Donna Leyland, Realtor | RE/MAX Select Properties | Vancouver Real Estate Agent Realtor | Blog http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php This page contains the blog. Fri, 25 May 2012 04:07:35 -0700 http://ubertor.com/?v=1.0 en Luxury Home Sales Surge Forward! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/luxury-home-sale-surge-forward Wed, 23 May 2012 06:49:31 -0700 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/luxury-home-sale-surge-forward RE/MAX.]]> Iconic Waterfront Mansions! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/iconic-waterfront-mansions Sat, 19 May 2012 06:57:14 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/iconic-waterfront-mansions If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live in a luxurious manor on the shores of a crystal-clear lake, a visit to historic Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is a perfect way to live out that fantasy. Travelers have been flocking to this beautiful destination, located just an hour’s drive from Milwaukee and ninety minutes from Chicago, for more than 150 years since it was settled following the Civil War in the mid-1800s.  
]]> Steady Spring Pace! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/steady-spring-pace Sat, 12 May 2012 07:33:09 -0700 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/steady-spring-pace Home sale and listing activity has maintained a consistent pace on the Multiple
Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver in recent months, which has helped create balanced conditions
for the region’s housing market.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver
reached 2,799 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2012. This represents a 13.2 per cent decline compared
to the 3,225 sales recorded in April 2011 and a decline of 2.6 per cent compared to the 2,874 sales in March 2012.
April sales were the lowest total for the month in the region since 2001 and 16.9 per cent below the 10-year April
sales average of 3,369.
“Although April sales were below what’s typical for the month,
Home sale and listing activity has maintained a consistent pace on the MultipleListing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver in recent months, which has helped create balanced conditionsfor the region’s housing market.The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouverreached 2,799 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2012. This represents a 13.2 per cent decline compared to the 3,225 sales recorded in April 2011 and a decline of 2.6 per cent compared to the 2,874 sales in March 2012. ]]> Down by the River! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/down-by-the-river Sat, 12 May 2012 07:31:27 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/down-by-the-river The romance of the Old South evokes the architectural imagery of grand estates with dignified columns and sweeping balconies. But here on Spring Island, a 3,000-acre island in the South Carolina low country, some dwellings appear more as organic products of the woods rather than grandiose antebellum abodes. The exclusive community, which maintains nearly half of the island’s acreage as a nature preserve, is touted as an ideal home for “those who come not to be seen, but to behold.”
]]> South of the Border http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/south-of-the-border Sat, 05 May 2012 08:03:39 -0700 Donna Leyland General http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/south-of-the-border Springtime inevitably brings about parties and gatherings that require a festive meal to feed a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a graduation dinner, blowing out birthday candles, throwing a shower, or simply looking for an occasion to dust off the patio furniture, this make-ahead Mexican feast will ensure you enjoy the fete without scurrying around frantically the day of your bash.]]> On A Mission! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/on-a-mission Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:19:24 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/on-a-mission Sometimes an opportunity comes along that is simply too good to pass up. That was the case for Venice, California–based architect Lewin Wertheimer and his clients, who were collaborating on a remodel/addition project when a double lot became available across the street. After careful consideration, they scrapped their original plans to build an entirely different house on the larger site.  

]]> Detail Oriented http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/detail-oriented Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:01:32 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/detail-oriented Overlooking Long Island Sound, this home in Rye, New York, which houses a young family of five, boasts a wealth of details that tells the story of the family and their home. “The mother is super-organized,” explains David Thiergartner, of Bradley Thiergartner Interiors, in New York. “Every drawer is labeled. Everything has its place. Many of the built-ins and architectural details sprang from a concept of organization, that everything should be as tidy as possible.” 
]]> No March Madness in 2012! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/no-march-madness-in-2012 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:32:42 -0700 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/no-march-madness-in-2012 The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)
reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC
declined 26.5 per cent to $3.8 billion in March compared to the same month last year. A total of
6,882 MLS® residential unit sales were recorded over the same period, a decline of 20 per cent.
The average MLS® residential price was
$545,959 in March, 8.1 per cent lower than in
March 2011.
“The spike in consumer demand recorded a y
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BCdeclined 26.5 per cent to $3.8 billion in March compared to the same month last year. A total of6,882 MLS® residential unit sales were recorded over the same period, a decline of 20 per cent.The average MLS® residential price was$545,959 in March, 8.1 per cent lower than in March 2011.]]> Increased Selection... http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/increased-selection... Sat, 07 Apr 2012 07:01:09 -0700 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/increased-selection... Home sales in March trended below the 10-year average in Greater Vancouver
while home listing activity outpaced what’s typical for the month.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver
reached 2,874 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March 2012. This represents a 12.9 per cent increase compared
to the 2,545 sales recorded in February 2012, a decline of 29.6 per cent compared to the 4,080 sales in March
2011 and an 8.4 per cent decline compared to the 3,137 home sales in March 2010.
March sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest total for the month in the regionThe Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver
Increased selection helps maintain the balance in the Vancouver housing market.  Home sales in March trended below the 10-year average in Greater Vancouver while home listing activity outpaced what’s typical for the month. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,874 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March 2012. This represents a 12.9 per cent increase compared to the 2,545 sales recorded in February 2012, a decline of 29.6 per cent compared to the 4,080 sales in March 2011 and an 8.4 per cent decline compared to the 3,137 home sales in March 2010.
]]> Living the Dream! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/living-the-dream Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:58:39 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/living-the-dream When Guy and Charlene Leavitt decided to build their dream home, they didn’t have to go far. In fact, just two blocks from the home they lived and raised their six children in over the past twenty-five years was a vacant lot that would become the setting for their three-bedroom retirement home. Consisting of four stunning acres—two of which are a preserve—in Ahwatukee, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix]]> Formal Gardens http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/formal-gardnes Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:55:29 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/formal-gardnes  

For centuries, statuary and fountains have anchored formal baroque parterres, intricate herb knots, potagers, topiary, and rose gardens throughout Europe, thanks in great part to work done by statuary makers in the London-area factory of Eleanor Coade, which operated from the early 18th century through the middle of the 1800s. Fortunately, today’s landscape architects and designers have myriad choices for garden art that looks aged, although it is new. One of the West Coast’s largest suppliers, Lucca Statuary, in Seattle, Washington, specializes in hand-cast concrete pieces that are custom-finished with muriatic-based penetrating stains originally designed for floors.  

 

]]> Vegetarian menu http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/vegetarian-menu Sat, 24 Mar 2012 07:02:52 -0700 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/vegetarian-menu Fresh vegetables signal springtime from the produce aisles and the farmers’ markets, showcasing this season of renewal. Utilizing raw, grilled, roasted, and baked vegetables, along with a variety of fresh herbs, Laura Swayne shares with us just a sampling of her favorite vegetarian recipes. ]]> The Big Picture! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/the-big-picture Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:22:16 -0800 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/the-big-picture While the contents of a home may be considered the core, nothing sets the tone like the exterior. In the case of this abode in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, managed to give his client a beauty that will stand the test of time. The president of Grand Rapids–based Visbeen Associates, who was responsible for the architecture, interior architecture, and landscape planning, shows that you don’t have to shout to get your point across.   

]]> February Market Report http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/february-market-report Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:20:56 -0800 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/february-market-report Greater Vancouver housing market trends near long-term
averages as spring market approaches
VANCOUVER, B.C. – March 2, 2012 – Closer alignment between home buyer and seller activity helped bring
greater balance to the Greater Vancouver housing market in February.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver
reached 2,545 on the MLS® system in February 2012. This represents a 61.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,577
sales recorded in January 2012, a decline of 17.8 per cent compared to the 3,097 sales in February 2011 and a 2.9 per
cent increase from the 2,473 home sales in February 2010.
February sales in Greater Vancouver were the third lowest February total in the region since
Greater Vancouver housing market trends near long-term averages as spring market approaches. Closer alignment between home buyer and seller activity helped bring greater balance to the Greater Vancouver housing market in February.The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,545 on the MLS® system in February 2012. This represents a 61.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,577sales recorded in January 2012, a decline of 17.8 per cent compared to the 3,097 sales in February 2011.]]> Backyard Gardening http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/backyard-gardening Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:16:46 -0800 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/backyard-gardening You may not feel you have the time or energy to tend a large flower garden, but a backyard herb garden is a delightful addition no matter where you live. Herbs offer so many benefits for such a small investment of time, money, and water. If you love to cook, there’s untold pleasure in harvesting your own fresh herbs to add to salads, marinades, dressings, cocktails, and desserts. At the height of season, you’ll enjoy gathering large armfuls of herbs to add fragrance and texture to floral bouquets or to elegantly garnish platters of hors d’oeuvres for a late-summer party. The possibilities are endless. ]]> Spring Aromas! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/spring-aromas Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:18:26 -0800 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/spring-aromas As winter’s frost melts into the soft pastels of a budding spring, I’m eager to gather my friends in celebration. The bright colors of the season’s edible treasures need nothing more than a clean, white tablecloth and a bouquet of fragrant flowers. Enjoy this light lunch on a sunny patio or fling open your windows for a fresh breeze and the sweet smell of spring. For a twist on a standard mimosa, ]]> Sales Rise Outside of Lower Mainalnd http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/sales-rise-outside-of-lower-mainalnd Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:08:45 -0800 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/sales-rise-outside-of-lower-mainalnd The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)
reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC
dipped 7.6 per cent to $2.1 billion in January compared to the same month last year. A total of
3,976 homes traded hands on the MLS® over the same period, down 3.9 per cen
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BCdipped 7.6 per cent to $2.1 billion in January compared to the same month last year. A total of3,976 homes traded hands on the MLS® over the same period, down 3.9 per cent.]]> Selection Broadens http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/selection-broadens Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:10:35 -0800 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/selection-broadens Selection broadens and demand eases to kick off 2012 in the
Greater Vancouver housing market
VANCOUVER, B.C. – February 6, 2012 – Greater Vancouver home sellers were more active than buyers in January and
overall home prices, according to the new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), continued to experience more stability
and less fluctuation compared to the beginning of 2011.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached
1,577 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2012. This represents a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the
1,658 sales recorded in December 2011, a decrease of 13.3 per cent compared to the 1,819 sales in January 2011 and an 18
per cent decline from the 1,923 home sales in January 2010.
January sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest January total in the region since 2002, though only 146 sales
Selection broadens and demand eases to kick off 2012 in the Greater Vancouver housing market.  The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, February 6, 2012 reports:  Greater Vancouver home sellers were more active than buyers in January andoverall home prices, according to the new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), continued to experience more stabilityand less fluctuation compared to the beginning of 2011.The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached1,577 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2012. ]]> Historic Mazatlan Hospitality ! http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/historic-mazatlan-hospitality Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:53:41 -0800 Donna Leyland Eye on Design http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/historic-mazatlan-hospitality With a past that can be traced back to 1531 and the indigenous tribe of the Totorames, the story of Mazatlan is rich with traditions, European architecture, and activities that treat visitors to genuine Mexico. Unlike many more tourist-driven destinations, most “Mazatlecos” have lived their entire lives in the area and are part of large families who also live and work in the city. Family comes first in Mazatlan, and to visit is to become a part of that tradition. ]]> Stability for 2012 http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/stability-for-2012 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:55:07 -0800 Donna Leyland Market Intelligence http://donnaleyland.myubertor.com/Blog.php/stability-for-2012 British Columbia housing markets are
expected to post an unremarkable
2012. While the inventory of homes
for sale will continue to wane in
most regions, consumer demand
will nevertheless be constrained by
modest economic growth at home
and abroad. The resulting lukewarm
performance in the job market will
keep unemployment rates relatively
high and while uncertainty around
European sovereign debt will keep
bond markets buoyant and mortgage
rates low, the negative impact
on consumer confidence will be
sustained.
British Columbia housing markets are expected to post an unremarkable 2012. While the inventory of homes for sale will continue to wane inmost regions, consumer demand will nevertheless be constrained by modest economic growth at home and abroad. The resulting lukewarm performance in the job market will keep unemployment rates relatively high and while uncertainty around European sovereign debt will keep bond markets buoyant and mortgage rates low, the negative impac ton consumer confidence will be sustained.]]>