There was a slight increase in home sales in September compared to August but most markets were down from a year ago. Figures from the Canadian Real Estate Association show a 2.1% rise in sales through the MLS system month-over-month but sales were lower than September 2016 in three quarters of local markets. Activity was […]

I’ve heard brokers say more than once that mortgages are a commodity, by definition a commodity is a basic good used in commerce that is interchangeable with other commodities of the same type. That doesn’t sound like mortgages to me. While the core product is always the same, money lent that is secured by real […]

Another organisation has added its voice to those opposing OSFI proposals to introduce tougher lending restrictions for uninsured mortgages and warns it could harm competition in the mortgage industry. The Fraser Institute says that requiring a stress test with a margin of 2 percentage points above the agreed rate for those homebuyers with at least […]

Deciding to borrow money to launch your small business startup is a big decision. It’s the second biggest decision after deciding to start the business. Since it is a big decision, it requires much thought and research before taking the leap. There are multiple ways to fund a small business startup, and it’s important to […]

There was a decline in Canada’s housing starts in September, following eight months of trending upwards. CMHC reports that the six-month trend of starts slipped to 214,821 last month from 220,573 in August. “Housing starts are trending lower in September after increasing for eight consecutive months,” said Bob Dugan, CMHC’s chief economist. “Nevertheless, new home […]

By the end of October we should have a clear idea of proposed changes to mortgage lending regulations with updated B-20 rules implemented within two to three months. Speaking at an event in Toronto, OSFI superintendent Jeremy Rudin said Tuesday that much of what will become the updated regulations will be what the regulator set […]

This story is from the Fall edition of Our House Magazine Moving on up from condo to house, these young homeowners prove age is just a number For Jordan Rothwell and Karissa Roed, the timing to find their forever home couldn’t be more perfect. The couple, who recently moved to Mission, B.C., are expecting their […]

This letter will also appear as a full page ad in the Oct. 3 Globe and Mail. Dear Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minster Bill Morneau; One year ago, your government introduced new mortgage rules that put the dream of home ownership out of reach for many Canadians. Although well intended, the changes have […]

A lot of people get into hot water when they assume that because they’ve qualified for a mortgage in the past, they will qualify for a mortgage in the future. This article has one point to make and it’s this: Don’t assume anything when dealing with mortgage financing! And if that’s all you take away, […]

Demand for luxury property remains strong in many of Canada’s cities but for million-dollar condos one market has seen a huge surge. Sales of homes priced $1 million or more increased in the first seven months in Victoria, and Calgary but it was the GTA where sales were up 85% year-over-year according to data from […]