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Resale Homes

Supplied The 1,820-sq.-ft. bungalow is in like-new shape inside and out and offers around 3,500 sq. ft. of total living space.

Seven-years Old, like new

Todd Lewys 6 minute read 2:00 AM CST

Two scenarios tend to play out when a family home has been inhabited for going on a decade.

The first is that it could look well-used, particularly inside. After all, things happen with families — frenetic early mornings with work and school days intertwining, not necessarily in smooth, orderly fashion.

Then, there are pets and entertaining, both of which — like high-paced family life — can cause wear and blemishes, no matter how careful family members might try to be.

Next comes scenario No. 2. Somehow, some way (yes, miracles do happen) a home manages to come through seven years of controlled chaos, emerging in near-pristine condition.

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Tuxedo treasure

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Tuxedo treasure

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

As cherished an area as Tuxedo is with its mix of grand homes and expansive, mature lots, homebuyers often have one objection about the way many of the homes are designed.

That quibble is the stately homes often lack flow — both in terms of light and the navigability through and between spaces.

This is certainly not the case with a stately two-storey home found at 34 Birkenhead Ave., says Garrett Parker of Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate.

“I think the first thing that hits you about this home is how wide-open it is,” he says of the 3,511-sq.-ft. residence, which was built in 1966. “When the outgoing owners got the home, it was quite chopped up and dark. They did a wonderful job of opening the home up to improve flow from space to space.”

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Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

Todd Lewys / Free Press

Situated on a huge, mature corner lot in the heart of Tuxedo, the 3,511-sq.-ft., two-storey home is full of updates and modern functionality.
Todd Lewys / Free Press Situated on a huge, mature corner lot in the heart of Tuxedo, the 3,511-sq.-ft., two-storey home is full of updates and modern functionality.

Sump pumps, flood maps: How to assess climate risks when house shopping

Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Sump pumps, flood maps: How to assess climate risks when house shopping

Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

TORONTO - When Kathryn Bakos was house hunting a few years ago, her checklist included some things that might not come first in mind for a dream home.

“I did not want a reverse-sloped driveway,” she explained in an interview.

“My husband said, well, what happens if we find our perfect home? I said, it’s not our perfect home if it has a reverse slope.”

Such driveways direct water toward the home, an issue Bakos is well aware of after researching how increasingly common catastrophic floods hurt home values.

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Neighbours deal with the flooding on Cordella Avenue after a severe thunderstorm caused localized flooding in Toronto on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio
Neighbours deal with the flooding on Cordella Avenue after a severe thunderstorm caused localized flooding in Toronto on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio

Updated in style

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Updated in style

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

There are two key issues that can crop up when purchasing a home built a decade and a half ago.

The first is that the finishes could reflect the design trends at the time which it was built. Back then, the trend was for both flooring and cabinets to be of darker shades — either cappuccino or espresso.

Then, there’s the issue of how the dwellings of that era were laid out.

Today, many homes have a flex space next to the front door that can be used as either a home office or bedroom. In 2012, most homes didn’t have this convenient design feature.

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Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The 2,290-sq.-ft., two-storey home, which was built in 2012, features a fabulous floor plan and contemporary finishes from top to bottom.
Todd Lewys / Free Press The 2,290-sq.-ft., two-storey home, which was built in 2012, features a fabulous floor plan and contemporary finishes from top to bottom.

Spacious split-level design is move-in-ready

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Spacious split-level design is move-in-ready

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

With home prices steadily increasing, young families looking for a move-up dwelling are after two things.

Not surprisingly, the first is value. If you’re going to pay somewhere between $450,000 and $550,000 (or more) for a house, it should have a lot to offer in the sense that it should be largely move-in ready.

The second requisite is functionality.

When a family is young and growing, it’s crucial that a home’s layout possesses the flexibility to meet the needs of every family member.

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Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

Todd Lewys / Free Press

Immaculate outside and inside, the extensively updated 1,700-sq.-ft., four-level split possesses the livability, style and value young families are looking for.
Todd Lewys / Free Press Immaculate outside and inside, the extensively updated 1,700-sq.-ft., four-level split possesses the livability, style and value young families are looking for.

Move-in-ready townhome great for budget-minded buyers

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Move-in-ready townhome great for budget-minded buyers

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

To say the least, the phrase, “affordable starter home” has become an oxymoron, of late.

And it’s something many young families searching for such a dwelling know from first-hand experience, as many such prospective buyers have a limited budget of $350,000 or less.

Consequently, if a home is affordable — say the price tag is somewhere around $275,000-$300,000 — chances are it will come with a lengthy list of upgrades and renovations that need to be addressed.

Those projects can involve much more than cosmetic fixes, with costly repairs to foundations and roofs redlining already-stretched budgets. In many instances, young families find themselves living in homes they can’t afford to repair — a horrible fix to be in.

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Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The 1,090-sq.-ft., two-storey attached townhome is in move-in-ready condition from top to bottom.
Todd Lewys / Free Press The 1,090-sq.-ft., two-storey attached townhome is in move-in-ready condition from top to bottom.

Headingley haven: Resplendent riverside residence offers custom-built comfort with a view

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Headingley haven: Resplendent riverside residence offers custom-built comfort with a view

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

It’s something everyone dreams about at one time or another: possessing an unlimited budget with which to build your dream home.

That would entail several things. First, there’s the lot — and, of course, its location.

For most people, the lot would be large enough to provide good separation from potentially noisy neighbours.

It would also possess irrefutable beauty, surrounded by mature trees. If possible, water — whether it be a river, lake or pond — would also be present.

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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

Situated on a gorgeous one-acre riverside lot in Headingley, the three-year-old home offers over 7,000 sq. ft. of total livable space.
Situated on a gorgeous one-acre riverside lot in Headingley, the three-year-old home offers over 7,000 sq. ft. of total livable space.

River Heights two-storey smartly melds contemporary and classic

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

River Heights two-storey smartly melds contemporary and classic

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

Once upon a time, a one-and-a-half storey home was built in 1927 on a choice 50-by-120-foot lot at 1493 Wellington Cres.

Then, some 85 years later, in 2012, its owner decided to give the home a dramatic facelift both outside and in.

“Its unique Arts and Crafts-inspired design begins with a gorgeous wood and stone exterior that catches your attention the instant you see it — it doesn’t look like it’s 85 years old,” says Scott Moore of Century 21 Bachman & Associates (the Moore Group). “That’s just the start. When you step inside you can hardly believe what you see.”

What you see, it turns out, is a stunning entryway.

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Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

The remodelled Arts and Crafts-inspired home catches your eye the instant you see it.
The remodelled Arts and Crafts-inspired home catches your eye the instant you see it.

Solid affordability

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Solid affordability

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

Young families with a modest home-buying budget have never struggled so hard to find a solid, affordable starter house.

It’s easy to see why. These days, starter homes in the $250,000-$300,000 price range — whether they need work or not — tend to sell fast, with bidding wars the norm in sought-after neighbourhoods.

That being the case, it’s all too easy for young couples to experience multiple bidding battles without a sniff of success.

In many instances, missing out on a dwelling might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Why?

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Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

The solid, well-loved bungalow offers exceptional value and livability throughout.
The solid, well-loved bungalow offers exceptional value and livability throughout.

Smartly updated bungalow condo modern and move-in ready

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Smartly updated bungalow condo modern and move-in ready

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

When a home is 25 years old, it’s neither old nor young in terms of its design and relative age.

That said, there’s a chance it could reflect the era in which it was built. Which is to say it could be, well, somewhat dated.

Val Miller of Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate says her new listing — a 1,450-sq.-ft. bungalow condominium found in a tidy, well-designed complex at 12-123 Victor Lewis Dr. in Linden Woods — definitely does not fall into that category.

“Pride of ownership shines in this beautifully maintained unit,” she says. “Not only have the original owners kept it in wonderful condition, but they’ve also updated it tastefully over the years.”

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Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

The spacious bungalow condo offers a contemporary updated interior and great location.
The spacious bungalow condo offers a contemporary updated interior and great location.

Value-packed Sanford bungalow a refuge for empty-nesters

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Value-packed Sanford bungalow a refuge for empty-nesters

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025

These days, affordability is a huge issue for empty-nest couples with budgets that fall short of the magical $400,000 mark.

Next to affordability, the two most important issues are condition and livability.

Which is to say a home should ideally be in move-in-ready condition, as absolutely no one — especially buyers on a modest budget — wants to sink another $20,000 to $30,000 into renovations just after purchasing a property.

Meanwhile, the home must also be functional, offering a user-friendly layout.

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Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The four-year-old custom-designed modular home delivers over 1,500 sq. ft. of wonderfully livable space in a quiet country setting less than 15 minutes from the city.
Todd Lewys / Free Press The four-year-old custom-designed modular home delivers over 1,500 sq. ft. of wonderfully livable space in a quiet country setting less than 15 minutes from the city.

Century-old Wolseley home overhauled with young families in mind

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Century-old Wolseley home overhauled with young families in mind

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Consider for a moment a home built over 100 years ago in Winnipeg.

In most instances, people tend to visualize the same thing: a quaint-looking home with an interior that falls short of living up to modern standards for one reason or another. One of those reasons may be that dwellings a century or more older can often be quite spartan in their overall design.

For some reason, home designers of the era showed an oft-shocking indifference to comfort, and hence, overall functionality. Consequently, such houses tended to lack flow and be somewhat dull inside, design-wise.

Individual spaces — from living rooms to kitchens, bedrooms to bathrooms — tended to be small in size. Moreover, storage space was in short supply. As a result, when families looking for a move-up home often cross older homes off their list due to an overall lack of space and versatility.

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Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Larger than the norm at 1,350 sq. ft., this 102-year-old, one-and-three-quarter storey Wolseley classic has been smartly updated, making for one very family-friendly home.
Larger than the norm at 1,350 sq. ft., this 102-year-old, one-and-three-quarter storey Wolseley classic has been smartly updated, making for one very family-friendly home.

Lord Roberts infill duplex makes most of space, in style

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Lord Roberts infill duplex makes most of space, in style

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

When it comes to designing highly livable infill homes, it’s all about smartly utilizing available space while not scrimping on style.

In this instance, the builder spent considerable time pondering the design of the dwelling, following that up with high build quality from the ground up.

And the design and construction process wasn’t hurried to ensure everything was done right.

A stylish, five-year-old infill home found at 421 Rosedale Ave. in Lord Roberts benefits from this approach, says Roger Burns of Century 21 Bachman & Associates.

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Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

The like-new, five-year-old duplex is in a great location and built to the highest standards.
The like-new, five-year-old duplex is in a great location and built to the highest standards.

Spacious Armstrong’s Point dwelling bridges contemporary and classic

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Spacious Armstrong’s Point dwelling bridges contemporary and classic

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

There are amazing neighbourhoods in our city that somehow manage to fly under the radar, and Armstrong’s Point is one of them.

A plausible explanation in this case is the fact the enclave is tucked away between Crescentwood and Wolseley, making it all too easy to overlook.

However, if you take the time to visit the history-laden enclave, you can’t help but be smitten by what you see: stands of ancient trees, large mature lots and a delightful collection of home styles that stands out for the sheer fact every dwelling is unique in its design.

And while many of the homes in the storied area are special, some are more special than others.

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Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

Custom built in 1909, the Armstrong’s Point dwelling offers a combination of yesteryear character and modern functionality.
Todd Lewys / Free Press Custom built in 1909, the Armstrong’s Point dwelling offers a combination of yesteryear character and modern functionality.

River Heights home resplendently remodelled with 1930s charm intact

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

River Heights home resplendently remodelled with 1930s charm intact

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

One of the most challenging aspects of remodelling a classic 1930s home is to add modern functionality without compromising its timeless character.

Consequently, when the outgoing owners of 135 Ash St. decided to update their 2,910-sq.-ft. River Heights classic — which was likely a custom-built home when it was built in 1931 — they undertook the project with great care and respect.

To that end, they enlisted the help of Art Gross of Art Gross Builders Inc. and renowned architect Les Stecheson.

Val Miller of Royal LePage Dynamic Realty says no detail of the redesign of the stately home was overlooked.

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Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

photos by Todd Lewys / Free Press

Lovingly remodelled in 2009-10, the 3,614-sq.-ft., two-storey River Heights classic sits on a mature 100-by-120-foot lot.
photos by Todd Lewys / Free Press Lovingly remodelled in 2009-10, the 3,614-sq.-ft., two-storey River Heights classic sits on a mature 100-by-120-foot lot.

Fully updated La Salle two-storey luxurious and livable

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Fully updated La Salle two-storey luxurious and livable

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

One of the drawbacks of homes with open-concept floor plans is — for better or worse — everything is right in front of you when you walk into the main living area.

And while flow between spaces is seamless, you can’t help but feel all the areas — family room, dining area and kitchen — aren’t as distinct as you’d like them to be.

Thankfully, some homes were designed to provide a happy medium between traditional (segmented) and modern (open-concept) design.

A sharp looking two-storey home located on an expansive lot at 27 McQueen Dr. in La Salle is one of those homes, says David Phillips of Century 21 Carrie Realty.

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Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

Supplied

The 2,575-sq.-ft., two-storey home is exceptionally livable and has been tastefully remodelled throughout.
Supplied The 2,575-sq.-ft., two-storey home is exceptionally livable and has been tastefully remodelled throughout.

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