Housing Starts Rise In May

Housing starts rose more than expected in May, with increased construction seen in both single and multiple dwelling sectors, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of starts increased to 128,400 units during the month from 117,600 in April, CMHC said Monday.

"Housing starts are expected to improve throughout 2009 and over the next several years to gradually become more closely aligned to demographic demand, which is currently estimated at about 175,000 units per year," the Crown corporation said.

Economics expected housing starts to total 126,000 units in May.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts was up 11.1% to 107,800 units in May, CMHC said. Multiple unit urban starts rose to 60,900 units and single unit starts increased to 46,900 units -- with both categories rising by a similar 11.1% from the previous month.

"The increase in May is broadly based, encompassing both the singles and multiples segments," said Bob Dugan, CMHC's chief economist.

Overall urban starts were up 22% in Ontario, 16.8% in the Prairies, 7.3% in Atlantic Canada and 3.3% in Quebec. Meanwhile, urban starts fell 5% in British Columbia.

Rural starts were little changed at 20,600 units in May.

"The broad-based nature of the increase in residential construction activity in May was an encouraging development for this beleaguered sector of the Canadian economy," said Millan Mulraine.

"Indeed, after plunging precipitously since late 2007, and appearing to be in free-fall in recent months, this rebound may be an indication that the sector is perhaps stabilizing.

"Nevertheless, with the Canadian labour market continuing to weaken and the overall economy remaining quite soft, we expect residential building activity to remain in the current depressed range for some time."

TABLE

Housing starts in May (seasonally adjusted):

Canada, all areas 128,400

Canada, rural areas 20,600

Canada, urban centres 107,800

Canada, singles, urban centres 46,900

Canada, multiples, urban centres 60,900

Atlantic region, urban centres 7,300

Quebec, urban centres 34,200

Ontario, urban centres 41,600

Prairie region, urban centres 15,300

British Columbia, urban centres 9,400

Mortgage rates rise

The cost of borrowing for a home is going up and, in some cases, by quite a bit.

Several of Canada's biggest banks are raising most of their mortgages, effective Friday, while hikes of up to 85 basis points have already kicked in.

TD Canada Trust (TSX: TD) hiked its residential mortgage rates today by up to 85 basis points, effective today, while Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO) is hiking its residential mortgage rates by up to 85 basis points for some terms on Friday.

Not all Montreal mortgage rates at all banks are rising by such a jump, but virtually all of them – including Royal Bank (TSX: RY), National Bank (TSX: NA) and CIBC (TSX: CM) – are pushing through increases of at least 25 basis points to their posted rates.

That will add to homeowners' interest payments, with short-term mortgages becoming especially pricey.

For instance, a one-year open mortgage at Royal will rise by 50 basis points to 8.8 per cent, a one-year open at TD rises by 80 basis points to 9.1 per cent and CIBC's one-year open mortgage will cost 9.24 per cent.

In contrast, rates for five-year closed mortgages – the most popular in Canada because of the certainty it provides, especially to first-time buyers – is much lower. CIBC's posted rate for five-year Montreal mortgages was the lowest among the majors, at 6.95 per cent.

The commercial banks' moves follow the Bank of Canada's surprising decision Tuesday to leave its benchmark overnight rate unchanged at three per cent, rather than lowering it by a quarter-point as most bank economists had expected.

The central bank's overnight rate influences the commercial banks' cost of raising short-term funds, which are then used by them in their lending businesses. Longer-term funds tend to be affected more directly by the bond market than by the central bank.

Earlier in the year, central banks were worried about slowing economic growth, but in recent weeks the focus has shifted to inflation, suggested Bank of Montreal economist Doug Porter.

"We have seen some very extreme moves in market interest rates in recent days and recent weeks. Basically the bond market is swinging wildly between a possible U.S. recession and global inflation," Porter said.

Central banks around the world have faced the prospect this week of oil prices hitting sustained record highs.

On Tuesday, the Bank of Canada defied expectations by putting a stop to the downward trend of its key interest rate, while saying that inflation is becoming a threat to the economy.

"The expectation is that rather than (mortgage) rates staying where they are right now or going down, the consensus is rates are going to be back up," said Warren Jestin, chief economist at Scotiabank.

"In our view, we're probably going to see in the next couple of months more concern about inflation, more of a back-up in interest rates, although by the end of the year they're going to come back down again."

In general, bank rates tend to stay relatively in swing with each other, but the sudden change in the outlook for interest rates may have thrown some of the banks for a loop.

But Jestin suggests that eventually the Canadian banks will fall in-line with each other on their mortgage rates.

"The sea change in the market has been so sudden that you may well find that the adjustment in mortgage rates occurs over a period of a few days or perhaps a few weeks," he said.

Best Mortgage Rate

Buying a home is an expensive endeavor so getting the best possible mortgage rate should be one of your main priorities. By deciding to get the best mortgage rate in Montreal possible you will be making a positive decision to help you for many years to come. However, just deciding to get the best Canadian mortgage rate available is not going to get you the best mortgage rate available. Instead, you will need to learn the tips and tricks for negotiating with your mortgage lender in order to receive the best possible mortgage rate for your personal situation.

Mortgage Rate Tip #1
Your mortgage rate might be low in your mind, but you must take the origination fee into account as well because this can increase your APR. Lenders frequently charge 1%, but you can always negotiate the mortgage rate origination fee lower. Also, if the origination fee is much higher than 1% you need to either negotiate it down, or find another lender with a more favorable overall mortgage rate.

Mortgage Rate Tip #2 Lock in the Rate
When negotiating your mortgage rate, make sure your lender is prepared to lock in your rate for at least 30-60 days. This way you will be guaranteed a particular rate even if rates skyrocket the next day. Another not trick many individuals are not aware of is to include a clause that also will allow you to take a lower rate if rates fall during this period. This is a great mortgage rate tip because you get your mortgage rate locked in so it can’t go any higher, but if the average mortgage rate goes lower you receive the lower rate.

Mortgage Rate Tip #3 Fight
If the mortgage rate drops significantly and you have already signed a deal locking in a particular mortgage rate and don’t have a clause that ensures you will receive the lower rate, then you need to fight. You simply need to call your lender and say that while you signed the lock in agreement you want the lower rate. This will take some negotiating, but your lender wants you business and might be willing to negotiate the mortgage rate with you.

Need a Mortgage Broker

For many people, mortgage payments are their single largest expense. Yet, when financing a home, most Canadians don’t comparison shop to ensure they’re getting the best mortgage rate Montreal and terms available. This mistake can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over the course of their mortgage.

Here are seven ways mortgage brokers can help:

Access to competitive rates

Brokers deal with multiple competing lenders and can often access exclusive rates. Based on the number of mortgages brokers complete each year, they also have the power to negotiate rate discounts from lenders, which can be passed on to their clients.

Free service

Mortgage brokers’ services are typically available at no cost to consumers. Brokers are paid by the lender selected by their clients.

Knowledgeable advice

Brokers offer consultative service, advice and solutions that are customized to each client’s needs. And unlike banks, brokers work for you.

Speed and convenience

Brokers will work around a client’s schedule to make the transaction as easy and convenient as possible.

Pre-qualification

Whether you’re shopping for a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage, a broker can help you obtain a pre-approved mortgage, often with up to a 120-day interest rate guarantee.

Preserved credit rating

When you shop for a mortgage, there is an accumulation of lender inquiries on your credit bureau report, possibly affecting your credit rating and, ultimately, the rate and terms of your mortgage. This isn’t the case with a mortgage broker, who only does one inquiry yet can still get many competing lenders to quote on your business.

Peace of Mind

The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Montreal Brokers has a stringent Code of Ethics that members are required to adhere to in order to retain membership.