March 2012 RSS Feed

Found 3 blog entries for March 2012.

A character home is one that has been around for over 50 years. Heritage homes are character homes with significant historical meaning and are recognized by the presiding jurisdiction. Often, cities will contribute funding to the homeowner(s) for the upkeep of the home. The terms "heritage", "historical", and "character" are generally used in the same way by most people, regardless of whether or not the house in question has been recognized.

Character homes are popular because they're attractive and their architecture will never go out of style, but there are many other reasons to invest (or not invest) in a heritage home. Below you'll find some of the positive and negative aspects of these properties.

  • Pro: Walkability. The center of a city is…
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Slowly but surely, wabi sabi has been creeping into interior design, which is fitting for this go-with-the-flow eastern design philosophy. For several years now, wabi sabi has been gaining traction on and over similar philosophies, most notably the shabby chic esthetic. Wabi sabi emphasizes utilitarian furniture and accessories, elminating, or at least cutting down on, the clutter and unnecessary knick-knacks so prevalent in previous design philosophies. At the core of this esthetic is simplicity, humility and natural materials. Unlike flouncy shabby chic, there are no frills or gimmicks here.

Texture is an important part of wabi sabi. You'll see quite a bit of rough-hewn and wind-worn wood as well as texturized hand-spun ceramics and cast iron in the…

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A condominium is a great investment choice for a variety of reasons: condos are less labour-intensive and, generally, less costly than single-family homes to maintain, they're often within walking distance to amenities, pose fewer mobility issues for seniors or people with young children, can be safer and friendlier, and they're often loaded with community amenities like a pool, party room, and/or fitness space. Depending on whether the community allows it, a condo can also be rented out for additional income. With all these benefits, of course, there are some pitfalls to condo-ownership. Below, you'll find some tips and tricks for ensuring your first condo-buying experience is a great one.

Do the Dues

On top of your mortgage, you can expect to pay…

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