Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.)

There is a "green" grass roots movement to sustainable pro earth choices for the environment.  With the motto "build well, live well" we now have choices to make in the carbon neutral commercial, residential and community buildings we choose.

It is quite amazing to witness the "evolution of green" in real estate.  Design with conscience is the new mantra - how can we balance form and function.  Enter our first LEED Gold certified project - three sister homes to choose from, all meeting the stringent environmental specifications LEED demands.  All three are eco chic and filled with the greenest of gear to provide superior quality of life while minimizing our ecological footprint. We have more details of these properties on the inside of our back cover.

The fall season draws us back into our homes - as Canadians, we spend 90% of our time indoors.  The focus of this issue is the bedroom, that private getaway space that's just for us.

As realtors, we get all kinds of requests for sleeping spaces:  his and hers master bedrooms, nurseries, guest rooms and snoring rooms.  From a resale point of view, the number of bedrooms is the integral part of the value of the home, something to keep in mind in long term planning.

Market Watch

The Real Estate Market, along with every other sector was in shock from last November till late this past Spring.  Since June the pent up demand of buyers waiting for the "economic OK" to buy burst through and bidding wars are back.  In reality we experienced our Spring market this past summer and all indications are that the Fall Market will continue to be robust.

Sellers need to feel as confident as the buyers that this is the right time if selling is in your future plans.  Buyers have been driving the bus and sellers need to get on board.