prefer North Shore GREATER Vancouver households intending to buy a home in 2000 have chosen the North Shore as their most preferred area. That’s according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC: recently teleased report Cosssesner Intentions ta Buy ar Renovate a Hame: A Look ar Tomorrow's Customer .. Today. The report is based on a survey of 3,000 Greater Vancouver houscholds that inguires into their home-buying intentions and prefer- ences over the next 12 months, “Location and affordability are the main reasons buyers prefer the North Shore.” said CMHC market analyst Cameron Muir. “Even though 30% more households are intending to buy a home this year, home prices in Vancouver are still the highest in Canada. This creates a centrifugal eflect whereby buyers are forced out to more peripheral areas, such as Richmond, the North Shore, and the Tri- Cities. Muir said the North Shore also benefits from its position relacive w the downtown core. “Easier access to downtown and the ambi- ence Of its mature, established neighbour- hoods, many with breathtaking views, con- tribute co its appeal. Home-buyers always make the best trade-off berween price and distance they can. It appears the North Shore wins the best value prize from home-buyers this year.” Muir added that there has been healthy market activity on the North Shore now for at least six months. MLS apartment sales in North Vancouver were up 38% and single-detached sales up 15% in 1999. West Vancouver fared just as well with apartment sales up 31%, while single-detached sales rose by 16%. Areas that would experience @ net gain in potential home-buyer activity, given their pre- ferred destination, are ranked as follows: @ North Shore +47%; Mf Central Valley +33%; @ Richmond «14%; Tri Cities «11%: B Downtown +97. Areas that would experience a net loss in potential home-buver activity, given their pre- ferred destination, are ranked as follows: BH East Vancouver -47%, Westside Vancouver - 1k, B Surrey Delta - 3%; @ Burnaby/New West -1'. “if Greater Vancouver home- buyers all pur- chased in the neighbourhoods of their tirst choice.” said Muir, *East Vancouver would experience anet loss in home buyer activity of nearly 50% We know that the vast majority of East) Vancouver households in’ the housing market will be first-time buyers. It appears as though affordabilicy concerns are driving many of these buyers out to more suburban areas.” Mair said that while the figures provide a fascinating insight inte the home buying pref: erences of Greater Vancouver households, the Vancouver housing, market will still experience sales gains this year. “One reason for this,” said Muir, “is that just because a household prefers to purchase a home in a particular area doesn’t necessarily mean that is where they'll end up buying. Many other factors come into play, including price, location, amenity, and reputation.” Muir said Vancouver is also a favourite des- ination for migrants from Asia as well as other parts of Canada. MLS single-detached sales were up over 25% fast year in) both East Vancouver and the Westside, while condomini- um_ apartment sales also posted significant against. We expect home sales in these areas to rise this year as well. “This difference between the home-buying intentions of Greater Vancouver households and actual home safes highlights the impact of migration upon the Vancouver housing mar- ket. We see the current trend of increased migration, particularly from other parts of Canada, as good news for the Vancouver hous- ing market.” . FANTASTIC VIEWS This view doesn't get any better. Fantastic city & water views from both levels of this irnmaculate Upper Lonsdale home. Three bedrooms on the main floor and a lovely, totally self-contained 3 bedroom unit on the lower level, used only by a family member. Extremely well maintained one owner home. 4217 St. Georges Ave. Now $459,000 CANYON HEIGHTS STARTER Great little starter in Handsworth Catchment area. Two small bdrms on main floor and a master with 3 piece ensuite up and a nice rec mm down. Sunny, fenced 60x122 lol, 5 year old roof. Very good vatue for this location. 1185 Canyon Blvd. re $319,000 Prudential Sussex Realty West Vancouver Office 925-2911 The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. A subsidiary of The Prudential insurance Company of America ee Prudential Sussex Realty DIRECT: 990-6464 WEBSITE www.garybern.com E-mail: gborn @direct.ca AN ADDRESS OF DISTINCTION ! : Known as being a sought-after street of great family homes, this 2 level home welcomes you. It has a large private lot (60x165) backing onto a treed park. The main floor comes complete with private deck & hot tub. The ground floor has separate 2 bedroom accommodation. 2479 KILMARNOCK CRES. PENDER HARBOUR PARADISE Now is your opportunity to own this 4.5 acre, waterfront property located in Garden Bay with easy access to the ocean. It features a gorgeous 2500sq. ft. home plus a 55x10 float, tennis court, 3 cabins, and a lovely pond. A must see on the Sunshine Coast. Prudential Sussex Realty - North Vancouver 984-9711 Visit our web site at: www.prudentialbe.com SOPROVI 817-8812) OVER 67 SALES_IN 19991 RIVERFRONT RETREAT A spectacular river front retreat on the Seymour River! This unique four storey contemporary home oplimizes topography of the over 1/3 acre property with a level circular driveway & double car garage. A full width ‘river view’ deck is featured on each floor, as the house progressively steps down to a large level backyard with easy access to the river. This beautiful 4 or 5 bedroom home features 3 marble fireplaces, barrel skylights on 3 floors, and a bright open floor plan. A rejuvenating bot tub is situated on a spectacular covered deck.