onstructlon of new housing units ( ‘dropped 2.9 per cent in A;November, reported Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Starts fell to a seasonally adjusted annuâ€" al rate (SAAR) of 145,300 units from a revised level of 149,600 units in October. The decline in activity affected both singleâ€"detached and multiple units in urban centres. The number of new sinâ€" gleâ€"detached dwellings fell 3.3 per cent to 58,600 units (SAAR) while multiple starts declined 3.5 per cent to 62,700 units in November. "New construction rose in B.C. and the Atlantic region, but the increases were not sufficient to offset weak perforâ€" mance elsewhere," said Michel Laurence, economist at CMHC‘s Market Analysis Centre. "Housing markets, both new and existing, have settled down in the last few months. Although the economy‘s momentum remains favorable, high interest rates and low savings rates will constrain home buying and result in a continuation of current levels over the near term," Laurence added. As the bright spot, British Columbia urban starts surged more than 20 per cent to 40,000 units (SAAR) in November. The advance in activity was province wide. While both the singleâ€" detached and the multiple markets increased, construction of new rental apartments was the key. Urban housing starts in Ontario fell to 40,700 units (SAAR) in November from 50,300 units the previous month. The Toronto metropolitan area, coming off a very strong month in October, accounted If you‘re seriously thinking about becoming a real estate practitioner, wyou should know that you‘ll have to take a series of educational courses. The first group of courses consists of three phases, known as "Real Estate as a Professional Career." The first phase is a twoâ€"month correâ€" spondence course, which will give you a general overview of the benefits and limâ€" itations of a real estate career. It also covers the requirements for registration as a salesperson as well as the mathematâ€" ical skills necessary to handle typical transactions. Phase one is offered directly by the Ontario Real Estate Association; all other courses are also offered by 21 comâ€" munity colleges across the province. Phase two consists of a 60â€"hour classâ€" room course which will introduce you to the technical aspects of real estate pracâ€" tice such as the federal and provincial statutes that impact the real estate profesâ€" sion. p eing a Realtor is a demanding occupation. It requires a great w# deal of flexibility, motivation and dedication. And, most importantly, it demands a high degree of education. In fact, thanks to high educational stanâ€" dards, registered salespeople and brokers in Ontario are among the most highly qualified anywhere in the world. Phase three is a little longer in duraâ€" (See ‘Twoâ€"year,‘ page RE15)