74 - Friday, October 6, 1989 - North Shore News

REAL ESTATE

ACCORDING TO HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOC.

B.C. to continue

bucking na

tional

economic trend

MEMBERS OF the Eco-
nomic Research Council of
the Canadian Home Build-
ers’ Association of B.C.
(CHBA of SBC) recently
displayed resounding con-
fidence in the future of
B.C., predicting continued
growth over an exceptionally
buoyant 1989 economy.

To date, housing starts
have increased 22 per cent
from the same time last year
and by year’s end starts
should reach 35,000 with a
predicted increase in starts to
38,000 for 1990.

The council, comprised of
22 leaders from the finan-
cial, government, construc-
tion and research sectors of
the housing industry, were
unanimous in their outlook
for 1990, all expressing vary-
ing degrees of optimism and
enthusiasm.

‘Our optimism for a
bright economic future is not
without inherent difficulties,
however,’’ said council
chairman Gary McInnis, of
Colony Construction in Vic-
toria. “With it comes an in-
creasing strain on the de-
mand for both skilled and

unskilled iabor, a major
problem in the industry even
today. With an anticipated
population growth rate of
almost three per cent we
don’t see the situation easing
as most people come to B.C.
as a result of a job they have
already secured.”’
Representatives of the fi-
nancial institutions see the
1990 economy fueled by in-
fluences such as major capi-
tal investment, the proposed
Goods and Services Tax
(GST), a continued increase
in consumer spending, and a
predicted slow decline in the
interest rate through the
year.
“The government will
keep a watchful eye on the
interest rate to bring our
presently vibrant economy in
for a soft landing,’’ said
Robyn Allan of the B.C.
Central Credit Union.
“They will try to maintain
their balancing act of keep-
ing tabs on inflation without
creaiing a recession.””
Although the council is
supportive of some sort of
tax reform, it has difficulty
with the proposed GST. In
its present form the GST will

increase the cost of a new
home which will negatively
affect the affordability for
the potential purchaser.
Under the present scenario
for the GST, the government
would provide a rebate of
approximately 4.5 per cent
on the purchase price of a
typical home whereas
research by the Canadian
Home Builders’ Association
indicated this should be in
the order of up to 6.2 per
cent.

“The federal government
must reduce its deficit, and
although the final tax rate
may not be nine per cent, I
believe it will go ahead,’’
said Gary Dantini of
Perklane Homes in Van-
couver, adding ‘‘the gov-
ernment wil] then need to
demonstrate that deficit
reduction to the public.
Manufacturers will also need
to pass the cost savings, real-
ized by the elimination of
the existing federal sales tax,
on to builders to ensure that
the products used in con-
struction do not contribute
to the consumers’ inability
to afford new homes.”

CATHY
CHARABIN

984-9711
(On Pager)

PRIGE OF OWNERSHIP

# This one-owner Crest built home is truly one you wili be proud to call your own. Fabulous street §

¥ appeal and large private manicured yard make it most appealing. Loads of parking and a special
place for your TV. Features include brand new deluxe shake roof, oak kitchen, and updaied carpeting. f
919 Strathaven Drive.

“SOLD” FIRST WEEK!

# if you are contemplating a move, call me for the latest real estate market infor- |
mation or complimentary market evaluation on your home. Professional,

i personalized service guaranteed.

Cathy Charabin
— Now at —
Sussex Realty — 984-9711

WEST VANCOUVER OFFICE

2536 LAWSON AVE.
Superb Dundarave tocation. Quiet
street, great 64'x132’ lot (southern
exposure), beautifully landscaped.

% Walk to the seawall, the bus, shop-

ping. Cute, clean three level home
(deceiving from street). Three

BH bdrms. up with fiving room, dining
y room, kitchen. Big, bright rooms,

fully developed bsmt., bright
ground level with full bath, etc. New
roof, paint, carpet, sundeck, blinds,

M atc. since '87. Asking $349,000.

DOUG BROWN 925-2911,

OPEN SAT/SUN. 1-3
573 WEST 21ST Si.
NORTH VAN

The main floor has three bdrms.,
a full bath, large kitchen, dining
area and a big open living room.
The basement has one bdrm., a fult
bath, large bright rec room, a
workshop and a laundry toom.
Bsmt. also has own entrance, Nice
mountain view from the living
room, woodburning (place, fruit
trees and a new kitchen in ‘87.
Great loction, auie stieet, lots of
parking. Bright, clean starter —
gieat value. Calt

DOUG BROWN 9825-2911,

2397 MARINE DRIVE

925-2911

$429,000

OPEN HOUSE
SUN. 1-4

Very exciting contemporary
with fabulous southwest
view. Large entertainment
sized decks adjacent to
sundrenched pool. Private
location. Interior features
huge Squamish stone
fireplace and hardwood and
spanish tile floors.
5648 Westhaven Road.

PAUL JENNINGS 925-2911

Sussex Group-Pau! Jennings
Realty Ltd.

2464 WINDRIDGE DR.

This could be NV’s hottest buy.
This Seymour area home is five
years old, is two levels and offers
three bedrooms and two full baths.
The above ground psmt. was
recently completed — all ap-
pliances, two woodburning {ip's,
lots of storage. Nicely landscaped
33°x122' lot with children's playset
and cedar shed. Nice cul-de-sac
stret, child-safe and quiet, yet close
to Ron Andrews, school, shopping
Great vaiue. Call

DOUG BROWN 925-2911,
922-8926