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Faux Fireplaces for Your Living Room
Faux Fireplaces for Your Living Room
If your home isn’t set up for a fireplace but you’d still like to get the look, a faux fireplace may be just the thing for you! These facades give your living room a classic, traditional feel, but also allow you to be creative with textures and colours. Give your stockings a place to hang with care and pick a fake fireplace to make your home merry and bright.
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Create a mantle frame with a shelf
Since you don’t have to fuss with the mechanics of a working fireplace, you have the freedom to create a simple mantle that frames the area where a fireplace would be. The result is a simple but effective cross between a large picture frame and a fireplace, not too big or intrusive, but elegant enough to give a room character.
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Cover the fireplace interior with a pattern or décor items
If you decide to create the full façade of a fireplace, you still won’t be lighting it so take advantage of that empty interior to add some décor pieces. You might like florals in the spring, a tableau of different sized candles for a cozy feel or go more traditional with a pile of fake wood.
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Make it an art space for kids
If you’ll be using a mantle frame around your wall, consider painting the ‘interior’ with chalk paint. They’ll be able to play inside without fear of getting messy and you’ll be giving your kids the one place in the home where they can draw on the walls!
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Want it to look real?
If you can’t install a real fireplace but want the look of a real one, you can accomplish that with some small steps. Find a fireplace frame with depth and paint the interior dark. Then, find a fireplace screen to cover the front and some stylish andirons to place inside to complete the look.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: Make your own Christmas laundry wreath
If you want a different kind of wreath, this adorable DIY project will give you a piece of décor and a space for Santa to dry his suit! Stock up on some felt, twine and your favourite Christmas ribbon to pull it all together.
Recipe: Christmas Trifle
This classic holiday dessert almost looks too good to eat! Be warned, this recipe takes time and care, but the results are well worth the effort. Featuring the flavours of sweet custard and fresh berries, its Christmas colours will stun your guests at your holiday party this year.
New survey from Century 21 shows younger buyers prioritize community ties
Are agents prepared for the next class of clients? Our friends at Century 21 in the US conducted a survey to see what was top of mind for prospective homebuyers in the Millennial and Gen Z generations. As more younger buyers begin to think about buying their first home, they’re looking past the house, prioritizing community ties and looking to work with agents who have deep links to the communities they serve.
Read the full report from the study here.
Spots in Your Home You Definitely Need to Organize
Spots in Your Home You Definitely Need to Organize
You know that one spot. The one closet or corner where things are piling up. We all have it. But don’t worry, these easy tips will help you tackle those spots in your home where the clutter is becoming too much and help you get more organized in no time!
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The cupboard above your fridge
You probably don’t think about this cupboard a lot, it can be hard to reach so you save it for the things you don’t need day-to-day. But it can become where you shove miscellaneous kitchen items until it all falls out on your head one day, so get ahead of it and look at what might have built up over the years. If you’ll never use those floral teacups, a trip to a donation centre might be in your future.
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The hallway closet
This catch-all space is where your vacuum is crammed in next to your wrapping paper and winter coats buried by boxes of old sports equipment. By virtue of being a storage space in a high-traffic area, a closet hallway can be where things go when the rest of the home needs to be organized, only to become a mess. Give it a once over and see what you find!
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The chair in the corner of your bedroom
Once, you had dreams of spending lazy afternoons curled up in a cozy armchair with a good book. The reality is that life gets busy, and the chair now holds a couple of purses and some clothes from when you couldn’t pick the right outfit. Take the time to get everything back into place, you’ll be surprised at how it frees that corner of your bedroom and makes the space much more inviting.
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The bottom of your bathroom vanity
A repository for the clutter you need out of the way so that your vanity can stay clear for daily use, if your bathroom vanity features drawers for storage, the one on the bottom can fill with junk over the years. Take an afternoon to clear out the moisturizer gift sets you’ll never use and reclaim more storage in your bathroom.
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Your home entryway
This one is a bit odd – how can you overlook a spot in your home you see every time you enter it? But the reality is that our home entryways see us pass through very quickly, either in a rush out the door, or looking forward to relaxing at the end of the day. It can be very easy, especially if you have a family, for shoes, umbrellas, and backpacks to end up in a hodgepodge, but that’ll just create a tripping hazard so invest in some storage solutions and make sure everyone has a spot for the items they grab when they leave.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: Make Fabric Organization Boxes
This fun project can be done with kids to create organization boxes that are great for smaller trinkets so that nothing gets lost. As a bonus, they’ll look great on your shelves!
Recipe: Chili Mac in One Pot
The best of Mac and Cheese and the best of Chili, all in one-pot for minimal clean-up! A warm and hearty mix of two staples, you’ll have folks begging for leftovers.
The Best Décor Ideas from Each Generation
The Best Décor Ideas from Each Generation
No battle of the generations here! From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each age range has trends that have come to define them. Take a page from each book to create a space that stands the test of time – at least until Gen Alpha comes along to shake things up.
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Earthy, neutral tones and entertainment spaces are a staple of the Baby Boomers
These folks decorated their homes in the 70’s, when brown paneling was in vogue, and they’ve carried that through the years. Earthy tones are warm and grounding and a throwback that can easily work in modern homes. Baby Boomers like to entertain (who remembers a good conversation pit?) so look to their homes for seating layouts that spaces that allow for a great night with friends remembering the good old days.
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Millennials bring sleeker aesthetics and a favourite shade of grey
You may have heard the term ‘millennial grey,’ referring to the common shade found in many homes over the past decade. The hue might seem boring, but Millennials have an eye for sleek, curated spaces and are great at accenting grey walls with bright pops of colour. Homes have gotten smaller, and the generation is great at finding compact furniture and making the most out of storage spaces. They might also feature fruit bowls to store their avocados.
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Go fun and bold with Gen Z
As Gen Z is by and large coming into the adult world, they’re finding spaces to make their own, and being young, these spaces have a lot of bright and fun features that could be borrowed. If you want to shake up your home lighting, consider LED light strips that you’ll see in a lot of younger people’s homes, and try unconventional colours to see what you might like! You’ll also find younger generations love plants and aren’t afraid to overload their living rooms with greenery, which often makes the air feel fresher and is a great trend to incorporate.
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No, we didn’t forget about Gen X
We just saved the best for last! Gen X have been parents for a while and their kids are growing up quickly, so you’ll find their homes are filled with pieces that are built to be reliable and long-lasting and withstand the needs of a family. They grew up with the bright design trends of the seventies and eighties, so look for bold colours that are incorporated in sophisticated ways. Gen X are known to be sensible and reliable, and their homes reflect that, with rooms meant to be comfortable and functional.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: DIY Plant Ladder Shelf
Show off your plants in a cool way with a rustic twist! This plant ladder will fit into a corner of your home, keep your plants in one place and make taking care of them a breeze.
Recipe: Baked Spicy Chicken Tacos
These delicious tacos are an easy weeknight meal that cook quickly and are packed with nutrients. Store the toppings, chicken, and taco shells separately and you’ll be able to keep the leftovers for a few days to give yourself less to worry about.
Price Per Square Foot Survey 2024
Canadian home prices largely stable, with some smaller communities, ‘burbs, and AB seeing increases
Annual Price per Square Foot survey looks at prices back to 2018 for almost 50 communities
Vancouver (July 22, 2024) – Canadian housing prices per square foot generally held steady in the first half of this year, with some notable exceptions indicating families continue to migrate to more affordable communities both nearby and across provincial borders.
CENTURY 21 Canada’s eighth annual Price per Square Foot survey compares the price per square foot of properties sold in almost 50 communities between January 1 and June 30 this year to the same period of previous years. In many cases it has data going back to 2018 for both metro centers and smaller communities.
The report reveals that prices in Ontario, BC, and Atlantic Canada remained largely steady this year, with gains in some smaller markets and suburbs while downtown condo prices declined indicating continued migration away from metro cores. Alberta bucked the trend with significant price increases in a number of markets including Calgary and Edmonton – but to prices per square foot still well below those in BC, Quebec, and Ontario. The Prairies also saw price increases, but at a more modest pace.
Major city condo markets outside of Alberta all saw modest dips in price per square foot, while those in Alberta rose – by more than 17 per cent in Calgary and almost 10 per cent in Edmonton. Condo prices in High River topped the increases at more than 22 per cent, but to a relatively affordable $285 a square foot. That compares to $421 in Calgary (up 17.6 per cent), $1,113 in downtown Vancouver (down 1.7 per cent), $706 in downtown Toronto (down 4.5 per cent), and $672 in downtown Montreal (down 11.9 per cent). Vancouver continues to have the highest prices in Canada, while the Prairies and Atlantic Canada have the most affordable.
Looking back over the history of the survey, even with some declines over the last couple of years pricing has not fallen below 2021 levels in any included market. During COVID, 2021 saw significant price surges and set a new benchmark in markets coast-to-coast. For the most part, prices remain well above pre-COVID average.
Sales volumes across Canada have declined from the brisk market of 2021 and 2022, especially in larger cities.
“A number of our brokers are experiencing a slower market when compared to the conditions of just two years ago,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “While across the Prairies and Atlantic provinces the market is quite active and balanced, increasing inventory and hesitant buyers in the GTA and the lower mainland (Vancouver and area) are resulting in a ‘wait and see’ market. With the next possible rate cut coming on July 24th buyers may be extending their ‘wait and see’ approach until the fall.”
Shyiak says that inventory and interest rates will likely be major factors in prices going forward, as sellers may hold off on putting their homes on the market in response to a hesitant buyer base waiting for interest rates to fall.
“Ultimately, we don’t know what the next six months holds for our housing prices, but it’s important not to get too focused on any single year and look at each data point within the larger context of ever-evolving trends. That’s why this survey becomes more valuable year-over-year, because it allows us to see the big picture of Canadian housing.”
Regional highlights:
Atlantic Canada
Prices in Atlantic Canada have continued to see growth, but generally at a far more moderate pace compared to recent years. The sharp rise of Halifax condo prices seen in recent years stopped this year, with no change in price since last year. St. John’s, NL was an exception, with double-digit price growth continuing a steady upward trend that started in 2021. Moncton, NB also bucked this trend with a sharp 20 per cent rise in detached home prices, but to prices per square foot still among the lowest in Canada. Both are smaller markets feeling the boost of immigration both from abroad and within Canada. Along with the Prairies, Atlantic Canada continues to be the most affordable region in Canada, per square foot.
“We’re definitely feeling the change in the market, some areas of the region listing inventory is down while in others it is up. Prices are still trending up at various degrees and there are still families looking to make their home here,” says Joel Ives, Broker at CENTURY 21 Colonial Realty in Charlottetown. “I think we’re going to be able to weather these market conditions because we still have the advantage of affordability compared to the bigger markets.”
British Columbia
Though BC prices were stable overall for the first two-quarters of 2024 several Metro Vancouver suburbs saw price increases while Vancouver condo prices fell modestly, anecdotally due to families continuing to migrate from the city core to more affordable markets that offer more space. Vancouver east side houses went up almost 18 per cent in price to $977 per square foot, a rebound from a price decrease last year and well below the price per square foot of west side and downtown properties. West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, White Rock/South Surrey all saw increases this year as well – most of them modest, and a rebound from last year’s declines. Fraser Valley prices were stable.
In BC’s interior Kelowna’s market looks to have finally cooled after years of steady growth going back to 2019. Vernon is new to the report this year, with rates somewhat below those in Kelowna.
“A lot stayed the same this year, and it’s preferable to the alternative,” says CENTURY 21 Creekside owner Cameron Van Klei in Chilliwack. “We’re not seeing any signs of a huge turn, but it has been sluggish and we’re seeing the inevitable slowdown from the boom market of 2021.”
Quebec
After several years of sharp increases Montreal condo prices have declined by approximately 11 per cent. Conversely, detached homes have risen by a similar amount, which could tell a story of younger folks looking to upgrade to more space without moving out of the major metro area.
Ontario
Ontario was largely stable across the board, with the exception of a double-digit drop in Windsor detached house prices. That decrease follows a surge last year, returning the community to prices more in line with 2020 – 2022. The GTA saw little change, with the Toronto downtown condo market dipping by roughly 4.5 per cent. This drop builds on a sharp decline last year.
Sault Ste. Marie is new to the survey this year, and has the lowest PPSF for both condos and detached homes in the province. “We’re excited to see where the results of his survey take us,” says CENTURY 21 Choice Realty owner James Caicco in Sault Ste. Marie. “Our community is growing quickly and we’re sure that year-over-year trends will show just how many people have chosen to make Sault Ste. Marie their home.
Prairies
Overall, prices in the prairies were up in the single digits. Condo prices rose as the larger cities in the region continue to grow, with Regina condos seeing the largest gain at 16 per cent with smaller gains throughout the rest of the province. Only Brandon condos trended downwards, but at a very modest 0.85 per cent. Prairie prices remain among the most affordable in Canada.
Alberta
Alberta bucked the national trend, with prices increasing briskly in numerous markets. Even with the increases Alberta prices remain well below those in neighboring BC, as well as Ontario and Quebec. The price increases tell a story of migration – Canadians moving to Alberta, in particular smaller communities where property prices remain moderate. Calgary prices continue to grow, with young professionals pushing condo prices up 17 per cent from last year.
CENTURY 21 Canada’s annual survey of data on the price per square foot (PPSF) of properties gathers and compares sales data from its franchises across Canada from January 1 to June 30 of each year. By looking at the price per square foot at the same time each year the firm is able to get a good idea of how prices have changed over time for similar properties. This year’s survey compares 2023 prices with this year’s results.
Price Per Square Foot Survey Results 2024
| ALBERTA | HOUSE TYPE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change from 2023 |
| Calgary | House | $341 | $325 | $320 | $355 | $396 | $419 | $470 | 12.17% |
| Calgary | Condo | $329 | $317 | $296 | $303 | $326 | $358 | $421 | 17.60% |
| Edmonton | Detached House | $288 | $272 | $268 | $284 | $297 | $309 | $317 | 2.59% |
| Edmonton | Duplex | $275 | $256 | $250 | $270 | $287 | $292 | $303 | 3.77% |
| Edmonton | Condo | $231 | $220 | $206 | $217 | $222 | $204 | $224 | 9.80% |
| High River | Detached House | $193 | $215 | $237 | $271 | $307 | $334 | $382 | 14.37% |
| High River | Condo | N/A | $241 | $173 | $176 | $223 | $233 | $285 | 22.32% |
| Okotoks | Detached House | N/A | $238 | $254 | $283 | $338 | $362 | $394 | 8.84% |
| Okotoks | Condo | N/A | $254 | $211 | $219 | $251 | $288 | $323 | 12.15% |
| Red Deer | Detached House | $276 | $262 | $252 | $289 | $293 | $294 | $325 | 10.54% |
| Red Deer | Townhouse | N/A | N/A | N/A | $207 | $214 | $226 | $222 | -1.77% |
| St. Albert | Detached House | $287 | $271 | $269 | $289 | $322 | $317 | $322 | 1.58% |
| St. Albert | Condo | $239 | $223 | $211 | $251 | $238 | $259 | $255 | -1.54% |
| St. Albert | Duplex | $262 | $272 | $278 | $280 | $325 | $347 | $301 | -13.26% |
| BRITISH COLUMBIA | HOUSE TYPE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change from 2023 |
| Chilliwack | Detached House | $297 | $294 | $288 | $406 | $515 | $419 | $427 | 1.91% |
| Chilliwack | Townhouse | $267 | $249 | $250 | $318 | $425 | $359 | $379 | 5.57% |
| Chilliwack | Condo/ Apartment | $283 | $290 | $270 | $351 | $473 | $443 | $437 | -1.35% |
| Kelowna | Detached House | $283 | $274 | $280 | $368 | $463 | $413 | $417 | 0.97% |
| Kelowna | Half Duplex | $247 | $260 | $263 | $320 | $402 | $362 | $393 | 8.56% |
| Kelowna | Townhouse | $292 | $287 | $302 | $365 | $452 | $422 | $422 | 0.00% |
| Kelowna | Apartment | $345 | $348 | $334 | $411 | $526 | $491 | $482 | -1.83% |
| Vancouver | Detached House | $856 | $769 | $816 | $975 | $1,177 | $978 | $890 | -9.00% |
| Vancouver, Downtown | Condo | $856 | $769 | $1,060 | $1,053 | $1,133 | $1,132 | $1,113 | -1.68% |
| Vancouver, East side | Detached House | $721 | $647 | $672 | $877 | $957 | $829 | $977 | 17.85% |
| Vancouver, West Side | Detached House | $1,147 | $990 | $1,004 | $1,208 | $1,421 | $1,149 | $1,161 | 1.04% |
| Burnaby | Detached House | $599 | $551 | $579 | $688 | $795 | $879 | $900 | 2.39% |
| West Van | Detached House | $899 | $738 | $734 | $971 | $1,038 | $930 | $1,037 | 11.51% |
| Richmond | Detached House | $677 | $598 | $608 | $722 | $831 | $773 | $831 | 7.50% |
| Delta North | Detached House | $423 | $400 | $413 | $570 | $716 | $594 | $618 | 4.04% |
| North Vancouver | Detached House | $681 | $613 | $690 | $794 | $910 | $817 | $937 | 14.69% |
| White Rock/South Surrey | Detached House | $506 | $472 | $435 | $625 | $795 | $627 | $724 | 15.47% |
| Victoria | Detached House | N/A | N/A | N/A | $558 | $592 | $602 | $567 | -5.81% |
| Victoria | Townhouse | N/A | N/A | N/A | $457 | $583 | $553 | $452 | -18.26% |
| Victoria | Condo | N/A | N/A | N/A | $659 | $676 | $723 | $694 | -4.01% |
| ATLANTIC | HOUSE TYPE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change from 2023 |
| Charlottetown | Detached House | $147 | $165 | $178 | $211 | $245 | $235 | $252 | 7.23% |
| Fredericton | Detached House | N/A | $99 | $123 | $147 | $170 | $196 | $196 | 0.00% |
| Halifax | Detached House | $155 | $162 | $170 | $281 | $408 | $398 | $414 | 4.02% |
| Halifax | Condo | $228 | $239 | $270 | $291 | $450 | $467 | $467 | 0.00% |
| Moncton | Detached House | $101 | $106 | $124 | $142 | $173 | $197 | $237 | 20.30% |
| Saint John | Detached House | N/A | $111 | $123 | $134 | $163 | $192 | $186 | -3.13% |
| St. John’s | Detached House | N/A | $132 | $135 | $149 | $167 | $167 | $272 | 62.87% |
| St. John’s | Condo | N/A | $174 | $116 | $182 | $212 | $205 | $234 | 14.15% |
| PRAIRIES | HOUSE TYPE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change from 2023 |
| Regina | Detached House | $254 | $246 | $237 | $250 | $284 | $275 | $290 | 5.17% |
| Regina | Condo | $236 | $213 | $205 | $205 | $194 | $189 | $227 | 16.74% |
| Saskatoon | Detached House | $270 | $263 | $263 | $314 | $336 | $344 | $370 | 7.03% |
| Saskatoon | Condo | $208 | $213 | $217 | $216 | $219 | $226 | $247 | 8.50% |
| Winnipeg | Detached House | $282 | $243 | $244 | $293 | $315 | $291 | $302 | 3.64% |
| Winnipeg | Condo | $261 | $220 | $223 | $234 | $254 | $249 | $271 | 8.12% |
| Winnipeg | Attached | N/A | $202 | $210 | $241 | $269 | $258 | $272 | 5.15% |
| Brandon | Detached House | $248 | $246 | $248 | $271 | $276 | $276 | $291 | 5.15% |
| Brandon | Condo | $196 | $204 | $204 | $203 | $243 | $236 | $234 | -0.85% |
| ONTARIO | HOUSE TYPE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change from 2023 |
| Barrie | Detached House | $283 | $350 | $350 | $378 | $503 | $576 | $579 | 0.52% |
| Bradford | Detached House | $286 | $345 | $358 | $410 | $580 | $535 | $530 | -0.93% |
| Cambridge | Detached House | $332 | $355 | $388 | $450 | $625 | $568 | $568 | 0.00% |
| Cambridge | Condo | $344 | $347 | $367 | $435 | $716 | $514 | $530 | 3.11% |
| Cambridge | Townhouse | $282 | $317 | $341 | $474 | $616 | $490 | $500 | 2.04% |
| Grey Bruce | Detached House | $175 | $182 | $195 | $357 | $455 | $406 | $415 | 2.22% |
| Guelph | Detached House | $397 | $409 | $443 | $483 | $690 | $627 | $618 | -1.44% |
| Guelph | Condo | $374 | $402 | $423 | $511 | $777 | $482 | $480 | -0.41% |
| Guelph | Duplex | $348 | $362 | $400 | $451 | $648 | $523 | $525 | 0.38% |
| Guelph | Townhouse | $311 | $335 | $364 | $433 | $641 | $580 | $573 | -1.21% |
| Hamilton | Detached House | $362 | $378 | $406 | $532 | $553 | $523 | $509 | -2.68% |
| Hamilton | Townhouse | $257 | $350 | $343 | $453 | $538 | $508 | $507 | -0.20% |
| Kitchener | Detached House | $339 | $359 | $400 | $430 | $618 | $610 | $605 | -0.82% |
| Kitchener | Townhouse | N/A | $323 | $342 | $435 | $576 | $487 | $490 | 0.62% |
| Kitchener | Condo | $328 | $362 | $399 | $483 | $800 | $516 | $491 | -4.84% |
| London | Detached House | $191 | $237 | $250 | $362 | $466 | $466 | $463 | -0.64% |
| Markham | Detached House | N/A | N/A | $485 | $557 | $685 | $841 | $822 | -2.26% |
| Niagara Falls | Detached House | N/A | $275 | $300 | $390 | $531 | $514 | $505 | -1.75% |
| Newmarket | Detached House | N/A | $372 | $510 | $505 | $516 | $704 | $693 | -1.56% |
| Ottawa | Detached House | $225 | $258 | $313 | $429 | $465 | $587 | $607 | 3.41% |
| Ottawa | Townhouse | N/A | N/A | N/A | $392 | $451 | $566 | $534 | -5.65% |
| Ottawa | Condo | $442 | $485 | $577 | $479 | $583 | $538 | $550 | 2.23% |
| Owen Sound | Detached House | $145 | $158 | $167 | $312 | $380 | $361 | $362 | 0.28% |
| Richmond Hill | Detached House | $445 | $465 | $522 | $520 | $665 | $813 | $806 | -0.86% |
| Sault Ste. Marie | Detached House | $298 | |||||||
| Sault Ste. Marie | Condo | $328 | |||||||
| St. Catharines | Detached House | $310 | $290 | $330 | $400 | $612 | $528 | $523 | -0.95% |
| Toronto, Downtown | Condo | $903 | $994 | $1,083 | $956 | $1,217 | $739 | $706 | -4.47% |
| Vaughn | Detached House | $434 | $503 | $548 | $612 | $695 | $772 | $776 | 0.52% |
| Waterloo | Detached House | N/A | $372 | $407 | $421 | $613 | $603 | $601 | -0.33% |
| Waterloo | Townhouse | N/A | $324 | $344 | $408 | $641 | $486 | $489 | 0.62% |
| Waterloo | Condo | N/A | $402 | $411 | $503 | $777 | $525 | $498 | -5.14% |
| Windsor | Detached House | N/A | $372 | $407 | $295 | $306 | $469 | $364 | -22.39% |
| QUEBEC | HOUSE TYPE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change from 2023 |
| Montreal, Downtown and SW | Condo | $567 | $709 | $805 | $935 | $935 | $763 | $672 | -11.93% |
| Montreal, Downtown and SW | Detached House | $603 | $674 | $958 | $1,350 | $1,357 | $880 | $972 | 10.45% |
Making Small Spaces Work for Growing Families
Making Small Spaces Work for Growing Families
It’s common to find more and more young families starting in smaller spaces than in previous years. Finding a larger home is harder these days, but smaller spaces can be just what parents need, especially when kids are still young. Here are some ways growing families can make a small space work for them.
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Look for a mini crib
If you have a new addition to the family, consider searching for a mini crib to fit into your room if you don’t have a dedicated space for a nursery. The biggest difference between mini cribs and regular cribs is size, with mini cribs being more easily slotted into corners and tight spaces. You won’t get as much use out of a mini crib, however, and may have to move your baby to a toddler bed within two years as opposed to the regular three, but it’s still a great option if you’re tight on space for the immediate future.
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Turn a closet into a mini nursery
Closets can be useful nooks, and if you have the option of using a wardrobe or dresser for your clothes, consider removing the closet doors and using the space for a little nursery right in your bedroom. You’ll be able to take advantage of high shelves for supplies and keep everything neatly in place.
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Have your furniture pull double duty
As much as possible, you’re going to want to maximize the use you get out of your furniture pieces when you’re short on space. A dresser makes a good changing table, and ottomans make for great storage spots that kids can easily access toys. As much as possible, opt for furniture that includes storage space such as under-bed drawers.
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Everything needs a place
With kids, it’s easy for toys to end up everywhere, making a small space look even more cluttered. As you incorporate storage solutions, make sure that every single item has a spot and that everyone knows what goes where. It takes a team to keep a home neat, and kids will have an easier time cleaning up if they know where everything has to end up at the end of the day. If you find yourself with more toys than storage spots, it might be a good time to start donating toys that kids have outgrown.
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Go for darker furniture
If your kids are still young, chances are accidents will happen. But don’t cry over spilled milk! Get the longest use out of your furniture by opting for dark fabrics, especially in rugs and couches that are forgiving of stains from sticky fingers.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: DIY Newborn Shadow Boxes
When you get over the sleep deprivation, you’ll realize your newborn is growing up quickly! Remember your child’s earliest days and milestones with these shadow boxes that’ll show you just how far they’ve come.
Recipe: No-Bake Cinnamon Rolls for kids
This sweet snack is great for little helpers in the kitchen since it avoids using the oven. Let them help out and snag a few for yourself before they’re all gone!
Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5
Get Your Backyard Ready for a Great Summer
Get Your Backyard Ready for a Great Summer
Now that the days are getting longer, you’ll be spending more time outside with friends and family, enjoying those warm summer nights. Here are some tips to make sure your backyard is ready to go and everyone’s favourite place to make some memories over the next few months.
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Get your patio furniture cleaned up
If it’s been a long winter and you leave your patio furniture out through all seasons, you want to take a moment to give it a once over. Make sure no little pests have made their home in them, give any furniture frames a good hose-down and maybe take a vacuum to any fabric surfaces.
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Bring in some flowers
Nothing brightens up a yard like some flowers, and if you didn’t plant those seeds back during the spring, have no fear! Many local hardware stores and nurseries will be bursting with summer blooms that are ready to be transposed into your backyard. Tall planters can add some great decoration to the side of doorways, hanging baskets are good for shaded patios, or you may want to create a bright flowerbed – as a bonus, these are a great way to help pollinators!
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Add some lighting
Just because the sun sets later doesn’t mean you want to go inside when it’s dark! While many homes have some basic outdoor lighting, it’s often utilitarian and not very ambient, so take the time to research some good lighting options. Strings of Edison bulbs are a popular option that lend form and function or consider using smaller strings of battery-operated lights in mason jars to resemble fireflies. You might want small ground lights staked into the ground to illuminate paths. Before you add any lighting, however, be sure you know where each of your exterior outlets are so that you’re not left in the dark!
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Give your lawn some TLC
If it’s been a rough winter, your lawn may need a refresh. If it’s developed bare patches, this may be a prime spot for weeds, so consider reseeding these spots. You can find a seed mix that matches the rest of the lawn or look specifically for a seed blend that stands up to high traffic areas if you anticipate a lot of people walking over it. Add in some fertilizer and keep things watered until the patches fill in, and you’ll have a lush and healthy lawn to be proud of!
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Invite some feathered friends
A great backyard feature that helps nature is a bird feeder! If you enjoy lounging outdoors and doing some bird spotting, a feeder will help bring in colourful hummingbirds and cardinals (location dependent.) These feeders are great for local wildlife without causing disruption to ecosystems, and it’s a great way to pass the time while relaxing on a peaceful summer day.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe
Need something to do while the burgers are grilling? This life-size version of Tic-Tac-Toe will keep your guests from young to old entertained!
Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea salad
This light summer salad has fresh ingredients and lots of flavour, perfect for warm days as a light lunch or side dish at dinner.
How to Incorporate Maximalism Without Adding Clutter to Your Home
How to Incorporate Maximalism Without Adding Clutter to Your Home
Out with the emptiness and neutral tones of minimalism, in with the bold patterns and funky designs of maximalism! In recent years, designers have begun to re-embrace bright colours and eclectic pieces to curate spaces that are overloaded on personality, but there is a fine line between ‘loud and bold’ and ‘crowded and overwhelming’. Follow these easy tips to bring a little more fun into your space without things getting too out of hand.
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Have a colour palette in mind and stick to it
To avoid a clash of colours, make sure that what you do add to a room flows together. Design trends of the past may have encouraged complementary shades, but for a more maximalist feel, go for contrasting walls and bright accents. However, consult a colour wheel to ensure that your shades are properly picked out and stick to two to three main shades so that it’s not harsh on the eyes.
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Layer textiles for an indulgent feel
The different types of textiles you have in a space can make a room seem cozy and it doesn’t have to crowd a space. Think about layering rugs with different textures for a fun look or indulge in some bright curtains in contrasting shades which can add both colour and function. Blankets can make for great accents on a bed or over a sofa and be experimental with patterns!
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More is better – but keep things together
There’s a fine line between a maximalist room and a cluttered room, and a great way to find the right balance is to be intentional about how you choose to use décor items. Instead of having items strewn around on every surface, find ways to group them together and arrange them in ways that catch the eye. Consider using small display shelves or cabinets to better show off collections, the varying heights on your surfaces will add variety to your rooms.
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Gallery walls will display your art at its best
A staple of a maximalist space is a varied and interesting gallery wall! From photos to art prints to mementos, these are a great opportunity to mix and match frame textures and colours, as well as step outside of the box on how you want to display your items. There are no rules here, so be as bold as you’d like!
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Mix your pattern sizes
Maximalism lets you be as wild as you want with patterns, but you don’t want an eyesore on your hands. A good way to avoid this is to vary the size of the patterns you use together. For example, a floral pattern on your accent cushions will clash harshly with a similar size motif on your curtains. You may have to try a few options before you land on something you like but try to keep big patterns with small ones so that it’s not a full onslaught once you walk into a room.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: DIY Confetti Clock
Show off your fun personality with the bright clock that will remind you of a party at all hours of the day. And if you place it to catch the sun, you’ll get a beautiful display of colours once a day!
Recipe: Homemade Gnocchi
An Italian staple, you may be intimidated at the thought of making these at home, but with just three ingredients, you’ll soon impress even the most skeptical Nonna.
CENTURY 21 Granite Realty and the Jump in the Lake Challenge Celebrate Five Years of Supporting Local Food Banks
May 2024, Kwartha Lakes – The force is strong for a Kwartha community fundraiser sponsored by CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Ltd. on May 4, sales reps Dean Michel and Jennifer Bacon took to the waters of their local lake for the fifth annual Jump in the Lake Challenge (JILC), raising over $25,000 for food banks in the Coboconk and Haliburton area.
Going with the theme of ‘Stars Wars’ day, Michel donned full Jedi garb for the annual dip, which began as a COVID distanced fundraiser back in 2020 as a way to help their community. It has since grown, with a few hundred generous donors and many brave participants coming together to raise much-needed funds to battle hunger.
“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun, annual event,” Michel says. “When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Over the past five years, the challenge has raised $175,000 for the local community and gone a long way in supporting those struggling with food-related costs. “What a generous and supportive community we live in,” said Coboconk and Area Food Bank chairperson Amy Alfredsson. “With more than $20,000 in cash and food donations collected and more still coming in, the JILC has provided the funds to pay meat purchases for almost an entire year.”
Alfredsson, who jumped into a frigid Balsam Lake herself, added “The funds raised and the food collected will go a very long way in feeding our CAFB families. Thank you for your participation in and donations made to the Jump in the Lake Challenge again this year.”
The hope is that JILC expands beyond Kwartha’s lake shores and spreads to other communities in Canada. “It’s such an easy fundraiser, all anyone needs is social media and something to jump into,” says Michel. “So many charities are willing to help out local fundraisers, so all you need to do to reach out to a cause that you’re passionate about and let them know what you want to do.”
There is still time to donate for this year’s fundraiser, to participate, visit www.kawarthalakeside.com and click “Get Involved”.
CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty Begins New Chapter with Recent Merger
May 2024, Calgary – One of Calgary’s top real estate brokerages is starting a new chapter that opens brand new opportunities for agents ready to dip their toes into property management. CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty has merged with CENTURY 21 Elevate and will now offer property management services through their new sister company.
Broker George Bamber saw this step forward as a natural evolution of his business. “We used to refer property management business opportunities to Andre [d’Abadie, owner of CENTURY 21 Elevate], and when we decided that merging was the best path forward, we chose to keep Elevate Property Management as our sister company. Those real estate agents will move over to us, and it’s all part of the plan to make C21 Bamber Realty bigger, better, and stronger.”
The goal is to attract new agents who have or are interested in a property management license, giving them a rare chance to explore both avenues in one company. “We’re well known in Calgary, but we can always get stronger,” he explains. “I think this is a great opportunity for agents and property managers who also want to grow and see what’s possible.”
Moving forward with this merger was a big step forward for George, who is constantly looking for ways to innovate in his brokerage, a stalwart of Calgary for nearly 40 years. “We’re one of the biggest companies in the CENTURY 21 Canada network, but even then, you always have to find ways to innovate. And when you’re the owner of a company, the only person who’s going to motivate you is yourself and last year I had the thought that I should make the phone call, see if a merger would be possible, and find the growth opportunity I knew was there.”
Andre will stay on to manage the property management side of the business, and both he and George will lend their expertise to CENTURY 21 Bamber’s new business model. “He’s got some really good people coming over with him; and we’ve got a good location, a good team, and a good reputation, our goal now is to attract all the agents who will see what we’re doing and want to work with good leadership.”
“Expanding into property management is just the kind of innovation that keeps our brokerages from stagnating,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “It’s really exciting to see George and Andre work together to expand CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty, and in a market as active as Calgary we know they’re going to have ample opportunities for growth.”
CENTURY 21 Bamber and Elevate Property Management are now operating in the Calgary area. CENTURY 21 Bamber was the #9 office by Production in 2023 in the Global Century 21 system and ranked #3 by Units and #6 by Production in the Canadian network.
