We all know condos are great - they’re convenient, affordable, and easy to maintain. But sometimes, living in a condo can prevent you from getting the peace and quiet you deserve in a home. Loud music, arguments, babies crying, and stomping in the unit above can all make you lose precious sleep. A pillow over your head doesn’t work, so do something else more effective. Soundproof your home!

A simple way to protect your home from noise pollution is to seal all of the doors and windows to the outside world with caulking or foam sealant. Weather stripping under the front door can also help deaden noise traveling from the hallway.

Hardwood and marble flooring may be nice to look at, but it doesn’t do a thing for soundproofing. If the noise is unbearable, try installing thick carpet, and request good padding underneath. Linoleum or vinyl tiles can also help absorb sound.

Hang shades or curtains on the windows that have been specially designed for absorbing sound. These can be found at any store that carries a good selection of home decor products.

Some types of furniture can also help, like plush sofas.

There are companies that specialize in soundproofing condos. They can install an insulating layer over existing walls or ceilings.

Tired of the frenetic pace of downtown but not ready for the homogenization of the suburbs? Yonge and Eglinton is the answer for many professionals and young families looking for a city within the city.

The intersection itself is always a hub of activity with a movie theatre, dining and shopping options, a bustling subway, bus terminal and several commercial and residential towers. Whether it’s a weekday, weekend or evening, the broad sidewalks are always abuzz with locals and out-of-area shoppers eager to participate in the indoor and outdoor experience the area takes pride in. From funky clothing boutiques carrying designer labels to specialty food shops to home décor and sporting goods, the shopping doesn’t get any better.

Also known as “Young and Eligible”, Yonge and Eglinton lives up to its nickname. From fast-food to five-star restaurants, date night is always covered at this address. You’ll trip over equally mouth-watering dining options in every direction, including casual outdoor patios and sidewalk cafes. A number of pubs, night clubs and dinner theatres also cater to a range of ages and tastes.

But saunter east or west and you’ll see a more natural side of the neighbourhood. Tree-lined streets showcase immaculately-kept older homes and the solid architecture of newer condominium buildings. And don’t forget the spectacular parks. The largest sports-field park in the city is here, along with multiple spots for tennis and tons of nature trails for joggers, hikers and bikers. With access to the beautiful Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Belt Line Trail, Sherwood Park and the Blythwood Ravine Park, you can easily escape the sounds of the city while still remaining in easy reach of your urban address.

Quantum – Minto Midtown
Award-winning developer Minto has designed another masterpiece customized for the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood. Comprised of two towers, this development offers all of the must-haves and dozens of luxurious extras.

The North Tower will preside over the neighbourhood at 54 storeys while the South Tower will stand 39-storeys tall. With more than 730 suites available in all, this is one of the largest condominium complexes in midtown.

Just steps from Yonge and Eglinton, all manner of stores and shops will be at your disposal, but Minto is making sure you have almost everything you need at home: world-class exercise facilities, a sauna and pool, billiards rooms, entertainment rooms with a private bar and furnished guest suites. A spectacular third-floor terrace with lounge seating and BBQs offer another dimension for relaxing and entertaining and a private dining room and business centre ensures you have all the room in the world.

Located in the heart of midtown, this prestigious address ensures you’re minutes from downtown via subway or car and only 10 minutes from the 401 or the Allen Expressway.

Buying a condo is one of the biggest commitments you’ll ever make in life. If you make the right choice, you’ll have a home that fits your lifestyle, embraces convenience and boasts amenities that make your life easier. You’ll also have a solid investment that will pay you back in years to come.

But it’s crucial to do your homework before deciding on which condo suits you best. Here are some factors to consider before you settle on your home “suite” home.

Unless you’re in the penthouse, space is probably at a premium in your condo or loft. Though the locker in the basement is great, over time, it tends to get as jammed as your closets.

With the upcoming change of season, here are some tips for organizing your winter gear and getting on top of all that clutter you’ve been collecting during the snowy months.

If worst comes to worst, you can always prevail upon your family and friends in their spacious suburban homes. Put that extra space they’re always telling you about to good use by storing your winter gear!

Nestled on the entire top floor of Crystal Blu at 21 Balmuto Street in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood is The Blu Diamond Suite.

The Blu Diamond Suite is an enormous penthouse that is a whopping 4000 square feet. Occupying the whole 35th floor, it has fantastic views of the city skyline in all directions. The lucky owner of this magnificent condominium residence will be able to custom design the suite by the architect of Crystal Blu, Burka Varacalli, and its interior designers, Bryon Patton & Associates.

The Blu Diamond Suite is set to “be a testament to the best of living on the globe”.

Talk to the Free Condo Guide Team to get more information about this fabulous property.

Things don’t look so good in the States right now.

American consumers are continuing to lose confidence as falling housing values, a potentially weak labour market and rising foreclosures, coupled with prices for oil exceeding $100 a barrel, set the stage for rather bleak economic conditions. The optimism of the future, according to the results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index, has fallen from 48.5 in February to 33.1 this month. On top of that, expectations for six months’ time aren’t too hot either, with a third believing that the local economy will be weaker than it is now.

And what about the stock market? 67% think that it would be safer to stay away from investing in the stock market for the next few weeks.

The study was conducted from March 3-5 on 1,013 American adults.

Our housing market and economic conditions are fortunately in better shape.

Instead of tearing it down, why not re-purpose a building and use it for something else? This is what developers in the city have been doing for years, ever since the first factory was converted into a residential building of lofts. While some conversions may not be as “pretty” as their condominium counterparts, others are great examples of some of Toronto’s most interesting buildings.

The Church Lofts at 701 Dovercourt Road is one example. In 1891, the site was home to the original Centennial Methodist Church, a smaller church with seating for 400 members. However, as the congregation grew, another larger church was built in 1906, which is what stands today. In 1925, the building was renamed the Centennial United Church.

The architecture of the Church Lofts is a fine example of the neo-gothic style, with sharply pointed spires reaching for the sky, detailed ornamentation, and impressive stained glass windows as well as skylights. Dovenco, the developer, and the architects at Bernard Watt have created 28 loft suites that embrace the history of the Centennial United Church and celebrate its heritage. Restoration of the masonry walls, the stained glass windows, and original light fixtures have all been performed.