‘investment’

Renovations that pay off!

avatar - 2 May 2013
Maison Valeur Revente ISTOCKPHOTO renovation

source: iStockphoto

Roger wonders how best to use his home renovation budget this year. He’d like to install a pool in the backyard with new landscaping and up-to-date garden furniture on a chic new patio. He thinks that would surely increase the resale value of his house, in addition to improving his family’s quality of life. After all, you only live once!

However, relaxing in his bathtub, he notices that the bathroom could use a makeover too. What should he do? If increasing the resale value of your home is an important consideration for you, installing a pool has no positive result. In fact, it can sometimes have the opposite effect.

According to CAA Quebec, kitchen and bathroom renovations yield the best return on investment. Same finding from the Association provinciale des constructeurs d’habitations du Québec. (more…)



These articles are the exclusive property of Via Capitale © 2013

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Catégories: Renovation |

RRSP and TFSA: each has its own objectives

avatar - 6 February 2013

Source: iStockphoto LP

Savings Account (TFSA) are two savings vehicles that each have their own objectives and advantages. However, which one is best for you?

When should you choose an RRSP?

The RRSP is most often used to build savings, tax free, for use at retirement. Tax on earnings is deferred until the funds are withdrawn from the plan, generally at retirement age. The RRSP is an excellent way to defer a portion of your salary in order to make up for any shortfalls in your income after you retire. Also, RRSP contributions can be deducted from your taxable income, which could lead to potential tax refunds.

RRSPs are especially beneficial when the applicable tax rate for withdrawals is lower than the income tax rate when the funds were contributed. This is the case for most people because their income at retirement is usually lower than when they were working. Also, RRSPs open the door to other related programs, such as the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP).

(more…)



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Catégories: Financing |

Your house as pension plan

avatar - 4 December 2012

Source: iStockphoto LP

For many people, a house seems like a miraculous investment: Owning a home solves most financial problems and is the ultimate pension plan.

It’s an undeniable fact that a house is a long-term and effective investment. Most property owners and experts agree on this. But placing all your bets on a house is a huge risk.

Patrick Charlebois, investment advisor and manager at Bank National Financial in Trois-Rivières, cautions his clients. He definitely recommends purchasing a home and lists the advantages: good financial investment, better quality of life and a valuable asset for retirement.

Becoming an owner helps you to obtain a good credit file, to develop discipline for the family budget and to acquire the habit of saving money. But property owners may commit an error by placing all their hopes on their property. (more…)



These articles are the exclusive property of Via Capitale © 2013

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Catégories: Financing |

Baby boomers’ regrets

avatar - 1 April 2012

If they had to do it all over again, baby boomers would invest more in real estate. If they had a second chance at planning their retirement, 35% would invest in real estate, 31% would opt for guaranteed investment certificates and 20% would choose cash. (more…)



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Catégories: Financing |

Quebecers are becoming firmer

avatar - 13 December 2011

If 29% of Quebecers who are on the verge of selling their home or who have already sold it to a new owner didn’t know the various mortgage loan options available in 2010, the percentage decreased to 6% in 2011. This means that Quebecers are now better able to make enlightened choices in terms of mortgage investment.

These findings were published in the last TD Canada Trust report on experienced home buyers. (more…)



These articles are the exclusive property of Via Capitale © 2013

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Catégories: Financing |