Canada’s housing market got off to a surprisingly strong start in 2007 with average house prices rising in all major markets surveyed, according to a first quarter report released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.  The combination of resilient consumer confidence, moderately low interest rates and improved affordability across most of the country led to greater than expected activity during the typically slower first quarter.

While national average house prices experienced robust appreciation, significant regional differences continue to characterize the market.  Fuelled by the energy sector, Alberta’s economy continued to show extremely high price appreciation, while more moderate levels were noted in the central and eastern regions of the country.  A notable ripple effect from the booming markets in Alberta was observed in Saskatchewan as Saskatoon reported unprecedented spikes in house prices and activity, driven by in-migration and strong demand as former residents returned from cities like Calgary, escaping skyrocketing housing prices and the rapidly rising cost of living.

“The strength of last year’s housing market has carried into the first quarter of 2007, creating a robust market, chock-full of activity with house prices rising in all major cities,” said Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services.  “The recent months have produced record-breaking sales levels in many markets and unwavering demand – momentum which will undoubtedly be maintained through the always busy spring market.”

In most regions of the country, slight increases in inventory levels have afforded buyers with more options and the opportunity to take more time in making their purchasing decisions.

For more information, please see the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices at www.royallepage.ca.

If you are wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you!

Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the First Quarter 2007

As the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing more fun than taking the party outdoors. Whether you’re having a backyard bash or an intimate gathering on your condo balcony or rooftop, here are some tips for a simple, sophisticated summer ‘do.

Be deliciously different.

Think outside the burger, and try something like marinated vegetable skewers or grilled pizza. If you plan to barbecue something that falls apart easily, like fish or veggies, use a grill rack. Put a sprig or two of fresh rosemary on the coals while you’re grilling. Not only will the food taste great, but your party will smell wonderful.

Serve a signature cocktail.

Set up a margarita or mojito station. Set out rimmed glasses, slice some limes, then serve the drink in pitchers with lots of ice and let guests help themselves. Be sure to offer lots of non-alcoholic options, too.

Let your guests help themselves.

Spend time enjoying your guests instead of serving them. Set up an elegant outdoor buffet by covering a side table with a crisp white tablecloth. Create “bouquets” of cutlery in vases, or make a neat pile of restaurant-style “roll-ups” with paper napkins. Decorate with candles, flowers and fresh herbs.

Have an upscale picnic.

For the ultimate casual get-together, plan a backyard picnic (or a picnic in the park) on a big blanket. Bring some cushions to keep everyone comfortable, and use serving trays as level surfaces for drinks, snacks and other wobbly items like vases of flowers and pillar candles.

Light up the night.

·         String holiday lights along railings and in trees. Go with white for an elegant look, or coloured lights for a more whimsical mood.

·         Inexpensive citronella torches add a great ambiance and get rid of bugs.

·         Set out lots of candles in open mason jars or glass hurricane covers. Group them in big multi-level bunches for an intimate feel, or space them in equal increments along a fence or railing for a modern touch.

Break out the marshmallows.

Pick up a portable patio campfire for unbeatable ambiance at your evening soiree. The campfire (available at some home improvement stores) looks like a stone-ringed pit, but is gas-fueled and easy to move around. Be sure to check fire codes in your area, and if you’re entertaining on a balcony or a rooftop, check with your building to see what the rules are.

Be on bug patrol.

Use citronella lamps and candles to keep mosquitoes away, and put a bottle of insect repellent in plain sight so your guests don’t have to ask.

Always remember the first rule of summer entertaining: keep it simple and enjoy yourself. Plan ahead, get everything ready well ahead of time, then sit down and enjoy the sunshine or starlight – and the warm company of friends and family.

With a chequebook firmly in one hand and a hammer confidently in the other, single female homebuyers of all ages continue to knock down barriers by purchasing real estate and tackling home repairs.

Currently, 30 per cent of single, never-before married women own their own home, while 45 per cent of divorced or separated women and 64 per cent of widowed women are homeowners, according to the Royal LePage Female Buyers Report.

When current female homeowners and renters who intend to purchase in the next three years were asked, “When searching for your home, which type of home would you be looking for?”  25 per cent said that they are looking for a ‘fixer-upper’ and plan to do the work themselves, while only nine per cent will hire a contractor.

“The notable upswing in real estate activity among females is not surprising given that women are earning higher salaries than ever before,” said Lisa da Rocha, vice president, marketing, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Single women now play a significant role in the housing market. Eager to experience the pride of ownership and exercise their independence, we are seeing growing numbers of women buying their first home on their own, trading-up homes as they progress professionally and taking on home renovations,” added da Rocha. “Today’s woman is much more financially astute than her counterpart a decade ago, and is well versed in real estate as a solid long-term investment.”

Additional Poll Findings:

·          Among those who own and rent and intend to purchase a home/condo in the next three years, men and women both rank equally (81%) taking out a mortgage from a bank, however, nine per cent of men said they would rely on their family to pay for their entire home, in comparison to only three per cent of women.

·          Of women who own, who don’t intend to purchase in the next three years, when asked, “Which one of the following motivations most influenced your decision to purchase your home?” the top three responses included:  it makes more sense than renting (36%), want to put my money into a good investment (22%) and pride of ownership (13%).

·          Among women who are intending to purchase in the next three years, when asked, “Which methods will you use to educate yourself about home purchasing?” the top three responses cited were speaking with a real estate agent (83%), speaking with friends and relatives (78%) and using real estate and financial websites (64%).