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 […]

Brokers beware of young buyers driving Audis by Justin da Rosa | 06 Jan 2014 Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said on CTV’s Question Period Sunday that he is monitoring the state of the housing market and is willing to intervene in the mortgage default insurance industry again if the need is felt. “I talk to […]

News Release: January 3, 2014 FRASER VALLEY’S HOUSING MARKET QUIET, YET STABLE IN 2013 (Surrey, BC) – Neither predictions of a huge crash or notable recovery came to pass in 2013 as Fraser Valley’s real estate market stayed slow and steady, similar to 2012’s market. Fraser Valley’s total sales volume last year was 13,663 a […]

Housing Market Experience Soft Landing. by MBN | 06 Dec 2013 The housing market is expected to experience a soft landing, as opposed to a hard correction, the Bank of Canada announced in its monthly overnight rate announcement this week. “The housing sector has been stronger than expected but is consistent with updated demographic data […]

BCREA ECONOMICS NOW Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcement – December 4, 2013 The Bank of Canada once again opted to maintain its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. In its accompanying statement, the Bank highlighted that inflation continues to move below the Bank’s 2 per cent target due to significant excess […]