The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,577 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2012. This represents a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,658 sales recorded in December 2011, a decrease of 13.3 per cent compared to the 1,819 sales in January 2011 and an 18 per cent decline from the 1,923 home sales in January 2010.

January sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest January total in the region since 2002, though only 146 sales below the 10-year average.

“We’re seeing trends emerge in our market that favour buyers, such as increased selection and more stability in pricing compared to this time last year,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “Last month’s activity tells us that competition amongst home buyers was reduced in January, which means that individuals looking to purchase a home had more time to do their homework, consult with their REALTOR®, and make a decision.”

Read the full report here…

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Using Emphasis in your Interior Design

I spend a lot of time working on a fixer-upper that I call my house. Since I don’t have the luxury of a high income so I can hire a designer, I do most of the designing and work with a lot of help from my girlfriend. She was an art/film/writing major in school, and the first time I attempted to design a room she immediately saw a flaw in my work. I was lacking emphasis in a room, and it just looked like a bland mess.

She took the time to show me how the principal of emphasis is a concept that crosses most artistic boundaries, and how important it is for a total room design.

The Definition of Emphasis:

Emphasis has a myriad of definitions, so in its most basic sense, using something as emphasis is to draw the eye to that part of the room. For example, using a focal point creates a point of emphasis in the room, serving to anchor the rest of the design, if in fact it is based around the same focal point. I’m going to continue using a focal point throughout this article as an example however color, light, shape, and even texture can be used for emphasis.

Using emphasis is the difference between good decorators and great ones. The ability to look at a room, and choose which type of emphasis to use, within a clients budget is the hallmark of a good designer. The room and furniture you have to design decide which type of emphasis to use.

Architectural Emphasis:

Of the two types of emphasis, architectural emphasis is the easiest to explain, simply because it is the easiest to visualize. This type of emphasis is a way of “letting the room speak for itself”, according to designers in the industry.

This concept uses an architectural point in the room as a focal point, and the rest of the room is designed around it. The most obvious example of this is if a room in your house has a fireplace. A fireplace is an architectural feature of your house (its built right into the wall, and cannot be moved easily) that will naturally draw your eye toward it. In a room like this, designing the room around the fireplace is an excellent example of architectural emphasis. You can match the color of furniture to the paint on the mantle, or use the fireplace as a focal point and face most of the furniture towards it.

There is only one risk in using this sort of emphasis is when you start to incorporate strong features in contrast to the architectural feature. For example, a large painting over the fireplace would change the proportions of the entire room. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid decorating your mantle, but you should consider the decoration and how it fits in with the rest of the room.

Piece Emphasis:

The other option if you wish to use emphasis is to select an added feature to the room and design around it. This causes the eye to drift to the piece that you want to be the focal point of the room, and accentuates its importance in the overall design.

This type of emphasis is most commonly seen with designers that are also passionate about antiques. The very act of purchasing antiques is assigning a higher value to things that are from a certain period in time, or of a certain style. Creating a design around a focal element is a little different than an architectural focus, but with the right element, it can be more powerful.

For example, if you found a beautiful dresser that was built a century ago, it would be an effective use of emphasis to put that piece in your creative space. If you design a room around it, then it’s clear that you are striving for classic designs that stand the test of time; which is an awesome mantra for any creative mind. Designing the room around it is how you can get people to look at that piece.

Initially, this method of emphasis may be a tad easier to grasp to those new to the concepts of design, but in practice it is much easier. When you consider architectural features to focus on, those pieces most likely will not move, nor will the shape or color change drastically. However, a picture can be moved, a chest can be broken, and the hardware of your centuries-old dresser could rust. With the possibility of change comes the inherent need for a more flexible design. Incorporating that flexibility is pretty difficult, but when you figure it out, will ultimately be more fulfilling.

Pete Wise is an Inbound Marketer working closely with Discount Decorating. They have the largest online selection of wallpaper and wallpaper borders on the web, with some of the most competitive prices around. If you liked the article, follow pete on Twitter: @MySEOHeadache or check out his portfolio for Denver SEO.

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Vacations are supposed to be a time to relax and refresh. But, if you don’t properly prepare your home before heading out of town a getaway could be an additional source of stress. In order to make sure that your vacation is spent unwinding, and not worrying, follow the steps below.

1.       Don’t make your absence obvious: Piles of uncollected mail and newspapers, an overgrown lawn, and a completely dark house are clear signs to a potential burglar that nobody is home. To create the impression of a lived in house, arrange for somebody to cut your grass (only if it’s summertime, of course), collect your deliveries, and install automatic timers to switch on lighting at regular intervals.

2.       Alert your neighbors:  Speak with your neighbors and let them know the exact dates you’ll be away so that they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. You should also entrust a neighbor or friend with an extra house key and information on how and where to contact you in case of an emergency.

3.       Plan for the weather: Depending on when you go on vacation, you’ll want to protect your home and electronics against extreme heat and cold. This can be done by adjusting your thermostat to maintain a minimum or maximum temperature or setting a programmable timer to run heat/air conditioning at certain times. Keeping a minimum temperature in your home is especially important if you go away during wintertime in order to prevent frozen pipes.

4.       Protect your valuables: Any particularly valuable items should be stored in a safe or a safety deposit box. Protect the information on your computer by backing up files on an external hard drive and locking it up. You should also unplug electronics to keep them from frying in the event of a power surge. Finally, take photographs of your valuables and write down serial numbers so that you can substantiate your losses if a break-in occurs.

5.       Secure your property: Take special care to secure all of your doors, gates, and windows. If your garage uses an automatic opener, disconnect it, and make sure the door is locked. Padlock all gates and freestanding buildings (sheds, etc.) in addition to closing your blinds and drapes. Before you leave, be sure to alert your home security monitoring company that you’ll be out of town and provide them with your contact details.

Don’t have a home alarm system? Consider installing one for added peace of mind before you take your next vacation. The cost of a home alarm system is far less than replacing valuables.  Also, it will give you the peace of mind knowing that someone is monitoring the wellbeing of your residence while you’re miles away.

Julia Smith is a blog writer for home security publications.

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Children are often the most creative and outspoken individuals in their respective households; having the talent and artistic eye to draw such interesting pictures on freshly papered walls is…questionable. This does illustrate however, how much children require their own space to be creative and play with friends and visitors; often a child’s play space can prove as an area for them to learn valuable life lessons too, such as tidying up after playtime.

Re-thinking the look and layout of your child’s bedroom can be a great way of bonding with the little one, but also give you an opportunity to create a room this is safe for your child and great for toy storage.

Colours

Children love vibrant colours, and it’s vital that your child is content with the new colour of their room (if you choose to change the colour, that is) if you wish them to settle and play in there. It’s fair to say some children may get a little too inventive when prompted to describe their dream bedroom so choose a selection of colour cards which you feel would be acceptable for the room and ask your child to pick which they like the most, this way they still get to choose but you can eliminate any colours you don’t want in your home beforehand.

Storage

If there’s one sure thing when assigning a bedroom to a child it is that this room is destined to house more toys than any room should have to. It’s a good idea to think forward and plan some inventive and clever ways of managing the space in this room whilst not compromising the space your child needs to be active.

Look at some of the great storage units available to you; there are large themed storage boxes you can use to match the colour and style of your child’s room as to not fill a colourful and imaginative room full of ugly, boring cardboard boxes. Alternatively, many beds come with built-in storage areas underneath so a many toys and other loose bits can be strategically stashed away after playtime.

Adding a coat hook and to the door or wall can help your child to get into the habit of hanging up their coat and taking good care of their clothes; the same can be said for clothes draws and cupboards, children who get into the habit of helping with tasks such as putting away their clothes are likely to be more self-sufficient in their teenage years.

Accessories

If you do decide to go for a full-blown theme when redecorating the bedroom of your young one then consider just how effective the correct accessories and decorative items can be when piecing the design together. If you decide to create a ‘pirate’ theme for example, then blues and browns are likely to be the best colours at expressing this design (the contrast between the sea and pirate ships). It is the accessories however, that determine just how effective the finished product will be. Blues and browns tell us nothing about our young one’s new room, so we must source pirate themed toy boxes (perhaps a treasure chest would be well fitting here), decorative ships and parrots to complete the look and sell the overall design to our children.

This article was written on behalf of Branded Bathrooms Shower Enclosures by Daniel Travis – Brown. Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanTravisBrown

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Many homeowners are turning to rental properties as a way to escape the pressures of being a homeowner. Over the past few years, the amount of renters has greatly spiked. But, just because a property may be harder to find, doesn’t mean you should rent just any property. In fact, there are several things to look for and avoid when renting. Here are just five signs you should avoid a rental property.

Landlord Doesn’t Want to Make a Contract

A contract is important for many reasons. While you may think that not having a contract allows you to move whenever you want, without paying fees, there are several other things to consider. First of all, not having a contract means that the landlord can kick you out when he pleases, raise your rent without notice and refuse to fix things. You need a contract that lays everything out clearly so that both parties know what to expect.

Unfixed Projects

As you tour the property, be on the lookout for unfixed projects. For example, if there are missing doorknobs, holes in the drywall, broken cabinet doors and other small problems, you may want to make sure these repairs will be taken care of and make sure it’s in the contract. If the landlord doesn’t seem to take the repairs seriously, you do not want to rent that property.

Property Remains Incomplete

A home may look amazing. There may be new counters, but the upper cabinets haven’t been hung. The bathroom may have a new bathtub, but the sink is missing. Unless the landlord can promise that these projects will be completed, you need to keep looking. If you want the rental property, refuse to sign the contract until you see the results.

Seems Too Good to Be True

You’ve found the perfect property close to work and your child’s school. The price is right and the home has even been updated. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to do your research. Chances are there are problems you can’t see on the surface right away. It might be terrible neighbors, an unsafe neighborhood or a problem with mold or pests.

Price Is Too High

It doesn’t matter how great a property is if you can’t afford it. Yes, it may be just what you’re looking for. It may be updated and in the perfect neighborhood. Unfortunately, if the price is too high, you will not be happy there. More importantly, you may stretch yourself to the point that you might not be able to afford life’s little emergencies that come up.

Yes, renting has become a popular option, but you should always look for the best property before signing a contract. More importantly, there should be a contract to sign so that you don’t get stuck with higher payments or unfixed repairs.

About the Author: Octavia Henges has had her share of bad landlords. She’s now working with Home Loans Australia to obtain the perfect home loan so that she can purchase her dream property!

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Bonsai trees are interesting plants and when beautifully pruned and cared for, can transform into a work of art. Traditionally, Bonsai is broken into two words “Bon” and “Sai,” which simply means tray planting and in other translations, “plant in a tray.” Many people look to florists and plant shops to purchase already-grown bonsai trees. However, if you are looking for a new experience, try growing your own Bonsai tree. Growing a Bonsai tree might seem like a challenge but it can be every simple. With a few simple tools and tips, you can grow your very own Bonsai tree successfully. We have advice on how to grow a Bonsai tree and how to maintain its wonderful beauty.

Buying The Materials To Grow Your Bonsai Tree

When attempting to grow a Bonsai tree, you will need a few tools and products. The first and most important tools you will need are Bonsai seeds. You cannot grow a Bonsai tree without Bonsai seeds. Bonsai seeds can be found at gardening shops but it is always best to contact a gardening shop beforehand to ensure they carry those particular seeds. The next thing you will need is a Bonsai tray to hold your tree. There are various types of Bonsai trays available from plastic to ceramic trays. When buying the Bonsai tray you have to keep in mind the size of your desired Bonsai tree. If you are planning to grow a large Bonsai tree, you will need a large Bonsai tray.

In addition to Bonsai seeds and the Bonsai tray, you will also need Bonsai tree soil, Bonsai wire and secateurs. There is special Bonsai tree soil that you will need to house the seeds and grow the tree. Unlike regular soil, Bonsai soil retains the nutrients needed for a Bonsai tree. You can purchase Bonsai soil from a gardening shop. You will need Bonsai wire to mold your tree. This wire should be wrapped around the branches as the Bonsai tree grows. Make sure you use only Bonsai wire for this task. Bonsai wire is soft and can work around the branches easily, without damaging them. Lastly, you will need to buy a pair of secateurs. Secateurs are used to prune and care for your Bonsai tree. You will need to purchase sharp secateurs to successfully maintain the tree.

How to Grow Your Bonsai Tree Successfully

Bonsai trees thrive in a warm climate. If you live somewhere that is experiencing cold weather, you should grow your Bonsai tree indoors. Watering your Bonsai tree can be tricky. You can want to water the tree when the soil becomes dry but you don’t want to wait until the soil is completely dry or you can kill the Bonsai tree. You also want to water the tree in a way that does not disturb the soil. Disturbing the soil may shift the seeds and disrupt the growing process. In many cases, it is best to follow the watering instructions on the Bonsai tree soil’s packaging or consult a gardener for more assistance. One thing that is true is that Bonsai trees need water to grow.

As your Bonsai tree begins to grow you will need to shape the branches with the Bonsai wire. This is where your creativity comes into play. You can use the Bonsai wire to mold the tree into any shape your desire. At this time, you will also need a pair of secateurs to prune the Bonsai tree as it is growing. It is best to not over-prune the Bonsai tree. You want your Bonsai to look like a miniature tree. Also over-pruning can cause the Bonsai tree to look empty and weak.

Growing a Bonsai tree can be an easy and fun process. With the right tools, you can grow your very own tree that you can display in your home. Bonsai trees will last a very long time if you take the time to care for it routinely.

This guest post was written by Harrison L., who writes about bonsai trees and bonsai tree care on his blog – www.BonsaiTreeGardener.net. Recently he has written a post about bonsai starter trees and how you can get started on your own.

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You don’t have to be a professional or a home improvement aficionado to save money on DIY repairs. With the amount of information available on the internet, you can follow step by step instructions and perform difficult repairs without previous experience. However, even if larger jobs seem a bit intimidating, there are still a variety of simple yet effective measures you can take to lower your bills and save cash. The following is a list of ways you can save money on DIY home repairs:

Filter Replacement

A dirty or clogged filter can disrupt the air flow of your heating and cooling system. In fact, your system can freeze or overheat due to excessive occlusion, which in turn can result in costly repairs. Handyman indicate that a high percentage of their calls are the consequence of unchanged filters. While this may be good for the maintenance industry, it represents a substantial loss of income for what is a minor inconvenience. Filters should be changed once a month, and cheap filters are as serviceable as the more expensive brands.

Caulking and Landscaping

Proper window caulking has multiple benefits. It prevents heat from escaping through cracks, which saves on energy costs. Caulking also shields your home’s exterior from water damage. Erecting trees and shrubbery around doors and windows can act as ramparts against wind and the elements. In addition, plants act as buffers against radiation, keeping it inside to help warm the house during the winter and keeping it outside during the boiling summer months.

Garbage Disposals and Plumbing

Four times a year, drop a few ice cubes into the disposer and turn it on to sharpen the blades. Pour water in any drains that are rarely utilized, such as in the garage. This will prevent gas build up from the sewer which can be quite malodorous.

Defective Toilet Flapper

You may not be aware of it, but toilet tanks can leak water into the bowl, resulting in a steady stream of lost water as the device attempts to keep the tank full. To test the rate if this is the case, simply drop some dye into the tank and check the bowl ten minutes later. If the bowl water has color, then it’s likely that the tank flapper is damaged. While this part can be easily replaced, it is important to verify that the replacement flapper is the exact same make and model. The timing of the flush is dictated by the speed of the flapper, and the wrong flapper can interfere with how your toilet flushes. If your particular flapper has been discontinued, purchase an adjustable flapper that can be tuned to produce an optimal flush.

Remember to start small and leave any complicated work to the professionals. However, even for minor home repairs, it is important to educate yourself by doing the appropriate research. Learn what type of equipment you need, and how to ensure you are following proper safety precautions. The medical cost of an injury can surmount any savings you gained from doing home repair by yourself. Furthermore, the quality of workmanship will not be the same, and in some cases lead to damages that cost more in the long term. It is important to weigh the consequences of a non-professional installation, and determine in advance whether the risk is acceptable.

Clive Jones writes on behalf of PublicLiabilityInsurance.org an online resource for business owners providing tradesman liability insurance.

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During the dark winter days many people’s thoughts turn to spring and how they might clean and spruce up their home to greet the better weather. If you are stuck for ideas that will brighten up your home without costing the earth then you might want to consider a few things that are out of the ordinary.

In the Living Room

You’ll be surprised at the difference it will make to your home if you just get some bright roller blinds, perhaps with colourful images painted on them. Choose a couple of spring colours such as lemon and blue and use them in the following ways:

• Cushions or throws to brighten up a tired sofa
• A bright rug for the living room
• A pretty cloth for a side table

If you want to do more than just add some new soft furnishings then see what a pot of paint can do. Try painting one wall a brighter colour or tone to the rest and make your own artwork to hang on it. If you want to alter the light in your room change the shade on your table lamp to tone in with your rug and cushions.

In the Bedroom

If you’re fed up with your boring bedroom get a bright, new throw for the bed and add some toning cushions, spice up your roller blinds by adding a few stencils. Buy some pretty candles and candle holders to give the room a more romantic feel. Make a headboard using a sheet of MDF and staple the same material as the throw then fix at the back of your bed. Get a floor to ceiling size mirror and prop it in one corner, it makes the space appear larger and it looks pretty stylish.

In the Dining Room

If you want to add a breath of fresh air to your dining room start with a vase of bright spring flowers arranged in the middle of the dining table. Using spring colours like you did in the living room brighten up your dining room in the following ways:

• Cover the seat pads in a bright fabric
• Use the same fabric to make pretty table napkins
• Get roller blinds in a bright colour

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous then change the overhead light shade to something more in keeping with your bright new colour scheme. Make a collage of family pictures to decorate one of the walls.

In the Kitchen

One of the best places to spice up for spring is the kitchen, start by changing your ordinary kitchen blinds for some bright, floral roller blinds. Pick out one of the colours on the blinds and buy some new kitchen canisters in that colour. Cover the seats of kitchen stools and chairs in material the same colour as the canisters and buy some new oven gloves and tea towels.

Just to complete the spring makeover of your home, change the shower curtain in your bathroom to one that’s bright and cheerful. Pin some artwork on the walls and you are all set to welcome spring.

This post was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of Creatively Different Roller Blinds who stock great roller blinds that can be printed with a custom design. Crispin enjoys home improvements and interior design.

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Downtown Vancouver real estate > Condo sales

The total condo sales for Downtown Vancouver in December  2011 totaled 262 was about 27% lower than the previous month sale of 360. With total listings just under 1300 units and 3 months average sale around 316 homes, the supply of condos in Downtown Vancouver at 4.11 months of inventory helped to firm up the market in favour of home sellers. You can view condos for sale in Downtown Vancouver using the link here.

The drastic drop in the number of active listings the past 2 months helped to stabilize the condo market in Downtown Vancouver. The average condo price for Downtown Vancouver rebound last month and regained its price to the $630,000 level. However, the median price remained at the $480,000 level.

Market Outlook for Condos in Downtown Vancouver

Buyer activities in Downtown Vancouver in the second half of 2011 were more tampered. There are now a healthy balance of condos in Downtown Vancouver. With the median price for condos in downtown Vancouver around $480,000, home buyers are shopping for more desirable condos in better part of the city.

For now Vancouver downtown condo market is in balance. You can view condos for sale in Downtown Vancouver using the link here.

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