Discussions

--There is something interesting about this entire conversation, that no one has brought up so far.  
IF the rental market is soooo tight, and the demand for living space is sooo large, I don't understand why more private developers aren't building apartments to capitalize. There appears to be a definate demand for housing, especially in the rental market. So if I'm a private real estate developer, Brandon is the perfect spot to build an 8 story apartment complex, and start renting rooms. I just don't understand why developers in the private sector aren't noticing this.  
I think now would be a good time to start bringing more private developers to Brandon. There is certainly an over-abundant rental market, and anyone who builds even a 6 - 9 story apartment building would certainly make money, and provide more places for people to live at the same time.  
 
--The reason rent is so high depends on how you look at it. 12 hundred dollars a month for a family of five really isn't that unreasonable. If you compare Brandon to other markets, the cost of living is one of the lowest. But the cost of children is always high. The Government has created programs to offset these costs. I encourage those with children to ask many questions during tax time. You would be surprised to find out how much you can expand your return over little things like moving expenses..... etc.  
 
-- As for job opportunities, Manitoba is notorious for having some of the lowest wages in the country. Most employers next door in saskatchewan pay on average almost 20 percent more. And thats for the same position in both provinces. The cost of living in Saskatoon is comparable to Brandon. And in Saskatchewan, taxes are just plain lower. Perhaps some of those behind the 8-ball in rent could look at moving to other markets. You should never have to leave your home because of money. But many people do. Not all successful businessmen started in Toronto or Vancouver. But they live there now.....  
 
--Everyone says the government should provide more housing. In reality, this actaully exasperates the problem over the long term. If the government provides housing, that housing is paid for by YOUR tax dollars. And the higher your taxes, the less your income. Its because of Manitoba's higher taxes, that businesses here are forced to pay lower wages. They are paying sooo much to the government each year, they can't afford to pay their employees as much.  
 
-- If your having trouble with rent, thats understandable. And it could very well likely not be your fault. But there are things yhou can do. For one, look at moving to another city or province. Saskatchewan and alberta have lots of opportunity. Secondly, ask qauestions at tax time. Maximize your return. thirdly, look at other ways to make money. Im 27, and actually went on a bottle drive one week. Made 150 bucks in collecting pop cans. And constantly search the job market. There are great paying jobs out there. Ya just gotta find them..  
 
-- Oh, and one more thing. IF your a smoker, I dont feel sorry for you. Your likely spending hundreds of dollars a month on cigaretts anyways. I quit smoking 2 years ago. Best decision I ever made. So smokers, I don't feel sorry for you.  
 
(by the way, I rent. Don't own a house)