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tftHE pride of homeownership is much r akin to motherhood in the minds of most Americans. Over the years we have witnessed the continued growth of private residential ownership in spite of changing time$ higher interest rates, inflation and many other rb:,*"r;
JIM NORTON execulive vice president of the Lumber Merchonls Associolion of Northern Colifornio 1516 El Gonlno Rcol, Sullr 0 lor Altq, Collt.91022 (4r5) 9r|-r617
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Groups such as the National Association of Home Builders, the Mortgage Bankers Assn., the National Real Estate Boards and many others have done much to stimulate this desire to ooown a home of your own." Numerous slogans as well as well-founded and executed promotion programs have been set {orth to encourage ooBuy Now" o'The Name of tlre Game is Living,"etc.
With all this behind us, it's a bit disturbing io see thar we have taken a step backwards in the West during the month of June. For the first time since the end of the 1963 housing boom, contracts let for new apartments exceed, the number of one and twofamily dwellings. According to F. W. Dodge, single-family housing in June fell'below the year-ago level in June.
There is no question about the importance of new housing starts to today's retdil building materials dealer. This business is important business and contributes a high percentage of income to most dealers. To see it slip (even though it may be somewhat offset by apartment business) is disturbing.
You can look at "il th" lo.rri", "tad.r", issued by this agency and that agency and you certainly will convince yourself that the demand for housing is stronger now than it has ever been. And it will grow even stronger in the months and years ahead.
With this being true, *n., *" *l "*p"", to see happen if money continues to be unavailable for new home construction? You and I both know the answer to that-havoc and even higher prices for existing homes.
, White Fir Sugar Pine up to 18'. Fine old growth timfrom our YollaTree Farm. - G0R]{HG
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