http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php en perry@homesniagara.com Copyright 2008 2008-05-05T13:27:00-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/new_garden_design_goes_vertical/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/new_garden_design_goes_vertical/#When:12:27:00Z These off-the-wall designs are gaining in popularity Did you know that “vertical gardens” are all the rage? Also known as “green walls,” these verdant vertical displays of moss and ferns are seen indoors and out, in locations from New York to Seoul. Started by the French botanist Patrick Blanc, these green walls also work as air fresheners. For an amazing slide show of green walls around the world, go to http://www.nytimes.com and enter “Green Anchors” in the search bar. You’ll see why one designer says, “I love the symbol and meaning of creating new laws of gravity for the earth.” Outdoor Design 2008-05-05T12:27:00-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/start_your_spring_cleaning_by_reducing_clutter/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/start_your_spring_cleaning_by_reducing_clutter/#When:12:22:01Z You’ll feel lighter and more energized once you get rid of the clutter! Did you know that downsizing your possessions can be extremely energizing – whether you are moving to a smaller place or staying put? Start in one corner of each room and work clockwise. Sort into 4 bins labelled Give Away, Throw Away, Sell and Keep. The Canadian Diabetes Association will pick up your donations. To reduce paper (the worst clutter culprit), invest in a shredder, especially for outdated financial paper.  Go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca to learn how long to keep tax-related papers. Sort all your photos and keep just a few from each trip or event. Give the rest away to family and friends. If you want to bring in a pro, you might find a professional organizer at http://www.organizersincanada.com. Maybe this is the year to bring new meaning to “spring cleaning!” Lifestyle & Trends 2008-05-01T12:22:01-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/unique_factors_protect_the_canadian_real_estate_market/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/unique_factors_protect_the_canadian_real_estate_market/#When:12:20:01Z More conservative behaviours among Canadian consumers and lenders reduce market volatility Did you know that the Canadian real estate market has many built-in features that moderate volatility? More than 25% of 2006 U.S. mortgages were “sub-prime” vs. only 3% in Canada. All high-ratio mortgages here, defined as having less than 20% down, are insured by CMHC. Four out of five Canadian homeowners pay their mortgage as quickly as possible; almost 85% make frequent payments to speed amortization; and one-third make lump-sum payments against principal. Real estate speculation in Canada runs at less than half the rate of the U.S. While the U.S. market has swung into negative territory, Canadian real estate prices are holding steady in a “balanced market.” Real Estate Market Performance 2008-05-01T12:20:01-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/get_ready_for_the_demographic_powerhouse_called_zoomers/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/get_ready_for_the_demographic_powerhouse_called_zoomers/#When:13:21:01Z The group previously known as “baby boomers” has been renamed as they redefine what aging is all about Did you know that the demographic group previously known as “baby boomers” have been christened with a new moniker – “zoomers” – by none other than Moses Znaimer. It is no wonder this media-mogul-marketer extraordinaire is now focused on this group. Zoomers account for more than half of all consumer spending and more than 70% of financial assets. They are the largest group by far in the market for real estate, travel, health & beauty, home improvement and financial services. The Zoomer attitude is changing the nature of aging – Zoomers are active, often working past the typical retirement age. They engage in a wide variety of activities with zeal – fitness, education, volunteering travelling. Targeting this group is about understanding how they are reinventing what it means to be 50+.  Boomers & Seniors 2008-04-14T13:21:01-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/the_2008_outlook_for_canadian_real_estate_remains_positive/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/the_2008_outlook_for_canadian_real_estate_remains_positive/#When:16:39:00Z Modest price appreciation and a slight decline in unit sales are expected in this “balanced” market Did you know the Canada’s housing boom has been the strongest and longest in history? And it is still ‘remarkably buoyant,’ according to Scotiabank chief economist Adrienne Warren. While 2008 may not match 2007, experts still predict price appreciation of 3.5% (Royal LePage) to 5.2% (CMHC). The same sources predict that unit sales may fall by about 4%. Many of Canada’s markets have shifted from “sellers” markets to “balanced” markets. Canada’s economic fundamentals (employment, immigration, vacancy rates) are solid, but economic growth may slow to a degree.  Real Estate Market Performance 2008-04-07T16:39:00-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/renovation_report_part_two_shows_more_high_roi_projects/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/renovation_report_part_two_shows_more_high_roi_projects/#When:14:57:01Z Choose renovation projects to enhance your quality of life AND your home equity Did you know that strategic renovations can increase a home’s resale value? The latest Royal LePage Renovations and Returns Survey looks at the ROI of various projects. Beyond the simple D-I-Y projects that we looked at last week, there are other ways to add value. The research says that updated kitchens bring one of the highest ROIs. Stainless steel appliances, ceramic sinks and clean lines on cupboards rank as preferred finish options. In the world of bathrooms, a main floor powder room and a master bedroom ensuite are becoming almost “de rigueur” in better homes.  Design & Decorating 2008-03-31T14:57:01-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/renovation_report_home_renovation_statistics/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/renovation_report_home_renovation_statistics/#When:14:42:00Z Royal LePage and the Appraisal Institute have calculated the value of various projects See below for the renovations that have been found to offer the best Return-on-Investment. The top section looks at “Do-It-Yourself” projects while the bottom section looks at projects that may require a builder’s help. TOP ‘DO IT YOURSELF’ RENOVATIONS WITH BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT Paint the interior - Approx Cost $1,000 - Approx ROI = 50-100% Replace carpeting w/ laminate - Approx Cost $2,000 (1,000 sqft) - Approx ROI = 50-75% Install new light fixtures - Approx Cost $2,000 - Approx ROI = 60-70% Groom the exterior landscape - Approx Cost $2,000 - Approx ROI = 25-50% Replace knobs and hardware - Approx Cost $2,000 - Approx ROI = 75-100% Update the entryway - Approx Cost $3,000 - Approx ROI = 50-75% Install hardwood floors - Approx Cost $5,000 (1,000 sqft) - Approx ROI = 50-75% Build a fence/deck - Approx Cost $5,000 - Approx ROI = 50-75% RENOVATIONS WITH BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT, SOME HELP MAY BE REQUIRED Install main floor bathroom - Approx Cost Under $5,000 - Approx ROI = 80-100% Renovate bathrooms - Approx Cost $5,000- $8,000 - Approx ROI = 75-100% Renovate kitchen - Approx Cost $12,000 - $15,000 - Approx ROI = 75-100% Notes: APPROX COST* Assumes mid-grade quality finishes, labour excluded APPROX ROI** Source: Appraisal Institute of Canada RENOVA, Royal LePage Design & Decorating 2008-03-31T14:42:00-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/renovation_report_shows_where_the_money_is/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/renovation_report_shows_where_the_money_is/#When:12:59:01Z Even “Do-It-Yourself” projects can add value to your home Did you know that simple Do-It-Yourself renovations can have a large return-on-investment when selling your home? According to Statistics Canada, renovation spending grew by 8.3 per cent in the fourth quarter 2007 to $9.2 billion. While new bathrooms and kitchens have a large pay-off, there are other high-return projects that you can do without hiring a contractor. The latest Royal LePage Renovations and Returns Survey looks at the ROI of various reno projects. It finds that a fresh coat of interior paint, especially if you choose neutrals, makes your house look newer and more spacious, and can pay back up to double its cost. Next on the list – floors. Replacing carpet with hard-surface floors, (hardwood is best and laminate second), increases your home’s appeal.  Upgrade dated light fixtures and go “green” if you can. And here’s a simple idea – replace kitchen and bathroom knobs and hardware for an easy, inexpensive and high-ROI project. “Renovations offer a relatively affordable means to boost the value of a home,” said Lisa da Rocha, vice president, marketing and sales, Royal LePage Real Estate Services.  “What we have explored within this survey are renovations that are intended to translate directly into enhanced equity in a property.” Come back next week for more from this important survey. Design & Decorating 2008-03-25T12:59:01-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/more_tips_to_prepare_your_home_for_sale/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/more_tips_to_prepare_your_home_for_sale/#When:13:48:01Z Continue a winning first impression throughout the home Did you know that your home’s first impression on buyers is critical? Last time we looked at how to make the outdoors and entranceway look their best. You can extend a great first impression throughout the house. The condition of your kitchen is a make-it-or-break-it scenario. Update hardware, refresh cabinets with paint and put away 90% of what sits on counters. Freshen up bathrooms with new paint and store toiletries neatly away. Bedrooms should reflect one purpose – sleeping – so remove computers, desks and exercise equipment. Put personal photos and collections away so the prospective buyers can visualize this as their own home. You must remove your clutter AND keep attics, basements and garages looking clean and organized, so consider renting an offsite storage space if necessary.  Buying & Selling Tips 2008-03-10T13:48:01-05:00 http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/tips_to_prepare_your_home_for_sale/ http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php/blog/entry/tips_to_prepare_your_home_for_sale/#When:14:16:01Z When selling your home, every single aspect of its appearance can make - or break - the deal! Did you know that buyers make critical decisions in the first few minutes they view a home? HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” provides tips on how to make a great first impression. Curb appeal always ranks high on the list – you should remove all yard clutter, paint the trim around doors and windows, consider an exterior power wash, and update light fixtures and door hardware. Polish all hardware and add a new address plate for impact. If you decide to paint the exterior trim, you should usually opt for subdued exterior colours – a soft sage instead of kelly green, for example. Open the front door to reveal a simple, elegant entranceway. Install high quality flooring such as hardwood or tile. Remove boots, shoes, umbrellas and most coats. One entry table with a focal piece of art and a vase of fresh flowers is all you need. Next time, we’ll look at how to extend a great first impression through the rest of the house.  Buying & Selling Tips 2008-02-25T14:16:01-05:00