Housing market conditions continue to follow similar trends to last year, with gains in sales. At the same time, there have been further reductions in new listings, inventory and more declines in prices. January sales activity was 863 units, nearly eight per cent higher than last year’s levels. While sales remained well below January activity recorded before 2014, they remain consistent with activity recorded over the past five years. “A persistent slowdown in the energy sector has resulted in a reset in many aspects of our economy. This includes the housing market,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “We continue to see the slow adjustment to more balanced conditions, but it will take time before that starts to translate into price stability.” Citywide unadjusted benchmark prices were $417,100 in January. This is slightly lower than the previous month and nearly one per cent lower than last year’s levels. Benchmark prices eased, but there were some modest improvements in both the average and median prices. This is likely a reflection of some changes in the distribution of sales.

Detached

• New listings declined by nearly 11 per cent due to pullbacks in all areas except the City Centre and the North districts. Combined with adjustments in sales, this caused inventories to ease by 15 per cent citywide.

• Reductions in supply and gains in sales supported reductions in the months of supply from nearly six months last year to just under five months this January.

• Detached benchmark prices eased by nearly one per cent compared to last year. However, the only two areas to record notable year-over-year declines were the City Centre and West, with price declines exceeding three per cent.

Apartment

• Improving sales were met with gains in new listings, causing inventories to increase by 12 per cent compared to last year.

• The gain in inventories prevented any significant adjustment in the months of supply, which remained elevated at nine months.

• The persistent oversupply continued to weigh on benchmark prices, which eased compared to last month and declined by two per cent compared to last year.

Attached

• Despite slower sales in the South and South east district, city-wide attached sales improved by four per cent. At the same time new listings eased by nearly 18 per cent, causing inventories to decline by ten per cent.

• Improving sales and a drop in inventory helped the months of supply to dip below seven months, a significant improvement compared to last year’s level of nearly eight months.

• While this segment is trending toward more balanced conditions, persistent oversupply continues to weigh on prices, which trended down over the previous month and eased by over one per cent compared to last year’s levels.

Quick Stats

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Are You Ready to Buy Up?

December sales improved to levels more consistent with activity recorded over the past five years. This follows weak sales activity last year. A stronger second half in 2019 was enough to push annual sales up by one per cent. “Price declines, lower mortgage rates and some modest improvements in full-time employment helped support some demand growth in the city. Reductions in supply are also contributing to the slow adjustment to more stable conditions in the housing market,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “As oversupply in the market continues to ease, we should start to see more stabilization in prices. However, conditions continue to favour the buyer and this is weighing on prices.” December unadjusted benchmark prices were $418,500. This is just slightly lower than last month and one per cent below last year’s levels. Overall prices in 2019 declined by three per cent over last year’s levels. The total adjustment in prices is a 10 per cent decline since the 2014 slowdown in the energy sector. While there are signs of stabilization, conditions vary significantly by location, price range and product type. Improvements in the resale market have been mostly driven by lower priced product or areas where price declines were enough to bring more purchasers back into the market.

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

The best part of the season is remembering those who make the holidays meaningful. We wish you all the love and happiness this season can bring, and may it follow you throughout the coming new year.

Happy Holidays & Best Wishes!

Market Update

Quick Stats

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Selling Your Home Doesn't Need to be Overwhelming

When people think about selling their home, many focus on all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen; clean closets; prepare for viewings; find another home; arrange financing; start packing; etc. It can all seem very overwhelming, very quickly.

In fact, if you focus on the long to-do list, you may be dissuaded from ever making a move! It doesn’t have to be that way.

There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another one relatively simple and easy. Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property so that it looks appealing to potential buyers - cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc. Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home. But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience - and see it as an adventure.

For the fourth consecutive month, inventories in the market declined compared to last year. This is due to the combination of improving sales and a decline in new listings. The market continues to favour the buyer, but a continuation in supply reduction compared to sales is needed to support more balanced conditions. Year-to-date sales activity remains just below last year’s levels and well below longer-term averages. However, the reduction in inventory has caused the months of supply in July to ease to 4.5 months, a significant improvement from the 5.5 months recorded last year. With less oversupply in the market, prices are showing some signs of stability on a monthly basis. This is causing the rate of price declines to ease on a year-over-year basis. Overall, year-to-date benchmark prices remain over four per cent below last year’s levels.

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Summer is finally here and that’s great news for those of us who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors! Whether you prefer sports or leisure activities - or ambitious do-it-yourself projects - here’s hoping the days unfold just the way you wish.

Some of the best summer days are spent getting together with family and friends for fun, food, refreshments and relaxing conversation. If your discussions turn to real estate, I sincerely hope you will refer me to your friends and family for general inquiries or any specific questions they may have. I appreciate it when you let others know that I’m available to assist them as I would assist you.

Have a wonderful summer!

Market Update:

New listings coming onto the market continued to decline in June, which is helping to reduce oversupply. Year-over-year, new listings saw a decrease of nearly 19 per cent. Sales activity slowed this month compared to last year by six per cent, but the pullback in new listings was enough to cause inventories to fall by 15 per cent compared to last year’s elevated levels. Although conditions have improved in recent months, most areas and price points are still experiencing "buyers market" conditions.

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

5 Things Buyers Hate to See

When you show your home to prospective buyers, there is probably a long list of things you’re hoping they’ll notice. For example, you’ll want them to see the beautiful chandelier in the foyer or the spacious backyard and large deck, or the kitchen with the island big enough for a whole family to sit down for breakfast.

But what about those things you’re hoping buyers will not notice?

Every home has some features that are less than enticing to the typical buyer. You may not be able to do much about a small kitchen or a home backing onto a noisy main street.

However, there are several things buyers don’t want to see that you can change. Here are five of the most common:

• Clutter. Closets stuffed full of clothes or rooms crammed with too much furniture are distractions. Clutter of any kind makes buyers feel uneasy - and gets in the way of showcasing the wonderful features of your home.
• Maintenance issues. Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things that need repairs or replacement, such as dripping faucets, faded or chipped walls, or overgrown lawns and shrubbery.
• Smells. Of course, you can’t see smells. But buyers will notice the lingering aroma of exotic cooking, cigarette smoke, and pets. These smells may even limit the amount of time they want to spend exploring the home.
• Personal items. Buyers will understand that a family is living in the home they’re viewing. However, constant reminders - in the form of vacation pictures, trophies, or scattered children’s toys - can make a buyer feel like an intruder.
• You. It’s nothing personal, but buyers prefer to view your home without you in it.

Fortunately, all these things can be easily dealt with before you show your home.

How a Home Inspection Helps You

This inspection is conducted by a qualified professional who takes a close look at every aspect of a home - structure, wiring, plumbing, and more - and identifies issues you may not have noticed yourself.

For example, a home inspector can determine that a furnace will need to be replaced soon, or that there is a water leak that needs to be fixed.

You’ll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property. That’s why most offers to purchase a home are conditional upon passing a home inspection. (The last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that the wiring needs to be updated!)

Need to find a reputable home inspector? Call me today for a recommendation.

Sales growth in May along with a decline in new listings helped to ease pressure on inventory levels, which finished the month at 7,467 units, a decline of 12 per cent compared to last year. Improving sales relative to inventory levels caused the months of supply to ease to just under four months. While still oversupplied, this is an improvement from the five months of supply recorded last May. Citywide sales in May totalled 1,921 units, 11 per cent higher than last year’s levels. However, sales remain 10 per cent below longer-term trends. This sales growth was primarily driven by homes prices under $500,000. Citywide benchmark prices totalled $424,600 in May. While prices have shown some signs of improvement month-over-month, they still remain four per cent lower than 2018 levels.

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Flexible Dumpsters for Home Renos

These durable trash containers can be purchased and taken home (or delivered) for indefinite use, then picked up for a preset fee when full. When the bag is picked up, another bag is dropped off. Available through specialty suppliers or through some home renovation stores, these “soft bins” are easy to move when empty, and they take up much less space than large metal dumpsters. They also take much less time to fill up, so you’ll have a tidier renovation site and less of an eyesore on your property.

As you may know, I build my business on repeat business and referrals. So, I focus a lot of my attention on providing the best client service I can. That service doesn’t end when the transaction is complete. It continues throughout the months and years in between your moves.

If you - or a friend, colleague, family member or neighbour - ever need to talk to an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor with the kind of commitment to client service that I strive to provide, I hope you’ll think of me.

I appreciate your support!

Market Update:

January sales totalled 804 units, 16 per-cent below last year and 21 per cent below long-term averages for the month. The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) expects this slow market to continue through the first quarter of 2019.

Persistent buyers’ market conditions have continued to impact prices. Citywide residential benchmark prices eased to $414,800 in January. This is nearly one per-cent lower than December and four per-cent below January 2018 levels.

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Should I Move or Renovate?

So, if you’re wondering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider:

1. Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?

If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, given the layout of your house, it might not be possible to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cozy fireplace, then a renovation could make that happen.

Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving.

2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the cost of moving to a new home?

It’s important to get accurate estimates of both the cost to renovate, and the cost of a new home, so you can make an informed decision. 

Renovations often have a habit of costing more than you originally anticipate. Remember, the final result should be a home you want to stay in for quite some time.

3. Beware of compromising versus settling.

Whichever decision you make - to renovate or to sell - you can expect to have to make at least some compromises. That’s normal.

For example, consider the impact of adding an extension to your house. It would be a major renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home that already includes the space you need?

It can be a tough decision. If you’re in the midst of making it, call today to get the facts you need to make the best choice.

There's no denying 2018 was a difficult year for the resale housing market in Calgary. This is mainly due to the continued weakness in the job market, constant lending rate hikes, as well as the new lending restrictions which took effect at the start of the year. Looking at the market as a whole (detached, attached, and apartment) prices declined approximately 1% from last month and are down over 3% from a year ago. All told, prices are down close to 10% from the high water mark set back in 2014. Despite these challenging conditions, I believe the housing market and this city as a whole have shown a great deal of resiliency over the past 5 years. 

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

It's hard to believe another year is coming to a close. Personally, 2018 was a wonderful year; my wife and I welcomed our second child and I continued to build my business. I'd like to thank you for your business and for choosing me for all your real estate needs! Warmest wishes to you and your family this holiday season. I look forward to staying in touch in the new year.

Market Update:

The slow pace of sales continued last month with annual sales down nearly 20 per cent from the long term average. Additionally, current inventory as of November 30 sits at 6501 units, which is 32 per cent higher than the long term average for the month. The higher inventories and weaker sales are resulting in a buyer’s market with price declines. The citywide benchmark price was $422,600 in November, nearly one per cent lower than last month and over three per cent below last year’s levels.

Quick Stats:

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*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

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**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Affordable Staging Ideas

Remember the last time you walked through a furniture showroom? You probably noticed that the sofa, chairs, tables and other furnishings were arranged - or staged - to make them look more appealing. You might have seen an attractive lamp on a sofa end table, or an appetizing bowl of fruit on a dining room buffet.

When preparing your home for sale, you should do much the same thing. Stage each room to make it look its best. Studies prove this will help sell your home faster and for a better price.

In fact, there are professional stagers who provide consulting and installation for home staging. As your real estate agent, I can also provide you with practical ideas to get your home prepared for sale.

Here are some simple, affordable staging tips:

• Make each room look as spacious as possible. This may mean putting some items, and even some furniture, into storage.
• Remove unnecessary items from countertops, tables and shelves.
• Keep decorative objects on shelves, tables and even sofas, in odd number groupings. According to Barb Schwartz, the originator of staging, this combination works best. So, put three pillows on a sofa, not two or four.
• Make an older-looking piece of furniture look quaint and stylish by adding a throw cover.
• Add life and good looks to just about any living space by adding flowers or a flowering plant.
• Have the table set with your best china. It makes the buyer want to move in and sit down for dinner!
• Consider replacing the sink, faucets and toilet to make an older bathroom look much better. It’s relatively quick and inexpensive.

Professional stagers look at your home through the eyes of the buyer. Do the same and you’ll be able to see what changes need to be made.

Cyber Safety for Computer Users of All Ages

No matter your age, if you use a computer - and especially the internet - you need to be savvy about security. Yet many users have no idea how vulnerable they might be to malicious thieves who can “hack” and “phish” into personal computers.

To prevent theft of information that can rob you and your family of your financial assets - and your dignity - be mindful of the following:

• Educate young video gamers on the importance of protecting personal information, and instruct them to inform you of unusual requests for private facts, photos or activities.
• While on social networks, be wary of unknown links to unusual blogs, tweets and other services that invite interaction.
• When using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, increase your computer’s security levels, and ensure your computer has automated anti-virus upgrades.
• During financial transactions, check that you use only trusted websites that start with “https” (the “s” stands for “secure”).

Sales continued to decline in September totalling 1273 units city wide. This represents a 13 per cent decline from 2017 and is well below long term averages. 

With rising inventories, months of supply now sits at 6.25. The persistent oversupply continues to put downward pressure on prices with the citywide benchmark price falling to $428,700. This is down nearly one per cent from last month and three per cent from a year ago.

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

Do You Know the Basics of Home Security?

Most people feel confident that they know the basics of home security. For example, they know to: keep all doors locked; have a light on in the house while away; and, never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.

Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in North America each year. So, how can you prevent that from happening to your home? Here are a few lesser-known home security basics:

• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So, be extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you’re out during the day.
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target a home without an alarm system.
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first. Make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.
• Don’t show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes.
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at your door.

Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call.

The Importance of Reading and Understanding an Offer

When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it’s important that you read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.

An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are “conditional upon arranging financing” and “conditional upon passing a professional home inspection.” However, there may be other conditions as well.

You should be aware of - and fully understand - all of them.

In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well.

As your real estate agent, I will always explain the changes and ask you to initial them. This is done primarily to ensure you know and approve of what you’re signing.

A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.

You don’t want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and understand an offer.

When to Call a Real Estate Agent

If you’re like most people, you go to see a doctor when you’re not feeling well or have a health concern. However, you may also visit your doctor for a check-up, or to ask questions about healthy living. In fact, consulting your doctor for anything health-related is a smart idea.

The same holds true when it comes to real estate.

Many people only call a real estate agent when they’re planning on selling their property, buying a new home, or doing both. While that’s an important reason to speak to a real estate agent, it’s not the only reason.

Indeed, there are many good reasons for you to give me a call. For example:

• If you have a question about the state of the local real estate market. (Remember that it may be very different from what you hear on the news about the national market.)
• If you want to get a sense of what homes are currently selling for in the area.
• If you want to determine the current market value of your property.
• If you want to find out how much homes cost in neighbourhoods you’d like to consider.
• If you’re thinking about the possibility of making a move, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time.

In other words, don’t be afraid to contact me when you have a question or need some advice about the real estate market.

Easing sales, an increase of new listings and the resulting inventory gains continue to hinder the Calgary real estate market.

Sales this month totaled 1,489 units, which is down nearly 7 per cent from 2017 and is 14 per cent below long-term market trends. Benchmark prices are down over previous months by 0.8 per cent and are 2.4 per cent below last year’s levels. Prices have trended down across most areas recently based on year-to-date figures, but have remained comparable to last year's levels in the City Centre and West districts of the city. 

These market conditions can be attributed to struggles in Calgary's employment market, a slow recovery in the energy sector combined with tighter lending conditions and competition from the new home sector. 

Quick Stats:

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

4 Cheap Ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale

If you want to improve how your home shows to potential buyers, you don’t necessarily need to invest in a costly remodelling or renovation. In fact, there are some simple - and relatively inexpensive - things you can do to make your property look significantly better.

1. Paint it.

There’s no doubt about it. A fresh coat of paint will significantly improve the appearance of just about any area of your home. In fact, compared to other home improvements, painting will give you the highest return on investment when you sell your property. Think beyond walls. Painting a door, window frame, garage floor or deck can make those features look like new.

2. Declutter it.

Eliminating clutter will make your home look more attractive, roomy and comfortable to buyers. Do an inventory of each room. Ask yourself: “What can I throw out? Give away? Sell? Put into storage?”

3. Put up mirrors.

Mirrors are a relatively inexpensive design feature. Yet, according to an article in Style At Home magazine, they can make small rooms appear bigger and dark rooms seem brighter. You don’t necessarily need to buy wall-hanging mirrors. Standalone floor models will have the same effect.

4. Repair it.

In most cases, you will have to get any needed repairs done anyway. So, do them before you show your home. That way buyers will focus on the appealing features of your property, not the minor defects.

What Home Inspectors See that You Can’t

When you make an offer on a home, it’s a smart idea to have a professional home inspector check it out from top to bottom. This inspection will ensure that the property doesn’t have any unexpected “issues”. After all, you don’t want to buy a home only to discover that the roof needs to be replaced, immediately, for thousands of dollars.

Nevertheless, you might question whether you really need to invest the few hundred dollars it costs for a professional home inspection. “The home we want to buy looks like it’s in very good shape,” you might be thinking. “I can’t see anything wrong with it.”

However, a professional home inspector can see things you can’t. When you view a property that’s on the market, you might be able to notice obvious issues, like a crack in the foundation or a dripping faucet. If you’re experienced with home maintenance, you might even notice roofing tiles that look like they’re overdue for replacement.

But, most people don’t have the equipment, knowledge or experience to identify all the issues a home inspector can.

A home inspector will, for example, use a special device to check for moisture build-up in the washrooms - which can be an indication of mould. A home inspector will also inspect wiring to make sure everything is safe and compliant with the building code.

That’s not all.

Like a determined detective, a home inspector will investigate the property’s structure, electrical and plumbing systems, insulation, and other components - and then report the findings to you.

In the end, a professional home inspection gives you peace-of-mind and protects your investment. So, getting one is highly recommended - even for recently built homes.

The ongoing weakness in the labour market coupled with yet another interest rate hike continued to weigh on Calgary's housing sector last month.

July saw a total of 1547 units sold which is nearly five percent down from last year. Although new listings eased slightly to 2964 units, this led to more inventory gains, now sitting at over 8400 units city-wide. With more supply relative to demand, prices continued to edge lower in this buyers market.

Quick Stats:

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*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.

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**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

How to Decide If You Should Replace Your Windows

One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. If they are well maintained, they will have a positive impact on the impression potential buyers have of your property. Of course, the opposite occurs when your windows look old and worn.

So, does that mean you should replace your windows?

That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

• Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
• If your windows are double-paned - (two panes of glass) - check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and, at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
• Take a look at your wind
• ows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
• Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? Some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire. It’s important to make sure those work properly.
• Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows?

Although they are expensive, replacing windows can have a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.

Eco-friendly Choices for Household Floors

Choosing new or replacement eco-friendly flooring is one of the emerging trends among house and condo owners. Eco-friendly flooring is generally identified as being made from and with more sustainable resources; materials that don’t deplete or permanently damage the environment (such as toxic laminates); or, material that is easy to reuse or recycle after its intended purpose. Here are some examples:

Renewable/Sustainable: Bamboo and cork are popular natural resources that renew relatively quickly. It should be noted that traditional woods are also renewable, as long as they are managed through sustainable practices. Before you buy natural flooring products, ask if the harvesting methods are verified through an accredited authority.

Repurposed/Reclaimed: Flooring made from old building structures (e.g. posts, beams, walls and planks) is a viable alternative option to grown and harvested resources. Likewise, recycled glass, plastic and rubber provide ample raw materials for creative flooring effects. Using them also reduces landfill. These products can be found through decorative flooring dealers.

Reusable/Recyclable: When purchasing any product, whether natural, synthetic and/or manufactured, it is important to know that the product can be easily recycled when it is beyond its usefulness, without causing environmental detriment in a landfill.