Although rates have increased from their historical lows since the height of the financial crisis, they still remain relatively low. For those thinking about renewing or getting a new mortgage, the age old question of which type of mortgage to go with comes to mind. Is a Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM) or Variable Rate...
This week (1/17/2011) Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, outlined several changes to mortgage lending rules that are aimed to address the high level of household debt in Canada. • The maximum amortization period for a mortgage with government-backed mortgage insurance (through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, CMHC) has decreased to 30 years from 35 years....
North American office real estate companies have been seeing stronger leasing activity and increased occupancy rates. This has added to stronger third quarter 2010 results (and 9 month results) for real estate investment trusts and corporations. Heavy acquisition activity has also continued within the industry. . Brookfield Properties Corporation - Brookfield Properties Corporation ,...
North American commercial retail real estate companies have seen steadily improving results, through leasing and occupancy rates. They reported stronger third quarter 2010 results (including 9 month results), with dividend increases starting to be seen. In addition, debt levels have also decreased, while the stronger corporations and REITs have continued mall expansion (new developments)...
On Thursday, September 30, 2010, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the federal competition authorities reached an agreement in principle. The agreement allows sellers to choose which services they want from a real estate agent, and to pay for only those services. In February 2010, the The Bureau challenged the rules imposed by...
The Seasonally adjusted national home sales from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Systems of Canadian real estate boards declined 6.8% in July, from the previous month. A decline of 30% (non-seasonally adjusted) in July compared to the previous year’s sales volume, was in large part due to the significant decrease in BC (-14.1%) and...
In Canada the housing sector has been very heated with demand outstripping supply across the country within the last six months. The underlying supply/demand fundamentals are currently very strong, with housing starts below long-term demographic needs. At a national level, a February 2010 REMAX report examined real estate trends and developments across the country...
I found an interesting article in the news last week regarding Shire International, a limited partnership real estate firm based in Calgary, Alberta (Canada). The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), the Canadian version of the FBI, is investigating allegations against the firm in regards to fraud.
Energy Minister George Smitherman’s proposed legislation, Bill 150, the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, has been passed in legislation. The bill would make an energy audit compulsory for the sale and some leases of every residential property in Ontario, including houses, apartments, and condominiums. Commercial and industrial is not included.
