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“Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
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We hope the magic of Christmas fills every corner of your heart and home with joy — now and always.
The Magic of Christmas
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Through the 21st century, the number of Canadians buying a home on a single income is steadily growing as more remain unmarried. Since single mortgage applicants rely on only one salary and one credit profile, it can be trickier to obtain a mortgage. However, there are many instances in which buying a house on a single income is the best thing to do, and it is possible to get a mortgage if you plan ahead and ensure that you are in a good financial position.
There is no “right” time to buy a house, and it can be even more nerve-wracking to purchase a home on a single income. However, there are times when buying a place on a single income does make sense.
If you are…
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Chances are, most Canadians won’t be flying south this winter for a sun-soaked holiday so they may be looking for domestic vacation rental properties. If you own a cottage and are considering renting it out for the holiday season or the entire ski season, this is a great time to do so, says HGTV’s Income Property and cottage rental expert Scott McGillivray.
“Right now, more than ever, with international travel at a standstill, domestic vacation properties are at a premium,” says McGillivray. “It’s hard to ignore the size of the opportunity and the rental rates you can generate.”
However, if you’ve never played landlord before, you’ve got some homework to do first. We asked McGillivray for his best advice on how to protect your home, your stuff…
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“Where did you get that?” An enthusiastic and genuine question those who thrift furniture get asked all too often. Whether you’ve upcycled a dining room table or refinished an antique armoire, you know those unique pieces have a way of attracting the eye of house guests.
Filled with charm and character, thrifted furniture is an excellent option for those on a budget, looking for a distinct piece to complete a design vision, or those simply hoping to make a positive impact on the environment and their community.
So, if you’re interested in upcycling, thrifting, or collecting, we have some thrifting tips to help you find and give new life to classic pieces.
While purchasing second-hand furniture might sound…
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While it’s 6,154 kilometers from Parliament Hill to the Matterhorn on the Swiss-Italian border, the Alpine design influence is much closer, given the highlands, mountains and winter climates shared between regions. Likewise, there’s a shared rustic sensibility about architecture and design that suits the rugged surroundings found in abundance in these locales. It’s no wonder the steep-roofed A-frame style pops up all over Canada, along with cozy interiors aimed at warming the soul as much as the body.
Alpine design style (known also as Swiss chalet style in places where the phrase doesn’t conjure thoughts of rotisserie chicken) has much in common with Canadiana as well as the Canuck tendencies toward timber frame and log cabin construction.
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It’s hard to dispute how relaxing it is to curl up under a cozy blanket while cradling a hot beverage in front of a crackling fire on a cold evening. Fireplaces in Canadian lifestyle have undergone a shift in purpose over the years from staple heat source to optional design feature. If you’re thinking of installing one or updating or converting an older fireplace, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s explore the different types of fireplaces and the features, benefits and risks involved.
There’s nothing like the snap and crackle of a real wood fire—its welcoming rustic scent wafting through your home. While a traditional wood-burning fireplace has numerous parts, there are essentially three main components: fire box, flue…
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Looking to update your home’s interior style in 2023? If you’re thinking about sprucing up your home décor, you might be paying attention to what’s in and what’s out.
Each of the following design trends provides an opportunity for you to explore what décor is most in line with your own style. Trends are a great way to glean inspiration, not necessarily dictate your entire home design. From dark and moody colours to bold marble and curves, learn more about some of the trends that are predicted to dominate 2023.
Interior design is all about creating a certain feeling in a space. One of the quickest ways to do that is through the use of colour. According to HGTV, there are some dark, moody colours trending for 2023 that…
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As the Canadian population grows and climate change continues to have devastating impacts across the globe, a city that can function without the use of cars can be a move in the right direction when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. While it’s easy to say—less cars means less pollution—there are many other benefits to highlight.
“Today, there seems to be a consensus around climate change that it is a challenge, and we need to do more to reduce our carbon footprint as mankind,” says Cam Forbes, a REALTOR®, Toronto-based broker, and Chief Operating Officer at RE/MAX Realtron.
Cars are the obvious culprit; transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon pollution in Canada,…
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When you’re looking to buy a home—whether it’s your first, something larger, downsizing, or an investment property—you need to think about your needs versus your wants. This way, when you meet with a REALTOR®, they’ll be able to better assist you in finding a home that suits you and your budget.
While you may think you really want to splurge for hardwood floors throughout your new home, you may actually need to have an extra bedroom for when family comes to visit, so there are going to be compromises you must make. Taking the time to narrow down your needs and wants will help make the house-hunting process even smoother, as you’ll already know what things you can and can’t live without.
While many people…
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When it comes to setting an example of being neighbourly, the relationship between Canada and the United States certainly comes to mind. In fact, the border between the two countries is the longest international–not to mention, undefended– border in the world at a staggering 8,890 kilometres.
There are 119 border crossings, many of which are within towns and cities that embody this true neighbourly spirit. Some of these places and their landmarks are more talked about than others—Niagara Falls, Windsor, and Sault Ste. Marie, for example—but there are tons of other border towns worth spending time in.
Fuel your wanderlust with a look at the following five towns between Canada and the United States, what makes them special, and what they have to…
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