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, 67 Lakeshore Rd. W. $419,900. Near Campbelivilie, 45+ acres, $539,000. QStorey 4bchndownwwn, decor, inpeccablem baths, sauna large $275,000. in one_of Oakville‘s most to the lake, on Howard. 4 bdrms, family rm. Sales Representative BLACKMORE AMNIII IOHNST O@; DANIEL 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 example, the recent Manitoba budget provides for a sales tax rebate of up to $2,500 to first 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 ED ocm on 315,000. to excelient oi) araie an on on ï¬iffâ€m m. y%my BETTY LACHAPELLE* 844â€"6061 Pager EO N:A DANIEL LIMITE D RE of ExceCFeeece _ 299 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville + 844â€"6061 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 into that price category. $247,900. Quality built, 3 bdmm home on court overiooking 12 Mile Creek with completely separate nanny suite. Beautiful landscaping with Irg. deck and garden lighting. SUE TOMPKINS* 844â€"6061 HODGE* 845â€"6164 95,800. do in Glen Abbey. 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. (Harry Mardon â€" a freelance business jourâ€" nalist â€" writes this column on behalf of Investors Group Inc.) 2 Bedroom plus den. Bri%hf alry condo, big dining room mcsfer ensuite lcundry cen’rrd location locker. Ask for HELEN BLACKMORE SUE TOMPKINS* 844â€"6061