Here's
What PEI Seniors Should Know
About Utilizing a Reverse Mortgage...
Real
Estate in PEI at a Glance:
Much
like New Brunswick, PEI is poised for continued overall pricing
growth in the housing market, boostered as a result of a growing
economy (1.8% growth in 2010), as well as provincial infrastructure
stimulus projects.
Note:
For more information, and for up-to-date real estate and economic
news & data, we suggest visiting CMHC's
Housing Market Info Center for new reports each
quarter.
Average
House Values in PEI and the Major Cities:
|
Location
|
AVH*
2009
|
AVH
2010
|
|
PEI
(province-wide)
|
$142,293
|
$146,537
|
|
Charlottetown
|
$176,327
|
$170,054
|
*
AVH = Average House Value
What's
the Outlook for PEI Seniors?
PEI's
long-term outlook seems to be positive. Currently, the economy
is showing steady, slow growth as consumer confidence increases
and employment rates continue to strengthen.
The
province seemed to weather the storm of the recession with
resilience - although Charlottetown's average home price index
did slightly decline from 2009 to 2010.
Seniors
need to carefully assess what the true, "future average"
value of their home, and subsequently their equity, will be
within whatever time-frame is relevant to their equity liquidation
strategy. They should also keep in mind that housing prices
are peaked currently due to low interest rates, which are
gradually rising along with economic growth - so the more
conservative approach would be to consider the current value
as a good benchmark for a multi-year prediction.
The
best plan of action is to consult a financial professional
and/or otherwise certified wealth-planning advisors.
Currently,
the average senior in PEI can get up to $58,614
(40% of the avg. PEI house value) in tax-free cash/income
through a reverse mortgage against existing equity.
A
word of caution...
As
the "baby-boomer" population matures into retirement
age amidst a trailing recession, there are bound to be some
desparate people looking for relief. This creates an environment
ripe for scam-artists.
PEI
seniors should be aware that though there are many legitimate
retirement strategies (such as CHIP, which is also registered
bank in Canada), unfortunately there are also scams and unscrupulous
tactics that are harmful in the long-run. We suggest consulting
the PEI
Securities Commission to research a company or program
before betting your retirement on it.
Where
do I go from here?
If
you would simply like more information - or if you'd like
to discuss it further with us directly, please fill out our
quick inquiry request form at the top of the page, and we'd
be delighted to help you and answer any questions you may
have.
In
fact - if you'd like to speak to a reverse mortgage professional
who can provide you with answers and information so as to
assist you in making a decisions that's best for you, why
not call us right now?
It's
toll-free, and we'd be delighted to hear from you!
Call
Right Now:
1-877-686-4246