Affordable in Belgium.

You know the global economy is in the tank when a place like this in Brussels is listed for only $1 million US:

This one's for B.

Your punishment for making me feel bad for not posting.

Paris Pied-a-Terre, Paris 7th Arrondissement 12 Shares OwnershipOffered at $279,000/ShareLocated on Paris's desirable Left Bank, the spacious three-bedroom apartment is steps away from the lively cafes and movie theaters of the Champs-Elysees and the rue Cler market, one of the city's best open-air food markets.

How's that impending Ottawa winter looking now smartarse?

Living the dream.

In Chatsworth, Ontario: "Private, romantic, off-grid, carbon-negative 1840s log home nestled in a 47-acre managed forest. Gorgeous trails throughout, life-giving pond and spectacular night sky viewing." Asking price: $297,900.

Now if only I could figure out how to move it all to BC.

Worth it for the view alone.

$105,000 in Trail, BC: "This cute house has a great view of the Columbia River and the mountains beyond. Features a new roof, refinished fir floors, new paint and a garage."

There goes the neighbourhood.

The NY Times has a slideshow of a house in Victoria (Fairfield). A renovated 1930s waterfront home with a modern kitchen and original Arts and Crafts details is on the market for 2,995,000 Canadian dollars ($2,978,000 US).

The next time anyone (*cough* my mother *cough*) tries to tell me housing is still afforable on the Island I'll point to this. When people in New York are interested in the real estate in your area, the market is offically out of reach to normal, sane people.








Shame, it was such a nice Island.

Speaking of fundies.

Behold the site of my future commune:

In Smithers, BC: "37.29 acres on corner of Walcott Road & Hwy 16 east of Telkwa with 2-2 bedroom older homes, 1400 sf main home has 2 bedrooms on main & open room upstairs. 1100 sf 2nd home. 936 sf with bay doors and 6600 sf barn with power and water, numerous stalls, milk ing boxes and hayloft. Property in 2 levels, fenced, not hayed in recent years, good grazing. 2 ponds on property & Thompson Creek Mountain views."

And by "commune" I mean farm-based benevolent dictatorship.

No more whining about Canadian real estate costs.

The NYTimes does a regular bit where they show pictures of homes for sale in several markets at the same price (e.g. what $1 million gets you). I thought this cute little cottage (1940s-style studio bungalow, with 436 square feet of space, in Provincetown, Mass.) had a ton of potential:




However, at $359,000, I think I'll be sticking to Canadian real estate for now. Ack.

Introduction to Real Estate.

Fresh from my latest MLS search, I bring you: "How Not to Sell a House Using Photos":





Could someone please tell me what the hell a potential buyer is supposed to gain from viewing these pictures?

144, 900 reasons to move to PEI.

Pardon the caps: "WALK TO BEAUTIFUL SANDY BEACH. IF YOU WISH TO ESCAPE AND WANT PRIVACY, THIS IS FOR YOU. 100+ ACRE FARM, MATURE WOODLAND WITH OLDER HOME, BARN AND BUILDINGS NESTLED IN THIS PRIVATE LOCATION. THIS FARM HAS TERRIFIC OCEANVIEW AND IS ACROSS THE ROAD FROM CAMPBELLTON COVE. NEVER OFFERED FOR SALE BEFORE, THIS FARM HAS APPROXIMATELY 20 ACRES SUITABLE FOR CROPS AND 80+ ACRES WOODLAND. 1.5 STOREY OLDER FARMHOUSE WITH ATTACHED WOODHOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS. HOUSE WAS USED FOR SUMMER HOME - ORIGINAL HARDWOOD FLOORS, FINISH AND DOORS. EAT-IN KITCHEN, FORMAL DINING, POCKET PANEL DOORS BETWEEN LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM. LARGE FOYER, 4 BEDROOMS, STEPS TO TOP LEVEL WITH IS SUITABLE FOR STUDIO. PROPERTY SOLD 'AS IS' CONDITION. NEW ROOF. WOOD FURNACE. COVERED VERANDAH. SITUATED ON A YEAR ROUND ROAD."

All that for $144, 900. Sigh.