http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/are-the-tree-huggers-on-to-something.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/are-the-tree-huggers-on-to-something.html Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Beauty

"I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree." Do you remember reading this is high school? Plant a tree for the sheer beauty of it.

Spirit

Urban planners say that trees bring out the best in people. We know that a tree-lined street is more inspiring and feels more friendly than a bare one. The tree-huggers are on to something.

Oxygen

The green lungs of our neighbourhood, town, country, continent, hemisphere, and planet -- trees give us the necessary air of life. We need more of them. If you need to remove a dying tree, make a plan to plant one somewhere as a replacement.

Cleanse

Trees help remove carbon dioxide and other pollutants from our atmosphere. We need trees to do this for us - more now than ever. That fresh air in the forest? No coincidence. Thank the trees.

Cool and shade

Trees can lower the air temperature around your home by many cooling degrees on those hot summer days. Not only do they provide much needed protection for you, your family, and your shade-loving pets, but they also emit cooling moisture into the atmosphere.

Windbreak

If you plant evergreens on the north side of your home, you can save energy dollars in the cold season. These stately trees provide a lovely backdrop for your summer garden, and when snow-laden in the winter -- they look especially grand.

Prevent soil erosion

The root systems of trees will hold your soil in place - something to think about if you have steeper gradients on your property.

Natural Habitat

Without our trees, where would birds and other creatures hang out? Plant a tree and watch for the arrival of the songbirds.

Increase Property Value By Up To 20 Percent

Yes, that's right. 20 percent. More in some cases, and that adds up to a lot of dollars.

Privacy

Screen yourself from traffic, unsightly views, and neighbours whose property is too close. Trees will also buffer sound: reducing some of the undesirable traffic, train, and mechanical noises, which surround us.

Autumn

What would our favourite season be without the glorious display of our deciduous trees? Yes, raking the leaves can be a chore, but it's worth it.

Go native

If you need to plant or replace a tree -- select a native species. You'll find that native trees are: less susceptible to pests and disease, don't need as much water, and are altogether much less demanding than non-native species. Ask a local arborist (your city or town usually employs one) to recommend a tree for you property.

Natural legacy

Plant trees for your children, your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren. Celebrate weddings, births, anniversaries and other special occasions with a tree. Tuck your note into a copy of Dr. Seuss' "The Giving Tree".

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The House Team is commited to providing quality information to help people make informed decisions about their mortgage financing needs. You can compare Ontario Mortgage Rates with the traditional banks. Need a mortgage calculator? Mortgage Calculator Ontario

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/reduced-monthly-payments-have-canadian-homebuyers-jumping-on-board.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/reduced-monthly-payments-have-canadian-homebuyers-jumping-on-board.html Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500 payments and better cash flow for Canadian homebuyers.

Amortization periods – the length of time calculated to pay off the entire mortgage – are a significant factor in the size of the monthly payments. The extra five years or ten years to pay off a mortgage can make a significant difference to the household cash flow of Canadians who are trying to manage a mortgage. Let’s say that a young couple looking for their first home can manage only $1100 to spend on a monthly payment.

They’ve found a home they love, but it’s going to require a $190,000 mortgage. They’re just starting out in their jobs, and they know they shouldn’t exceed their budget. But with interest rates at about 6%, and an amortization of 25 years, their monthly payments will be almost $1216: a figure that’s likely to place an uncomfortable crunch on cash flow and place the home out of reach. But if they extend their amortization out to 35 years, the monthly payments drop to about $1084: well within their budget.

The longer amortizations, of course, come at a cost, although the 30-year amortization premium surcharge is under a quarter per cent. (The premium surcharge for the 35-year amortization is a little higher, at .40 per cent). And, of course, the homebuyers may pay more for the house in the long run. But many homebuyers have the ability to increase payments and shorten their amortization at a later date. For many Canadians, the real problem is those first few years as they are getting their financial feet under them. CMHC recognized that those monthly payments are a key obstacle in affordability, and the longer amortizations are designed to address that problem.

Lower monthly payments mean a better chance at owning a home, better cashflow if you’re struggling month-to-month, or more house for your monthly payment. The longer amortizations are not for everyone. But if you’re in the market for a high-ratio mortgage, with an extended term, you’ll want to get in to see an independent broker soon, and review your options.

As a mortgage broker, I’m pleased that this new option opens the door to more Canadians who are working hard to achieve home ownership. I have to say, too, that it has been a long time since we’ve seen such an excellent set of borrowing conditions for aspiring homeowners. With downpayments as low as five percent, amortizations as long as 35 years, and rates still very low, home ownership may finally be within reach for many.

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The House Team is commited to providing quality information to help people make informed decisions about their mortgage financing needs. You can compare Ontario Mortgage Rates with the traditional banks. Need a mortgage calculator? Mortgage Calculator Ontario

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>