Even a media outlet like The Wall Street Journal to keep up with market trends and other macro factors affecting real estate.

I know based on the Illinois Condo Act, HOA should cover the wall, insulation and electrical. 

(As an aside, I like the colorful phrase "death trap of taxes")

Less choices in the fall/winter, but then again, we're not worried about where to put the tv, or what color the carpet is :) 

Pick a color or pattern that hides things well.Knobs/pulls: look for something that can't catch on clothing.Paint: avoid bold, dark colors.

@Jaron Walling First off congrats on the marriage and your upcoming honeymoon!!

You can sand it , you can stain it , finishes in all colors .

Just had a debate with my team about mounting TV's on bedroom walls.

Since it's the ceiling, when your plaster man is finished with the repair you can bank on it it's going to need special primer to hide the water stain and a respray of the ceiling color.

I personally don't like being bound by the restrictions of an old home - discovering all sorts of surprises behind the walls.