December 7, 2011
Holiday Decorating Made Simple
Did you know that ‘less can be more’ when decorating for the holidays? “Nothing closes in a space faster than too much stuff — be it an oversized tree, twinkle lights on every window or ornaments everywhere,” says design consultant Dorothy Taylor. You don’t have to use every ornament you own every year. Or consider a smaller tree – tabletop trees are a good option for those with pets or toddlers. In small homes, make a big impact with a dramatic arrangement at the front door or in the foyer. If you have a mantle or banister adorn it with garland and a few strategic accents. Incorporate candles and use the new flameless LED candles near greenery.
November 30, 2011
Baby Boomers Redefine Home Design
Did you know baby boomers are redefining living spaces for retired and aging people? Many boomers who continue to work on a flexible basis after ‘retirement’ require home offices. Technology enables work from a remote setting, so urban and non-urban designs are converging. An evolving family structure might bring adult children and/or aging parents under the boomers’ roof, triggering unique demands for privacy. Streamlined design and décor principles are being applied to create safe and beautiful environments for aging inhabitants. For more, read “Unassisted Living: Ageless Homes for Later Life” by Chapman and Rosenfeld.
November 23, 2011
Enhance your Home’s Appeal to the Green Market
Did you know that environmentally-friendly updates can make your home appealing to a growing ‘green’ segment? Start with easy low-cost changes that target energy savings, water conservation and quality, and clean air. Cut energy consumption with motion-sensor switches that turn lights on and off when people come and go. Reduce water usage with low-flow bathroom faucets and showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. Improve water quality with a filtration unit to stop the need for bottled water while enhancing water quality and taste. To improve air quality, use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds.
November 16, 2011
Royal LePage Launches Mobile Site
Did you know Royal LePage has launched a new mobile website to provide information on listings as well as neighbourhood information? In addition to property searching, the mobile website will use GPS to locate nearby open houses as well as schools, banks, stores, restaurants etc. The site helps buyers contact listing agents or find a nearby Royal LePage office. “The future is mobile and we’re pleased to offer homebuyers and sellers the ability to access valuable real estate information right from their mobile devices,” said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage. To access the site go to http://m.royallepage.ca/mobile
November 9, 2011
Milk Paint is Perfect for Older Homes and Furnishings
Did you know that milk paint can be the perfect finish, especially for historic homes? Milk paints are made from a milk protein binder called casein that has been mixed with quicklime and coloured with natural pigments taken from nature. It has an aged look and is very durable. Milk paint comes in a full range of historic colours such as earthy green, berry blue, rusty red or mustard yellow. Use it on cabinets, and distress the edges with sand paper for an antique look.
November 1, 2011
Countertop Options Keep Expanding
Did you know that options for countertops are expanding to include glass, engineering quartz, manufactured stone, concrete, stainless steel and other materials? Manufacturers of engineered quartz (the fastest-growing entrant) can replicate the look of other stones at prices comparable to midlevel granites. Glass counters are shining. Lighted from below, they can add an appealing glow to a kitchen. Recycled glass is popular for its durability, eco-aspects and interesting appearance. In large kitchens, a blend of different counter surfaces might be used in various areas with specific purposes.
October 26, 2011
Consider Ellicottville, NY for a Great Day Trip
Did you know that a great day trip from NOTL is one that takes you to Ellicottville, NY? A village of 472 people, only an hour south of Buffalo, it offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and recreation. Incorporated in 1837, Ellicottville maintains a striking authenticity. Meander around and everyone says hello, just like in a real village. In winter, ski visitors come for the 58 slopes on 1,400 acres over four mountain faces at Holiday Valley, just south of town. But mostly, they will tell you they come for the ambience of a laid-back town without pretensions. There really is something to do there during all four seasons of the year. For more information, go to http://ellicottvilleny.com
October 19, 2011
House Prices Increase in Q3
Did you know the most recent Q3 Royal LePage House Price Survey showed the year-over-year home prices in Canada increased by 5.7 - 7.8 percent? The strength of price appreciation defied expectations as low interest rates buoyed consumer confidence in a comparatively stable Canadian economy. “Canadian home owners have turned a deaf ear to the negative economic situation shaking housing markets in Europe and the US,” said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage. “The third quarter saw a return to a normal seasonal business cycle as price appreciation slowed in many areas… A broader slowdown is expected in the months ahead but fears of a US-style correction are completely unfounded.”
October 12, 2011
Plant Tulip Bulbs Now for a Bright Spring
Did you know this is a perfect time to plant tulip bulbs for next spring? The tulip is a reliable spring bloomer with built-in “antifreeze” that helps it withstand the winter. They can be planted much later than their bulb-relatives like daffodils. To avoid the look of too much precision, plant the bulbs in random holes with 5 to 11 bulbs per hole. A bulb that is 3-cm thick deserves a 10-cm hole. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and add a handful of bone meal to assure that roots get the nutrition they need. Bury your bulbs using the soil from the hole mixed with 30% sand to improve drainage. Step on the soil after planting to firm the soil around the bulbs and to encourage them to take root. For more information go to http://www.markcullen.com
October 5, 2011
What Type of Fireplace is Right For You?
Did you know there are many options when it comes to fireplaces? Of course, there is nothing like the crackle and smell of a wood-burning fireplace. But you have to be prepared to lug the wood, clean the ashes and maintain the chimney. Wood-burning fireplaces with a good draw also tend to pull heat out of a room, so they are inefficient. More convenient and efficient is the gas fireplace, although you give up a little on the sensory impact. However, log set design has improved dramatically, and many newer gas fireplaces look very attractive and authentic. A gas fireplace can really heat up a room, so be sure to check that the BTUs match the size of the room. Also for consideration are the ventless fireplaces, which burn gel and can be installed almost anywhere, often to dramatic effect.
September 29, 2011
Prepare Your Home for Winter
Did you know this is the right time to prepare your home for winter? Have an HVAC professional shut down the air conditioner and check the furnace. Change your air filters and clean your ducts. If you have a built-in humidifier, clean and test it — you want to maintain about 40% humidity. Inspect the dampers on wood-burning fireplaces, and have a professional clean the chimney to avoid creosote build-up. Make sure you have good airflow in the attic to keep the house warm, the roof cold, and the shingles in good shape. Trim trees and bushes away from the house. After the leaves are down, clean out your eaves troughs and downspouts. For more on home maintenance go to http://www.cmhc.ca
September 26, 2011
Restoration of Older Buildings Grows in Importance
Did you know that restoring older buildings, instead of building new ones, has been growing in importance in the design and development sector? “There is no doubt that reworking existing buildings is highly rewarding and responsible work for architects,” says Rab Bennetts, co-founder of Bennetts Associates, a UK firm known for its strong sustainability ethos. Recycling old buildings is not only a matter of reducing environmental impact, he says, but also an opportunity to “retain memories, discover richer textures and use ‘found’ spaces that require innovative design solutions.” In Niagara, Willowbank is becoming a global voice for the importance of a culturally and environmentally sensitive approach to restoration. Graduates of its School for Restoration Arts are in high demand as the need for qualified project managers and practitioners grows. For more information go to http://www.willowbank.ca
September 14, 2011
Unusual Weather Appears to Impact Home Sales
Did you know that unusual weather patterns, such as extreme heat or a very snowy winter, can have a significant short-term impact on homes sales? In Royal LePage’s recent survey of real estate agents, 41% of agents said that unusual weather patterns over the past 5 years have affected housing market activity. If a region is experiencing blistering heat or an unusually long winter, sellers can be reluctant to list and buyers seem less willing to get out an look at properties. “Severe weather, be it extreme heat, wet or cold, can prolong or delay seasonal sales cycles by weeks or even months,” said Phil Soper, CEO. of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “There is no evidence, however, that weather events change home prices over the longer term.”
September 12, 2011
Put Your Trees to Bed for Winter
Did you know that fall is a good time to take extra care of your trees? You can start by pruning dead and extra branches so the tree can better withstand the weight of ice and snow. For large trees, it’s advisable to call a certified arborist. You should also give your trees a good fall watering, especially young trees planted in the last 3 years. A layer of organic mulch around the tree can help maintain moisture. And, it will help replenish nutrients in the soil. Shape the mulch like a saucer around the base of the tree. Fertilizing trees isn’t necessary unless the soil is deficient in certain nutrients.
August 31, 2011
Simple Home Improvement Projects Add Value
Did you know that small home improvement projects can offer big change at little cost? Experts suggest focusing on the biggest surfaces in a room, such as countertops or floors. Old laminate countertops can be painted for less than $50 and the results look surprisingly good. You can refresh old ceramic tile floors and tile walls with grout stain. Small items such as drawer pulls, electrical switch plates and doorknobs can easily be changed. You might want to add a tile backsplash to a kitchen wall for a burst of new style. Install new lighting fixtures and window treatments to freshen the color and brighten the environment.
