I riTERn Building Starts Down In Israel Israel's 10 largest construction firms reported a 13 percent drop in sales in January, after four months in which they registered a small growth. Companies said they sold fewer apartments even though they continued to provide discounts. Comparing January to De- cember, Ben Yakar Gat's sales al- most halved to 24 apartments compared with 51, Shikun Ovdim sold 102 apartments compared with 121 and Housing and De- velopment managed to sell only 69 apartments, compared with 83 previously. Standing out was Azorim, which reported a growth /- in sales, to 43 apartments, com- pared with 24 in December. Apartment prices will contin- ue to fall in 1997, according to Bank Hapoalim's economic divi- sion. According to the economists, construction of 52,000 apart- ments will be completed this year, up 12 percent compared with 1996. The bank expects the de- mand for housing to reach 50,000 units this year. Amdar Residence and the Ella Bros. have started construction of the Amdar Towers Residence in Eilat. The complex which will consists of 54 apartments on a plot situated in the Amdar neigh- borhood, Eilat's villa district. The development will include two buildings, including garden apartments, penthouses and du- plex apartments, with a garden and a private swimming pool. The developers also intend to con- struct four-room apartments, starting at $300,000. According to the developers, the "exotic" residential building will be one of the most luxurious apartment complexes in Eilat, of- fering residents a sea view hi ad- dition to seven swimming pools, /- a spa, a health club, a coffee shop and a host of services. Occupan- cy is scheduled for the end of 1998. D. Rothstein, developer of the new Ramat Bet Shemesh devel- opment, announced the sale of about 65 percent of the 110 apart- ments and houses offered since marketing began in 1996. This is the first time in Rothstein's 50- /- year history that they have offered any development exclu- sively to one market segment, in this case the national religious. About 40 percent of the buyers are from Jerusalem. The 70 signed contracts in- clude two-story, five-room cot- tages as well as four-room apartments, with and without gardens, and three-and-one-half room apartments. Prices range from $153,000 for a four-room apartment to $211,000 for a five- room cottage. (c) Jerusalem Post 1997 #1 IN BUICK SALES AL HARRIS TaMBIROFF 28585 Telegraph Rd. 353-1300 SERVICING connEcTmn • Residential and Commercial • Personal and Customized Services • 100% Customer Retention and Satisfaction • Non-Profits Call For Your Free Account (810) 334-5492 or (810) 335-1309 29260 FRANKLIN ROAD AT THE CLAYMOOR SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034 810 I 358.3191 SpeedLink mit A Division of SpeedNet, In c. hllp://www.speedlinkenet • e-mail: speed@speedlink.net • 53-1/2 West Huron Street, Suite 211 • Pontiac For Personal f Professional Service- /—) WE'RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP Or THE WAY! 181 S. Woodward Ave. 1 Block South of Maple IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM (810) 642-1690 { CASUAL FURNISHINGS OUTDOOR & MOOR FURNIT1URE & ACCESSORIES 6465 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston $250 Oik (losing Costs • 625-3322 • FREE Locks for 45 days Free Pre-Qualification Consultation. Competitive Interest Rates — We shop around! Day, Weekend, Evening Appts. Available at your home, office, or our office. Purchase New Home or Refinance your current home. it Conventional, Community Home Buyers, Construction, & V.A. Programs. [V( We work with all types of credit. 20 Years 805 E. NIAI'LE • BIRNIINGHAM (Be!. Adams ct: Hunter) 810-647-9090 of Experience Dennis B Deutsch Pager 810-704-5184 CALL FOR TODAY'S RATES 810-66114 800 INVESTORS MORTGAGE CORPORATION 33505 Fourteen Mile Rd • Ste. 90 • Farmington Hills 271 W. Maple • Downtown Birmingham • 258-0212 Mon-Sat 10-6 • Thurs 10-9 MUM. HOUSING OPPORTUNITY