Today's Real Estate News and Advice
Updated: April 6, 2006
Soft Landing for Prices in Eastern Canada
Homes sales continue at a near-record pace in Canada, but two very different economic stories are emerging, according to reports from two major banks. In the east, price gains are slowing to create a sustainable market, but in Vancouver, trouble may be looming for investors. FULL STORY->
Record Second Home Sales Protect Housing Market
The second home market is shaping up as a linchpin for the housing industry, just as housing has become a cornerstone of the national economy. FULL STORY->
All You Need to Do is Multitask
Technology is easy to learn and just as easy to manipulate to your advantage. Put aside your fears and take the first step. FULL STORY->
Best First Quarter Ever
Ten per cent more resale home transactions took place during the month of March than during the same month a year ago, Toronto Real Estate Board President John Meehan announced today. The March total of 8,707 sales was the second highest 19,831 sales, a record first quarter result. FULL STORY->
Ten Popular Vacation Home Features
Vacation home experts hash out the most popular features vacationers seek when they look for vacation home accommodations -- information investors can use to boost their bottom line. FULL STORY->
Heating Up the Night: Outdoor Fires
The nights are still a tad chilly, but the weather in your neck of the woods might just be OK for lounging outside in the privacy of your own backyard in the early spring evenings -- you might want to consider heating your deck or patio to take advantage. FULL STORY->
Flagler County Leads in Growth
Flagler, the Florida county between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, was the fastest growing county in the country for the second year in a row. Lew Sichelman has the latest Census Bureau run down. FULL STORY->
Ask the HOA Expert
How should a board really define "single family residence"? Should signs be allowed on an HOA property? Richard Thompson answers these questions and more in this week's column. FULL STORY->
Quiz Your Credit Knowledge, Stability
Home prices are flattening. Interest rates are rising. New mortgages are emerging. Underwriting is changing. It's time to hit the books on home ownership financials. FULL STORY->
Ontario Law Reduces Brokerage Ownership Requirements
Changes to Ontario’s real estate law extend ownership of brokerages outside the province’s real estate community. PJ Wade takes a closer look at this new industry twist. FULL STORY->
Google Challenges Referral Sites
Google, the mightiest search engine of them all, has now launched a real estate service. Columnist Peter G. Miller explains why heads are turning. FULL STORY->
Housing Counsel: Beware of Termites
A sales contract requires that the seller provide a letter indicating a termite free inspection. What should a buyer look for in the letter? Benny L. Kass answers this question. FULL STORY->
New NAR Study: Tax Law Changes, Demographics Fueling Second Home Boom
Baby boomers using new federal tax rules to maximum advantage pushed second home financings to more than double in just the past five years, according to new research by the National Association of Realtors. FULL STORY->
Sweat Equity Home Improvement Tips
Before you lift a hammer on do-it-yourself home improvement tasks, level with yourself about your ability to really nail the job correctly the first time. FULL STORY->
Huff and Puff, But Can't Blow Straw Houses Down
It may seem like the most unlikely source of materials for building a house, but over the past few years more homeowners are realizing hay isn't just for horses. FULL STORY->
Understanding Mortgage Rates, Points, and Fees
People are paying less and less in points and fees to get those current rates? Has this always been the trend? FULL STORY->
Who Makes More, You or Your House?
Homes are skyrocketing in value. Great news, right? Not exactly when the annual tax bill arrives. FULL STORY->
Mortgage Rates Edge up this Week in Response to Fed Actions
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.35 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending March 30, 2006, up from last week's average of 6.32 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.04 percent. FULL STORY->
Understanding Your ARM Protects Homeownership
Too many home owners using ARMs to finance their home, can't put their finger on what makes their mortgage payment rise, how high it can go or even what the starting interest rate was. FULL STORY->
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