VIEWPOINT ‘CROSSING the mouth of the: Capilano » river is this busy rallway bridge, keeping the: _ fran traffic going. (Terry Peters photo) What a difference a percent can make By B.E. IZZARD In 1960, the average rate of interest on a’ mortgage was 7% per cent. That meant that for every $1,000 you or I owed on our’ mortgage we would have paid $7.16 a month in principal and interest. This is provided, of course, that the amortization period .of our mortgage (the time it takes to pay it back) was 25 years. On a $20,000 mortgage we were paying $143.20 a month fo carry the loan. On $50,000 would have been $358.00 a month. In 1970 the average in- terest rate had risen to 10% per cent. For every $1,000 owed it cost $9.12 a month in principal and interest. On sO 000 that worked out to $182.40 a month. On $50,000 it would have been $456.00. Well, here we are just getting set to enter the 1980's and interest rates are at an all time high -- 12% per cent. For every $1,000 owed on a mortgage it costa $10.50 in principal and interest. On a $20, loan, if you're fortunate. enough to have a low one, it will cost you $210.00 in blended monthly principal and interest payments, And hold on to your hat -- on a $50,000 mortgage you're facing . payments of $525.00. Well, you sure can see what a difference a per- centage point can make -- or ‘for that matter what a whole bunch of them can do to the carrying costs of a home. But who's to blame for this outrageous situation? Ob- viously it must be those greedy financial institutions like trust companies, banks and credit unions. Right? Wrong! In fact, next to us consumers, it’s thesé very financial institutions who hate high interest rates the most. In fact, if you look at the financial reports put out by these companies recently you can see that the big reason profit growth has slowed or, jn some cases, stopped all together is those self-same high interest rates. So who’s to blame? Why for the most part that samo happy, yet often faceless group who brought you the dole, high unemployment and lixes -- government. Government at all levels but primarily the one in Ottawa. Now that's a pretty broad statement and there are definitely -gther culprits in the high interest rate saga. But frankly put, letume show you why governments must * take most of the blame. For 20 years now governments have beefi getting elected not always because they offered good government. In a lot of cases it was because they were basically buying your votes. In this. double decade of bidding, one party would offer this and the other that, and by election day the party that offered the most usually brought home the votes. They said, “Well Mr. Public, so you want more money if you quit your job. OK!:Here you go -- and be sure to vote for us next week.” Or they said, “You want a subsidy for that. Fine, you've got it — and don’t forget where to make your mark on the ballot come ciection time!” Now that kind of buying process was while taxes were not onerous. But all of a sudden we woke up to the fact that now tho piper had to be paid. So we sont a message to . government indicating our strong objection to the increasing tax price the piper was demanding. _* -sq.ft. of the -best you could ask for - - Dark Oak OK with us OPEN. 4:30 (Not. Sat) = : ‘These 3' words :best describe ‘tt of this beautifully remodelled home in. the Grand. Bivd. area. A Squamish rock. F/PI with solid oak _ mantle blends with the: “carpet of the liv... rm.-din, ‘rm: A: delightful “breakfast, rm. off -a cheery kitchen, leads'.to’ a huge garden, land- , scaped to perfection. An'open staircase'- cedar ' walls -.and you're’ ina: super ‘rec. rm. with: recessed lighting -.rock fireplace ~ iush carpet.” ‘ The location's: right - the quality’s excellent. - Large lot 80° x. 121° .- the’ price: is’ ohiy $1 18, 900. LEE CHAPMAN 669-3022 Ret SX7.. OUTSIDE DECEIVING. on “Inside i is a Warm Elegant Contemporary - 2, 700 “firs, high cedar ceilings, Irg bright kitchen - - family © room. combination, separate din rm with ‘F/PI,. cozy. sunken. living rm which opens onfo one of the big cedar:decks,;3 bdrms, den, 4 baths, rec - —rmwith F/P1, Easy care lot - ideal for pool - Upper ‘Lonsdale Area. Excellent Buy: at $139,900. - (Includes all appliances. and custom made drapes). . ‘Possession. ‘can...be immediate. GORDON HARMON 669-3022 Ref. SX7 OPEN. 24 ‘SUNDAY 2433 MATHERS, WEST VANCOUVER Dundarave Bachelor's hide-away. A quiet settled established “design exterior” will. protect: your qnodern life style. in.this one bdrm and‘den, dbl C/P on a.60’ lot. In- the architecturally remodelled interior you can delight your guests with your culinary creations from the Jen-nair range which is accompanied by 4 other appl's in - the’marbie-like tiled kitch. The garret conceals a future writer's den. The dry bsmt holds storage -and. other. expansion. -opportunities. Immediate. ‘possession available. Asking low 100" S. PATRICK MUNROE 984-9711. SEMI WATERFRONT — - DEEP COVE 2417 PANORAMA DRIVE Throw. your’ lawn mower’ ‘away and enjoy this easy-care ‘property. Brand new and ready to move in: by Sept. 3Oth.- Stilt time to select colours arid carpets. Close to beach,and park. You can be on the water and fishing. 10 mins: from home. Can be 2 or 3 bedrooms. Electric doors to double heated garage, Jacuzzi--bath, - Skylights and sundecks. Large’ master bdrm with ensuite. Approx 1.400'sq.it. of living area. Offers -and trades-welcome!! RON CASTNER: 984-0711 (24 Hrs.), 688-9201 or 733-4038." A OPEN SUN. 2- ~ ASKING $67, 500 339-EAST 27th — UPPER: LONSDALE |: A challenge. for the handyman: or investor. ‘an oldie in need of repairs but with good city VIEW.. Separate din. rm,'2 bedrms;: living’ rm: ‘with fireplace & stained glass windows. Full: bsmt. Needs new kitchen. See it. cawith. DIANNE JACKSON 984-9711 (24 Hrs.) |. ie “TOP_OF.THE TOWN’ “This. top: storey 2 bedroom view apartment is priced below market, for quick sale. Panoramic southeast harbour view from .farge balcony. Every convenience plus recreation facilities PETER HOLDERNESS 929-7225 or 984-9711. Wen: “SPACIOUS 2 BDRM VIEW SUIT Close to SeaBus & Shopping. Asking $37,900. Call BEV SPENCE 669-3022 SX20. NEW! NEW! NEW! OPEN SAT. & SUN. 2-5 P.M. 2333 KIRKSTONE. 1440 Sq.Ft. of living In the Lynn Valley Triangle. Gracious living with. full bsmt & double garage. Close to everything. Try your trade. $100's . CROFT TRACEY 669-3022 Ref.SX26. only Ref. 4 SUNSETS & SECLUSION Just. in. Lions Bay...3 level...Contemporary . w/Family Room off Kitchen with F/PI, 3 Bedrooms up. Partially finished Bsmt has roughed in Pimbg. Sundecks everywhere and a view to Gibson’. RON HAMER-JACKSON 984- 9711 or 929-7557. DOLLARTON CONTEMPORARY Lovely. 5. Bdrm. Cedar Contemporary; Priced-to Sell In Mid 90s. Near to Parks, Beach & Shopping. Fireplace in Family Rm. High Double Carport will accommodate an R.V. Appliances included. RON HAMER-JACKSON 984-9711 or - 929-7567. TWO STOREY LOVE AFFAIR OPEN 2-4 4524 MAPLERIDGE (oft Montroyal) Space - Space - and more Space - Brand New - Gracious entrance with curved staircase. Up to 4 Irg Bdrms. (the Mstr’s gorgeous!) Cosy den - elegant flv. mm. & din! rm. made for en- tertaining - deluxe kitch with E/A.Family rm with F/PI - all open to private yard. Perfect family home on a classy cul-de-sac of all new homes - priced at $167,600. Offers and trades welcome! ANNA GANDOSSI 960-6758 or 984-9711. 7 nee wy.