|
At
MortgagesinCanada.com, we are constantly working to provide more
value for Canadians. We
need your support. If you have benefited from this site, or the
discussion group, please take a few seconds to add a short testimonial to this page. Your input will help maintain
and improve this service.
We
appreciate your support!
Andy
MacDonald
MortgageBroker Inc.
Please take
the time to review some of the testimonials from several satisfied
Canadians.
Great Forum! I learned a great deal and the information certainly
helped in getting the best mortgage for our first house -- and it
happened that Andy was the broker who found us the best deal of
what we were looking for. Thanks Andy!
Helen <htluu@hotmail.com>
Toronto, ON - Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 17:40:53 (EDT)
Great work
- in a matter of days, with a pending interest rate hike Andy was
able to get me a locked in rate 100 basis points below posted rates
with no strings attached. Thanks!
Jason Roth <jroth@heidelberg.ca>
Brampton, Ontario - Thursday, June 08, 2000 at 22:44:34 (EDT)
I found this
website to be very helpful and informative. We did get our mortgage
through one of the brokers listed and are very pleased with the
service and time spent in assisting us. I now know more about how
mortgages work and understand the process a lot better. Thank you.
Donna Stockley
Donna Stockley <donna.stockley@sympatico.ca>
Brampton, Ontario - Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at 16:06:33 (EDT)
Mortgage-ca
discussion group has provided a "wealth" of information and understanding
of both the providers and of mortgages. No questions are are seen
as "too dumb to ask" when it comes to the largest investment we
make.
Glenn Thurston <gthurston@city.oshawa.on.ca>
Pickering, ON - Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at 10:31:23 (EDT)
This discussion
group provided a ton of information from not only qualified staff
but from fellow homebuyers with previous experience. It was extremely
helpful in negotiating for our first home and the updates keep me
informed of the market trends. Thanks for all your help Andy (and
gang)!
E. Gonzalez
Brampton, Ontario - Wednesday, May 24, 2000 at 09:38:31 (EDT)
I have been
"listening in" on this discussion group for the past few months
and have learned a great deal. Certain questions and issues that
were dealt with would never have occured to me had it not been for
this group. My wife and I have just bought our first home and, thanks
in part to what I have learned from this group, we are confident
that we have obtained the best possible mortgage available at this
time. Many thanks John
John Kelly <john.kelly@nrc.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario - Monday, May 22, 2000 at 12:22:07 (EDT)
Once again
I have no hesitation in commenting on the value of this,
discussion group. In 1999 it was most informative in helping me
assist my daughter renew her morgtgae with her existing lender at
a much lower rate than posted on the wall of the institution! Also
the complexity of anything financial and especially Canada's Income
Tax system makes this forum invaluable. A current example is the
discusion on whether and how to withdraw funds from one's RRSP etc.
Andy; once again many thanks. Very glad I found this discussion
area back in 1998 (I think?). Pleas keep up the good work. I wish
there were one like this on personal financial planning! Terry sanford.
Terry Sanford <tsanford@roadrunner.nf.net>
Torbay, Newfoundland, Canada - Friday, May 19, 2000 at 00:24:26
(EDT)
Hi Everyone,
Just giving my 5 cents worth. I have only to say that this discussion
group helped me in many ways during my search for a home. Now that
I have found one I just want to thank Andy and everyone who writes
on here.
T. Rustam
Toronto, ON - Thursday, May 18, 2000 at 18:22:24 (EDT)
Reading all
the e-mails for a couple months helped us when we were ready to
renew our mortgage. Thanks you saved us money.....
Norris <krisnic@home.com>
Newmarket, Ontario - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 20:41:16 (EDT)
I have found
many of the comments and suggestions very informative in this discussion
group.
Ken Millar <ellen.m@sympatico.ca>
Kanata, Ontario - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 18:42:59 (EDT)
The Mortgages
in Canada discussion has been my primary source of information on
mortgages and related financial activities that is independent of
the big banks. Unlike books, it is always up-to-date. Essentially
anyone can contribute. Unlike with my first mortgage, my recent
renewal was done after comparing a number of vendors. I went with
the best one, which was from a vendor brokered by Andy. Thanx, Andy!
J. Cramer
Ottawa, Ontario - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 18:11:59 (EDT)
I have been
monitoring the group for about 2 months and although I have not
been a contributor, I find the questions interesting and the responses
thoughtful. As soon as I have something useful to add..or ask, I
will jump right in!
susan <susanwainstock@home.com>
Toronto, ON - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 13:53:48 (EDT)
This is one
of the most useful resources for mortgage buyers and sellers in
Canada.
Arik Kapulkin <arie@passport.ca>
Vaughn, Ontario - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 13:25:21 (EDT)
[bah. web
forms. whatever happened to email?! Then at least I could use a
civilized editor instead of this stupid Web-browser vague stab at
an editor.] mortgage-ca has served me largely by raising my consciousness,
making me aware of options. In particular, knowing that options
are available and knowing what is reasonable placed me in a much
stronger position when renegotiating recently. Saved me at least
a thousand or so.
der Mouse <msmgc@rodents.montreal.qc.ca>
Montreal, QC - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 10:38:04 (EDT)
As someone
who just recently purchased a new home, I found the information
I was able to access through the newsgroup absolutely invaluable.
All prospective home-owners should subscribe to this newsgroup!
Paul Ferreira <paulf@icmto.com>
Toronto, ON - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 10:15:53 (EDT)
As a residential
real estate agent, I have been recommending to my clients for years
that they use the services of a mortgage broker, both for the best
rates and the best advice. Andy's Mortgage-ca discussion list is
an invaluable asset to homeowners and would-be homeowners alike,
in that it provides excellent and little known insights into how
to go about arranging the best mortgage for your circumstances.
I don't know of anything else like it! Keep up the great work, Andy!
Tony Hicks <info@tonyhicks.com>
Toronto, ON - Friday, April 28, 2000 at 10:30:00 (EDT)
I have just
about finished building my house. I will be left with a $130,000
mortgage (approx). I did not make the 3 months completion date the
bank wanted for me to carry over my mortgage, so I have to renew.
I was at 7% on 95,000 when we started. How can I negotiate an open
term. I think that would be the best way to go. Will the bank negotiate
on open. I am with the Royal Bank? Do you think open is the best
way to go? Thank you.
Chris Stewart <cstewart@sd62.bc.ca>
Victoria, BC - Tuesday, April 25, 2000 at 12:06:11 (EDT)
Grest site
Andy! I just renewed my mortgage with Royal Bank and got a full
1% discount from the information you gave me.
Nelson Ball <ball@hotmail.com>
Toronto, ON - Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 12:19:50 (EST)
Hi Andy, Thanks
for the referral to Denis Brunet. We are currently in the process
of completing the paperwork for the private lender that was found
for our mortgage application. Interesting process! Also good to
know that the banks are not necessary for absoluting everything!
Anne Schäfer
Anne <awschaef@mb.sympatico.ca>
Morden, Manitoba - Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 13:34:23 (EST)
In February
99 Motgage.ca published information on the possible benifits of
paying the penalty on your mortgage and obtaining a lower interest
rate. I followed the advice and saved $9000.
Dave Bingham <dbingham@axion.net>
Canada - Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 13:42:40 (EST)
Your site
brings together people on both sides of the table and is most useful.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be well informed before
they buy. Keep up the good work.
Ray Liu <rklliu@yahoo.com>
Toronto, Ontario - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 15:37:43 (EST)
I think the
site is great! I regularly check the site for advice on mortgages.
My mortgage is up for renewal in July 2000 so I will need all the
help I can get to ensure I get the best rate and service. I have
spoken with brokers as a result of reading some of the messages
posted here. These brokers have "opened my eyes" in some areas of
mortgages that I was not aware. Keep it going! You are guaranteed
at least one subscriber...that's for sure!
Brian Mallard <bmallard@morgan.ucs.mun.ca>
Mount Pearl, Newfoundland - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 12:23:18
(EST)
Excelent source
of information Our first choice for help on "how to?" from dealing
with Real State to negotiating with the Bank. The information is
always there, what and when you need it. It help us to take the
best option. Way to go Andy! larrua@hotmail.com
Lily and Bob <larrua@hotmail.com>
Toronto, Ontario - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 12:12:19 (EST)
Andy MacDonald
has arranged 3 Mortgages for us. He has exceeded my expectations,
he shines where others fail- he's my broker of choice and is always
recommened. As a Real Estate investor the mortgage-ca newsgroup
has kept me well informed, I use it as a resource of options for
future planning.
Lou Drumonde <drumonde@globalserve.net>
Toronto, Ontario - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 22:54:27 (EST)
I was so impressed
with this forum that I have previuosly sent a congratulation to
Andy. Originally got involved to be better informed in asssisting
my daughter with the first (5 year) renewal of her morgtgage. She
did so, at an excellent rate; we know that because of our participation
in this forum. Also it didn't do any harm to let the bank individual
we were dealing with know that we "were looking around" and were
'on the internet' and were aware of rates and trends! So have been
'following" the morgtgae-ca forum with interest and learning something
all the time both from the initial questions which range from the
basic to somewhat more complex; also from the comment, discussion
and advice rendered by the group. As a bottom line this forum in
my opinion provides a valuable service in helping and educating
us as consumers, morgtgagors, customers, borrowers, lenders or whatever.
Surely the better informed we become the better understood, better
used, less criticised, more productive and better service providing
this part of the financial system will be. Have probably posted
to the forum three/four times. But have read and digested hundreds.
Again, well done Andy. Thankyou. Keep up the good work. Terry S.
Terry sanford. <tsanford@roadrunner.nf.net
>
Torbay,, Newfoundland, Canada - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at
22:16:27 (EST)
We have been
participating in your discussion group for a few months now and
the information we have received has helped us to prepare to purchase
our first home. Everone is very helpful and the wealth of knowledge
is excellent.
Jodi Terpstra <rjterp@telusplanet.net>
Taber, Alberta - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 17:47:54 (EST)
Andy, I find
your service to be quite informative, with respect to what the current
mortgage rates are, and how much better one can do when dealing
with a broker versus a bank. I also appreciate the rapid answers
one receives when one poses a question about mortages, or even banking
services. I only wish that all banking services were available to
all Canadians. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as there seem
to be differences in the banking regulations among the provinces.
For instance, we are still waiting here in Quebec for banks like
Presidents Choice and ING to set up shop over here....
George Szatmari <george.szatmari@umontreal.ca>
Montreal, Quebec - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 11:50:36 (EST)
I am new to
Canada and plan to buy a property 2 years or so down the road. This
newsgroup is a great source of information and of different point
of views. Right now I am just an eager reader of postings, but will
certainly post questions and comments come the time I am buying
by myself. Great job, Andy!
Ruedi Birenheide
Nanaimo, BC - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 11:45:40 (EST)
Andy, I am
not buying any property now but would certainly use you as a resource
of first choice when I do so. MORTGAGE-CA is very useful on a subject
where the consumer has little ability to find his own way.
John McKay <mckay@cs.concordia.ca>
Montreal, PQ - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 11:40:20 (EST)
As a Realtor,
MORTGAGE-CA is of tremendous value to me to : 1. see the kinds of
questions that may be representative of the questions my clients
may have but feel uncomfortable asking (the old "there is no dumb
questions" refrain) 2. The answers that are provided or often the
thought provoking discussion that is often provided is illuminating
to me as well as I am sure the person asking the question.
Frank Peters <Frank >
Lindsay, Ontario - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 11:34:09 (EST)
I am not presently
looking for a new mortgage. However, I still want to know what the
rates are, what others are doing to obtain mortgage money, some
of the problems generally, and some of the suggested solutions.
I do enjoy receiving these e-mails. Thanks.
Brian Cunningham <brian@freenet.carleton.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 11:17:01 (EST)
I find the
information provided in this site and via email to be extremely
informative and useful. Keep up the good work!
Lynn Beattie <beal@bank-banque-canada.ca>
Calgary, Alberta - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 09:25:32 (EST)
Great idea!
Julius Granata <sabres99@hotmail.com>
Montreal, Quebec Canada - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 08:37:17
(EST)
Andy MacDonald
helped me with my mortgage. After visiting 4 financial institutions
and being given the usual nonsense ("We want to provide for all
your financial needs -- bring your mutuals here and we can negotiate
a better mortgage", and my favourite "If you get a better quote,
let us know and we'll see what we can do"), Andy cut through the
bull and got me the best rate available, no strings. Mortgages.ca
keeps me current, and the discussions are interesting and engaging.
Mark Luscher <Mark.Luscher@UToronto.ca>
Toronto, Ontario - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 08:28:49 (EST)
This discussion
group is an effective tool for information gathering.
Mary-Ann <edokpayi@calcna.ab.ca>
Calgary, Alberta - Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 20:42:22 (EST)
I've benefited
immensely from the knowledge of others in the group. While I continue
to save for a down payment, I hope to gain even more knowledge of
the housing and financial markets. Thanks Andy and others for sharing
your skills and expertise.
Ed Kennedy <edkennedy@roadrunner.nf.net>
Mt. Pearl, Newfoundland - Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 20:25:56
(EST)
Mortgage.ca
is great for renewing mortgages or first time owners. It gives you
information that arms you to deal with whomever you get your mortgage
from.
Murray Hooper <m-hooper@home.com>
Cambridge, Ontario - Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 16:57:11 (EST)
I would have
thought that I could walk into any bank and get a mortgage for 20%
of the value of my home. Not so since I am self employed and my
home has a small commercial storefront. My frustration grew when
another broker and appraiser were adament that I would need a commercial
mortgage, which of course is more expensive. However, Andy was able
to get me my residential mortgage with a full point off the posted
rate. It was a pleasure dealing with him....even my lawyer commented!
Highly recommended! Andy, you THE MAN!
robert <zorzos>
toronto, ont - Wednesday, November 17, 1999 at 07:05:03 (EST)
Thanks for
the mailing list Andy. The rates quotes are a great help when renewing
and the other stuff is interesting if not helpful as well. Thank
you as well for setting up my initial mortgage with the bank at
the lowest rate possible (4% !! do you believe that?). Keep up the
great work! I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
Best regards, Bruce Voss
Bruce Voss <brucevos@nortelnetworks.com>
Ottawa, Ontario - Tuesday, May 18, 1999 at 11:30:01 (EDT)
Thanks for
a most helpful web site. Your discussion group provides a forum
for information that is not available elsewhere. Keep up the great
work!
Ray Liu <rklliu@yahoo.com>
Toronto, Ontario - Tuesday, May 11, 1999 at 21:36:11 (EDT)
Andy provided
my wife and I with excellent information and helped us secure an
unheard of rate with our existing institution (5yrs at 5.3%) Thank
you Andy it was a pleasure dealing with you.
Robert Sproat <robert.sproat@hrdc.drhc.gc.ca>
Toronto, Ontario - Thursday, April 29, 1999 at 22:19:03 (EDT)
Thanks for
all your hard work Andy! The discussion group has taught me a lot
about mortgages and saved me thousands on my recent renewal.
John MacDonell
Toronto, ON - Thursday, April 08, 1999 at 16:42:31 (EDT)
Several weeks
ago you re- published an article out of the National Post. The article
talked merits of refinancing a mortgage. I followed the article
and will now owe approx 8k less after 4 years - even paying the
penalty. I wrote a note to the author thanking him but it was mortgage.ca
where I learned the info. Thank you also.
Dave B <dbingham@axion.net>
North Vancouver, BC - Monday, April 05, 1999 at 21:58:54 (EDT)
This site
provided info to assist my daughter in renewing their mortgage with
Royal Bank in Jan 1999. The Royal knew she/we were looking at competitive
rates with other institutions, some of whom offered incentives such
as no fees to switch, $2000 'cash to spend as you like' etc. It
enabled her, in my opinion, to get a decent rate. Reviewing the
info they decided that around 6% (3 years) would be OK. The bank
offered 5.9% (3 yrs. about $110 000) which they accepted. Please
note the "they accepted"; they were in something of a driver's seat
position! Be better informed.Eh? Thanks Andy:
Terry Sanford <tsanford@roadrunner.nf.net>
Torbay, just north St.John'sN, Newfoundland, Canada. - Monday, April
05, 1999 at 11:57:35 (EDT)
This is a
very useful site: it enables people to ask the questions (about
mortgages) that concern most of us. One thing, however, is that
it seems that our educational system/s don't teach us about money
and its use in our society. Here we have people who are very obviuosly
smart, aware and asking the right questions who have not received
training in how to compare various financial alternatives. Since
a mortgage is probably the biggest debt most of us will take on,
surely our school training should help to equip us. In addition
to the financial (money) aspects of a big debt, such as a mortgage,
there are also the intangibles. Intangibles includesuch things as
the comfort/security (keep up the payments) of "owning one's own
home", even if it takes 25 years to do so! Can one sell it if necessary?
Will it "hold its value"? "Will it increase in value"? Will that
increase "keep up with inflation"? Is house near schools, shopping
etc.? Keep this site going, please. Best of luck to all Canadian
prospective and potential 'homeowners'! Also can we persuade the
Canadian Government to allow tax reduction in respect of personal
home owner mortgagae payments, as I believe, the US (or certain
states) do? Would someone care to comment on this? Torbay, Newfoundland,
Canada.
Terry Sanford <tsanford@roadrunner.nf.net>
Torbay,, Newfoundland. - Monday, April 05, 1999 at 10:52:29 (EDT)
Right now,
we are just beginning to think about buying our first home. I find
this list really helpful - we are learning a lot of things we didn't
know before, and being informed consumers will help us a great deal
when we have to make final decisions. And you can feel free to submit
"naive" questions - you will get the answers you need!
Kirsten Voss & Eric Granger
Montreal, Quebec - Sunday, February 14, 1999 at 17:33:00 (EST)
Well, I guess
I don't have much to say yet 'coz I just joined the mailing list
but after receiving only a few message, I have become more realistic
and aware of mortgages. Its definitely very useful for first time
planners like me.
Muhammad Bin Ikram <muhammad@idirect.ca>
Toronto, ON - Saturday, February 13, 1999 at 16:27:20 (EST)
The old saying
"Knowledge is Power" is soo right. With all the information I got
from Andy's discussion group, empowered me to get 1% off a five
year mortage. My bank manager was suprised with all the information
I had at my disposal thanks to Andy.
Claudio Cusin
Montreal, Quebec - Wednesday, February 10, 1999 at 07:59:03 (EST)
Participating
in the Mortgage-CA discussion group helped me to negotiate an excellent
deal with my current bank. Speaking to Andy McDonald helped me to
ensure that I was being offered a good deal. Thanks Andy for the
input and for your work on the discussion group. This is a great
service. Glen Shaw
Glen Shaw <glenshaw@idirect.ca>
Pickering, Ontario - Saturday, February 06, 1999 at 20:48:59 (EST)
Thanks to
Andy by wife and I were able to secure a mortgage 1% below the going
rate for a 5 year term.... Once again thank you very much Andy for
the money you were able to save us... Dale and Linda Lukens
Dale Lukens <dlukens@telusplanet.net>
Lethbridge, Alberta - Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at 23:09:54 (EST)
My mortgage
came up for renewal January 1, 1999. After talking to Andy and a
few other people in the mortgage business I was able to go back
to my bank and renegotiate at a competitive rate. Anyone looking
for a mortgage is a fool not to shop around to get the best deal.
Thanks Andy and best wishes for '99.
Lorne Smith <lornesmith@home.com>
Saskatoon, SK - Saturday, January 02, 1999 at 17:11:34 (EST)
Andy is the
first mortgage specialist who began my deal with an absolutely free
pre-approval. I met some brokers before, but only had some talks
(sure interesting but only talks). Thank you Andy ! Elvira .
Elvira Routchkina <elvira@webwurx.com>
Toronto, Ontario - Tuesday, December 29, 1998 at 12:25:31 (EST)
Glad to meet
Andy MacDonald, great professional in financial service as well
in running Web-server (I'm a programmer and I'm impressed). He's
a nice man too. Proper approach to make proper things. I got help
andI got hope. Alex Semenov.
Alex Semenov <semenov@rocketmail.com>
Etobicoke, Ontario - Tuesday, December 29, 1998 at 12:23:42 (EST)
Andy arranged
my first mortgage. I am a first-time buyer and knew nothing about
mortgages or how to go about getting the best rate. Andy did all
the legwork for me and has secured a fantastic rate for me. He was
even able to secure this rate for 6 months. Apparently that is rare!
Andy MacDonald is a great mortgage broker and I would highly recommend
him to anyone looking for a low mortgage rate.
Sue
Toronto, Ontario - Saturday, December 26, 1998 at 20:05:09 (EST)
The discussion
group has proven highly informative and useful. I find it to be
a painless way to gain knowledge on mortgages.
Tim Blackmore <Tim.Blackmore@cnpl.enbridge.com>
Edmonton, Alberta - Friday, December 18, 1998 at 11:04:59 (EST)
Having dealt
with Andy Macdonald recently I found him to be extremely helpful,
knowledgeable and forthright. The services he provides, especially
through the discussion list forum, allows mortgagees to become more
informed and therefore find their way through the home buying process
more effectively.
Robert Ganzhorn <rob@greenware.com>
Toronto, Ontario - Friday, December 18, 1998 at 10:12:44 (EST)
I have been
a subscriber to the mortgage_ca mailing list since May 1, 1995.
The information I have gleaned from this list over the years has
allowed me to get a much better interest rate on my mortgage. Thank
you Andy.
Roger Horner <Roger_Horner@Mitel.com>
Ottawa, ON - Friday, December 18, 1998 at 08:56:53 (EST)
I have found
the discussion group and the related website to be rich in information.
I would recommend to anyone who onws a home or is considering a
purchase that they spend some time on the group. Thank you very
much, Andy.
Cameron Bennett <buttsneeze@hotmail.com>
North York, Ontario - Friday, December 18, 1998 at 08:33:48 (EST)
Andy's discussion
group is a great, regular source of reliable information on mortgages,
and Andy has been very responsive and helpful with individual questions
as well.
Brenda Belokrinicev <bbelokrinicev@sprint.ca>
Edmonton, Alberta - Thursday, December 17, 1998 at 23:31:14 (EST)
I have enjoyed
being apart of the Discussion Group for the past several months
and would like to extend my gratitude in offering this free service.
I will continue to do all my mortage financing with your organization.
David Melhuish
Toronto, ON - Wednesday, December 16, 1998 at 17:40:46 (EST)
|
 |
