Charities in need of FREE marketing help, Flipside’s got the solution – CreateAthon!

What: A 24-hour Creative Marathon For Who: Charities in need of marketing services September 16, 2012: Deadline for Charities to submit their applications Nov 8-9, 2012: CreateAthon in action

I have had the pleasure of meeting two very inspirational ladies, Kim and Natalia, from a marketing company called Flipside. They are high energy people –  passionate about their work, their families, their hobbies and giving back to the community.

They have joined a network of 73 creative agencies across the US and Canada to provide pro-bono marketing services to Charities and not-for-profit groups. Started in 1998 by founders Cathty Monetti and Teresa Coles, CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative marathon that gives the power of creativity, marketing, and online efficiencies to charities that need a leg up in attracting much needed funding and support.

Flipside shares the inside scoop on their blog.

How to get involved

If you are a Charity

You have until September 16, 2012 to submit your application for why you should be the 2012 charity of choice for FREE marketing services Apply here.

If you want to help

Flipside is always on the hunt for donations for food, coffee, print work, word-of-mouth support…plus, any ideas on how to keep them awake and their brains active through the 24 hour shift are always welcome.

To learn more contact: Natalia at Flipside: 604.568.9349

iVanity Card #1: The Idea

In a selfish plug to try to build my business, I’m going to get as honest as I get…If I expect my clients to lay it all on the line so that I can do the best job for them, I should only do the same in return. My main focus will be on a subject matter that is near and dear to my heart, but one that I know is racing in the minds of millions each and every day…Women, and having it all (a successful balance of family & career), is it possible or not? My view: I think it exists, but only in very rare circumstances. “Having it all” is definitely not seen as obtainable for the masses…at least not yet. My goal is to keep the conversation going so that we don’t give up on the possibility of being an equal voice at all levels of business, especially the top, without giving up the values and time we want and need to be mothers, partners, sisters, daughters, and friends.

There will be lots to share…but we’ll get started in the next vanity card. If there’s one thing about me, I like detail…so things can go a bit long. These vanity cards are playing another important role – to help keep me focused on the short and important points. I must learn to keep things short, but meaningful!

The Market Slow Down; Gearing Up

July and August have been relatively quiet compared to what we have experienced in the mortgage industry earlier this year. However, comparatively speaking, a distinct impact has been felt over these past few weeks. We are starting to hear, and see, the effects of the new mortgage rules enforced by the government of Canada and FICOM.

Upon reviewing the headlines, the common tone was “chilling”. Canada’s market was, and is, experiencing a steady fall, with Vancouver seeing the lowest sales drop since 2000. CREA recorded a 2% drop for July. With Vancouver’s market heading for retreat, RBC has declared that Toronto is not experiencing a bubble.

US was hopeful for the start of a recovery with sale prices increasing in June even though sales dropped, but July told a different story with existing home sales and new home sales up 2.3% and 3.6% respectively, but with housing prices dropping along with housing starts.

The global economy is believed to be far removed from the early days of an upturn while the European markets have a dark outlook. One can easily feel the tension, doubt, pessimism and uncertainty constantly overshadowing any positive announcements put forward; the positive outlooks are few and far between.

However, Mr. Carney has announced that we, as Canadians, should experience domestic strength with moderate growth. Inflation dropping to 1.3% in July confirmed that interest rates would remain low for the time being. However, RBC and TD have taken it upon themselves to raise their 3-year fixed rate 0.2 percentage points to 4.05%.

Time magazine recently stated that Canadians are now richer than Americans for the first time, but not surprising, when factoring in the 2008 financial crisis’ effect on many Americans’ net worth.

CMHC is projecting a softer market with no major decline and CIBC weighed in with their expectation that the 25-34 demographic will edge off the housing downturn. “This is actually the first generation that the parents are better off than the kids and those parents will write a nice cheque,” said Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist at CIBC World Markets.

Many commenters opposed Tal’s projection mentioning the “sandwich generation”, taking care of aging parents and costly family expenses and managing their own retirement investments will have little funds to support the necessary down payments required for the 25-34 demographic wanting to enter the market.

A Leger Marking study for CIBC supports the Tal commenters, proving that over 50% of Canadian’s aged 50-59 are planning to work after retirement to supplement their income; they have less than $100,000 in savings.

Even though some believe that the new mortgage rules will help Canadians manage their debt better, many others believe it has the potential to easily over-extend homeowners while qualified and secure young families will not be able to get the financing approval they need. RBC released this week that Canadian homes have become less affordable during Q2, which could encourage many potential buyers to choose to rent instead.

With all things considered, we are still nearing record levels of home ownership in Canada, 70%, the same percentile US hit before the big bust.

For mortgage brokers, we have yet another lender looking to exit the mortgage market and broker channel. ING direct, a 15-year-old e-bank, has Scotia, National Bank and TD lined up as potential buyers.

Are these all signs of bigger, more challenging times to come? Quite possibly, but also note that we are currently one of the strongest economies on the globe today, and if we navigate these pressures successfully, it could lead to unprecedented change for Canada’s global position and economic power.

Making Storage Beautiful

I love beautiful storage.  It makes my life easier, it makes me appreciate my home more and in some cases it can add value to your real estate investment.

Here are some great websites recommending ways to get organized and add some beauty to your home.  So many ideas that can lead to even more creative ways of using your closet, wall space, and shelves.

Four Tips to Organizing Your Closet “People wear 20% of what they have 80% of the time,” says Donna Smalin Kuper, a professional organizer and author of How to Declutter and Make Money Now!

50 Cool Jewelry Storage Ideas Take care and show off you beautiful stones, pearls, and beads. 

Clever Built in Storage Ideas “These images are completely inspiring and really display how every nook in a home can be functional with a bit of ingenuity…”

House Tours: A Stylish Home with Practical Storage “After she lost most of her possessions in Hurricane Katrina, Amanda Catalanotto, professional organizer and homeowner, rebuilt her family’s house with style and function in mind.”

Ideas for Strategic Organization & Storage “Stop clutter from clogging up your home by taking an orderly approach to fixing pain points, such as your entry, kitchen, and closets…”

Add Brackets for Neat Stacks “Prevent folded clothes and linens from toppling with wooden dividers.”

When renting is an appetizing option

I am always amazed when I read these types of articles.  More often than not, the couples they interview are in very good financial positions and have a number of options when considering to purchasing real estate.  Yet, every time advisors advise them to wait and buy later.  Save more money for 4-5 years and then consider buying once you have a LARGE savings built up, around 25%.

Why is this the only solution given?  Especially when dealing with a volatile product such as real estate? Waiting 4-5 years could do good, however, considering the market were in, buying in 1-3 years might be a better use of your money should prices drop and interest rates remain low.  By sticking with a 5-year buying plan, thousands of dollars in built up equity could be missed.  By not looking outside the 3-bedroom house dream and considering a smaller unit, say a condo, potential ownership could be postponed for longer than hoped.  What if prices don’t lower, interest rates get higher and mortgage rules change again.  I always believe there is some “extra” value in entering the market with a lower cost investment to start. Refinancing options can give opportunity to use the equity when you are ready to upgrade, while possibly keeping your first property as a rental.

I urge couples and individuals to take a serious look at your financials. Understand that timing is important, but to take advantage of it, you also need to be watching the market.  A plan that doesn’t involve watching and understanding what’s happening in the market and how interest rates are changing, is a plan that could potentially cost you.

Work with a financial planner and a mortgage professional so you have an expert working with your best interests in mind.  Consider filling out a mortgage application, even if you feel your not ready to buy now, it will get you an idea of what you can afford. Do it again in a year or year and half.  Review what has changed and learn how theses changes effect your buying power.   By doing that simple step, you will be able to identify when the time is right for you to purchase, taking into consideration your current income, down payment, expected mortgage approval, and the market prices.

…”Although their income will more than double once Carrie begins working, “we don’t feel we can buy into the Vancouver real estate market because the costs are still astronomical,” Jordan writes.

They are looking for a three-bedroom house because they are planning to start a family at some point.

“We’re dead set against moving to the fringes of the city just to afford a house,” Jordan writes. “We’d rather rent than give up our lifestyle.”

Their question is twofold: What should they do with the down payment money they have saved – proceeds from the sale of their previous house plus savings – until they can afford to buy; and how long must they wait before they take the plunge into the high-priced Vancouver real estate market?”…Read More.