They are all good suggestions. But what I am really want is information to help me decide between
a) staying where I am
b) buying a house
c) building a house

I think interest rates are good to stop renting, and bad for keeping money in the bank (plus stocks, mutual funds are a bit screwy). So instead of reinvesting some GICs that are maturing soon, I thought it might be more interesting to move into my own house.

The next decision, will it be better to buy an existing house or a new one. I find the idea of having a say in the house a lot of fun (I guess it is the same reason I like the Pronto). But I am not sure of what is needed if I decide to go that way.