Picture. Portage la Prairie Real Estate Board President Rhonda Lodwick

With mortgage rates hovering near historically low levels, the number of housing sales in Portage la Prairie this spring may be on the increase. Industry officials are predicting an bump in business as the market tries to take advantage of limited time offers of four and five year mortgages as low as 2.99% and 10 year rates around 3.99%. Portage Real Estate Board President Rhonda Lodwick says the low rates and favourable weather make now an excellent time to shop for a home and they expect to see business pick up.  Lodwick says house hunters, including first time buyers will likely try to take advantage of this while they can as these short term rates encourage them to get in to a little better house and price bracket. She also cautions though that while the short term numbers are good, don't jump in if you are not ready as the rates will stay fairly low for most of the year.