MANAGEMENT TEAM – Wavney Nicholls
Despite the current economic climate many Barbadians still have a burning desire to own their own home and Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited (RBBL) continues to facilitate this demand.
Launched in June of this year, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited has been offering an attractive mortgage package for home owners, who qualify for new mortgages, at a reduced interest of 5.25% for two and a half years. This was down from the existing rate of 6.5 % and came as a result of the revised policy directive from the Central Bank of Barbados relative to the minimum savings rate.
Mrs Wavney Nicholls, General Manager, Retail Banking RBBL has advised, “To date, we have had an excellent response to our offer and are heartened to see new customers, many of whom are couples with a joint income of $5,000.00, qualifying for home ownership.” She added, “While we are facilitating first time homeowner requests, some potential homeowners may also be looking for their second home.”
Mrs Nicholls gave an example of properties valued at $275,000 with 3 bedrooms, one bathroom currently on the market, which would attract an approximate $1,550.00 per month mortgage payment over a 30 year period. She confirmed that “based on our 5.25% rate, an individual or couple with a gross income of $5,000 per month and a reasonable debt to earnings ratio can become a homeowner!”
In terms of default payments on existing mortgages, the 18 year veteran retail/mortgage banker explained that with a less than perfect economy, some customers have been having challenges. However, Mrs Nicholls advises such customers to have dialogue with their bankers. She explained, “Everyone benefits when there is a conversation and an agreement on how terms of repayment can be adjusted to meet changed financial circumstance and help customers through a difficult patch. Our team has being having these conversations to assist our customers in seeking solutions in this regard.”
The Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited mortgage offer of 5.25% for a period of 2.5 years ends on August 31st 2013.