CANMORE MARKET SYNOPSIS

Canmore Market prices remain stable with longer days on market

With our highest listing inventory in many years we are starting to seeing longer days on market.  The statistics do not really tell the entire story as it looks like the prices have dropped but that is not the case.  What we find is the activity in the lower to mid price points continues to be active while the upper price points have slowed down.

The single family home market showed a 14.2% rise in the average price of a single family home sold in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter in 2007.  The median rise of that same period was only 2.2%.  The number of single family homes sold went down 40% from 38 in the first quarter in 2007 as compared to 23 in the first quarter of 2008. 

The condo market also shows a rise of from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2008 of 19.3% of the average prices and 8.3% of the medians.  The number of sales of condos also dropped from 97 in the first quarter of 2007 to 50 in the first quarter of this year.

Both the vacant lots and duplexes had double digit increases but those numbers are far less relevant as the number of sales is not high enough over a three month period to come to any conclusions. 

The total number of listings sold in the first quarter of 2008 is just over half of those that sold in the first quarter of 2007.  Days on market for all properties had a small increase of 4 days to 70 days but that number does not take into account those properties that were re-listed. 

For any questions or further information please contact me! Oh by the way......I am never too busy for your referrals.

8 Steps to Creating your Bedroom Retreat

When the temperature drops, there's nothing like a warm, cozy bedroom where you can shut the door, be yourself and just relax at the end of a long day. This winter, treat yourself to a bedroom "getaway" that's comfortable, restful and beautiful.

Step 1: Get a great bed. You spend a third of your life in it; buy the best mattress you can afford. Choose a frame with a headboard that's comfortable to lean back on when you're reading or watching TV.

Step 2: Invest in quality bedding. - Pick high-thread count linens for smooth, luxurious comfort, or try some super-soft flannel sheets for extra snuggle factor.
- Stock up on lots of pillows and a fluffy duvet. Down, wool, silk and synthetic fill are all great options for winter warmth.
- Incorporate textures like velvet, wool and satin with blankets, throws and pillows.
- Don't forget the bed skirt – it's a great finishing touch and it hides whatever's under the bed.

Step 3: Lose the clutter. There's nothing relaxing about dusty stacks of magazines or piles of laundry. Get rid of stuff that doesn't have to be in your room, and organize the rest into closets, night tables and armoires so your space is uncluttered and serene.

Step 4: Color it peaceful. Paint the room a soft, pleasing shade. Highlight one wall with a slightly bolder color to create an instant "headboard" for your bed or showcase photos. Paint your ceiling a lighter version of the wall color for a cozy feel.

- Cool colors, such as pale blue, green, and lavender are calming, and they make the room feel airy and spacious.
- Warm colors, like creamy yellow or soft pink are peaceful and feminine.
- Neutrals are soothing and elegant, and they go with anything.
- Stay away from bold colors, since they tend to stimulate rather than relax you.

Step 5: Rearrange the furniture. This step is easy – and free! Just putting your bed in a different spot can be surprisingly rejuvenating. Try placing it on an angle for an unexpected twist.

Step 6: Create a seating area. Get a comfortable chair with an ottoman, add a reading lamp, and you'll have a lovely reading corner that's perfect for some quiet solitude.

Step 7: Control the light. Invest in some simply styled blackout curtains to keep out the sun. Install soft lighting with a dimmer for a romantic touch. For a hit of unexpected poshness, hang a chandelier above the bed.

Step 8: Don't forget the floor. Protect your tootsies from the cold with a soft, cushy carpet or area rugs with an extra-thick under pad. When the snow is piling up outside, there's no better place to end your day than in a luxurious bedroom. This, more than any other space in your home, is about you. Make it yours!

Bullfrog Power