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16 - Real Estate: The Oakville Beaver, W ednesday January 18, 2006 C la r e M a c le a n MILLER REAL ESTATE LTD, 9 0 5 -8 4 5 - 9 1 8 0 Sales Representative M ASTER & C EN TU R IO N AW ARD W INNERS Rental vacancies can greatly influence the real estate market As the New Year begins, Canada is enjoying a solid economy and a strong job creation climate. In fact, national unem ployment was recently reported as the lowest level since the 80s. That' s good news for Canadians in general, and it bodes well for the real estate market. New household creation Such positive economic conditions promote the for mation of new households as young people are earning enough money to leave the nests and set out on their own, and new immigrants are quickly finding employment and establishing themselves in their own homes. All this adds up to demand for both home ownership and rental housing. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC), the national rental vacancy rate is now stabilizing at 2.7 per cent, the same rate as the previous year, which was a recordbreaking year for home sales. According to the CMHC's annual Rental Market Survey, the average rental apartment vacancy rate in Canada's 28 major centres was unchanged at 2.7 per cent in October 2005 compared to the previ GARY ous year. This vacancy rate REED remains below the average of Real Estate Matters 2.8 per cent observed over the 1995 to 2004 period. According to CMHC, the ownership demand continues to apply stabilizing of the vacancy rate upward pressure on vacancy rates. reflects a number of factors. According to the CMHC report, cen These upward and downward tres with the highest vacancy rates in pressures are tending to bal 2005 included Windsor (10.3 per cent), ance each other out. As the Saint John, NB (5.7 per cent), Saskatoon majority of new immigrants and Thunder Bay (both at 4.6 per cent), initially settle in rental hous Edmonton and St. John' s, NFLD (4.5%). ing, high levels of immigra Centres with the lowest vacancy rates tion have been a key driver of included Victoria (0.5 per cent), rental demand. Also, more Vancouver (1.4 per cent), Calgary and renters remained in rental Greater Sudbury (both at 1.6 per cent). units as the gap between the CMHC reports that the average rent cost of home ownership and for two-bedroom apartments increased in renting increased in 2005. 25 of the 28 major centres, however, the These two factors have put majority of rent increases were small. The downward pressure on vacan greatest increases occurred in Kitchener cy rates over the past year. and Victoria where rents were up 6.0 per Meanwhile, strong home cent and 4.8 per cent, respectively. BEAUTIFUL BRONTE - 55'x200' LOT Lovely bungalow - Quiet Street 3 bedrooms - gas fireplace in finished rec room Detached workshop with 200 amp service Many updates from original home __ Summer possession MARY & VERONICA Sales Representative Associate Broker KOEHLER Aboutowne Realty Corp., Realtor GREAT INVESTMENTS!! , IF R E S H ,^ B R IG H T $364,900 offers an exceptional ^ jlj OpeningDoorsInOakville. com J J e n n y 2 & t t u a K i jennykotulak@remax.net decor. Panoramic views from spacious M aster Bdrm. Walk to lake, Harbour 100% CLUB · Sales Rep Registered Relocation Specialist m v m Aboutowne Realty Corp., Realtor 905 842-7000 - HOUSE & GARDEN $439,900 First Ad - Bright, sunfilled home with % ,7 > MARYSales & VERONICA KOEHLER Representative & Associate Broker EXPERIENCE INGENUITY RE/MAX ABOUTOWNE REALTY CORP. 905-338-9000 or 905-465-3005 remax@cogeco.ca INTEGRITY curb appeal plus. Wrap around porch, double car garage, extra large kitchen, stone patio, pergola, extra wide backyard. Extras include 9' ceilings, maple hardwood floors, freshly painted plus much more. See info at wwwopeningdoorsinoakville.com 905 - 337-7001 243 North Service Rd W Suite 202, Oakville A lbe rt V enditti Broker/Owner Marlene Atcheson Sales Representative Mira Johnstone Sales Representati A lbert@ R ealtyE xecutive s.co m MarleneAtcheson@RealtyExecutives.com M ira @ R e a lty E x e c u tive $ 3 1 9 ,9 0 0 GREAT CENTRAL LOCATION, MOVE-IN CONDITION Walkout from upgraded kitchen, large deck, private yard, hardwood floors, new broadloom in 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, finished basement suite, Call Tom 905-337-7001. $559,000 GREAT FAMILY NEIGHBOURHOOD Across from ravines & parkland, Mattamy Carlisle Model, new kitchen, hrdwds thru-out 2002, many new improvements, Irge private fenced lot, open staircase, fin. Bsmt, sauna, interlock dr, beautiful fam. rm., 4+1 BRs., tasteful decor, walk to schools, excellent condition, call Albert 905-337-7001. $244,900 WALK TO BRONTE HARBOUR Stylish with tasteful decor, finished basement, 3 bedroom, 2 baths, sunken living room, fireplace, garage access, great end unit, please call Marlene 905-337-7001. Sales Representative O PEN HOUSE S A T U R D A Y 2 -4 leslie@lesliemacdonald.ca OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4 2270 WESTOAK TRAILS BU/D Aboutowne Realty Corp., Realtor FREEHOLD T O W N H O M E IN W E S T O A K TRAILS $275,000 With over 1600sq.ft. of living space this home boasts a large dining/living room combination with a beautiful bay window. An upgraded eat in kitchen over looks a family room with gas fireplace. An oak staircase leads to the second level where you will find a large' master bedroom with a beautiful bay window, walk in closet and 4 piece ensuite as well as two other bedrooms and a 3 piece bathroom. Just four years old, this town home has parking for three cdrs with a single garage. Enjoy your own private patio. Take a walk to the trails of 16 mile creek. Close to all amenities! $274,900 BACKS ONTO GREENBELT Great starter home, 3 + 1 bdrm, 2.5 baths, walkout from family room, finished basement, designer decor, hardwood floor, new broadloom, freshly painted, new shingles 1998, new furnace 2002, Call Tom 905-337-7001. $ 2 1 4 ,9 0 0 , BRIGHT, LOVELY, STUNNING LAKEVIEW Spacious 2 BR condo with upgraded kitchen overlooking open concept dining room, elegant living rm with formal FP, hrdwd firs, ensuite laundry, large MB with 2pc ensuite bath, 5 appls., A must see. Call Mira Johnstone now 905-337-7001 $279,900, SPACIOUS END UNIT TOWNHOUSE Open concept kitchen/family room, FP, patio doors to large yard, 4 BR, 2.5 baths, MB with full ensuite bath, hardwoods, broadloom, great location close to parks, trails, shopping and transportation. Call Tom Nadeau 905-337-7001 NOW HIRING ~ Join the fastest growing Real Estate Franchise. REAX7TY Great commission splits. Call Albert for your personal interview. 905-337-7001 EXEC U TIVES Over 800 offices - Over 16,000 Sales Representatives - In 12 Countries