Chang of Barclays in Hong Kong.

The resurgence of optimism over China stems from the “new” China economy picking up steam on the back of reform-oriented government policies that are represented by the deliberate shift in focus from export-led to domestic-generated growth.

Continue Reading…

6 ways to attract Millennial homebuyers

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By Emma Bailey

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

Millennials may eschew many traditional values, but members of this demographic remain committed to one primary tenet of the “American Dream” — homeownership.

While a large number of young people have put the brakes on buying a new home because of student-loan debt, mortgage restrictions and a sluggish job market, the largest bunch since the baby-boomer generation is beginning to enter the real estate market en force. The sheer size of this group and the fact they were born and came of age in an era of rapid technological innovation puts them in a position to transform both the real estate market and what is desirable in a home.

To keep pace, real estate agents and home sellers alike are having to alter the way they market and present homes in order to attract millennial homebuyers. Does your property have what it takes for millennials to take notice?

Walkability and Amenities

The millennial generation places a higher value on “experiences” than they do on material goods. In this demographic, a home is typically perceived as a base for the rest of one’s life, rather than the center of it. Instead of a classic house in the suburbs with a white picket fence, millennials are more likely to prefer property in an urban setting within walking distance of local attractions. There is also a larger interest in non-traditional and mixed-use properties, such as warehouses that have been converted into lofts.

Convenience

In an effort to save money and reduce their ecological impact, many millennials are forgoing cars in favor of alternative transportation. As a result, millennial buyers tend to prefer home shopping in locations that have easy access to public transportation and a minimal commute to work. If your property is close to a metro system or even a local bike-share hub, you can expect younger individuals to reach out with interest.

Connectivity

Continue Reading…

3 common mistakes by first-time homebuyers & how to avoid them

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By Sean Cooper

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

You’ve probably heard it plenty of times: buying a home is the single biggest financial transaction of your lifetime. But purchasing a home can also be a great long-term investment — when it’s done right.

Buying a home for the first time can either set you on the right financial path or be a drain on your finances. It completely depends on how you go about it, and is why time is well spent reading great resources, such as the LowestRates.ca first-time homebuyer’s guide.

I wrote about the most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make in my new book, Burn Your Mortgage. Here are some highlights:

1.) Buying “Too Much” House

The simplest way to eventually be mortgage-free is to not take on a massive mortgage. The lower your mortgage, the less time it takes to pay off.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage tells you how much home you can afford. But just because the bank says you can spend up to $800,000 on a home doesn’t mean you should. The word “can” is key here, and is what many homebuyers overlook. You don’t want to spend so much on a home that it’s a drag on your finances. Otherwise you could find yourself “house rich, cash poor,” with little money to save, let alone have fun with. Instead of your castle, your home could feel like a prison, with your mortgage a life sentence. By buying a home you can comfortably afford you maintain the financial wiggle room to deal with a financial emergency, such as losing your job or suffering severe damage to your home.

2.) Forgetting to Budget for Closing Costs

Closing costs are referred to as the transactional cost of real estate and are often overlooked by homebuyers. They’re anything but a drop in the bucket though, typically adding up to between 1.5% and 4% of a home’s purchase price. Common closing costs include home inspection, real estate lawyer fees, land transfer tax and appraisal fees.

Continue Reading…

How to Double your Social Security payout

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By Akaisha Kaderli

Special to the Financial Independence Hub

The average monthly 2016 Social Security check is US$1,341, which is US$45 per day, or a little over $16,000 per year.

Stories abound about how people are not able to live – or only struggle to get by – on their Social Security income in the United States. Even if they can manage to walk the budget tightrope, it’s not much of a retirement to look forward to and usually it’s one that is supplemented with work.

You can do better

Now is the time for you to take control of your finances so that you are financially fit for your retirement..

First you need to learn what your benefit will be upon your retirement age. You can do this by contacting social security .gov, opening an account and seeing your work history and future earnings. This can also be done via phone and snail mail but why? It’s much more convenient to do it online.

Once you know your estimated payout you can get to work doubling it by building a portfolio of dividend paying growth stocks. Or you can use an ETF such as DVY ( iShares Select Dividend ) which yields over 3% at its current price. Mix that with VTI ( Vanguard Total Stock Market ) and SPY ( S&P 500 Index ), both paying over 2% and you have a solid dividend growth portfolio.

While you wait for your retirement date

You can reinvest the dividends while you are in your accumulation phase thus compounding them for faster results. Over time you will see your quarterly dividend payments grow and grow as well as your portfolio value.

Why a dividend fund Continue Reading…