The Michael Beckford Team

Alexa Payne, Michael Beckford, Brandy Hyland and Anna Panacci

Royal LePage Connect Realty, Brokerage
(905) 427-6522

Market Remains Tight with Sales Up in April

May 3, 2012 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,350 transactions through the TorontoMLS system in April 2012. This level of sales was 18 per cent higher than the 8,778 firm deals reported in April 2011. The strongest sales growth was reported in the single-detached market segment, with transactions of this home type up by 22 per cent compared to a year ago.

“Interest in single-detached homes has been very high, both in the City of Toronto and surrounding regions. Growth in single-detached listings has not kept up with demand, which means competition between buyers in this market segment increased. With this in mind, it was no surprise that the strongest annual price increase was also experienced in the single-detached segment,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President, Richard Silver.

The average price for April 2012 transactions was $517,556 – up 8.5 per cent compared to April 2011. While price growth was strongest for single-detached homes, the better-supplied condominium apartment segment experienced a more moderate annual rate of price growth, at four per cent.

“Monthly mortgage payments remain affordable for home buyers in the Greater Toronto Area. While interest rates are generally expected to increase over the next two years, the extent and timing of rate hikes has been thrown into question by slower than expected economic growth in the first quarter of this year. On net, borrowing costs are expected to remain a positive factor influencing home sales through 2012,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Five Ways to Liven Up Your Laundry Room

Whether your laundry area is part of a modern mudroom, or stuck in the dark recesses of your basement, it’s probably the messiest, most neglected part of your home.  But its winter, and there’s no better time to pay a little attention to your overlooked utility rooms.  Here are five great ways to help take your laundry room from disorganized to delightful:

1. Get organized

If the laundry area is multipurpose, such as a mudroom or storage area, define the space for each use and organize shelving, baskets, or boxes for each.  Install a closet rod for air drying or hanging up clothes as soon as they are done in the dryer, and use a fold-away table for folding and sorting clothes that can be stored away when not in use.  

2. If it ain’t quaint, paint!

If your laundry room is dark and depressing, paint the walls a traditional light colour or add a fresh coat to the trim.  If you have a window which lets in natural light, select a paint in sunshine yellow, or this year’s “in” colour: orange.  Alternatively, choose blackboard paint for use on a section of a wall and when you run out of detergent or dryer sheets, just add it to your list on the blackboard.

3. Texturize and accessorize

Bamboo blinds and linen-lined rattan laundry hampers will help establish a softer, relaxed mood. Mirrors are a great way to make smaller space appear bigger while adding a touch of sophistication. And don’t forget, the laundry room is a great place for indoor plants, as they improve air quality and may absorb cleaning detergent scents.

4. Don’t be left in the dark

The laundry is likely the last place you'd spend a lot on a great-looking light fixture, but that doesn't mean you have to go without! An elegant overhead light fixture adds a functional and decorative touch. Use a small chandelier with good light coverage for beauty or add a practical ceiling fan to circulate air while providing a little decorative interest.

5. Add your personality

Once you have your laundry room organized, don’t be afraid to decorate. Use colours that you love, put up family photos, kids artwork, your special collection of snow globes, anything that makes you smile.

Happy laundering!