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By HARRY L. MARDON Market conditions are now ideal for firstâ€" time home buyers to make the move to become property owners. Many of the nation‘s mortâ€" gage lending institutions are awash with funds they‘d like to lend out, even at current interest rates. These rates, although somewhat higher than a few months ago, are extremely favorable compared with a few years ago. This combination of ready availability of funds and low cost of borrowing has put the potential homeâ€"owner in a very good position to undertake a purchase. For most Canadians, buying a home is the largest single investment they‘ll make in their lifetime. So, the opportuniâ€" ty should be seized now. The federal and provincial governments have instituted a number of programs aimed at encouraging greater home ownership. For T ATE 321 Lakeshore Rd. E. w H. BOSLEY co . LTD. REALTtoR Oakyville 845â€"9350 Large fam. home situated omon%dl pines. 5 badmns., Ingr. pool. $69: GORGEOUS S.E. EXECUTIVE _ 4â€"BDRM. CHARMER IN S.E. CENTRAL/EAST _NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUS CAPE COD IN ONTARIO Te n o o o ied on C e t n en ts d tw WA s elralnen 5 bdrms., 3 full bathrms. beaut. princ rms., private garden. $469,000. Fam. rm., den, centre island kit. Tasteful Elegant, tasteful, 5â€"bdrm., new garage, upgrades. Wonderful decor. $409,000. updated. $479,000. MARION MATICHUK* GILLIAN COCKCROFT* Fam. rm., French ars. in kit. to deck 2 1/2 baths, oversize gar. $247,000. MARION MATICHUK* PRETTY/PRIVATEâ€"S.E. _ MOMS! PARK 2 DRS, AWAY! _ LINK/DETACHED 3 BR Aâ€"level, 4 BR, hdwd. firs., FP, ensuite, 2 w/o. $234,900. MARGARET DYNE* YOKA FEBERWEE* YOKA FEBERWEE* example, the recent Manitoba budget provides for a sales tax rebate of up to $2,500 to firstâ€" time buyers on the purchase of a new home valâ€" ued at under $100,000. Governments offer these programs in order to stimulate Canada‘s houseâ€"building industry, which is laborâ€"intensive. As well, they know a new home has spinâ€"off benefits to other indusâ€" tries, such as furniture manufacturing and proâ€" duction of large durable goods such as stoves, fridges, and deepâ€"freezers. If you are in the market for a home, either new or used, your houseâ€"hunting will be made a lot easier if you obtain from a lending instituâ€" tion a preâ€"arranged mortgage. The lender will issue you with a certificate that sets out the maximum you should borrow to purchase a home. Once you possess this knowledge, you can focus on looking only at properties that fit Exclusive complex â€" 7th floor suite w/FP, 2 balc. 2 BR + den. $339,000 WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON CUTIE Mn. f1. den, fam. rm. w. w/o â€" oak stair case to bsmt. $274,9200. SYLVIA BOTTRELL* Bright and beautiful solarium suite â€" 1,715 sq. ft. $379,900. ROOMS WITH A VIEW Suit retirees/couple. Lge. rms., super yard. $325,000. GILLIAN COCKCROFT* L ROGERS* into that price category. The amount of money involved in a preâ€" arranged mortgage certificate will depend a great deal on your capacity to meet your mortâ€" gage payments. That includes your trustworthiâ€" ness based on your records of handling credit transactions. As a general rule, mortgage lenders say your mortgage payments, including property taxes, should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly household income. For example, if your gross income is $4,000 a month, your monthly payments for mortgage and property taxes shouldn‘t exceed $1,200. Last February‘s federal budget has made things easier for firstâ€"time home buyers to buy a house, condominium, or duplex unit. A purâ€" chaser qualifies for NHAâ€"insured mortgages covering 95% of the purchase price. In other words, you only have to make a 5% downâ€"payâ€" 3 bdrms., updated kitchen and bath $139,900. reenhouse kitchen, family room, 3 bedâ€" rooms in great location. $319,000. DNA KOVACH* Spacious 3 badrms., wailkout from rec. room. $94,900. SUSAN SALTER* Lakefront â€" Security. D. Room den + more. $379,000. Mature lot, eatâ€"in kit., pine rec. room. $165,900. ment. Most conventional mortgages require a 25% downâ€"payment. This concession is also available to Canadians who have not owned a principal residence at any time during the last five years. Keep in mind, however, that the property you purchase under this concession cannot exceed in price the maximum amount set for specified areas across Canada and it must be occupied by you as your principal resiâ€" dence. The maximum for each area reflects local housing cost conditions. It is important to remember that the lower your downâ€"payment, the higher the amount you‘ll have to pay monthly to meet the cost of your mortgage. Ideally, you should make as large a downâ€"payâ€" ment as you can afford comfortably. (Harry Mardon â€" a freelance business jourâ€" nalist â€" writes this column on behalf of Investors Group Inc.) Main floor family room den. Finished lower level. Huge deck. $469,000 VERONICA KOEHLER** Incredible reno., excellent traffic pattern, mn. fir. FR. $559,900. Feature Home ~ MILLIE KEOHAN* 24 Hr. Pager Maintained 4â€"bedroom, den Large rooms. $309,900. MILLIE KEOHAN* Variety of Retail Office space available south of @.E.W, VERONICA KOEHLER** Huge deck. §$549,900. VERONICA KOEHLER** Townhome on the Lake For Lease East Oakville. 1/3 ac. Updating incl. kitchen, bath. $349,500 SHARON BARKLEY