#Montreal West Island

[patriciastrike]

[abbeyandolivier]

MLS Beaconsfield

Searching for your ideal home in MLS Beaconsfield? Abbey & Olivier is your go-to real estate agency! Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping you find the perfect property that fits your lifestyle and budget. With our personalized approach and in-depth knowledge of the Beaconsfield market, we'll make sure you find your dream home in no time. Get in touch with us now to get started on your homebuying journey. Find your dream home visit. https://abbeyandolivier.ca/

[sterimobile]

West Island mold removal services

Mold in your house can seriously harm your health and the building's structure if it is not treated. However, cleaning up is only one part of the mold treatment process. Along with entirely removing the mould from your house, SteriMobile will also thoroughly investigate the issue and pinpoint the source of the issue so that you can learn how to avoid it in the future.

Mold growth produces irritants. These are the things, to put it simply, that cause severe allergies. Also, they could bother you physically in a variety of ways. If you come into contact with or inhale mould, you could develop an allergic reaction. Mold is notorious for dispersing spores that, when breathed in, can cause everything from rashes to migraines to respiratory problems.

Despite the fact that mould spores are present everywhere, if they have the right environment to thrive, such as a wet area or attic, you may have a serious problem. Exposure to mould for an extended period of time can be dangerous to your health in addition to substantially impairing a building's structural integrity. Additionally, they are found in places where mould is most likely to grow, such as bathroom walls, shower tiles, and exhaust fan vents.

If you are unsure of the extent of mold development or its source, it is strongly advised to contact a professional mold remediation specialists. Steri Mobile will totally remove the mould from your house, and will go above and beyond to find the source of the issue so you can learn what caused it in the first place.

Our certified technicians have been providing cost effective mold remediation services in Montreal and surrounding areas, so you can rest assured that you are living in a safe and healthy environment.

[connectimmo321]

Louer ou acheter : un aperçu plus détaillé

Louer ou acheter une maison est-il un meilleur choix ? Compte tenu du marché locatif actuel, c’est une question raisonnable. La solution, cependant, est plus complexe que vous ne l’imaginez.

Lorsque vous considérez le coût de la propriété d’un condo, la location d’un condo peut sembler être la meilleure solution. Cependant, l’achat d’un condo présente plusieurs avantages. Bien que la location d’une maison puisse sembler moins coûteuse, il existe des raisons impérieuses d’acheter.

Bien que les conditions économiques puissent inévitablement influer sur vos prévisions, les aspects fondamentaux à évaluer pour faire un choix restent constants. Voici ce que vous devez savoir avant de prendre une décision.

Les avantages de la location

Raisons pour lesquelles rester locataire est un choix intelligent :

Vous n’avez pas d’argent pour verser un acompte sur une maison et couvrir les frais de clôture.

Vous avez un emploi qui vous oblige à voyager fréquemment.

Vous voulez vivre dans une grande ville, mais vous n’avez pas les moyens de payer les frais de logement élevés, ou du moins ceux des quartiers plus agréables.

La location vous permet de vivre confortablement sans vous engager à long terme. De plus, comme les hausses de loyer sont limitées par la Régie du logement, vous pouvez vous attendre à ce que les loyers restent raisonnablement fixes.

Évidemment, investir dans une maison ou un condo n’implique pas que vous vous engagiez dans un bail à long terme. Malgré cela, le processus est beaucoup plus complexe et sujet à des limites et des dépenses supplémentaires.

Les avantages de l’achat

Le désavantage de la location est que vous devez payer une somme d’argent importante chaque mois. Tout cet argent se retrouve dans les mains du propriétaire.

Lorsque vous achetez une maison, une partie de votre paiement mensuel pour le logement passe entre vos mains. Bien sûr, vous devez rembourser votre hypothèque au créancier, intérêts compris. Néanmoins, une partie de chaque paiement mensuel est consacrée au remboursement du capital, ce qui vous permet d’économiser de l’argent grâce à votre propriété.

Un autre avantage est que l’achat d’une maison constitue un investissement immobilier. Votre maison, votre condo ou votre bien locatif prennent de la valeur avec le temps. Vous profitez des gains en capital réalisés par votre investissement, en plus de l’argent que vous avez déjà remboursé, lorsque vous êtes prêt à le vendre.

Enfin, posséder sa propre maison est le moyen le plus efficace de se sentir vraiment à l’aise. Vous pouvez décorer votre maison comme bon vous semble et la modifier à mesure que vos préférences ou vos besoins changent.

Ce qu’il faut prévoir avant d’acheter

L’achat d’une maison est généralement favorable, à condition que vous disposiez des fonds nécessaires.

Si le prix de vente est inférieur à 500 000 $, une mise de fonds initiale de 5 % est requise. Si la propriété vaut plus de 500 000 $, la mise de fonds initiale est de 5 % pour les premiers 500 000 $ et de 10 % pour le reste, jusqu’à concurrence de 1 million de dollars, soit le montant maximal assuré par la Société canadienne d’hypothèques et de logement (SCHL). Vous n’aurez pas à payer l’assurance de la SCHL si votre mise de fonds est de 20 % ou plus.

Outre la mise de fonds, vous devez également payer les dépenses suivantes lors de l’achat d’une maison :

Les frais d’inspection, les frais de notaire, les frais de réinstallation et d’autres dépenses sont inclus dans la taxe de transfert de propriété (taxe de bienvenue).

Sans oublier le fait que vous devrez équiper votre nouvelle maison et payer les factures régulières comme le chauffage et les réparations.

Conclusion

Si vous faites vos calculs, vos paiements hypothécaires mensuels pourraient probablement être à peine plus élevés que ce que vous payez actuellement pour le loyer. Malheureusement, devenir propriétaire s’accompagne de plusieurs coûts supplémentaires, comme l’entretien de la propriété, les frais de copropriété, les taxes municipales et scolaires, etc.

L’achat d’une maison ou d’un condo est une excellente solution si vous avez l’argent et les économies nécessaires. Prenez le temps d’évaluer vos objectifs avant d’entamer le processus d’achat d’une maison. Un agent immobilier peut vous aider à déterminer ce qui est essentiel pour vous, maintenant et à l’avenir. Travailler avec un courtier immobilier peut également vous aider à prendre des décisions éclairées !

[gpmoveca]

Montreal Moving Service

At G&P Move, we believe that no one cares more about a company and customer satisfaction than the business owner. This is the reason we are the best Montreal moving service provider and have at least one of our owners working on all of our jobs come moving day. To find out more about us, feel free to get in touch with us today!

[pavagegentilevision]

Pavage Gentile Vision is a leading paving contractor in Montreal & the West Island. We specialize in Asphalt, Pave-Uni, Walkways and Concrete. We use only the best products; Techo-Bloc, Permacon etc... Call us to get a free estimate today!

[opencommunion]

please go to a protest for Land Day tomorrow (March 30th) if you can

AUSTRALIA – Hobart / Nipaluna. 1PM Every Saturday @ Davey St. (Grand Chancellor).

CANADA – Antigonish, NS. 1PM Every Saturday @ Antigonish Town Hall. Antigonish 4 Gaza.

CANADA – Montreal. 2PM Land Day Tatreez Workshop @ Refugee Center. PYM Montreal.

CANADA – Ottawa. 2PM Land Day @ Human Rights Monument.

CANADA – Toronto. 2PM Land Day @ Yonge & Dundas. PYM Toronto.

ENGLAND – Halifax. 1PM Every Saturday @ Wilkos on Southgate.

ENGLAND – Hebden Bridge. 3PM Every Saturday @ Holme Street. 4PM @ St George’s Square. West Yorkshire for Palestine.

ENGLAND – London. 11AM @ 7 Tavistock Square. PYM Britain.

ENGLAND – London. 12PM @ Central London. STW UK.

NETHERLANDS – Amsterdam. 7PM Every Night @ Dam Square.

PORTUGAL – Porto. 10PM Every Night Vigil @ Camara Municipal.

SCOTLAND – Orkney. 1PM Every Saturday @ St Magnus Cathedral Steps. Amnesty Orkney.

AZ – Phoenix. 1MP Land Day @ Civic Space Park. PSL Phoenix AZ.

CA – Los Angeles. 1PM Land Day March @ LA City Hall. PYM LA/OC/IE.

CA – Petaluma. 12:30PM Every Saturday @ Petaluma & E Washington. Occupy Pelatuma.

CA – Ventura. 12:30PM @ 181 E Santa Clara St. ANSWER Coalition.

CO – Fort Collins. 3PM Every Saturday @ Old Town Square. NOCO Liberation Coalition.

DC – Washington DC. 4PM @ DuPont Circle. ANSWER Coalition.

FL – Gainesville. 11AM @ Depot Park. ANSWER Coalition.

FL – Orlando. City Hall. TBA. ANSWER Coalition.

FL – Pensacola. PM @ Main & Reus (Blue Wahoos). PSL CGC. 

GA – Atlanta. 2PM @ Consulate of Israel. PYM.

ID – Pocatello. 12PM Every Saturday @ Bannock County Courthouse. Pocatello for Palestine.

IL – Chicago. 1PM @ TBA. USPCN + Chicago SJP.

LA – New Orleans. 3:30PM @ 701 N Rampart St.

MA – Springfield. 2PM @ 36 Court St. ANSWER Coalition.

ME – Portland. 1PM @ Monument Square. PSL Maine.

MI – Detroit. 1:30PM @ Beacon Park. USPCN.

MI – Detroit. 10AM Land Day @ Rouge Park. PYM.

MN – Minneapolis. 2PM @ 2707 West Lake St. ANSWER Coalition.

MT – Kalispell. 12PM Every Saturday @ Main & Center. MT 4 Palestine.

NC – Asheville. 4PM @ 1 N Pack Square. ANSWER Coalition.

NC – Charlotte. 4PM @ Wilmore Centennial Park. CLT 4 Palestine + PSL Carolinas.

NC – Raleigh. 3PM Land Day @ Moore Square. PSL Carolinas.

NC, Charlotte. 4PM @ Wilmore Centennial Park. Land Day. CLT 4 Pali + PSL Carolinas.

NM – Albuquerque. 4PM @ UNM Book Store. ANSWER Coalition.

NY – New York. 12PM @ City Hall Park. Within Our Lifetime.

NY – New York. 12PM Vigil Every Saturday @ 5th & 44th in Brooklyn. Sunset Park Elders.

NY – New York. 5PM @ Times Square. PYM.

NY – Rochester. 1:30PM @ MLK Park. End Apartheid ROC + SJP UR.

OH – Cincinnati. 3PM @ 801 Plum St. ANSWER Coalition.

OH – Cleveland. 2PM Land Day @ Edgewater Upper Pavillion. USCPN.

OH – Columbus. 4PM @ 120 W Goodale St. ANSWER Coalition.

OH – Dayton. 5PM @ 2680 Ridge Ave. ANSWER Coalition.

OH – Wooster. 11AM @ 538 N Market St. ANSWER Coalition.

OR – Bend. 12PM Saturdays @ Peace Corner. Central Oregon 4 Socialism.

OR – Portland. 12PM @ Desert Island Studios. Letters for Palestine PDX.

PA – Philadelphia. 5PM @ 7th & Walnut. ANSWER Coalition.

PA – Pittsburgh. 3:30PM @ 4100 Forbes Ave. ANSWER Coalition.

RI – Providence. 5PM @ Prospect Terr. ANSWER Coalition.

TX – Houston. 1PM @ Waterwall Park. PYM Houston.

TX – San Antonio. 12PM @ 301 E Travis ST. ANSWER Coalition.

VT – Burlington. 1PM @ City Hall. ANSWER Coalition.

WA – Seattle. 2PM Land Day @ Lake Union Park. PYM.

WI – Milwaukee. 1:30PM @ Sijan Park. PSL Milwaukee.

WI – Viroqua. 11AM Vigil Every Saturday @ Main & Decker. Driftless Solidarity / Wolves PSC.

WV – Martinsburg. 12PM Land Day @ Martinsburg Town Square. PSL WV.

DISCLAIMER: I didn't make this list and it's not comprehensive. If you don't see a protest near you, look up what your local orgs are doing, and if you still can't find anything, take autonomous action

[mapsontheweb]

The evolution of the Spanish West Indian Empire

« Atlas histórico de España », Jordi Induráin Pons, Larousse, 2021

by cartesdhistoire

In the 18th century, Spanish America was firmly established: the conquest phase having been completed, pacification opened the way to a reorganization of the administration of this immense territory. It was necessary to take into account the evolution of the population (since the law of 1514 allowing marriage between Spaniards and Indians, interbreeding was the central axis) and the rapid integration of the Río de la Plata to the south. Furthermore, the rise of the English and French Caribbean islands encouraged Spain to see its own islands as something other than naval relays to the continent.

The real administrative structure was the urban network, which allowed the Spaniards to immediately have control of the territory. Cities were political, administrative and religious centers, defensive sites and points of convergence for commercial and economic activities. They were created at the outlets of rich agricultural lands, most often at altitude to avoid tropical diseases, even if commercial necessities sometimes led to exceptions, as for Lima, built at sea level.

The plan of these new towns followed the same logic: a central square, with the church, the palace of the governor or viceroy, the town hall, seat of municipal power. The checkerboard plan structured the city. According to the Castilian model, the municipal power representing the local elites, the “cabildo”, was elected. Urban power was, throughout the colonial era, a center of passive resistance to distant injunctions from central power. Richly decorated, with public and private buildings of grandiose architecture, Spanish cities were incomparably more luxurious than their British or French counterparts in America. Montreal, Philadelphia or Cap-Français could not compare to the splendors of Bogotá, Caracas and even less so with Havana and Cartagena de Indias.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Thousands of people marched and cheered down Montreal's René-Lévesque Boulevard Sunday afternoon in what has become the largest Pride parade organized by Fierté Montréal to date.

Around 15,500 people took part in the parade representing 192 different groups and community organizations, according to Simon Gamache, the executive director of Fierté Montréal.

Parade participants waved colourful flags and blared music along a 2.9-kilometre route that began at Dorchester Square and stretched into the heart of Montreal's Gay Village.

Among the crowd was Matthew Xanthoudakis, who was marching with the West Island LGBTQ2+ Centre. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada, @vague-humanoid

[patriciastrike]

[sapphyreopal5]

Hello love. Anything new on Jensen?

Hello Anon thank you for the ask. I know that Jensen's been awful quiet about the stuff he's said to be working on with the "if things go as planned, it's gonna be a busy year" comments he's made in recent months. I know I speculated on another post when someone here on Tumblr posted about a photo where Jensen was spotted with Justin Hartley, his wife Sofia and a man named Jason Checcini that he may be on his way to go film The Boys, which reportedly started filming April 8 according to this site (although we all know that filming dates can be pushed back). This post was made April 7, 2024.

However, after seeing another post that posted today April 18, 2024, I do believe that he may not only possibly be filming The Boys season 5 but he may have also landed a role on Justin Hartley's show Tracker. Tracker reportedly films some in the Vancouver area, according to IMBD.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lexi Jensen-DesJardins (@lexi.jendes)

Being who I am, I decided to look up the tour dates for the artist she mentioned seeing in her post where she says she met him in Vancouver. According to Ticketmaster.com, the tour dates for Noah Kahan are as follows:

What cities will Noah Kahan play on his upcoming tour? The We'll All Be Here Forever Tour will take Noah Kahan across North America in the following cities: 03/26 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena  03/28 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome  03/29 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place  03/30 – Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre  04/02 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre  04/06 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena  04/07 – London, ON @ Budweiser Gardens  04/09 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre  04/10 – Quebec, QC @ Centre Videotron 04/13 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell  04/14 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena 04/16 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena 05/20 – Asheville, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee Center  05/22 – Asheville, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee Center   05/24 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena 05/25 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena   05/28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center  05/29 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake  06/04 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – St. Louis, MO 06/05 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater  06/07 – Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center  06/08 – Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center 06/11 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion  06/13 – Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman  06/14 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center  06/18 – Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre  06/21 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl  06/29 – George, WA @  Gorge Amphitheatre 07/01 – Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater  07/03 – Wheatland, CA @ Toyota Amphitheatre  07/05 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre - UC Berkeley  07/06 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre – UC Berkeley   07/09 – West Valley City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre  07/13 – East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre  07/15 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden 07/16 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden  07/18 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park 07/19 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park

As you can see, the Vancouver concert took place on Tuesday March 26, 2024. The photo post with Justin Hartley, his wife and Jason was posted on Sunday April 7, 2024. Remember, this is just me speculating at this point along with everyone else but I do think it's possible Jensen has gotten a couple roles or is at the very least spending some time in Canada "networking". That's really all I have for you at the moment Anon but I hope this is at least somewhat useful or some interest to you otherwise.

[abbeyandolivier]

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO WEST ISLAND HOME SHOPPING

Welcome to Montreal’s West Island, a thriving and popular area that combines the best of suburban living and urban amenities. Whether you’re an experienced investor or a first-time homebuyer, navigating the real estate market in this gorgeous region can be very exciting but it also comes with its challenges. That’s why your trusted West Island real estate brokers will be walking you through everything you need to know about buying a home in the West Island, from understanding the market to finalizing the purchase of your dream home.

Understanding the West Island

Many different neighborhoods, each with its own special personality and charm, make up the vibrant area of the West Island. Whether you prefer the family-friendly atmosphere of Kirkland and Pointe-Claire, the lively energy of Dorval, or the peaceful waterfront of Beaconsfield, this captivating region has something to offer everyone. From bustling urban centers to tranquil havens, the West Island is a diverse and dynamic place to explore.

Setting Your Budget

Before we begin our journey of finding your perfect home, it’s very important to set your budget. Consider your income, savings, and monthly expenses to determine a realistic price range for your new home. Remember that home prices in the West Island can vary greatly based on factors like location, size, and the overall condition of the property.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Once you’ve set your budget, it’s time to focus your search on specific neighborhoods in the West Island. Think about your lifestyle. How long your commute to work would be, how close you’d be to schools and conveniences, and any future development plans when evaluating potential areas to live in.

Working with a Real Estate Broker

A seasoned real estate professional will be your greatest asset when buying a home. Seek out a broker who specializes in the West Island area and has a proven history of helping buyers find their ideal properties. Do your research. Look at their Google reviews and see why clients have trusted them in the past. Your broker will walk you through each step, from searching for homes to negotiating offers and finalizing the purchase. Therefore, finding the right one is extremely important. 

Home Financing Options

Buying a new home usually requires getting yourself a mortgage loan. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare mortgage rates and terms from different lenders. You can even get pre-approved for a loan before you start looking at homes. Being pre-approved will give you a clear sense of what type of home you can afford and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Searching for Your Dream Home

With your budget, preferred neighborhood, and financing all sorted, it’s now time to start searching for your perfect home in the West Island. Explore online listings, attend open houses, and work closely with your real estate broker to find properties that fit your needs. Take your time and consider multiple options before making a choice.

Making an Offer and Negotiating

Once you’ve found the perfect home, your broker will help you craft a compelling offer to present to the seller. Anticipate negotiations, as the seller may counter your initial offer or request additional terms. Your real estate broker will advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible arrangement for you while keeping your wants and needs as the top priority.

Closing the Deal

In the closing process, you’ll work with your broker, lender, and legal team to finalize the purchase agreement, handle the paperwork, and transfer ownership of the property. Once everything is sorted out, you’ll get the keys to your new home and proudly become a homeowner in the West Island of Montreal.

Conclusion

Buying a home in the West Island is a very exciting step that starts a new chapter in your life. By following the tips in this guide and working with a real estate expert, you can go through the process easily and find the right home in this lovely, friendly community. We hope you have a good time searching for your new home!

Abbey & Olivier is here to assist you every step of the way on your journey to homeownership in the West Island. Contact us today to get started!

[corner-stories]

when it's dark in a cold decembre (but i've got you to keep me warm)

Jean Kirschtein. Mikasa Ackerman. Kiyomi Azumabito. Holiday Visits. Awkward Family Dinners. Cuddles. Doggies. 4191 words. (ao3.)

Vancouver is a change of pace. Having grown so used to winters in Montreal — or even his hometown of Trois-Rivieres — arriving at YVR to rain instead of snow leaves him confused. 

At least Mikasa seems to find amusement in the poor Quebecer getting soaked in the drizzle. 

A rapid transit line takes them from the airport to downtown, then an Uber driver takes them the rest of the way. As the vehicle crosses the Lionsgate Bridge, Jean’s eyes are affixed to the window and towards the rainy city outside.

At this time of night, all he can see is artificial lights — buildings with glass exteriors standing amidst the ocean and coniferous trees. It’s just enough to let him see the outline of the mountains. Above it all are clouds in a dark sky. 

The car drives deeper into West Vancouver. The houses lining the roads are built with an emphasis on style and aesthetic, most of them looking to have been designed very recently with walls made of stone and glass. 

Mikasa had told him that her Auntie was wealthy, and as the car passes by a house with more driveways and outdoor entertaining space to do with, the sentiment rings true. 

Soon enough, the car arrives at the destination. 

The house Mikasa grew up in differs from the gray homes adorning the streets. When Jean sees it, his eyes go to the vinyl siding and the rugged roof tiles, attributes that make the craftsman home feel like an island in the ocean of stone and glass houses. 

Jean hoists his bags over his shoulder as the Uber driver takes off down the street. Mikasa walks from the street to the curb, comfortably taking her boyfriend’s hand as he looks at the house. 

“You like?” 

Jean nods, unable to take his eyes off the bulbs adorning the eaves. “I like the lights.” 

“Auntie likes them, too.” She then squeezes his hand and begins guiding him towards the house. 

Jean follows, keeping his eyes on the ground and watching her boots step into the puddles on the pathway. The rain is lighter here than it is at the airport, but it’s still enough for water droplets to collect in his hair. 

The two climb up the steps and Jean mentally goes over the backstory Mikasa had given him regarding her aunt. Kiyomi had grown up alongside Mikasa’s mother in Tokyo, and despite being cousins they acted a lot more like sisters. They even moved to Vancouver together to study. They had kept in touch even when Makoto married a local man while Kiyomi moved back to Japan.

It was no surprise that Kiyomi was the one who stepped up after Mikasa’s parents passed, gladly taking the nine-year-old in and giving her shelter in a time where she had none. She even decided to move back to Canada permanently to be near her niece. 

Despite coming from wealth, Kiyomi kept herself busy as a tenured professor at a local university. Giving lectures on international relations seemed to be her second priority on top of providing for Mikasa. Academia appeared to run in the Azumabito-Ackerman household. 

As Jean keeps reciting the lore in his head, he turns to Mikasa and asks a last-minute question.

“So… is there anything else I should know?” His voice is just slightly tinged with his signature wit. “You know, before the point of no return?” 

“Just be yourself,” Mikasa insists as her boots touch the top of the porch. “Besides, you both like sassing me and old school Celine Dion, in her mind you can do no wrong.” 

Jean makes a noise that’s in between an awkward laugh and a nervous chuckle. “That’s one way to look at things…” 

When the doorbell rings, what immediately follows is the sound of several dogs barking their heads off — one even sounds like a howl. Through the pane of glass in the door Jean can see two fluffy creatures with legs rushing to the door. After they yelp at the door for a few seconds, a person descends the stairs and gestures for said creatures to quiet down. 

Unsurprisingly, the act of wagging one’s finger at two rambunctious dogs does nothing to quell their screams. 

Nonetheless, the door opens and the pair of tired traveling grad students are greeted to the sight of Mikasa’s Aunt Kiyomi.

As to be expected, the older lady is smiling from ear to ear and immediately steps forward to embrace her niece. Mikasa herself gives a gentle grin as she hugs her Aunt back. 

“Mikasa!”

“Auntie.”

Jean gives them their space as they reunite. In the space between the doorframe and the door, he gets a better look into the house, taking note of the wooden floors, the warm lighting, the spotless walls. The whole place is impeccably clean, even with the two dogs running around.

Speaking of which, Jean also gets an eyeful of the canines standing behind Kiyomi — one is a samoyed with the doofiest grin he’s ever seen on a dog, and the other is husky with an abundance of fluffy fur. The husky in particular is letting out dramatic weeping noises as it looks at the visitors at the door. 

When aunt and niece separate, Kiyomi sets her eyes on Jean. 

“And is this the boyfriend I’ve heard so much about?” she asks. “Jean, right?”

Jean gives a nod and a polite smile. “That’s me.” He reaches out and shakes her hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss Azumabito.”

Kiyomi is a head shorter than both Jean and Mikasa. Like her niece, her hair is dark, but she keeps it neatly combed and tied into a proper bun. 

The only woman looks him up and down, seemingly content with finally meeting him in the flesh. She even seems flattered by his formality. “Please, call me Kiyomi. And come in, you two must be soaked.”

Jean and Mikasa enter the home, bringing their luggage with them. He’s only been in Vancouver for an hour and he’s already relieved to get out of the downpour. 

As Jean shakes the water out of his hair, Mikasa kneels down to the two dogs of the Azumabito household. She beams sweetly at both the husky and the samoyed, both of which are excited to see her return. The husky in particular is wagging its tail so hard that its rear end is shaking. 

Back at McGill, Mikasa had spoken at length about her dogs back at home. Back at their apartment, there’s a photo of both the husky and samoyed as puppies pinned to their refrigerator.

Seeing the dogs in the fluff is significantly more enjoyable than seeing them in photo form. The sweet look of heartfelt joy on Mikasa’s face is also a bonus. 

“Yes, yes, I missed you, too,” says Mikasa as the husky kisses her cheek. 

Kiyomi immediately proves to be a cordial host. She takes Jean’s jacket without being prompted, hanging it up on a nearby coat rack. She then reaches for the luggage and grabs the first two bags she can find. 

“It’s been raining all week,” the older lady says. She takes a pair of backpacks to a nearby closet. 

“Has it?” asks Mikasa. 

There is an irked, gravelly tone to Kiyomi’s voice as she replies. “Unfortunately.” 

Mikasa lets out a hum, which is her way of laughing. “That’s a Vancouver Christmas for you.” 

Jean chuckles as he rubs his freezing hands together. Now free from the constraints of his parka, he kneels down to get to Mikasa’s level and looks at the pair of dogs. 

“Hey, I’ve heard a lot about you two,” he says, petting the head of the cheery samoyed. “So… which one’s which again?”

Mikasa gestures to the husky lovingly licking her cheek. “This one’s Mochi…” She then points to the white fluff ball. “...and this one’s Miso.” 

Jean can’t help but chuckle, a throaty one that makes the corners of his mouth turn up. 

Somehow, he’s getting the feeling that he’ll enjoy the holidays here. 

…

…

…

Dinner is a simple affair, though Kiyomi uses it as an excuse to break out a bottle of red from the cellar. Christmas may be a few days away, but her beloved niece returning home is a good reason to celebrate. She serves dishes that Mikasa has had throughout her childhood, only occasionally having to scold the dogs for putting their paws on the table. Evidently, Mochi absolutely drools in the presence of Kiyomi’s katsudon. 

And true to Mikasa’s words, Kiyomi is a fan of old-school Dion, as the singer’s Christmas album proceeds to play on the house stereo. 

Jean sits at the table and listens to aunt and niece catching up, taking note of the way Mikasa’s eyes light up as she speaks. Sometimes they’ll slip into Japanese in the middle of the conversation, only exchanging a few brief sentences before returning to English. It happens so smoothly that Jean can tell it’s just one of those habits the two share. 

And suddenly, he now knows how Mikasa feels when he switches into French with other francophones in front of her. 

A part of him is hesitant to chime in, as the flow of the conversation feels so fast. He’s also worried that he might spoil the joy of the reunion. 

So he spends the time petting Miso under the table while Mochi tries to steal some bites of okonomiyaki. At least the samoyed has begun taking a liking to him. 

Mikasa recalls to her Aunt Kiyomi exactly how she and Jean met. The story involved a social gathering for McGill grad students, as well as alcohol and a karaoke machine. Sometimes Jean thinks about how different things would have been had Mikasa not spilled wine on his shirt at the start of the party — he would have probably spent the night drunk singing instead of watching her trying to fruitlessly clean his clothes in the bathroom. 

Considering how many of his colleagues at the School of Architecture were attending the party, Mikasa had most likely saved his reputation before he even had one to destroy. 

Mikasa is in the midst of explaining her thesis to Kiyomi, detailing how she made the choice to specialize in plant pathology. Recently, she’s been studying a virus that has only been affecting flowers that thrive in cold weather. 

Jean loves it when she gets like this, so wrapped up in explaining her work that she’s talking more than she usually does. Truth be told, he can’t comprehend enough botanical science to truly understand what she’s talking about, but the fact that she can talk about trees and flowers like an artist talks about the Sistine Chapel is enough for him. Seeing the way she lights up as she talks about what she’s dedicating her life to is all he’ll ever need. 

Plus, Mikasa always seems tuned in when he goes on and on about architecture mumbo jumbo, even the stuff that he knows for a fact will bore people to tears. (“No one cares about the history of the pillar,” Sasha’s voice echoes in his head.) The least he can do is be an attentive boyfriend. 

“It’s nice to know that all those years away from home have done you good,” Kiyomi says, pouring herself a little more wine. 

“It has,” Mikasa assures. She then looks down and sees Mochi resting his chin on her lap with a loving look in his eyes.“But I can never stay away for too long…” 

Kiyomi looks amused. “Have you ever considered getting a dog?” 

“We have,” Jean finally speaks up. It’s telling of him that the one topic he’s more comfortable chining in on is pets. “But it’d be a hassle while we’re both still in school.”

Nonetheless, Kiyomi looks interested and listens intently. 

“We did dogsit for our friend Historia once — she’s got a terrier mix, we watched it for about a week,” Jean continues, then lets out a chuckle. “The poor guy would weep every time we crated him for the night, wouldn’t sleep unless he was in the bed with us.” 

Mikasa lets out a polite hum, reliving the memories of the two stressed grad students trying to curb a terrier’s energy inside their apartment. At least the little one was calm once he was allowed to sleep in the realm of the humans. 

“And our bedroom still has some of Donut’s dog hair in it,” Mikasa adds. 

Kiyomi spends a moment politely laughing along.

“Oh, speaking of which,” the older lady starts, eyeing the man currently petting the samoyed under the table. “Jean, I prepared the guest bedroom for you.” 

It does not take long for both Jean and Mikasa to understand the implications. Jean is suddenly plunged into a mix of embarrassment and confusion, a sensation that makes him pick up the fidgety mannerisms of a twelve-year-old boy. 

“Ah… thank you?” is all he can muster. Awkwardly, he scratches the back of his neck. 

Meanwhile, Mikasa’s sweet smile disappears from her pretty face and in its place is a glare directed at the hostess. 

“Auntie, I was under the impression that my room would be available for us,” she asks in a tone that’s the slightest bit stilted, perhaps to cover up her clear agitation. 

“Oh, certainly, Dear, it’s available for you,” Kiyomi explains simply. The way she says ‘dear’ is both motherly and condescending. “I’ve cleaned it and everything.” 

Mikasa starts to look more and more frustrated with every passing second. “I meant for both of us.” 

“Not in my house.” Kiyomi then reaches for the bottle in the middle of the table like nothing is wrong. “More wine, anyone?” 

Then just like before, Mikasa and Kiyomi slip into a tongue that’s foreign to Jean's ears. This time, instead of speaking Japanese for a sentence or two, the two engage into what can respectfully be referred to as a “passive aggressive debate.” 

Jean hasn’t learned enough Japanese to discern exactly what the two are saying, but the subject matter is enough to bring a blush to his cheeks. He didn’t anticipate that the concept of he and Mikasa sharing a room — despite sharing so much more back in their apartment in Montreal — would be such a hot topic in the Azumabito household. Apparently, Kiyomi had put a lot of thought into making sure that her niece and her niece’s boyfriend didn’t get too close.

Mikasa’s tone is composed, focused, the one she uses when she has to babysit freshmen undergrads all day. Yet it is laced with just enough persistence to prove that she’s not backing down without a fight. On the other hand, Kiyomi remains placid as she explains her point, continuing to act like there’s nothing wrong with her silly little rule. 

Suddenly, Jean’s wondering why he passed up on his mother’s offer to spend the holidays with her in Montpellier. 

To quell the uncomfortable knot forming in his stomach, Jean begins petting another dog — Mochi this time — and reaches for the bottle of red. 

“Some wine sounds nice, actually.”

…

…

…

Once dinner and the debate is over, the two jet-lagged grad students decide to retire for the night. It’s only 9 o’clock but it feels so much later than that. 

The outcome of the conversation has caused Jean to unpack his luggage in the basement guest room, whereas Mikasa is forced to do the same on the top floor. 

The last time Mikasa had stayed in her childhood bedroom, she was taking a break before heading onto grad school. She can remember the months she spent preparing to move across the country for a second time — the tables she waited to earn extra cash, the lessons she spent with a tutor to get a better grasp on French. Montreal was going to be a whole new beast compared to Toronto — where she had completed her undergrad — and every reminder of that was a sign that she needed to prepare. 

That era of her life was roughly two years ago, yet Mikasa feels like it’s a millenia away. 

Despite Kiyomi’s rule regarding her niece and her niece’s significant other, at least the bedroom is clean and cozy. Although the pictures and art on the wall have been removed, the sheets are clean and the blankets are soft, more than enough to help Mikasa survive the night. 

So alone in her room, Mikasa lies on a bed and reads a book, her usual habit whenever she needs to fall asleep. With the sound of rain hitting the roof and the two dogs napping at the foot of her bed, she almost feels like she’s in high school again, preferring to spend hours in her room just snuggling with Mochi and Miso. 

As Mikasa turns the page, she hears a light knock. Mochi immediately lifts his head from the cushions and watches the door open. Jean peaks in with a playful, almost boyish look on his face, knowing well that what he’s doing is a little mischievous. 

He steps into the room calmly, having changed from his traveling clothes to something a lot more comfortable. He’s wearing a pair of pyjama pants that Mikasa bought for him on a whim, as well as a flannel shirt that he’s buttoned sparingly. His hair is damp from a shower, ashy brown locks draping messily over his face. The stubble on his jawline and chin looks a bit thicker, more like a short beard. 

Knowing Jean, Mikasa wonders if he’s trying to entice her, as he knows exactly what she thinks when she sees him looking so disheveled. 

“What are you reading?” he asks, stepping barefoot into her room. He sits on the edge of her bed and starts petting Miso, who predictably reacts with a doofy grin. 

Mikasa looks away from her book. “One of Sasha’s romance novels — she lent it to me.”

Jean catches sight of the muscular man on the cover and raises an eyebrow. “Sasha reads romance?” 

“When she can,” Mikasa answers. “Vet school’s been taking up a lot of her time.” 

There is a beat — Mikasa continues reading and Jean continues petting the dog on the bed. He then notices something that brings a smile to his face. 

“You’re wearing my shirt.” 

Mikasa is nonplussed as she turns a page. “I know.”

Nowadays, Jean’s green button-front shirt finds itself in Mikasa’s care more often than his. He doesn’t seem to mind though. 

Mikasa changes the subject with ease. She looks up and affixes her gaze to his. “How’s the guest room? Cozy?”

“It is.” He nods his head, then his voice goes warm. “Not as cozy as this though.” 

Mikasa is quick to close her book and give him a knowing look. “Don’t get any ideas. I wouldn’t want Kiyomi to toss you onto the street.” 

Jean puts his hands up in mock defeat. “Trust me, I wouldn’t want that either.” 

Putting her novel away, she straightens her back and sits up. “I’m sorry you had to see the argument.” 

“It’s fine,” Jean shrugs. At least he’s good at taking things in stride. “What’s the holidays without some family bickering, huh?”

Mikasa lets out a sigh and looks down. “Unfortunately.” 

In hindsight, attempting to argue with Kiyomi in Japanese was somewhat pointless, as Jean most likely knew that they were talking about thanks to their mannerisms. Some things in the world are just made to transcend language barriers.

“But hey, I don’t wanna rock the boat.” He’s trying to keep a positive undertone to his voice. “I just wanted to say goodnight.” 

He moves on the bed a bit to sit next to her, gently cupping her face with his hand and pressing a kiss to her forehead. Mikasa closes her eyes and lets the gesture send a warm sensation throughout her entire body. The unease she had dealt with at dinner starts to fade away. 

With his palms still touching her cheeks, Jean presses a kiss to her lips. It’s gentle, sweet, and makes her want him to stay.

She puts her hands on his as they remain on her face, gently deepening their kiss as her forehead brushes against his. He’s warm, so warm.

Mikasa’s hands trail down to Jean’s shoulders, then to his chest — her thumbs start hooking into the hems of his shirt. 

But before anything more can happen, Jean pulls away. She can see the flustered look on his face as his breathing goes unsteady.

“I should go,” he insists, quickly buttoning up his shirt. 

Sensing the urgency Mikasa nods along. She then remembers that Kiyomi is still awake and currently relaxing one floor beneath them. 

Also, if they are to engage in any intimacy during the stay, she would rather do it without the dogs in the room.

Jean takes her hand and kisses it, a last gesture before he leaves. 

“See you in the morning, mon amour.” 

And when everything said is done, he leaves. Standing from the bed, he gives the dogs some last pets before walking out of the bedroom. He makes sure to give Mikasa one last assuring look before he is truly gone. 

Once the door is closed, Mikasa takes in a breath and rubs her face. Her palms are sweating. When she opens her eyes she is greeted to the sight of Mochi and Miso staring at her with their unblinking gazes. 

Her first instinct is to glare back. “Don’t judge me, I’ve seen you two dig up a hornet’s nest.” 

…

…

…

It’s 5AM when Mikasa wakes. The room is warm and so is the bed, yet when she reaches to the other side to only feel nothing it might as well be cold as ice. 

After opening her eyes, she spends a few moments staring at the ceiling and thinking about how tired she is. She may be on vacation, but parts of her are still in grad student mode. Her body has yet to comprehend that she’s not going to spend the day TAing or going over research notes.  

When Mikasa gets up, she notices that the dogs are no longer sleeping at the foot of her bed. With the bedroom door ajar, she surmises that Mochi and Miso have transitioned to sleeping in Kiyomi’s bed, as per usual. 

Being jet-lagged, Mikasa feels awake, but the kind of awake where one can either function for the day or go for a few more hours of slumber. She contemplates going for an early morning run to ease her nerves, then looks to the window to find that last night’s downpour has intensified. 

Vancouver is always rainy, but the kind of rain that makes it impossible to go outside feels truly constricting. 

Then an idea pops into Mikasa’s head, one attached to consequences but possible enough to pull off. She has to be careful though, so as quietly as she can she slips out of bed and steps onto the floor. 

The carpets dampen the noise of her footfalls as she makes her way through the hallway. When she sees Kiyomi’s bedroom door slightly ajar, she takes in the sight of her Auntie sleeping in between the world’s fluffiest dogs. Smartly, she makes sure to close the door. 

Mikasa descends the stairs to the first floor, moving past the furniture and framed photographs before approaching the basement entrance. The lower portion of the house is as cozy as the rest and when she arrives at the bedroom at the end of the hall she slips in without any hesitation. She makes sure to lock the door behind her. 

The guest room is warm, Jean’s belongings are scattered about. On a nearby chair is the shirt he had been wearing in her room and on the desk is one of his sketchbooks — he’s quite fond of traveling with at least one. The open page is filled with doodles of Mochi and Miso.

Jean is fast asleep on the bed, bare-chested and breathing gently. His eyes are closed and his hair is strewn in every direction. 

Mikasa doesn’t waste any more time. She slips under the sheets, her body easily finding his, and begins peppering kisses against his shoulder. 

With the sweetest touch, she trails her lips up his neck and onto his jaw. His stubble is soft and tickles her face. He lets out a hum, as he’s used to being woken up like this. His eyes are still closed as he shifts slightly, letting Mikasa easily pry herself under his arm. Soon she rests her head on his chest, where she always likes to be. He’s warm, warmer than her room upstairs. 

With all his strength, Jean manages to open his eyes just enough to see his girlfriend snuggling against him. The room is dark, but she can still see the sleepy smile on his beautiful face. 

“Couldn’t stay away?” 

“Not a bit.” 

Mikasa relaxes into him, letting his heartbeat become a gentle lullaby. In the sheets his hand finds hers and holds it tight, one of her legs hooking around his. She is content to drift off to sleep just like this.  

She’ll deal with the consequences later. 

[connectimmo321]

Ce que vous devez savoir au sujet des inspections avant l’achat

Lorsqu’il s’agit d’acheter un bien immobilier, les inspections avant achat ont toujours été nécessaires. Les acheteurs choisissent de plus en plus souvent de ne pas se soumettre à cet examen. L’acheteur, qui est souvent piégé, n’a guère d’autre choix que d’accéder à cette demande. S’il ne le fait pas, l’enchérisseur suivant acceptera volontiers. En raison des prix élevés de l’immobilier, cela peut également mettre l’acheteur dans une situation délicate.

Voici pourquoi vous devriez faire effectuer une inspection préachat et ce que vous devriez connaître à ce sujet.

En quoi consiste une inspection avant achat ?

Un spécialiste du bâtiment compétent effectuera un examen préalable à l’achat pour déterminer l’état d’une propriété et les problèmes éventuels. Bien que cet examen ne soit pas essentiel pour obtenir un prêt hypothécaire, il peut s’avérer très utile pour déterminer s’il convient ou non de poursuivre l’opération.

Bien qu’aucune propriété ne soit irréprochable, il est essentiel de comprendre son état afin d’éviter les mauvaises surprises. Si vous savez, par exemple, que le toit devra être remplacé, vous pouvez le prévoir dans votre budget, réviser la valeur ou décider de ne pas acheter la propriété.

Cette inspection peut également vous permettre de déterminer si la propriété nécessitera des réparations supplémentaires. Les fissures dans les fondations peuvent être un problème facile à résoudre. Elles peuvent toutefois suggérer la nécessité de travaux de fondation importants.

Un inspecteur de maison vous fournit les informations sur l’état de la maison dont vous avez besoin pour savoir à quoi vous attendre, tout comme le fait un courtier immobilier.

Est-ce que tout est trouvé lors de l’inspection ?

Non. Un inspecteur en bâtiment, même s’il est un professionnel, ne peut pas toujours remarquer tous les détails. Un défaut caché est un problème qui n’est pas apparent au départ et qui ne devient visible que plus tard. Si vous découvrez un défaut caché après avoir acheté la propriété, une garantie légale peut vous aider à corriger la situation ou à obtenir un remboursement.

De même, si vous travaillez avec un inspecteur membre d’une société reconnue et disposant d’une assurance responsabilité civile, vous pourrez le poursuivre en justice s’il néglige un problème ou fait une erreur.

Qu’est-ce que l’inspecteur évalue ?

Une évaluation avant l’achat vérifie, entre autres, le toit, la plomberie, les plafonds, les fondations, les murs, l’électricité et le chauffage.

Les inspecteurs en bâtiment sont formés pour rechercher les signes de problèmes éventuels. Ils connaissent également les règles et peuvent voir des problèmes qui doivent être réglés.

Étant donné que le type de structure, le sol et l’environnement diffèrent d’un endroit à l’autre, vous devez choisir un inspecteur local qui connaît bien la région où se trouve la propriété. Il sera à l’affût des vulnérabilités qui sont fréquentes dans cette région.

Même si la propriété est relativement récente, il est crucial de la faire inspecter.

Quand recevrai-je ce rapport ?

Le délai habituel d’une inspection est normalement spécifié dans un contrat d’achat qui inclut une inspection parmi les conditions de la transaction. Dans la plupart des cas, l’inspecteur vous remettra ses conclusions dans un délai de deux jours.

Quel est le but de ce rapport ?

Si vous n’avez jamais vu de rapport d’inspection auparavant, vous pouvez vous sentir un peu dépassé. La plupart des maisons présentent quelques problèmes mineurs qui doivent être réglés, et les voir tous d’un seul coup avec des images peut être un peu troublant.

Heureusement, les inspecteurs immobiliers sont prudents lorsqu’ils décrivent la gravité de chaque problème et ils vous indiqueront ce qu’il faut faire. Vous serez en mesure de faire la distinction entre les réparations majeures et les petites réparations.

Vous avez plusieurs possibilités si l’inspection avant l’achat révèle la nécessité d’un entretien critique ou immédiat. Vous pouvez négocier une réduction du prix de la propriété en soulignant les réparations qui seront nécessaires. Vous pouvez même insister pour que certaines de ces réparations soient effectuées avant que vous ne preniez possession de la propriété. Enfin, si l’inspection était une condition de votre offre d’achat, vous pouvez tout simplement refuser d’acheter la propriété.

Si tout se passe comme prévu, vous aurez le manuel idéal pour vous aider dans l’entretien de votre nouvelle maison !