Neighbour from Hell

Image Credit Ever had the neighbour from hell?  Fortunately I have yet to experience this but even so, I have come across the occasional issues with noise: Heavy footsteps from upstairs, vacuuming at inopportune times (such as when the baby is just put to sleep), and the mysterious “marbles rolling across a wooden floor” sound.  I can only imagine worse.  Making the headlines over the past week is “B.C. case that could see condo owner evicted could become more common: experts”.  With the higher density living in condos comes the inevitable issues of noise and disturbances.  For some people, it is serious enough to warrant condo communities to evict members for bad behaviour.  Now there is a legal channel to doing so in BC.  I can already hear the relieved sighs of every condo owner out there who has ever experienced nightmarish...

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Now That’s a View

Over the past year I have had the opportunity to work with a few of my close friends on purchasing properties in the Okanagan.  One of them recently moved into his new house and invited me and my family to stay the weekend for a housewarming get together.  It’s times like these when trading in urban living for a place with such an awesome view is so tempting.  This is taken from the top floor patio.  Imagine waking up to this every morning!        ...

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Picture This

Check this out for a quick laugh: “Terrible Real Estate Agent Photographs: Inexplicably bad property photographs.  It’s that simple”.  Right now I think it’s a tie between the bedroom with the “statues” art piece, and the one where you can see the photographer’s reflection in the mirror and he’s missing his pants. On the flip side, what should listing photos look like, and what can you expect from me to do for you when listing your property?  Read about it...

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In Hiding

With my love of all things tech, my home is a mess of wires crisscrossing behind and underneath furniture.  It drives my wife crazy as she claims that it all makes for a giant dust collector.  I recently came across these mouldings that hide it all and think I just may have to consider them for my own place and recommend them to clients that are looking for ways to clean up and spruce up their home for selling.   These ones easily clip on and off even after installation.  Perfect for an office and media center.  (Image Credit 1)   Image Credit 2...

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Murphy

Murphy

Murphy beds always seemed a bit excessive to me; just too permanent and too large.  But since seeing one at one of my recent sold properties, I’ve had a change of mind.  It worked perfectly for this 850 square feet, 2 bedroom condo, by providing a queen size bed and generous wall to wall storage around it.  With the bed being so easily stored when not in use, it kept the guest room looking tidy and free for other uses.  More so, it was a great selling feature that helped distinguish the condo from other competitors around the area.  While initial costs for a Murphy bed may seem daunting compared to that of a sofa bed, it’s worth the investment for living a clutter-free condo lifestyle.  And when it’s time to list and sell the place, it just may be one of the features that help you catch that buyer with the right price and minimal time on the market (This condo was sold in 19...

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Small Space Big Living

Sprawling living rooms and grand kitchens used to catch my eye in lifestyle magazines and real estate listings, but since the last blog post, small spaces have been on my mind. No one does thoughtful small spaces and places like the Scandinavians do.  They are able to effectively combine form and function, and fuse simplicity and character using very limited square footage.  It’s a lesson on city living without ever compromising comfort and style.  Here are some inspirations that we have been admiring here at Can Sell My Home for this week.  We love the theme of keeping walls white in order to maximize light, while using unique accessories to add contrast and personality.   (Image 1)   Nook (Image 2)   The right furnishings make even a tiny balcony a retreat (Image Credit 3)   All the essentials in a single, bright and functional room. (Image Credit 4 & 5)   Great room divider doubling as a shelf in a studio apartment (Image Credit...

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