It’s no secret that the Canadian housing market has been a bit volatile as of late. In certain portions of the country, prices are hot, hot, hot. Price bidding is common in Vancouver, and Toronto and Montreal are both posting record sales numbers. And yet, everywhere you look, experts keep warning of an impending bubble.
So, what’s the deal? Is the housing market rock solid or on the rocks? Continue reading
A lot has been said about Thursday’s budget announcement. From Flaherty’s shoe selection to a vague job-training program, many Canadian’s were left slightly confused following the much-anticipated announcement.
With that being said, Flaherty’s eighth (and potentially final) budget announcement could have been worse, especially for the mortgage industry. Thursday’s budget included a tightening of controls on mortgage lending once again, as well as another promise to further limit lender access to bulk mortgage insurance. While this will inconvenience some lenders, it’s actually good news for taxpayers. The announcement is just the latest in a long line of moves from the Finance Department that touch on concerns over the housing market. As Canadian’s continue to sink themselves deeper into household debt, Flaherty once again verbalized his mounting anxiety over interest rates. Continue reading
Saving for a down payment on a home takes dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. For many, it also takes a long, long time. According to a recent report from Rate Supermarket, come 2020 the average cost of a home in Canada will be $553,000. To accumulate a measly 5 percent down payment for such a home, recent graduates should expect to spend at least 12 years saving up. If you’re hoping to pack away 10 percent, prepare to squirrel away your savings for roughly 21 years. Continue reading
It’s no secret that the residential real estate market relies on a steady stream of first-time home buyers. A constant and consistent demand from young buyers is what keeps housing prices from declining.
Unfortunately, new mortgage rules are making it harder for cash-strapped buyers to qualify for current real estate prices. In a logical economy, housing prices would have to drop in order for new home buyers to handle the restrictions. But as we all know, things are rarely rational when it comes to the economy. Continue reading
Thinking of buying while interest rates are still low? Follow these tips to ensure that your finances are ready for a long-term investment. Continue reading