Hello there,
In case you haven’t notice, I have been a little off the radar over the past few months. My life has been engulfed with my business and love life. Over the past roughly two months I spent a week in Ottawa assisting my girlfriend with her studies as she rocked her medical licensing exam. Then spent a weekend in Tofino at the Wickaninnish Inn turning my beautiful Sri Lankan girlfriend into my fiancee. Within days of returning home we left on a two week journey throughout Turkey which was truly AMAZING. Feel free to add me on facebook (see link to the left), the pictures will be up shortly. Since I have been back, I resigned Global Mortgage and took the leap to launch my own corporation called the Jessi Johnson Mortgage Team, through the VERICO network. Now this is all very exciting but overwheling at the same time. Anyways, enough of me… The real estate market in Vancouver: What a roller coaster ride we have been on with the stock and real estate markets in uncharted territory. Rates are great and housing prices appear to be stabilizing but I think there is more entertainment to come. Don’t let yourself be confused with the current inflation rate. Zero point one percent is very misleading. The American government is setting the stage for inflation at record breaking numbers by literally printing money. It would be safe to bet that inflation will soon soar, and Canada is by no means safe from the inevitable effects of excessive US government spending. If anything, the devaluation of the American dollar caused from currency creation will force the US government to increase rates to entice investors. I personally don’t think much will happen for a year or two but when that band aid has to come off, the wound will show and who knows how deep that scar will be. Please don’t take me as negative, I just prefer not to beat around the bush and feed you BS optimism. Be properly prepare and you will weather the storm.
There is a good chance we may have already hit the bottom of the market, as prices are stabilizing. If you have been holding off, I would consider making a move pretty quick. Fixed rates and property values appear to be on the raise. 
Interest Rates
If you currently have a “Prime minus” VRM (variable rate mortgage), I would stick with it for now. The rates would have to come up a long way before this was no longer lucrative. Yes, with the anticipated government spending (especially in the states), we expect rates to raise within one to two years. Looking to purchase or refinance now and can’t decide whether you want fixed or VRM? This is a great question that is difficult to answer. Think about this; 2.65 – 2.85% probably looks like a good VRM rate but that won’t hold forever. I would seriously consider taking a fixed rate at this point. There are so many unchartered variables to throw off ones ability to predict where rates will go. Better safe than sorry, I would probably go fixed if I had to decide today. Call me if you want to further discuss this complicated issue.
Media
Richard Bell from Bell Alliance interviewed me on a number of topics, CLICK HERE TO VIEW the interview. CHAI TIME on Omni TV interviewed me on “Recession Proofing Yourself”. This will be online shortly. I had the pleasure of meeting a few BT (Breakfast Television) hosts at the City TV/ Omni Fall launch. Check out my vblogs over the next few weeks to see my interview with Thor. CHAI TIME brought me back on to talk about purchasing real estate by newlywedds. Watch how red my face turns when Tara asks me about having babies. Yes, I will be posting this eventually online as well. Subscribe to my RSS feeds to be the first to laugh at me 
Client Success
Recently I had a client who was being sued for a mere $8,000 because of some missed Visa payments. They were actually foreclosing her house for 8k. After playing with some numbers and working my magic, I was able to save her house and even consolidate all her debt into one low payment. Want to be a success story? Call the team today.
 Let me introduce you to:
Judy Singer from Sutton West Coast Realty (White Rock). My clients LOVE Judy, bottom line. Instead of being a typical realtor who only fishes for listings, she thrives off helping buyers. A happy client means the world to her and it’s clearly obvious. Whether you are buying or selling, give Judy a shout if you want a wonderful person to work with. She’s in the top 10% for a reason and she works out of beautiful White Rock, BC. If you have any questions, please contact Judy at 604 715 3900 or CLICK HERE TO VIEW HERE
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