Ten Steps to Homeownership

Starting the journey to homeownership can be overwhelming and stressful. But with a little planning, you'll get the home that's right for you. A home that strikes a balance between your "wish list" items and the practical realities of the property, location and the housing market. Before you know it, you'll have a place to call your very own. A place to entertain. A place to decorate. A place to raise a family. It really is an amazing time!

Chinese property markets set for a stable year

The outlook for residential and commercial property in China is set to depend on the Chinese economy in 2014 with home inflation curbs set to continue, according to the latest report from international consultants Knight Frank.

Loonie’s plunge makes sun vacations more expensive

As the loonie trades below 90 cents (U.S.), that vacation sun package will soon get a little pricier as some tour operators are adding a currency surcharge to recover costs.

The world’s wealthiest investors set to put even more into global real estate

Private wealth is increasingly shaping the world’s real estate markets and the use of private equity in major property deals worth at least US$10 million has nearly trebled since 2009, a new report shows. 

RBC cuts mortgage rates

Fears that RBC’s latest move to whittle down its fixed rates will set off the kind of rate war BMO did in 2012 are largely unfounded, argues one broker, suggesting this latest cut is a “marketing ploy.”

Jump in unemployment sends Canadian dollar tumbling half a cent

TORONTO - The Canadian dollar dropped sharply Friday, falling well below the 92-cent US threshold amid major disappointments on Canadian and U.S. jobs data.

Forget labour shortages – could Canada be headed for a worker glut?

Contrary to current conventional wisdom, those copious baby boomers are boosting the unemployment rate of late, but that is not entirely a bad sign. It suggests Canada could be facing a glut of workers, not a shortage, in the next decade – and a markedly better economic outlook as well.

New Mortgage Rules For 2014

2014 may prove to be tougher for potential home buyers to secure a new home loan. New mortgage rules are set to take place next year by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which will make lenders screen home loan applicants in greater detail.

Four changes CMHC needs to make to rein in its mortgage market influence

My nomination for the understatement of the year goes to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who in early December observed that “regrettably, CMHC became something rather more grand I think than it was intended to be.”

Property sales and prices in Canada set to rise in 2014, according to CREA forecast

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has updated its forecast for home sales due to  stronger than expected activity through the summer and early autumn months.