New Homes
New Homes
Baby boomers hold sway over housing market
There is considerable discussion in Canada regarding housing prices, who is buying houses and where and what is the immediate future of the housing market.
Dealing with last issues first, there doesn't appear to be any end in sight for low mortgage rates and so the financial climate for buying will be favourable for a while. Canada is tightly allied to the U.S. economy and the situation south of the border indicates interest rates aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Initial forecasts were a freeze for this year with gradual increases in late 2014 and 2015; however, all bets are off now. Interest rates were not going to rise until unemployment rates hit 6.5 per cent and inflation stayed below 2.5 per cent. With the current government deadlock, any movement over time is likely to be slow and cautious
Add to this the fact Canadians are gradually increasing their personal savings rate throughout this year and we have a more stable management of their debt. Average monthly debt payments are dropping, deposits into investments are increasing and Canadians are increasing their mortgage payments. Delinquency and default rates have remained low for the past four years, indicating Canadians are successfully keeping their debt level under control.
It is no secret much of the wealth in Canada resides in the hands of the baby boomers, those born between 1945 and 1965. Although one may think this generation has had their day with the housing market, they continue to have considerable influence on it. As they age, many boomers seek to downsize as they become empty nesters. They may opt to travel more, thereby looking for less maintenance in their residence. The condo market then becomes particularly appealing as an option. Established walkable neighbourhoods with local amenities nearby also become more attractive to an aging population, thereby opening up newer neighbourhoods to echo-boomers, Gen Y and millennials.
If boomers choose to stay in their existing home for extended time periods, they will do so through renovations and upgrades that will allow them to access the various services they require. This then may delay putting their existing homes on the market, thereby necessitating urban boundary expansion in order to accommodate future generations, immigrants from other countries, migrants from other provinces and those looking to upgrade from their current housing status. However, we must remember, given that boomer birth was spread over 20 years, boomer retirement and housing shifts will likely also be spread over 20 years.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
New Homes
Master DESIGN
The moment you walk in to the master suite at 32 Casselman Cres., you notice something is different.
The design team at Paradigm Custom Homes chose to take a new angle on the bedroom's design.
"We wanted to do something different, so we put the bedroom on a 45-degree angle," explained Paradigm's Jeff Baertsoen.
"The angle gives you a nice view of the deck and backyard (and) when you are out back enjoying the deck, you have a good degree of privacy. You're not looking directly at the home across from you, and they're not looking back at you," he said.
The deck Baertsoen mentions is accessed via patio doors on the angled back wall, which has also been outfitted with two large windows.
The result of that design is access to the deck off the master suite and all kinds of natural light in addition to a virtually unobstructed view of the private backyard.
"Our goal was to make the master suite not only different, but as relaxing as possible," he added.
"To add to the different design flavour, we put barn doors on the walk-in closet. With the ensuite, we created a spa-like space that has lots of room to move. It has a seven-foot shower (tempered-glass enclosure with tan/taupe striated tile), a marble floor and split dual vanity with black granite countertop and a rift oak vanity that offers tons of storage."
The master suite is a mini version of the great room, which was likewise set on a 45-degree angle.
It's rear wall has been filled with glass in the form of patio doors and a three-piece picture window next to the dining area, another huge picture window on the family room's rear wall, plus a large window over the kitchen sink.
"Because the home is built on a wide lot (97 feet wide), it allowed us to do a number of things. I think the biggest thing the width allowed us to do was sprawl the bungalow out. The result is a huge great room and a long rear wall. All the glass maximizes the view out back, and lets in tons of light," said Baertsoen.
"As the landscaping matures, the views out back from the master suite and great room are going to be awesome."
Not only does the great room's angled design create a different look, it also lends itself to creating well-defined spaces. A trio of design features defines the family room: a tray ceiling with a dark-stained pine centre, a rain glass wall inserted into a planter-style unit filled with grey and white glass tile and a bannister (with rain glass insert) that demarcates the lower level stairwell next to the rear wall.
Meanwhile, the island with seating for three and five-foot aisles on either side define the kitchen, while the dinette occupies an angled area next to the patio doors, a picture window and built-in hutch.
Baertsoen said the goal was to make the area as functional and fashionable as possible.
"It really lends itself well to entertaining," he said. "Little things like making the island just the right size and wide aisles make it easy to move around, while the finishes: espresso white rift oak cabinets, granite (brown/black) countertops, grey glass tile backsplash and solid sawn, distressed (engineered) oak hardwoods make for a nice, warm interior feel.
Little touches, such as a pantry with roll-out drawers next to a mudroom off the garage (the area also houses a laundry room), make it easy to bring groceries in to unload."
Then, two features ramp up the great room's functionality and wow factor.
"If you notice, there are no outlets on the backsplash walls. We mounted them above under the cabinets for a nice, clean look," added Baertsoen.
"And the rift oak entertainment unit with cultured-stone surround and 54-inch ribbon-style fireplace add a touch of panache that nicely complements the hardwoods and tray ceiling in the family room."
Although 32 Casselman doesn't feature a walk-out lower level, Paradigm's design team came up with a way to give it a bright, walk-out feel: They placed the lower level stairwell next to the three-piece picture window on the family room's rear wall.
"We positioned the stairs by the window to allow as much light as possible to filter down into the basement. It's an area with a lot of living space (1,650 sq. ft. of liveble space, to be exact) that was designed for recreation, entertainment and liveability."
A collection of huge windows injects loads of sunlight into the rec room, while as a ribbon fireplace set in cultured stone next to a dark rift oak entertainment unit carry the main level's panache downstairs.
A games area, media area and wet bar make the rec room a great spot to entertain, while a massive fourth bedroom and three-piece bath make it an ideal place for a privacy-starved teen (or guest) to hang out in style.
"We're really happy with how the home turned out," said Baertsoen. "The floor plan functions well on both levels, the finishes look incredible and there's all kinds of space (3,800 sq. ft.). You can't ask for much more than that."
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Fall Parade of Homes drawing large crowds
The comfortable weather of the past two weeks has brought thousands of visiotrs to the Fall Parade of Homes. On the second weekend, sales agents reported that individuals were lined up outside the door in anticipation of visiting their home. The absolutely fantastic weather throughout the rest of the week ensured attendance stayed strong. It looks like this year's Parade will be one of the largest ever.
Sales representatives showing the 131 new homes have been bombarded with a flurry of questions in the first two weeks.
Financial items are front and centre. Interested buyers are particularly enamored with the low mortgage rates that remain available. Recent announcements of continued low rates throughout Manitoba, Canada and North America perpetuate assurance that now is an ideal time to buy a new home. Some show homes display samples of mortgage calculations; some promote banks and credit unions that are able to assist buyers and all have a calculator handy.
Manitobans are more energy conscious than people in other provinces. This is particularly true of those considering moving from their older home to a new home. Technology improves every year and, although Manitoba new homes have been the most energy efficient in Canada for a number of years, they still continue to get better. Many prospective buyers come fully equipped with their existing heating bills, water-usage numbers, furnace efficiency rating and even some R values for their discussions. A quick comparison showing considerable savings in a new home contributes to the economic viability of buying new.
Just a reminder: If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask. Show home representatives have a wealth of information and, if they don't immediately know the answer, they can find out and get back to you.
Remember, the 2013 Fall Parade of Homes continues through Sunday, October 6. Show homes are open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
New Homes
Maximum space, maximum light
In some new designs, sales brochures might say a home has a "wall of windows" in the great room.
Then, when you actually view the home, you find that claim to be only partially true. While the great room is thoroughly open-concept (though perhaps maybe not as open-concept as you'd like, seeing as you like to entertain and be able to keep tabs on your kids from the kitchen when they're playing), the windows are really only a half wall of windows.
Well, that's not the case with the ultra-open-concept great room in one of Gino's Homes' newest show homes, a two-storey, 2,196-sq.-ft. design found at 48 Dennis Lindsay Rd. in Bridgewood Estates.
"Let's just say this is a very open-concept home, with nine-foot ceilings throughout the main floor, plus a 25-foot vaulted ceiling above the living room/dining room area," said Gino's sales representative for the home, Re/Max Executives' Goy Sengmany. "This is a very bright, airy home."
That statement isn't just a bunch of pumped-up realtorspeak. Walk into the great room, and it doesn't take long to come to the conclusion it's perhaps one of the brightest, most voluminous great rooms any builder offers.
"There actually is a wall of windows on the rear wall," said Sengmany, gesturing toward a wall that's filled with a series of huge windows down low, and then another series of mid-sized windows up high. "I like the fact that the Gino's design team put as many windows in key spots to maximize the inflow of natural light. Right now, the lower window shades are drawn, but it's still incredibly bright. All the (tri-pane) windows really open up the great room."
It turns out the great room is only the start of the glass-ification. Head upstairs and there are three angled windows on the wall to the left of the staircase allowing daylight to flow in in unabated fashion.
Venture into a walk-in closet, the laundry room -- even the main-floor powder room -- and each room is outfitted with a large window to let the light shine in. Heck, there's even a window between the powder room and laundry room to let in even more light.
While all the light makes for a cheerful interior, the home's intuitive layout makes for a home that flows and functions exceptionally well. Case in point is the great room, which features three well-proportioned spaces: an island kitchen, a massive dining area and an equally large living room.
"People who've come through the home so far have said they not only like the open design and all the light, but the fact it's not only a great family home, but that it's also ideal for entertaining -- the great room's design lends itself to both," he said. "Visitors have said they're also impressed with the finishing quality. That's not surprising, because that's what Gino's is known for."
The finishes are at once modern and traditional: whitewashed oak hardwoods, white quartz countertops and a grey glass tile backsplash that mesh well with the stainless appliances and stainless hood vent that's suspended stylishly over a built-in cooktop.
For contrast, the Gino's design team then opted to install a plethora of espresso maple cabinets, including a pantry to the right of the refrigerator and an espresso maple door that fronts the adjacent (and big) walk-in pantry.
It's not only bigger than normal, but contains another novel feature, said Sengmany.
"It also has a window; you don't see many pantries with windows, or windows that huge. Overall, this is such a well-designed area. There's seating for four at the (nine-foot) island, the dining area easily holds a table for four, and the living room is a great area to visit in with the hardwoods, high ceiling and a gorgeous (grey/terra cotta) cultured stone fireplace."
Meanwhile, the home's upper level is very nearly as bright as the main level due to large windows in every room, plus the light radiating into it from the windows on the great room's rear wall. Sengmany said the master suite encapsulates the home's design.
"It's massive with a huge picture window that takes up three-quarters of its rear wall, so it's an incredibly bright space. It's big, too, with plenty of room for a chaise lounge, queen-size bed, TV entertainment unit and a dresser."
Then, there's its crowning touch, an expansive, beautifully finished ensuite.
"Again, it's a nice, big space -- there's lots of room to move. For those who enjoy baths, there's a nice, deep six-foot air-jet soaker tub (set in white tile) with a big window above it," he said. "You also get a five-foot shower with rain-shower head, and a large walk-in closet with tons of built-in storage including a four-tiered shoe rack, a nice touch that women love."
Not surprisingly, the two secondary bedrooms are a good size, with (what else) huge windows. The view from the catwalk next to the landing (and that leads to the first kids' bedroom) looking down on the great room is also spectacular.
Downstairs, another 1,200 sq. ft. of liveable space awaits, bringing the home's total living space to almost 3,400 sq. ft.
"You can put in a rec room, bathroom and even two more bedrooms if you want to," added Sengmany. "This is a big, beautifully finished and well-designed home that offers exceptional value in a great neighbourhood."
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Get the most out of the Fall Parade of Homes
The 2013 Fall Parade of Homes began with a bang. Crowds for the first week have been terrific. The weather has been a pleasant mix of warm and cool, so you could take your pick of prime new home visiting weather. For the benefit of Parade veteran and rookie attendees, the Manitoba Home Builders Association offers the following tips for a successful Parade:
Wear Comfortable Slip-on Shoes
There are 131 fantastic new homes to visit. Although you likely won't get to all of them, you will find yourself trying to get to as many as possible. Many of the neighbourhoods have multiple homes being shown and so you will probably park in one location and walk to all of the homes in that area. Upon entering each new home, you must take off your street shoes in order to tour. Given that some subdivisions have over ten homes open for viewing and you don't want to miss a thing, that's a lot of bending and lacing. Therefore, be sure to a comfortable walking shoe that easily slips on and off. It will make your visit that much more enjoyable.
Map a Strategy
If you have a particular destination site, make sure you look for additional homes along the way to visit. Many of the subdivisions are in close proximity to each other and it's easy to get to a number of them in one tour. Bring along your Parade magazine or follow the listings on your smart phone.
Don't Forget the One-Offs
Although there is tremendous variety in those subdivisions that have multiple homes, make sure you visit those areas with a single listing. There are entire new neighbourhoods to discover and builders with unique designs. That hidden gem might just be your next new home.
Talk to the Agents
The sales agents know their show homes. Ask them about anything -- unique features, energy savings, specific materials and what makes this particular home special. These individuals are a wealth of knowledge and will make your visit interesting and informative.
Have Fun
The Parade of Homes is an enjoyable three weeks where you can see the latest and greatest in new homes. You can go as fast or slow as you want, taking in the big picture or concentrating on a detail. You can visit each home as often as you want, so as not to miss a thing. It's all about what interests you. Enjoy the 2013 Fall Parade of Homes.
Mike Moore is the president of the Manitoba Homebuilders' Association
