OTTAWA, May 19, 2010 ? Housing starts rebounded in the second half of 2009 and early 2010 and will stabilize over the next two years, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation?s (CMHC) second quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition.* Following a total of 149,081 units in 2009, housing starts are expected to be in the range of 166,900 to 199,600 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 182,000 units. In 2011, housing starts will be in the range of 148,600 to 208,800 units, with ... Full Article...

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 VANCOUVER, BC ?The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced increased activity in April thanks to a steady balance of home buyers and sellers entering the marketplace. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,512 in April 2010, the fifth highest-selling April on record. The figure represents an increase of 18.5 per cent compared to the 2,963 sales in April 2009; 9.1 per cent more than ...

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(Surrey, BC) ? Property buyers continued to see an increase in selection while sellers faced morecompetition as listings grew and sales decreased on Fraser Valley?s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) inMay. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board posted 1,477 sales in May, a decrease of 2 per cent compared to the1,501 sales processed on the MLS® during May 2009. At the same time, the Board received 3,457 newlistings, taking the number of active listings to 11,411, an increase of 14 per cent compared ... Full Article...

Click here for a 14 page PDF document "The process of buying a home: How it all works."

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ITEM AMOUNT Estimated Sale Price $ - (minus) Agent's Commisions   - Legal Fees   - Repairs or renovations   - Discharge your mortgage   - Property Taxes and prepaid utilities +/-   - Moving costs   - GST (if not already included in sale price)       Net proceeds from sale = $

If you?re looking for home-buying information, you?ve come to the right place. One of the first questions in deciding to buy a home is house or condo? If you?re leaning toward a condo, read on. Here are five important topics to discuss with your real estate agent before beginning your home buying search: 1) What You Can?t Live WithoutIf your version of the American Dream doesn?t include mowing the lawn, a condo might be a great choice. If you can?t live without your own backyard, a big garage, ... Full Article...

Thinking of selling your condo? Whether you live in the condo or own it as an investment property, if you?re ready to sell your home, it?s time to talk to a qualified real estate agent in your area. By evaluating several criteria, including regional markets, time of year, features of your condo unit, as well as your specific needs as the seller, he or she can create a customized marketing plan for your condo. Here are five important topics to discuss with your real estate agent if you want to ... Full Article...

10 Facts about the new BC HST Harmonized Sales Tax of 12% and it?s implications on the British Columbia housing market. The Harmonized Sales Tax (also known as the new BC HST) is 12% tax applicable to most goods and services, including new homes, real estate, and property.   The new B.C. HST 12% Tax is the combination of the Federal Goods and Services Tax (5% GST) and the Provincial Sales Tax (7% PST).   Implementation of the BC Harmonized Sales Tax will take place on July 1, 2010.   The BC HST ... Full Article...