I have watched your channel for a while and while I am not a home owner and probably never will be I have enjoyed some of the shows immensely. However, I can't help but feel that for an increasing number of Canadians, homeownership is an impossibility and for those on your real estate shows who are buying homes, I must say it is hard to watch. The degree of self-centered frivality and unfeeling pretence says to me that these people take their ability to be able to afford and actually choose a home largely for granted. They should be grateful that they have had the opportunities and the money to be able to afford these things when many of us cannot and probably never will.I do realize, of course, that many of them have earned their riches, but what about the rest of us who perhaps were not as lucky or able. I have been a single mother to 3 boys and for most of my adult lI have suffered from depression and have been behind the 8 ball financially. I am now able to work and have overcome many challenges but here in Victoria house prices are so incredibly out of reach for a lot of people. When many are thinking of retirement, I feel I'm just getting started. i'm sure you've heard many hardluck stories. What about a program showing the struggles at the bottom of the barrel?

Leslie, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. I am flattered that you would be so honest.  Something I try to do here on the blog with features such as Shoestring Makeover and Real People Reno is offer thrift design options and glimpses into how ordinary people approach their homes.  The team tries to incorporate tips that deal with apartment living, but perhaps we've not done a good enough job.  Maybe we can make it up to you?  Why don't you send us some photos of your space and I'll get one of our hosts to give you some great design suggestions?  Email us at stylesheetATblogDOTca, and we'll get the ball rolling!

Leslie, you are not alone. I was a single mom of 5 children for many years and like you I thought home ownership was out of my reach. But I kept dreaming and kept working and moved to an area where house prices were not as expensive and found a cute house that was rent to own. I may not be able to afford alot of the things I see advertised on here, but my home is still as charming as it can be. I found great finds at thrift shops and flea markets and sanded and painted and recovered them too look new. My home was always kid friendly and a place where my kids and their friends could hang out but also a place that my friends loved as well.

Maybe my home will never be featured in a magazine but thats ok because its mine and i love it. when you life puts you at the bottom of the barrell, paint the barrell a nice bright colour and cut out some windows in it and let the sunshine in.