CANADA’S HOUSING BOOM HAS LASTED ALMOST 10 YEARS

And is still "remarkably buoyant," says Adrienne Warren, chief economist at Scotiabank. Canada's current housing boom is the strongest and longest in the country's history. (Jim Adair, March 4, 2008, RealtyTimes.com) More Information. . .

 

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION IN CANADA INCREASED IN FEBRUARY

Residential construction in urban centres of the province increased when compared to the same period last year, according to figures released CMHC. (Jason Beaton, March 10, 2008, CNW Group) More Information. . .

 

A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOUSE

Finally, it's a buyer's market out there. For years rapidly rising prices kept many first-time home buyers out of the housing market. But as interest rates hover at relatively low levels, it may be time to start looking to buy that first house. (Shelly Banjo, March 11, 2008, RealEstateJournal.com) More Information. . .

 

NEW FORECLOSURE RESCUE PLAN OFFERS ‘HELP NOW’

A bold new proposal to combat foreclosures was unveiled. The plan, dubbed "Help Now," was floated by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition It calls for the government to buy up at-risk loans, restructure the terms to make them affordable and sell the reworked loans back into the secondary market. (Les Christie, March 13, 2008, CNNMoney.com) More Information. . .

 

LOW-COST FIXES TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE GREEN

With oil prices now well beyond $100 a barrel; many buyers have been asking how to have a greener, more energy-efficient home. One answer, promoted by "green" builders, is to buy a new eco-friendly abode with everything from solar shingles to geothermal heating systems to super-insulated windows. (June Fletcher, March 13, 2008, RealEstateJournal.com) More Information. . .

 

TBR HOTSHEET QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
--Harriet Tubman

OFHEO, FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC ANNOUNCE INITIATIVE TO INCREASE MORTGAGE MARKET LIQUIDITY

OFHEO, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a plan to infuse up to $200 billion of immediate liquidity into the market of mortgage-backed securities. (Corinne Russell, March 19, 2008, OFHEO) More Information. . .

 

HUD PROPOSES REFORMING RESPA AND STANDARDIZING THE GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

To help home buyers better understand their loan terms and reduce consumer settlement costs, HUD has introduced a proposed rule to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). (Brian Sullivan, March 14, 2008, HUD) More Information. . .

 

WHY NOW IS A SMART TIME TO BUY

As a buyer’s agent it is important to help your buyers determine when to buy a home. This information will help your buyer’s size up the facts of the real estate market objectively. (John L. Scott Real Estate, March 19, 2008, RISMedia) More Information. . .

 

NAR CHIEF ECONOMIST NAMED AMONG TOP FORECASTERS FOR ACCURACY

Lawrence Yun, the National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist, has been named among the top 10 economic forecasters by USA Today. (Sara Weis, March 17, 2008, NAR) More Information. . .

 

TBR HOTSHEET QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
- Theodore Roosevelt