08 Oct 4 Ways to Make the Home Hunting Process Easier
Shopping for a new home can be intimidating. With so many things to do & think about, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some tips for making it easier!...
08 Oct Repurpose Natural Elements in Your Fall Home Décor
If you’re the type of homeowner who likes to refresh their space with the seasons, keeping up with the latest design trends can become quite costly. Luckily, when it comes to transitioning your space from summer to fall there’s no need to step foot inside...
07 Oct Fire Safety Tips in the Home
In the fall it’s a great time to check your smoke & carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Plus there are easy steps to take to increase fire safety in your home. Read on to learn more!...
07 Oct Harvest Time – Local Ottawa & Area Farmers’ Markets
Happy Fall! Now is a great time to check out the fall harvest at one of the local Ottawa & Area Farmers' Markets....
07 Oct Ottawa Market Update September 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - September 2025 Statistics Ottawa, October 3rd, 2025 - Ottawa’s housing market in September demonstrated a continuation of late-summer seasonal trends, with sales activity easing slightly while inventory levels continued to climb. A total of 1,089 homes sold in September, down from 1,236...
25 Sep Barb & Brad
Posted at 10:42h
in Testimonials
"Dear Joan, thanks so much to you and your team for the friendly and professional way that you handled the sale of our home. Our home was staged beautifully, and some of your lessons will no doubt help us as we set up our new home....
15 Sep September 2025 Newsletter – Staying in Touch
Posted at 16:30h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
September '25 Newsletter - Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Articles on: Downpayments on Homes, Selling Your Home This Fall & How to Get Ready, Thinking of Relocating in Ottawa? Tips & Insights, How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger & Fairs & events...
10 Sep How to make a small room look bigger?
How to make a small room look bigger? How to make a small room look bigger? As September moves along and we start to spend more time indoors, now is a good time to think about refreshing a room or two. If you are looking...
10 Sep Thinking of Relocating in Ottawa? Tips & Insights
Thinking of Relocating in Ottawa? Tips & Insights If you’re thinking of relocating in greater Ottawa, one of the hardest parts is figuring out where to live, especially if you're not familar with the area yet. Ottawa is full of many beautiful neighbourhoods which have wonderful...
09 Sep Selling Your Home This Fall & How to Get Ready
Selling Your Home This Fall & How to Get Ready If you’re selling your home this Fall in Ottawa, how do you get started? Here are some things to do as the weather starts to get cooler and we still have some time to check the...
09 Sep Ottawa Market Update August 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - August 2025 Statistics Ottawa, September 7th, 2025 - Ottawa’s housing market in August 2025 offered buyers greater choice amid subtle signs of shifting dynamics. Last month, demand remained healthy, while supply continued to increase.* Read the full release from the Ottawa Real Estate...
01 Sep Fall 2025 Fairs to Enjoy in Greater Ottawa!
It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to a close, and fall is almost upon us! Here is a list of the fall 2024 fairs to enjoy taking place this fall around the greater Ottawa Valley....
26 Aug August 2025 Newsletter – Staying in Touch
Posted at 16:58h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
August '25 Newsletter - Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Mortgage Myths, Steps to an Inspiring home office, Home market value, Local events, parks & more!...
26 Aug Paul & Nicky
Posted at 16:33h
in Testimonials
"The Joan Smith Real Estate Family is a seasoned team of professionals whose experience guided us in all aspects of staging & preparing our house for sale. The result was quick sale of our property. Thank you Joan, Victoria & Luc for all your help....
16 Aug How to Determine the Market Value of Your Home?
How to Determine the Market Value of Your Home? If you were to put your home up for sale tomorrow, how would you determine the market value of your home and what it would likely sell for? How do you get the most dollars? Establishing the...
11 Aug Four Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Current Home
Just like trading in a compact car for something roomier, the same thing happens with homes. How can you tell if you have outgrown your property? Read on....
10 Aug Ottawa Market Update July 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - July 2025 Statistics Ottawa, August 7th, 2025 - Ottawa’s housing market continues to demonstrate steady demand, moderate price growth, and a healthy level of supply—even as other markets experience increased volatility.* Read the full release from the Ottawa Real Estate Board below. Whether you're...
10 Aug How to Make a Home Office to Inspire & Motivate?
As we move through August & plan for a new school year, making a study or home office space to inspire & motivate may be on your to do list. Here are some tips....
14 Jul July 2025 Newsletter – Staying in Touch
Posted at 12:58h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
July '25 Newsletter - Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Mortgage Steps for Downsizers, Should I Buy the Less Than Perfect Home, Local event & markets & more!...
11 Jul How to Defend Against Garden Pests Naturally?
Sometimes, uninvited guests show up in your garden, leaving your plants fighting to survive. For some chemical-free ways of fighting off these pests, let’s dig in....
10 Jul Looking for Your Next Home: Should You Buy the “Less Than Perfect” Home?
When looking for your next home, everyone wants to find a property that has it all. It is easy to get fixated on finding the "perfect" home particularly if it is your first home or if you are looking for your "forever home". It easy...
09 Jul Ottawa Market Update June 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - June 2025 Statistics Ottawa, July 8th, 2025 - A total of 1,602 homes were sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) in June 2025. This marks an 11.34% decrease from the previous month, but a more modest...
07 Jul Tips for Fresh-ening Up Your Home
With a few strategies & regular habits, you can banish unpleasant odours & keep your living space feeling fresh. Here are some tips to freshen up your home....
18 Jun Janice & Gary
Posted at 15:31h
in Testimonials
"I just think Joan Smith is a lovely, charming & funny lady. She and her team are no nonsense, get down to business to stage and price this place to sell! It wa a pleasure working with you Joan, Victoria and Luc." Janice & Gary...
13 Jun Staying in Touch – June 2025 Newsletter
Posted at 11:32h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
June '25 Newsletter - Update on the Ottawa Real Estate Market, Mortgage Approval?, 5 Summer Projects for your home, Pollinator Plants, Moving Made Easier & Ottawa events+!...
09 Jun Ottawa Market Update May 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - May 2025 Statistics Ottawa, June 6th, 2025 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,807 units in May 2025. This represented a 33.1% increase from the previous month, but a...
08 Jun The Power of Pollinator Plants
Are you looking to pack some “pollinator power” into your garden? If you don’t already have them, try adding plants that attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies. Here are some tips to get started....
12 May Staying in Touch – May 2025 Newsletter
Posted at 18:09h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market & Mortgage Rates, Home Insurance: Steps When Buying a home, Pros & Cons: In-ground & Above-Ground Pool, What Records Do You Need When Selling Your home & local events & more!...
09 May Home Insurance: Steps to Take When Purchasing a Home
Home Insurance: Steps to Take When Purchasing a Home There are many details to consider when purchasing a home and oftentimes, one of the last items people look into is home insurance for the property. However, it is important to understand what will and will not...
09 May Ottawa Market Update April 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - April 2025 Statistics Ottawa, May 6th, 2025 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,306 units in April 2025. This represented an 18.4% increase from March 2025, but an 11.2% decline...
08 May What Records Do You Need when Selling Your Home?
What Records Do You Need when Selling Your Home? When selling your home, gathering the records, i.e. any warranties or permits, a survey, is important to be able to answer questions buyers may have. Imagine you’re viewing a home for sale. You venture to the basement, check...
11 Apr Staying in Touch – April 2025 Newsletter
Posted at 12:31h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Mortgage information to review if your thinking of making a change in the next 6 months, Articles: Your Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist, Where to Start When Buying a Home in Today’s Market, How to Stop Scammers from Selling Your Home & Local events!...
09 Apr Buying, Selling or Refinancing your Mortgage in the next 6 months?
Improving the appearance of your home, both inside and out, can contribute greatly to the interest of potential buyers and to the successful sale of a property. Purchasers want to be able to visualize living in their new home. Here are the top 3 improvements...
08 Apr Ottawa Market Update March 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - March 2025 Statistics Ottawa, April 7th, 2025 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,103 units in March 2025. This represented a 6.2% decline from March 2024. Read the full release...
07 Apr Where to Start When Buying a Home in Today’s Market
Where to start when buying a home in the Ottawa Market? As we head into warmer Spring weather and the inventory of homes on the Ottawa market increasing and consecutive interest rate reductions, now is a good time to consider purchasing your next home. Review...
05 Apr How to Stop Scammers from Selling Your Home
Improving the appearance of your home, both inside and out, can contribute greatly to the interest of potential buyers and to the successful sale of a property. Purchasers want to be able to visualize living in their new home. Here are the top 3 improvements...
04 Apr Your Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring cleaning isn’t just for inside the house, take it outside and get some fresh air! Cleaning up the outside of your home and getting ready for Spring can get you motivated to spend more time outdoors, set some goals for outdoor projects and help...
15 Mar Staying in Touch – March 2025 Newsletter
Posted at 17:56h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Financing Tips for first-time buyers, upgraders & downsizers, 2025 Colours, Buying a New Build, Preventing Mould & Local events!...
11 Mar Preparing your home for the spring thaw
The air is warmer, the days are getting longer, and after an exceptionally snowy winter, the grass is starting to reveal itself. Spring is upon us, which means all that snow is going to melt. Be sure to take these important steps to protect...
11 Mar Property Appraisals & What You Need to Know
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Property Appraisals & What You Need to Know When purchasing a property in Ottawa and the surrounding areas, one crucial step in the mortgage process is the appraisal. But what exactly is an appraisal, and why is it...
10 Mar Ottawa Market Update February 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - February 2025 Statistics Ottawa, March 10th, 2025 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 617 units in January 2025. This was a 4.2% decrease from January 2024. Read the full release...
10 Mar Selecting a Building Inspector
Selecting a Building Inspector In today's Ottawa real estate market we are seeing many purchasers include a condition for a home inspection in their offer. Generally purchasers also have more time to view properties and potentially go back for a second showing of properties that they...
08 Mar Top 3 Improvements to Make When Selling Your Home
Improving the appearance of your home, both inside and out, can contribute greatly to the interest of potential buyers and to the successful sale of a property. Purchasers want to be able to visualize living in their new home. Here are the top 3 improvements...
19 Feb Danielle & Paul
Posted at 10:24h
in Testimonials
"We entrusted the sale of our house to Joan Smith Real Estate Family. Joan's vast experience and significant knowledge of the Kanata Lakes area were factors in our choice of realtor to best represent out interests. A word about Joan's signature hat collection. Her hats...
12 Feb Staying in Touch – February 2025 Newsletter
Posted at 17:04h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Financing Tips for first-time buyers, upgraders & downsizers, 2025 Colours, Buying a New Build, Preventing Mould & Local events!...
09 Feb What is the Market Value of Your Home?
What is the Market Value of Your Home? As a seller, having your home evaluated by a qualified person with excellent market knowledge and experience in your neighborhood is key to determining the market value for your home. Establishing the right price for your home according...
08 Feb Ottawa Market Update January 2025 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - January 2025 Statistics Ottawa, February 7th, 2025 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 617 units in January 2025. This was a 4.2% decrease from January 2024. Read the full release...
07 Feb Closing Costs & Budgeting for Your Home Purchase in 2025
When you are planning to buy a new home in Ottawa and surrounding areas, it is important to budget for the costs associated with your purchase. There are costs at the time of purchase and costs at time of closing. There also different costs to...
06 Feb Local Winter Carnivals and Activities 2025
In addition to Winterlude, there are many local winter carnivals and activities in the greater Ottawa area to enjoy. From skiing to skating to enjoying local treats by the fire, there is something for everyone!...
01 Feb Start the Year Off Fresh – Declutter & Donate!
So you've gone through your home and carefully decluttered every room and space. Feels great! Now the question is: What do you do with all this stuff? Read on for a list of places to donate your used items....
14 Jan Anne & Peter
Posted at 14:36h
in Testimonials
"We have been extremely impressed by your team’s services in selling our house and with your help in dealing with any issues that arose. We highly recommend your services to any one selling their home." Anne & Peter...
13 Jan Staying in Touch – January 2025 Newsletter
Posted at 11:38h
in Blog, Buyer Tips, Home decor, Homeowner Tips, In the Community, Investment Properties, Market Update, Market Value, Mortgages, Moving Tips, New Build Construction, Newsletter, Ottawa neighbourhoods, Press, Renovations, Selling Tips
Update on Ottawa Real Estate Market, Financing Tips for first-time buyers, upgraders & downsizers, 2025 Colours, Buying a New Build, Preventing Mould & Local events!...
11 Jan Ottawa Market Update December 2024 – 50 Years of Change
Ottawa Real Estate Market - December 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, January 10th, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 613 units in December 2024. This was a 7.9% increase from December 2023. Read the full release...
11 Jan Financing Tips for First-Time Buyers, Upgraders & Downsizers
With Canada’s central bank making its a third cut to its overnight lending rate this year, and the potential for further rate cuts, now is a good time to review the steps to take when buying a home. If you are thinking of purchasing, you...
08 Jan Thinking of buying a New Build Home in 2025?
If you are thinking of buying a new build home or condo, there are many reasons to be represented by a realtor® who has specialized expertise and knowledge of Ottawa builders and the procedures in purchasing a new home....