If you don't own one already, you may be tempted to purchase a widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size, especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3 screen.

When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it dominates the space.

Here's a tip:

The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35-45 inch range.

A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice.

What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen."

That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.

Here are some ideas:

First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.

If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com, "The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware."

Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn.

Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward.

There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers.

Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today for more ideas.

Every month the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) does a survey to get a better understanding of buyers. Below is a summary of the survey that shows what types of properties are being bought, the family dynamic of buyers and where the buyers are coming from. If you have any questions about this survey or any other Kelowna real estate stats, call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group!

OCTOBER SURVEY SUMMARY

Property Type:
24.5% of purchases were by Move-Up Buyers  (up from 22.4% as in September)*
17.5% by First Time Buyers  (down from 20.4%)
14.8% moving from Single Family Home to Strata Unit  (up from 12.5%)*
8.3% buying Revenue/Investment Property  (down from 8.6%)
7.9% buying Recreation Property  (down from 13.7%)
5.7% moving into Retirement Home/Seniors Community  (up from 3.9%)*
4.8% moving from Strata property to Single Family Home  (up from 3.5%)*

* During the month of October, there was an increase in purchases by move-up buyers, home owners downsizing to strata units and retirement communities, and  strata owners purchasing single family homes.   First-time buyers, and those purchasing revenue and recreation property saw a drop from the previous month.

Buyer Type (Family Dynamic):
26.2% Couple without Children (up from 19.9% in September)**
25.3% Two Parent Family/Children (same as September)**
17.3% Empty Nester/Retired (down from 26.8%)
14.3% Single Male (same as September)
10.1% Single Female (down from 10.7%)
5.1% Single Parent with Children (up from 3.2%)**

** There were more purchases by couples without children and single parents with children in October compared to last month.

Moving From: 
59.2% from Within OMREB Board Area  (up from 46.9% in September)***
14.3% from Alberta (down from 21.7%)
8.0% from Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island  (down from 12.0%)
7.1% from Other Areas in BC  (down from 9.7%)
5.9% from Saskatchewan/Manitoba (up from 5.0%)***
2.5% from Eastern Canada/Maritimes (down from 3.1%)
2.5% from Outside Canada  (up from 1.6%)***
0.4% from NWT/Yukon (up from 0%)***

*** Compared to September,  there were more buyers moving from within the Board area, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the NWT/Yukon, and outside Canada but less migration from Albert, and fewer purchasers from the Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island, and other areas of BC during October.