Get Mortgage Pre-Approved in Minutes

House hunting; what can you afford?

Find out and hold the rate for up to 120 days. It's FREE and no obligation.

A Mortgage Pre-Approval is an important first step in getting a mortgage for 2 reasons:

• The pre-approval gives you a good idea of what mortgage size you can afford.

• The pre-approval will hold a rate for up to 120 days, thus protecting you from any sudden rate increases.

Pre-Approvals are:

• FREE, No Obligation

• Kept on Secure Servers for Your Privacy

• Guaranteed to be the Lowest Interest Rate for 120 Days with certain lenders

• Fast and Easy – 5 minutes on the phone today and your mortgage can be pre-approved with rates locked!

Your mortgage pre-approval will be based on the information given and the supporting documentation provided by you. Please be honest and upfront with us. We will then work together to get you approved at the best rate and terms. Our job is to shop with the mortgage lenders on your behalf. As mortgage professionals, we put the client first. The most important mortgage is YOURS!

The five factors that count the most when lenders are deciding whether you qualify for a mortgage loan are:

• Your income

• Your debts

• Your employment history

• Your credit history

• Your identity

• Your property value When you understand how a lender will judge your loan application, it is easier to see your own strengths and weaknesses as a loan applicant.

A strong loan application will have these features:

• A housing expense ratio no greater than 32% (Now optional) (the lower the ratio, the better)

• A debt-to-income ratio no greater than 44% (the lower the ratio, the better)

 • The homebuyer has a steady income - ideally, the same job for two years or longer

• The home buyer has good credit (bills have been paid on time)

• The house is worth the price the buyer is paying

Your Income

One of the first questions a lender will consider is how much of your total income you'll be spending on housing. This information helps the lender decide whether you can comfortably afford a home. If the house payment represents a large portion of your income, you're more likely to have trouble making these house payments because of your other potential expenses (such as a car, furniture, etc.). On the other hand, if the house payment is a small portion of your income, chances are better than you can truly afford the house. When you're applying for a loan, the lender will look at your 'gross income'. Your 'gross income' is all the money you earn before taxes, including overtime, commissions, dividends, and any other sources. You must be able to show a steady history for these sources. For example, many lenders will count income from a part-time or seasonal job as long as you can show that you've had the job for at least two years.One important thing your lender will do is compare your housing expenses now to the expense you'll have if you buy a home. The smaller the increase, the stronger your application looks.

Your Debts

In addition to your income, a lender will look at your debts. Generally, your debts include your house payment as well as payments on all loans, charge cards, child support, etc. that you make each month. If you’re overloaded with debts, perhaps taking equity from your home to consolidate your debt is a viable, cost-saving option. Your Employment History You don't need to be wealthy to qualify for a mortgage, but a history of steady employment in any occupation helps. Lenders are more likely to lend money to people who have worked for several years at the same job, or at the same type of job. However, if you've only been in your current job a short while, this won't necessarily stop you from getting the loan, as long as you've had regular income over the last year. The lender will check your employment; usually by asking you for a letter from your employer which is signed and states how long you have been on the job and how much money you earn. If you're self-employed, or if you've been at your job less than two years, the lender may ask you for additional information (such as federal income tax statements) concerning your income and work history.

These are the kinds of questions a lender considers when reviewing your loan application:

• Have you been at the same job for at least two years?

• Have you been in the same occupation for at least two years?

• Have you had gaps in your income over the last two years?

• How long do you expect to stay in your current job?

• Is the co-borrower (if any) employed?

• If either you or the co-borrower lost your job, how long would you be able to make your mortgage payments?

Your Credit History

Good credit is very important in qualifying for a loan. In addition to your ability to pay (as indicated by your debts and income), a mortgage lender will look at your willingness to pay. This will be judged by your credit record - that is, how well you've paid your loans and other debts in the past. When you apply for a loan, the lender will order a credit report for you. It's a good idea to order a copy of your credit report before you apply. It will show your record of payments on loans, charge cards, and other similar debts. If you've never had a loan or a charge card, you can show that you have a good record of payment on your utility bills and rent.

Your Property's Value

When you choose a home, the lender will want to know that the house is worth the price you plan to pay. In fact, the loan amount that the lender approves for you will be based on the value of the property. The value of the property is a lender's best assurance that they can recover the money they lend you - even if you stop making mortgage payments. If you stop making payments, the lender has the right to sell your home to pay off the loan - a process called "foreclosure". The lender wants to know that the property could be sold at a price that's worth the loan amount. If you decide to sell your home before you've finished paying off your mortgage loan, you'll want a price that allows you to pay back the loan balance (and perhaps make a profit as well).

That's why it's important to have a professional appraisal of the value of your home. Your Identity Identity theft is a growing problem in Canada for both individuals and for lenders. To make sure no one is falsely using your identity to borrow money for a home, we will ask to see photo identification. We may also ask you some questions about your credit history to confirm the information that's on record at the credit bureaus.

Are you nervous about meeting with a financial advisor?

Many of our clients have told us that it was difficult for them to make that initial first appointment. Naturally, we think we are easy to get along with, so we wanted to know the reasons that made them hesitate.

When we listened, we found that there are basically 4 main reasons:

1) Fear of the Unknown

If you have never worked with a financial advisor, you just aren’t sure what will happen. This is what we do: We explain exactly the type of services we provide to our clients, we explain how we get paid, we explain the products and companies that we work with and then discuss our process. We talk about our client’s current situation and what their goals and dreams are. We don’t charge for the initial consultation. If you would like to proceed, we then set up another meeting to discuss your individual plan that we have developed on your behalf and then proceed to implement your plan. We are happy to answer any questions along the way because it is important to us that our clients learn along the way.

2) Afraid to be “Sold”

We all have the same fear of being “talked into” something that we don’t need, whether it is buying a car, a computer, life insurance or investments. Our goal is to make sure that every decision is based on our client’s needs, goals and understanding. We know that a long term relationship is based on trust and education. We want client relationships – not transactional customers.

3) Should be able to do it on your own

There is so much information, people think that they should be able to do everything themselves. However studies have proven over and over again that working with a financial advisor not only increases your long term wealth but definitely increases your peace of mind.

4) Embarrassed about your current financial situation

Sometimes people look around and wonder why they aren’t further ahead and that maybe they don’t have enough assets to meet with a financial advisor. No matter what stage of life you are at – starting a plan is the most important aspect of financial planning. We find great satisfaction is developing a plan for each of our clients that sets them on track to their financial goals and to help them overcome any obstacles along the way.

Trusted Tip on Energy Efficiency

Ceiling Fan Installation 

Installing a ceiling fan is definitely a lot harder than it looks. Instructions can be long and complicated, and some fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds! Leave the complicated and hazardous work to our professional electricians. 

Benefits of Ceiling Fans

Energy Savings

Ceiling fans are an effective way to reduce energy costs in both summer and winter. In the winter heated air tends to rise and collect around the ceiling. Ceiling fans circulate the warm air and push it back downward. In the summer, fans create a cool breeze to keep air circulating so that it does not become too damp or stagnant.

Light Up a Room

In addition to increasing energy efficiency, ceiling fans can provide a great source of overhead lighting. You may have some ceiling fans in your home that do not have a light kit, but you wish they did. An electrician can install a light kit to almost any fan in your home.

Indoor or Outdoor Enjoyment

Ceiling fans can be added indoors or outdoors. However, if you decide to put a fan outside make sure you choose a fan that is specifically made for the outdoors. Having a fan outdoors is a great way to make backyard entertaining and barbequing more comfortable. Everyone can benefit from a fan. Not only do your friends and family enjoy the outdoors more, but so do your pets.

Decoration

Ceiling fans are a great way to enhance the décor of a room. In addition to improving your room’s style, ceiling fans draw your eye upward to make the room look larger. Fans come in a variety of styles and colors. Styles range anywhere from traditional to modern, while colors come in an array of wood tones and metals. With so many choices, you are sure to find one that suits your room perfectly.

Reed Security believes when you become a client you will be entering into a relationship – one they want to grow and become long term...they work hard to meet all your SASKATOON Alarm & security needs from day one!

Stay Open Late?

You May Need More Security. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has announced the enactment of a new regulatory amendment aimed at enhancing the protection of late night retail workers in Saskatchewan. The new law comes into force on January 1st, 2013, and compels those operating late night retail establishments to conduct a hazard assessment and implement a range of specific crime prevention measures to protect late night retail workers.

The primary safety and security measures contained within the new law are reproduced below with some practical considerations for employers wishing to synthesize regulatory compliance and crime prevention best practice:

1. Safe Cash Handling Procedures

Employers are required to develop written cash handling procedures with a primary objective of limiting the amount of money accessible to workers. Safe cash handling procedures are a key component in reducing the reward for potential criminals. Such procedures typically include, in part:

•limiting the amount of money held in the cash register;

•counting cash and preparing deposits out of public view;

•restrictions on non-employees entering cash counting areas;

•ensuring deposits are transported by security personnel or at a minimum, are transported by two employees at different times taking different routes; and

•limiting acceptance of bills greater than $20.

2. Video Surveillance Cameras

Reed Security can help you with this by installing ReedHD hi-def video cameras that can clearly capture Faces & License Plates. 

All late night retail establishments in Saskatchewan will be required to install video cameras which must, at a minimum, capture the cash desk and any outdoor gas pumps. If prominently installed and amplified by signage, video surveillance systems can increase the risks to potential offenders. Key steps to optimize video surveillance efficacy include:

•assess the business premises as a whole before identifying camera locations;

•place cameras in locations where they are most visible to customers and in areas that ensure potential offenders will be captured on video (e.g., outside of all entrances, immediately inside of all entrances, near cash machines and behind the cash desk, near garbage disposal areas); 

•consider installing a visible video monitor above and behind the cash desk showing the camera view of the customer at the cash desk (but do not consider taking this step unless the quality of displayed video is high).

3. Maintaining Clear Lines of Visibility 

Employers are required to take steps to ensure good visibility into and out of the premises. Clear sightlines to and from the premises is another way to increase the risk perceived by offenders who fear they will be visible to passers-by during a crime.

Priorities here include:

•removing all posters, advertising materials and other signs affixed to glass entrance doors and windows (but if advertising materials are required, at least ensuring they are positioned well below eye level to maintain clear sightlines);

•relocating or lowering any freestanding items (inside and outside of the premises) which block sightlines to/from the cash desk; and

•considering raising the cash desk area to elevate the worker, enhancing the overall visibility to and from the cash desk.

4. Installing Crime Prevention Signage.

Reed Security can help you with this by installing "Protected by ReedHD Warning Signage". Under the new law, employers are required to display signs indicating workers’ limited accessibility to cash and advising of the presence of video surveillance. Signage stating that video cameras are in use serves to increase the risk perceived by offenders. Posting signs stating that workers can only access small sums of cash is a way to reduce the reward available to potential offenders. Inherent in stating that workers have limited access to cash is the requirement for a drop safe or time-lock safe, which is a form of increasing the effort required by potential criminals.

Signage priorities include:

•designing signage that synthesizes text, colour and graphics to draw attention to the signs and amplify the overall crime prevention message;

•ensuring that multiple signs are placed in appropriate places (i.e., in locations most likely to be noticed by potential offenders; 

Read more: http://blog.firstreference.com/2012/11/22/saskatchewan-poised-to-enact-the-most-far-reaching-regulation-to-protect-late-night-retail-workers-in-canada/#ixzz2HPM3b7je  

5. Late Night (11:00pm to 6:00am) Lone Workers require an Emergency Panic Pendant connected to a 24/7 Central Monitoring Station that can dispatch the Police or RCMP.

Reed Security can help you with this by installing a ULC approved alarm panel and training your staff how to summon for help when needed most.

Visit www.reedsecurity.com  for more information or to schedule a Free Security Evaluation 306.653.3200.

Find Reed Security online at www.reedsecurity.com  or check out their listing here in the SASKATOON ALARM & SECURITY Category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence. Virgil Reed and his team are YOUR Trusted security experts right here in Saskatoon!

“We recently switched our services to Reed Security and I must say the process was seamless. The planning and execution from one provider to another was met with excellence in customer service, informative technicians and a support staff that went out of their way to answer questions and ensure our needs were met. I highly recommend Reed Security and their team for installation and monitoring of your offices”

Pat Kyle, ACS, AIAA Director, Branch Operations Wiegers Financial & Benefits

Palliser Rooms EQ3 is an independent furniture store that has been operating in Saskatoon for ten years. The store specializes in offering a generous selection of contemporary furnishings (predominantly Canadian brands) and a personalized service that is forward-thinking and client-focused. Customer reviews describe Palliser Rooms as a "great shopping experience," "with exceptional sales staff," "best displays and best furniture in town," and the kicker: "great delivery service." The comments reflect the company's commitment to providing excellent customer service and speak to their impeccable taste and attention to detail.

They are your Trusted Saskatoon Furniture Experts

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint and some great new pieces to freshen up a space. In our EQ3 furniture gallery we decided to do just that. Newly painted crisp white walls allow the modern, clean line characteristics of the furniture pieces to take center stage.

We took this opportunity to rethink the showroom gallery, and have carefully chosen products that best represent the look and functionality that EQ3 is known for. Specializing in classic, affordable, modern design for every area in your home, custom options are available for the living room, dining space and bedroom. The upholstery pieces are proudly made in Canada, and most can be ordered in leather or fabric with leg style choices for a personalized look all your own.

In our EQ3 gallery, you can buy individual items, or complete product lines in the fabrics and finishes you want. Every piece of furniture we design and sell is highly customizable, and waiting for your personal touch. If all this choice makes it hard to choose, our designers can look at your paint colours, floor samples and room photos to help you create a look you’ll love. We can create an electronic diagram of your room, and show you various options for your space. To book a consultation with one of our consultants, call us at (306) 653-6000, or contact the store online at www.pallisereq3.com.

EQ3 is always on trend with the latest looks in textures and color. We are currently showcasing neutral furniture pieces in covers like grey and white with bold, contrasted accents in orange, yellow and green.

Here is a peak at the refreshed showroom gallery. Hope to see you soon!

Find Palliser online at www.pallisereq3.com  or go to their listing in SASKATOON FURNITURE here, or go and visit their massive showroom on Faithfull Ave, Saskatoon... they are on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence ..they are your Saskatoon Furniture experts!