The Canadian economy grew at a 1.9 per cent rate in the first quarter of 2012, as growth in consumer spending slowed and business investment accelerated. Economic growth fell short of Bank of Canada expectations of 2.5 per cent though a pick up in second quarter growth may compensate for that shortfall. We are forecasting that the Canadian economy will expand at a 2.4 per cent rate this year.

Today's GDP release probably makes the Bank of Canada's case for a rate increase more difficult, particularly given ongoing developments in the Euro-zone. We expect the Bank to hold its overnight target rate at 1 per cent at its next interest rate meeting on June 5 while also walking back the hawkish tone from its April rate decision. 

The US labour market continued to tread water in Ma following a strong first quarter of employment growth. Today's US non-farm payrolls report showed just 69,000 new jobs were created in May, following a downward revision to April employment growth to just 77,000.  The US unemployment rate ticked 0.1 points higher to 8.2 per cent.

Information provided by www.bcrea.bc.ca

While the purchase of smaller homes is becoming more popular, large-scale master bedrooms continue to remain the-trend, as they offer a retreat from the real world. With these tips, you will be dreaming in your bedroom both day
and night.

Atmosphere- Leave the world and the items that remind you of it outside. The master bedroom should be clutter-free; offering a place to de-stress and find solace. Replace cell phones and computers, better suited to a home office, with candles and photos of loved ones.

Furniture- Keeping with the streamlined look, furnish the room with essentials only. An oversized bed with lots of pillows offers a comfortable escape and focal point. Additional furnishings such as “his and hers” bedside tables provide a place for personal items and an armoire can host 
a television, decorative books and photographs.

Window Treatments- The right window treatments can soften harsh light and provide privacy for a restful environment and maybe even a touch of romance. Silhouette window shades diffuse light through two fabric layers for a warm glow and calming effect.

Decorative Accents-Brighter, airy colors such as yellows and warm blues invoke a sense of warmth and happiness. Using a fresh coat of paint in these colors can dramatically alter the look of a room. Add an inspirational element using paintings from places around the world where you have travelled or hope to travel.

En-suite Bathroom- Luxury still resonates with the en-suite bath. “His and Hers” vanities remain popular as well as relaxing soaking tubs. Aromatherapy candles and oversized, fluffy towels add both a functional and decorative element.

Information provided by Craig Hostland of Pillar To Post - 250-765-4134

Defining the limits of your property is important for a variety of reasons, including privacy, security and safety.

“Ultimately, the fence has to fit with how you use your yard,” says Margie Spence, a broker with Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate, in St. Catharines, Ontario. “The challenge comes in finding something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” she adds. Spence recommends reviewing these three scenarios to determine where your fencing needs may fit:

1. Privacy. If you are looking to create more privacy for your home, solid wood fences are a good option. Most fences built for privacy stand about six feet high. They are available in varieties of wood types, with cedar and spruce being the most popular. Lattice-tops can add aesthetic appeal, and a myriad of building designs are available. Ask your local building centre for wood fence and gate design ideas or do some research online.

2. Safety. For backyards with pools, a fence with limited horizontal rails is recommended. This will ward off trespassers from using the fence as a ladder to get into the pool area. Also, a gate with a spring latch is a bylaw requirement in most municipalities. Black aluminum fencing is typically produced with vertical spindles, often emulating wrought iron design, and provides good sight lines for pool areas.

3. Security. Keeping children or pets safe in the yard is paramount for any family. Chain-link fencing is strong, reliable, and affordable. Whether you have a dog that jumps or one that digs, chain-link fences can be built to suit the needs of your pet. Although it is one of the less aesthetically appealing options, chain-link fencing lends to safety and won't break your budget.

Whether you are looking to create your own private oasis or add more security and safety to your home, there is a fence for you.

More information, including homeowner tips, is available online at www.royallepage.ca or www.kelownahomefinders.ca

www.newscanada.com

Canadian CPI inflation registered 2.0 per cent (year-over-year) in April, a 0.1 point increase from March inflation of 1.9 per cent. The rise in consumer prices was led by transportation costs, including a 3.3 per cent rise in gasoline prices. In fact, Statistics Canada's gasoline Index reached a 4 year high in April. The Bank of Canada's core inflation measure, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 2.1 per cent in April, up from 1.9 per cent in March. Consumer prices in BC were 1.6 per cent higher in April (year-over-year), matching the increase in March.

Today's CPI report, in combination with very strong Canadian employment growth in March and April, lends further support to the Bank of Canada's case for raising interest rates this fall. We anticipate at least one 25 basis point increase in the Bank of Canada's overnight rate between October and December this year. The one factor potentially delaying a rise in rates could be an increasingly likely Greek exit from the European Monetary Union. Such an event may roil financial markets enough to put BoC rate hikes off the table.

Information provided by www.bcrea.bc.ca 

Property Type:
31.0% of purchases were by Move-Up Buyers
17.6% by First Time Buyers
16.6% moving from Single Family Home to Strata Unit
10.7% buying Revenue/Investment Property
4.8% purchasing Recreation Property
4.3% moving into Retirement Home/Seniors Community
3.2% moving from Strata property to Single Family Home

Buyer Type (Family Dynamic):
30.4% Two parent family/children
27.7% Couple without children 
16.8% Empty Nesters/Retired
11.5% Single Female
9.4% Single Male
3.7% Single Parent with children

Moving From: 
58.6% from Within OMREB Board Area
19.4% from Alberta
7.9% from Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island
6.8% from Other Areas in BC
4.2% from Eastern Canada/Maritimes
2.1% from Outside Canada
1.0% from Saskatchewan/Manitoba
0% from NWT/Yukon (8th month reported)

Information provided by www.omreb.com