by Mark Sproxton
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 27/97) - Six real estate agencies have begun selling territorial government staff housing across the NWT.

An agreement was finalized earlier this month to have four agencies in Yellowknife and two in Hay River sell the approximately 300 units.

Those currently living in government-owned housing don't have to worry about moving, said Rod Stirling, a Yellowknife realtor and spokesperson for the agencies.

"If the tenant doesn't want to buy it, it will be sold to an investor, such as a development corporation and then rented back to the tenant," he said.

While Stirling admits sales won't be easy, he is optimistic the arrangement with the government will see the units sold.

"If we don't sell them, we don't get a salary," he said. "And with about 20 realtors we cover a lot of ground.

"There is an incentive there to see them."

But Jackie Simpson, president of the Union of Northern Workers, said the economic climate created by government cuts will translate into slow sales for the private agents.

"I don't think there's enough job security to buy a house," she said. "The real issue is why aren't the houses selling quickly.

"Who wants to get involved in a long-term mortgage if there's no security?"

Realtors selling the units will be paid a standard commission based on the appraised value of the property.