CMHC crunches condo ownership breakdown inShare   by Justin da Rosa | 12 Aug 2014 Brokers and industry professionals have often wondered what percentage of condos in Canada’s two biggest markets are owned by investors and the data has finally been compiled. “As information on condominium investment is rather limited at this time, CMHC has […]

News Release: July 3, 2014 STRONGEST JUNE IN FOUR YEARS FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE MARKET   (Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 1,668 sales in June, an increase of 26 per cent compared to the 1,327 sales in June of last year and 2 per cent higher […]

News Release: June 3, 2014 MARKET STRENGTH SOLIDIFIES IN THE FRASER VALLEY   (Surrey, BC) – May’s property sales in the Fraser Valley reached the highest they’ve been in seven years with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board posting 1,633 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), an increase of 18 per cent compared to May […]

It’s Friday and since we heard Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz mention that it’s unlikely rates are increasing any time soon (article below) it’s a good day to talk variable rate mortgages. Yes, not everyone can qualify at the BOC 4.99% rate and some clients prefer fixed rates  – but there are still lots […]

Canadians still prefer fixed rates by Jamie Henry | 21 Apr 2014 Brokers may be touting the advantages of variable-rate mortgages but more and more Canadians believe fixed-rate options are preferable in the current environment. “Even though we’ve had a relatively stable rate environment for a number of years, Canadians are being prudent when it […]

Broker debate: reverse mortgages by Jamie Henry | 01 Apr 2014 They are becoming more popular but brokers are divided on whether reverse mortgages are the best option for aging clients looking to take advantage of equity in their homes. “I can understand why many homeowners would be attracted to this type of finance as […]

Rate hike expected to affect affordability in many markets by Jamie Henry | 25 Feb 2014 In its latest housing affordability report, the Royal Bank of Canada predicts interest rates will soon rise; putting housing affordability in many markets across the country in jeopardy. Should brokers expect an influx of business in the short-term? “RBC […]

Fixed rates to remain low until 2015 spike by MBN | 10 Feb 2014 The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation is forecasting fixed-interest rates increases in 2014, though brokers can breathe a sigh of relief as rates are still expected to remain historically low. “According to CMHC’s base case scenario for 2014, the average for […]

The high-end luxury market in Canada continues to defy the critics, according to new figures.    Despite expectations of a major slowdown in Canada’s luxury-home market, sales in three key urban markets recorded double-digit gains last year. Sales of homes worth $1 million or more were significantly higher in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary in 2013 […]

Monday, 23 December 2013 02:50 No risky business in 2014, Scotiabank says Written by  Grainne Burns Investors should calm down and carry on in 2014. That is the word from Scotiabank who are playing down the so-called risks that may affect market conditions next year. The big risks – high household debt, affordability issues and […]