By Kelsey Pudloski Ah, life in the concrete jungle — where used chewing gum and cigarette butts are a more common sight than butterflies and wildflowers. Indoor plants can certainly help to liven up the décor of a small urban space, but they can also be a bit of a gamble. Will they survive my next business trip? The wrath...[ read more ]
By Wayne Karl WHY IS 2016 A GOOD YEAR to buy a home in Canada? Let us count the ways. 1. Low interest rates In its latest rate announcement on Jan. 20, the Bank of Canada held its target for the overnight rate at 0.50 per cent, citing a setback brought on by a decline in oil and commodities prices....[ read more ]
By Bob de Wit They are the added costs of condominium living. GVHBA's Bob de Wit offers advice on what to expct for your monthly maintenance costs. Generally speaking, condos offer a carefree housing option, with the added amenities and maintenance included. New developments are one of the fastest growing housing choices in Metro Vancouver; they regularly offer resort-style living...[ read more ]
By Sophie Baylis Rugs offer one of the easiest ways to add color, warmth and texture to a space. Choose wisely, however, because a rug also has the power to completely change the look and feel of a room. What’s more, what your rug is made of will determine where it’s best used. Three U.K. flooring experts help us sort...[ read more ]
By Kelsey Pudloski The sun rises before you do, the temperature goes up and down like a roller coaster and Girl Scout cookies are on sale…could it be? Yes, spring is nearly upon us and it’s time to switch out our seasonal decor. We’ve come up with seven quick fixes (no painting or remodeling required) to help you freshen up...[ read more ]
By Barbara Lawlor THE POPULARITY OF condominiums as a lifestyle option with homebuyers of all age groups has brought about a fascinating trend. Condo purchasers who are moving from large homes with separate rooms are learning to adapt to today’s gorgeous open-concept suite designs. Even many first-time buyers are moving from their parents’ home, where they had their own room...[ read more ]
By Yanic Simard Last year, I told you about my top five things every home should have. In response, Houzz readers shared great thoughts about their own design rules, and they got me thinking. To get your decorating juices flowing for this new year, I thought I’d share nine more of my ultimate go-tos that work for every home. Do...[ read more ]
By Wayne Karl TAXES… HEY, PAY ATTENTION. Try not to yawn or fall asleep. Taxes are not the most exciting topic, but they’re important nonetheless. We’ve simplified the matter with our list of 2016 tax hacks, for which we enlisted the help of our resident tax expert George Dube, CPA and CA, of BDO Canada. 1. DEADLINES, DEADLINES Filing: This...[ read more ]
By Rebecca Cuttler For gardeners, poring over the pages of a seed catalog can be a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s heirloom crookneck squash or ‘Green Zebra’ tomatoes, the seed varieties available to home gardeners rival any farmers market. Similarly, going to a nursery and seeing row upon row of baby tomato, lettuce and kale plants can make it...[ read more ]
By Bob de Wit Considering the purchase of a condo? Metro Vancouver is currently in a major development phase with new condo developments throughout the region. Buying new, off showroom plans, might seem a little daunting, However, there are some major perks getting in on the pre-construction phase. Customize your unit A big advantage is flexibility in customizing your condo....[ read more ]
