Building permits boom throughout California - 2005-01-01
New home construction in California broked the 200,000 mark in 2004 for the first time in more than a decade, according to a state trade organization.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bumped up the single-family conforming mortgage loan limit from $333,700 this year to $359,650 in 2005, which could benefit more than 12,960 families in California.
Read the full story at The Reporter

Job creation, low mortgage rates still driving house sales - 2005-01-01
This past year has been active for the GTA housing market. While final numbers aren't available yet, total new home sales for the year will be close to 42,500.

Mortgage interest rates are about as low as they have ever been. Rates could move up slightly during 2005 but, for most of the year, it should be possible to negotiate five-year terms at less than 5.5 per cent. In short, affordability should be excellent again in 2005.
Read the full story at Toronto Star