DEB KERR, BEACHCOMBER HOT TUBS
Insulation: There seems to be some confusion about insulation in a hot tub. I could be a simple as NO insulation vs. some or FULL foam...to as complex as Closed Cell vs. Open Cell. I believe the first is very simple. The more insulation you have surrounding the hot water in your tub the better. When your tub is not being used, which is 90% of the time (or more), and your equipment is not running you need to have as much insulation around your entire tub as possible. Open cell foam contains billions of microscopic air bubbles that actually slow the transfer of energy and give it more "R" value.
‘Be Educated’ Your Mortgage Store.
DONNA MULLEN AND ASSOCIATES, DONNA MULLEN & ASSOCIATES
GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER!
Decreasing real estate values, job layoffs and current Canadian mortgages held by US-based lenders that will not be renewed are just three good reasons that homeowners need to be proactive in protecting their biggest asset.
In addition, the economic instability means that lenders are tightening up their approval process and scrutinizing the 5 C's of credit worthiness – capacity, capital, collateral, character and credit – like never before. As a result, there's never been a more important time to take stock of your situation to ensure you and your family are sheltered from economic impacts that are beyond your control.
The new year brings a refreshing opportunity to commit to this objective and a Financial Check-Up with a qualified Mortgage Agent at Your Mortgage Store – Donna Mullen and Associates - can give you peace of mind when it comes to being a home owner. In less than an hour, we can help you review your balance sheet and debt load then help you create a plan that is focused on saving borrowing costs in the long run.
For some consumers this could mean advice on how to improve your credit rating so you can qualify for a better interest rate when your mortgage renews, while others may find that their mortgage penalty is worth paying to take advantage of historically low interest rates and free up equity to pay down high interest debts, put a child through post-secondary school or build your wealth by financing a home improvement project or buying RRSP's.
It's also important to note that homeowners with a mortgage that matures in 2010 should complete their Financial Check-Up immediately as 3-6 months of modified financial behavior can make a positive impact on your credit rating. A higher credit rating improves your credit worthiness which means more lenders will want to compete for your business when it comes to renewal time!
As a Mortgage Brokerage, Your Mortgage Store works with more than 30 lenders to ensure we have the financing products needed to help virtually every consumer – whether you have an A+ credit rating, are rebuilding from bankruptcy or are somewhere in between. Your renewal date and current mortgage terms, debt ratio and type of debt, credit rating, income source and equity must all be considered in creating a personalized plan that will help you achieve your financial goals.
Ultimately, everyone's situation is different and objective advice during your Financial Check-Up is paramount to making sure you are protected. For more than 15 years, Donna Mullen & Associates have advocated for the consumer's right to be educated – not sold – on your mortgage options, and our free Financial Check-Up service is in tandem with empowering you to maximize the benefits of home ownership – especially during difficult economic times.
For both current and hopeful homeowners, getting your financial house in order should also extend beyond a review of your mortgage financing needs. Here are a few good tips that can reduce expenses and improve your credit rating and balance sheet:
• Set up a monthly budget – and stick to it!
• Pay all your bills on time.
• Build an emergency fund – pay yourself first.
• Use credit cards wisely. Be aware of interest rates and changes to your cardholder policy.
• Consolidate high interest debts.
• Analyze your home phone, cell phone, internet and cable/satellite bills. Can you bundle your services for lowers rates?
• Review your life insurance, car insurance and house insurance policies. Are better rates and coverage just a phone call away?
• Reduce your taxes – consider borrowing against your equity to buy RRSP's.
• Check your credit report for accuracy (a link to request this for free from Equifax is posted on our website)
For more information and help on getting your financial house in order contact Your Mortgage Store today! Collingwood and Town of Blue Mountain residents can reach Joan Dinsmore directly at 446-3231 while Wasaga Beach residents should call Donna Mullen at 429-5492. More information, including the full workshop schedule for 2009, is also available at www.yourmortgagestore.ca.
ABOUT YOUR MORTGAGE STORE – DONNA MULLEN & ASSOCIATES: Donna Mullen has been helping Simcoe County residents with all their mortgage needs for more than 15 years. Today, Donna leads a team of qualified Mortgage Agents and is helping consumers to "be educated" with a network of Your Mortgage Store – Donna Mullen & Associates offices in Collingwood, Midland, Wasaga Beach, Elmvale and Barrie.