http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php en perry@homesniagara.com Copyright 2010 13:04:56Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/real-estate-market-expected-to-cool-slightly/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/real-estate-market-expected-to-cool-slightly/#When:12:04:56Z Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Report shows steadying in latter half of 2010 Did you know that the latest Royal LePage House Price Survey, released on July 7, predicts Canada’s residential real estate market will slow slightly in the second half of 2010? While market fundamentals remain strong across most of Canada, sales activity was ‘front-loaded’ in the first half of the year and is expected to cool off. Prices are also expected to steady in the second half of the year. Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage Real Estate Services says, “An expected increase in the supply of homes on the market will bring stabilization in prices… This should not be interpreted as a severe correction but rather a natural reaction to the market having peaked quite early this year.” Real Estate Market Performance 12:04:56Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/native-plants-low-maintenance/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/native-plants-low-maintenance/#When:18:09:39Z Choose local varieties and reduce the need for high-maintenance gardening Did you know that local, native plants require less maintenance as they have greater tolerance for pests, drought and disease? Mark Cullen recommends Blanketflower, Butterfly weed, Echinacea, Yarrow and Serviceberry (for sun); Lily of the valley, Solomon’s seal, Trilliums and Ferns (for shade). For info go to http://www.markcullen.com Outdoor Design 18:09:39Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/happy-canada-day/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/happy-canada-day/#When:12:17:57Z There is so much to love about Canada. Did you know that David Suzuki has nominated the blueberry as Canada’s new national symbol? In a recent Globe & Mail poll he said, “Canadians from Newfoundland to the Yukon harvest this fruit, in berry-picking parties in the bush, with parents, cousins, aunts and uncles – eating as they go. Turning those pails of fruit into jam, wine or pancakes is another opportunity to socialize and celebrate…” Canada Day is a good time to reflect on what we love most about this fantastic country. Happy Canada Day! Niagara Insights 12:17:57Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/growing-older-has-its-benefits/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/growing-older-has-its-benefits/#When:11:23:42Z Author provides good advice on how to age with dignity and purpose Did you know that aging brings a host of benefits? In her book “You Could Live a Long Time: Are You Ready?” author Lyndsay Green says the many benefits of aging include reduced worries, a more stress-free life, more control over your time, and a reduced need to please others. She discovered that money matters far less than learning to take a light-hearted view of yourself and the events of your life. She also says a “work plan” is more important than a retirement plan. Paid work can be replaced by volunteer work, but you still need to a purpose that makes you feel valued. It’s also good advice to learn a few jokes, so you can be fun to be with. Make other people laugh, learn how to laugh at yourself, and growing older will be an enjoyable journey! Boomers & Seniors 11:23:42Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/the-2010-royal-lepage-recreational-property-survey/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/the-2010-royal-lepage-recreational-property-survey/#When:16:31:57Z Almost half of Canadians buy vacation property primarily to enhance their lifestyle Almost half of Canadians (47%) considering recreational property will buy to improve their lifestyle, according to a national survey of recreational property ownership conducted by Royal LePage. “Canadians are generally confident about buying recreational properties because they see a pay off in terms of improved quality of life,” said Phil Soper, CEO, Royal LePage. Forty-three per cent of respondents said they would buy a vacation property because it is a good investment – down from 64% in 2009. “Fewer people are looking to acquire recreational property for its investment value, a direct result of rising cottage prices,” Soper said. Lifestyle & Trends 16:31:57Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/2010-housing-market-forecast/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/2010-housing-market-forecast/#When:12:08:03Z Canadian Real Estate Association moderates its 2010 forecast Did you know that the Canadian Real Estate Association recently moderated their housing market forecasts for 2010?  The national average home price is forecast to climb by 1.6% in 2010, reaching $325,400 according to the report released June 2. Sales activity is expected to hit 490,600 units, up 5.5% from the year before and a record number. Slowing sales in the Western provinces were largely to account for the moderation in forecast performance, according to CREA. Real Estate Market Performance 12:08:03Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/green-driveways-are-growing-in-popularity/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/green-driveways-are-growing-in-popularity/#When:16:02:33Z Underlying grid systems provide a strong foundation and allow grass to grow atop Did you know that “green” driveways are becoming more popular? One interlocking grid system made of recycled plastic allows grass to grow even with vehicles parked over top. Once the grid system is installed, you just add seed, fertilizer, water and then mow. It’s also easy to shovel in the winter. Not only is this system attractive, it is extremely durable and ecological. “The rainwater sinks right into the ground and doesn’t run into the sewage system. There are no puddles,” an owner says. “I love the green, fresh look and how my driveway melts into the garden. Even in the winter, it’s easier to shovel than my old driveway.” For more info go to http://www.groundsolutions.ca Outdoor Design 16:02:33Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/canada-mortgage-and-housing-corp-outlook/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/canada-mortgage-and-housing-corp-outlook/#When:00:19:21Z CMHC predicts a modest increase in house prices House prices will increase this year and next, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp said on May 19. An “improved balance between demand and supply” will stabilize prices through the rest of this year,” CMHC said in its Q2 Housing Market Outlook. Prices will “rise modestly” in 2011, it said. CMHC said the average cost of a home by the end of 2011 should be $350,000, a gain of 1.4% over April’s record high of $344,968. CMHC senior economist Bill Clark said, “There was a big April gain in employment, and as the economy gets moving again people become more interested in housing.” CMHC attributed much of the recent sales activity to pent-up demand, as buyers returned to the market after sitting out during the recession. “Once this demand is exhausted, and as mortgage rates gradually rise, the pace of activity in the resale market will ease,” CMHC economist Bob Dugan said. Real Estate Market Performance 00:19:21Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/royal-lepage-survey-of-realtors/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/royal-lepage-survey-of-realtors/#When:15:58:59Z Realtors believe the current market is very competitive and includes important consumer protection measures Did you know a recent Royal LePage survey of 1,726 realtors found that 76% agree that the country’s real estate market is highly competitive? Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage says, “To state that there is a lack of competition in the Canadian real estate industry is simply incorrect.  Every day, 100,000 men and women in the profession compete vigorously with each other and with unlicensed, unregulated alternatives.” In the survey, 86% of realtors are concerned that severe deregulation might erode standards of customer service and protection. More than 88% of respondents say they help clients avoid financial or transactional mistakes “very often” or “often.” For more information, go to http://www.royallepage.ca Real Estate Market Performance 15:58:59Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/gardening-in-public-places/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/gardening-in-public-places/#When:15:56:59Z Guerilla gardens take root around the globe Did you know that ‘guerrilla gardening’ is taking root all over the world? Some people use guerrilla gardening (defined as gardening without permission on public land) as a way to conduct a peaceful protest. Steven Wheens creates tiny perfect gardens in potholes to draw attention to the decay of the road system in the U.K. (Go to http://www.thepotholegardener.com) Sometimes activists will plant vegetable gardens on public land as a way to raise awareness about eating from local sources.  Some of these groups now work with municipal governments to find land on which to grow food for the community. Lifestyle & Trends 15:56:59Z