Price increases for homes were experienced in virtually every market across the country in the second quarter. The rate of price appreciation varied dramatically, however, depending on the house’s location. In Calgary, for example, the price of a detached bungalow increased by 50 per cent year-over-year, while in Charlottetown, the same type of property increased only marginally, up by five per cent, from the same period in 2005.

Of the housing types surveyed, the highest average price appreciation occurred in detached bungalows, which rose to $292,237 (+15.6%) year-over-year, followed by standard condominiums, which rose to $208,403 (+14.2%), and standard two-storey properties, which increased to $351,367 (+13.3%).

Echoing the growth and activity of Canada’s market to date, the national average house price is forecast to rise by 9.2 per cent year-over-year to $272,000 by the end of the year.

“The process of buying or selling a home across most of Canada has become easier, as supply has been able to keep up with demand and price increases have been modest,” said Phil Soper, president and chief executive officer, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “The story in the west, and particularly in Alberta, is quite different, with extraordinary demand levels far surpassing available inventory. The result has been some of the highest year-over-year price increases that have been experienced in any region of this country in decades.”

For further information, please see the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices at www.royallepage.ca. If you’re wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you!

When you’re short on space, but big on ideas, organization and ingenuity are key. Similar to the way a large space can be arranged to seem more intimate, a small space can be designed to appear more spacious. It’s easy to do – you just have to be creative in your use of paint, furniture and lighting.

Use lighter shades
Light and airy colours such as cream, white, icy blue, pale green, and yellow can help make a small room appear larger. Another way to blend elements of a room together is through the use of monochromatic paint colours and fabrics.

Eliminate obstructions
The farther you can see through a space, the larger and more open it will seem. Eliminate clutter and avoid over-decorating with too many trinkets and wall hangings. Arrange furnishings to open up floor space and avoid blocking views of windows and doors. When selecting furniture, choose benches, ottomans, armless chairs and sofas to keep space open. A flat screen television is far less intrusive on living spaces that are used for relaxing as well as entertaining.

You can also add the illusion of space with the sparkle and reflection of mirrors. In addition to strategically positioned wall-mounted mirrors, consider setting an oversized mirror on the floor and leaning it against a wall. A mirrored or glass tabletop is also a fun way to add some shine and depth to your room. A glass coffee table for example, practically disappears within a room.

Make it bright
Uncovering windows and adding additional light fixtures can eliminate dark shadows. Open up a space by hanging track lighting to accentuate art, or add bookshelf lights to highlight a cabinet. You’ll find a variety of lighting fixture designs available, so your options are virtually limitless.

Optimize your space

For efficient small space living, consider these tips and remember to keep the space in mind at all times. By utilizing multipurpose items such as futons, compact kitchen sets and storage trunks, what was once a small and cramped space will seem larger, more organized and more inviting.

If you had to put your home on the market tomorrow, how ready would it be for showing? According to Atlas Van Lines, Canadians move every 7 years on average, so whether you’re preparing to sell or happily staying put, it’s important to keep in mind what you’ll need to do when the time comes:

1)      After finishing your dinner do you? :

a.      Leave everything on the table and return later to clean up. You’ve got better things to do!

b.      Take dishes off the table and put away leftovers. The dishes you piled in the sink can wait until your favourite TV programme is over.

c.      Clean the table, put leftovers in the fridge and wash the dishes. You want to be free to enjoy your evening.

2)      Your home office has a desk that is:

a.      Covered with papers and random objects. You can never seem to find important documents when you need them.

b.      Somewhat organized with enough free space to do work.  It may look slightly messy, but you know exactly where everything is.

c.      Extremely clean and organized. Librarians would admire the efficiency of your filing system.

3)      In your household you have:

a.      An indoor pet who seems to shed non-stop and a smoker who often smokes indoors.

b.      One of the above.

c.      None of the above.

4)      How do you accessorize your home?

a.      With mementos, souvenirs and family photos. You like being surrounded by lots of memories.

b.      With eclectic artefacts and antique items. Your style is uniquely you.

c.      With few decorative or personal items. Less is definitely more.

5)      Which best describes your home?

a.      You haven’t had the time to decorate or organize. In fact, you’re using the guestroom for storage.

b.      The main areas are decorated, furnished and organized, but you haven’t had the chance to do the same in the basement or guestroom yet.

c.      Each room is properly furnished and decorated. You are currently planning your next renovation.

Mostly a’s

Your home may need a deep cleaning and de-cluttering to prepare it for sale. Pack unnecessary items away, making sure counters and tables are free of appliances and personal items. If pets or smokers reside in your home, have the carpets, draperies and upholstery professionally cleaned to rid the house of undesirable odours.

Mostly b’s

There are a few easy steps you can take to make your home more appealing. Clean your home from top to bottom, paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Organize closets and storage areas. Brighten and lighten your home with a fresh coat of neutral coloured paint and fix any minor repairs that you’ve been neglecting.

Mostly c’s

Your home is in top shape and will only benefit from a little added flair to bring in that sale. Place fresh flowers on the mantle and set the dining room table for a formal dinner. If it’s a cool day, light a fire in the fireplace. Look at your home through the buyers’ eyes and create an atmosphere that will help them envision themselves living there.

Before any work begins, I would be happy to help you see your home through the objective eyes of a prospective buyer. Making the right impression is critical. It will help you sell your home more quickly and at a better price. Please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you.