Real Talk!

It echoes in my mind... thanks to Walt Disney films.... from that famous scene, in which Bambi stumbles while learning to walk. Thumper (the rabbit) turns to Bambi's mother and says, "He doesn't walk very good, does he?".

Thumper's mother calls him out, "Thumper!" "Yes mother?," Thumper replies sheephishly, after realizing he is in trouble.

His mother continues sternly, "What did your father tell you this morning?"

Thumper stops to recall, then recites slowly, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say nothing at all."

You might think I've been neglecting my blog. I have and I haven't. I've thought about it. I've even written bits.

I've sent myself emails... stuff about Barrie, Ontario... about Toronto Realtors' "connect project"... a little about fine print in contracts... about a Toronto Sunshine girl who hopes to become a Realtor....about the passing of Al Martino, Dickie Peterson, Ian Wallace, Don Decker, Rusty Weir, Margaret Fitzgerald ,Luis Aguile, Irene Van Wyke, Lou Jacobi, Joseph Robert Wiseman, Vic Mizzy, Lenore Kandel, Stuart M. Kaminsky, Daniel Melnick,Junior Coghlan, Lawrence Halprin,Shiloh Pepin, Collin Wilcox-Paxton, Soupy Sales and too many child abductees.

I read that China is expected to build more square feet of real estate in the next 15 years than the United States has built in its entire history, and it has no green building codes or green building experience. & that upwards of 50 percent of global CO2 emissions comes from cow farts. I also read a lot of stuff about how the real estate slump is over. Woody Allen's new film is to be called You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger.

I collected a bunch of information on the local Carlow-Boulter area. I researched H1N1 and vaccine debates... I thought about Afghanistan, the opening of "This Is It", the Michael Jackson rehearsal footage film... the whale shark, called “butanding”, that was found dead on Manila Bay by local fishermen... Andre Agassi exposing his secret crystal meth addiction... Samhain.... the McDonald's manager in Japan who died of a brain haemorrhage- classified a victim of "karoshi" or death by overwork, the man dressed as KFC mascot Colonel Sanders who evaded security to be photographed with the new president of the UN General Assembly and Eric Clapton's gallstones. Monty Python is being brought to life on-screen in a six part mini-series which is airing on the IFC Chanel, it's called Monty Python: Almost the Truth -The Lawyers Cut.

That seemed to be the most real thing I'd come across.

I realize that newspapers, magazines, radio and television are all abuzz with talk that the housing slump is over... however, Real Estate professionals agree that today's Buyer is looking for a different sort of value from a home.

While it is still important that a home has received the appropriate care and maintenance AND is clean and tidy... there are other factors and forces at work.

'Cocooning' (the trend that saw individuals retreating to their homes rather than socializing) is OUT. As we near 2010, people are looking for a home that they will enjoy as social meeting place- for family and friends.

Flipping is out and nesting is in. We want to feel “invited” in our own homes.

Studies in areas of sociology, fashion/décor, construction and even toys, confirm that people are people looking for a 'safe' refuge at home. Whether due to the economy, flu fears, aging population, ecological concerns or the desire for authenticity, the focus is on making one's home the centre of all social activity.

Toy manufacturer, Mattel, is focusing on releasing parlor games this fall- to take advantage of the growing trend. The world's interior designers trends hint towards more traditional design, family values, eco-awareness and a back-to-basics approach. Parenting professionals speak of the trend toward simply getting back to the basics and taking a step back from the technological rat race to really enjoy family time. Health professionals speak of the growing awareness of hygiene.

There has been a shift to consumers having more home-cooked meals it shows in the increased sales of dishrags, placemats and other kitchen linens. Sales of kitchen and dining textiles increased 6% for the calendar third quarter, compared with a 3% decrease in overall home-textile sales. That follows 3.7% growth in sales of kitchen and dining textiles during the 12 months ended June, compared with a 3.5% decline in the total home-textiles market AND Buyers' wish lists include a full sized, eat-in kitchen again.

Video nights have replaced the cinema, cooking at home instead of fancy restaurants and family game nights are more popular than going out.

According to the Home Design Trends Survey for the first quarter of 2009, the size of homes is shrinking, too- possibly a result of the economic recession &/or the aging population, or maybe heating costs, or all of the above.

Most importantly, people want their homes to fit them- they want floor plans that suit them and add to their lifestyle. Buyers want a home that may be seen as an extension, or expression, of their “personality”. They want a place that they can feel proud of, a place they will want to share with their family and friends.

Seeking the best in emerging technologies, looking to customize, Buyers talk about making improvements so that their home will be energy efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable- they want to feel good, all around. Buyers are seeking bathrooms that have a spa-like vibe.

Steam showers are becoming a particularly sought after item. Touted as an effective treatment for respiratory & sinus conditions and said to increase flexibility & circulation, while stimulating the immune system and enhancing skin tone, steam showers may be enjoyed by the entire family for relaxation. Some have options to include essential oils, aromatherapy, in scented steam.

The emphasis, in all areas, is simplification and reduction of daily stressors. Consumers are no longer spending frivolously- they need a reason-to-buy and they want to invest in brands that express social values. Some would label this new era “careful chic”… while there is still a desire to be smart & stylish, it’s important for today’s Buyer to be socially and environmentally responsible at home.

Homeowners want measures of authenticity to support their engagement in the important socio-cultural matters of our times. With today’s real estate market becoming increasingly “online-driven” and international- it is obvious that these values are global. We are coming into a new era of understanding and caring. Improved systems of social networking is creating a flow and exchange of information that unites the planet and the talk today is that no matter what it is, if we call it our “home”, we see it as a place of refuge from the not so enjoyable bits of day-to-day reality.

Buyers are looking to bring a little luxury into the function of their private space and there is a strong desire for versatile spaces that are practical for many purposes. It seems that the easiest way to achieve this is through a more minimalist approach and many Buyers are looking to downsize their load. Popular is the all-white scheme, including crisp sheets, fluffy pillows and a down duvet. A monochromatic palette can also translate to the bathroom, there are always appreciative remarks at a basket stocked with fluffy guest towels.

This trend is toward white towels and linens contrasts well with solid coloured splashes in décor and pale shades have given way to bold, intensely saturated colors. In all matters of home, subtlety is out- replaced with joyful, exuberant expressions of who we are. In colour- go for that splash of red.

Orange is in. Japanese motifs are popping up all over. The eye, delighted by lacquered whites and hints of neon, luscious, rich tones or delectable citrus shades - like mandarin orange, lemon yellow and pink grapefruit. Chrome, pewter, stainless steel, antique finishes in the form of a vase, lamp detail and even metallic or iridescent wallpaper incorporated will give the perfect amount of reflection to a space.

A word of warning, clutter is OUT, make sure not to overpower a space with too many “things”. Go for a clean look, using one or two accessories to define the space and make it feel “finished” and inviting.