By Ka Yan Ng Reuters – March 8, 2010 Canadian housing starts rose a better than expected 6.1 percent in February, reinforcing views that the residential housing sector is a key lever pulling the economy out of recession. Starts on new homes rose to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 196,700 units in February from a downwardly revised 185,400 units in January, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said on Monday. The number of starts in February surpassed the consensus expectation ... Full Article...

Tue Mar 2, 2010 Reuters By Louise Egan OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate at a record low on Tuesday, but signaled it is getting closer to raising rates, though promising again not to do so before the third quarter. The central bank reiterated the commitment it made in April 2008 to keep its target overnight rate at a record low 0.25 percent until the end of the second quarter, conditional on inflation staying on track. In its policy statement, however, it ... Full Article...

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. is forecasting increases in both the new home and resale housing markets this year and next year in Calgary and in Alberta. In releasings its updated market forecast today, CMHC said the Calgary census metropolitan area will see total housing starts rise by 20.3 per cent this year to 7,600 units followed by a 21.1 per cent hike in 2011 to 9,200 units. BY MARIO TONEGUZZI, CALGARY HERALD MLS sales in the Calgary area are expected to climb by 10.9 per cent to 27 ... Full Article...

Just added this listing: "Open House Sat March 6th from 1-4pm - Great value in this lovely custom-built home by AVI. This 1700 sq ft two-storey has beautiful maple hardwood floors and cabinets, trendy black appliances, corner fireplace in the great room, and large front entrance leading to the open-style main. Listen to your favourite artists from anywhere in the house through the built-in home sound system or relax outside on the large 12x20ft deck. Other features include a large west facing b ... Full Article...

Just added this listing: "This is the PLACE TO CALL HOME "Sierras of Evergreen" 40+ living by Medican! Main floor unit offering 1065sq ft, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, including master ensuite and walk-in closet. Beautiful oak kitchen with upgraded black appliances, large living room with plenty of windows and natural light, dining area, in-suite laundry/storage and TWO of your own private patios with great south views. Single underground titled parking stall and storage room located right at the front. ... Full Article...

Michael Babad Globe and Mail Update Published on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 3:18PM EST Last updated on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 8:05PM EST Today's top stories from Report on Business : Home buying rush expected in spring Canada's housing market remained vibrant in January, though showed signs of cooling from December. Year over year, resales rose 58 per cent in January, though from a depressed state a year earlier, the Canadian Real Estate Association said today, and prices rose almost 20 per ... Full Article...

This won't hurt a bit, homebuyers. Rob Carrick Ottawa — Globe and Mail Update Published on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 12:42PM EST Last updated on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 2:24PM EST The mortgage rule changes announced Tuesday by Financial Minister Jim Flaherty will weigh a bit on real estate speculators and heavily indebted people who want to fold their high-rate credit card debt into a lower-rate mortgage. But for rank and file homebuyers, the changes will barely be perceptible when they ... Full Article...

Flaherty moves to toughen mortgage rules By CBC News Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has announced new rules aimed at preventing homebuyers from getting into financial difficulty when mortgage rates rise. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced new rules Tuesday aimed at preventing homebuyers from getting into financial difficulty when mortgage rates rise. After consulting with major Canadian lenders, Flaherty outlined the latest weapons at Ottawa's disposal aimed at removing some of the spec ... Full Article...