CREA President Dale Ripplinger reports that housing sales in Canada, led by British Columbia, will rise sharply to a new record high during the first half of 2010 before higher interest rates and the harmonized sales tax kick in. CREA forecasts national activity will reach 527,300 units in 2010, up 13.3% from 2009. This would represent a new annual record, standing 1.2% above the previous peak in 2007. Low interest rates are ecpected to boost housing demand in the first half of the year, result ... Full Article...

Hello again! Here is some important information concerning purchasing real estate in Canada. Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty intends to strengthen housing financing by requiring that all borrowers meet the standards for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term. This requirement will help Canadians prepare for higher interest rates in the future. He will lower the maximum amount Canadians can withdraw in refinancing their m ... Full Article...