Choosing between a fixed or variable-rate mortgage Fixed Or Variable-rate mortgage? High Stakes For Homeowners Choosing between a fixed or variable-rate mortgage has become a high-stakes decision. While variable-rate mortgages lost favor due to Bank of Canada interest rate hikes, fixed-rate mortgages have also risen from pandemic lows. Some borrowers still opt for variable...
With changes in the Ottawa real estate market, many buyers, especially first-time buyers, have had a harder time trying to get into the market place. However, with recent supply increases and settling of the market, now is a good time to review several buying strategies,...
This time of the year there are so many wonderful Christmas craft fairs to visit and enjoy the many talents of the locals. What a fabulous way to check off some people from your shopping list and support local artisans in the meantime! Read...
Selling & Buying a Home at the Same Time? With the changes in the Ottawa real estate market to a more balanced market and the supply of homes on the market increasing, selling your present home and purchasing your next home at the same time...
Staying in Touch - November 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on fixed or variable rates, Articles: “Finishing Your Basement to Add Value“, “Role of a Real Estate Lawyer When Buying a Home”, “It’s not always about Price,...
It's not always about Price, when it comes to Offers on Homes As the market has shifted, when considering an offer or if you are able to secure two or more competing offers for your home, price will definitely play a role. However, price isn't the...
Role of a Real Estate Lawyer When Buying a Home Purchasing a home is an exciting time, it can also be a time of stress, as it is one of the biggest investments you will make. Just as it is important to ensure you have the...
Finishing your basement has become one of the most popular renovation projects to maximize both space and value in your home. Before you begin the process of finishing your basement there are some key factors to consider....
Is My Mortgage Portable? Planning to move and wondering if your mortgage is able to move with you? Fixed-rate products usually have a portability option. Lenders often use a “blended” system where your current mortgage rate stays the same on the mortgage amount ported over to the new...
Staying in Touch - October 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on mortgage portability, Articles: “Maximize Your Garage Space this Fall“, “Selling Your home in the Fall” and “Determining the Market Value of Your Home” & more!...
If you were to put your home up for sale tomorrow, how would you determine the market value and what it would likely sell for? and how do you get the most dollars?...
“The early-bird gets the worm” is a popular expression. Indeed, there are many examples in life when being early, or even first in line, gives you an advantage. Real estate is one of them. When shopping for a new home, being among the first to...
If you’re selling your home this fall, here are some things to do as the weather starts to get cooler and we still have some time to check the outside of our homes before winter....
Garages offer excellent extra space for storage, especially during the fall and winter months. The fall is a great time to get things organized and ready for winter....
Happy Fall! Now is a great time to check out the fall harvest at one of the local Ottawa & Area Farmers' Markets....
With the fall-like weather approaching, it is an excellent time to grab a sweater and go apple picking at one of the local Ottawa area orchards, here are some to explore!...
Staying in Touch - September 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events including local markets, festivals and fairs, mortgage information on maximizing your mortgage payments and owning your home sooner, Articles: "Checklist for Selling your Home this Fall”, “When Looking...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - August 2023 Statistics OTTAWA, September 8, 2023 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,196 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,130 in August 2022, an increase of 6%. August’s...
Planning a home renovation is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re considering investing in your dream kitchen, adding an addition to accommodate your growing family, or upgrading your outdoor space, there are many factors to consider before breaking ground on your project. Most importantly, you’ll need...
Autumn is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a gorgeous spring garden as well as ensure your home is prepared for the winter months. When dealing with fallen leaves there are a few eco-friendly options to consider....
If you’re thinking of selling your home this fall, this is the ideal time to start the process. The earlier you get ready, the more successful your sale will be. It will likely go a lot smoother, too. So, with those benefits in mind, here...
It's hard to believe that summer is coming to a close, and fall is almost upon us! With Fall comes the many local fairs to enjoy. Here is a list of the fairs taking place in the Ottawa area in September....
When looking for a specific property and your next home, there are many factors to consider, i.e. location, style of home, and more: Proximity to specific schools - are specific schools or school programs important to you. Close to work - if your schedule is...
Planning to buy a home and wondering how to ensure your credit score remains in good standing? Read our blog with 5 tips from Reni McNeil of Mortgage Brokers....
We all have our own personal tastes, whether it be for a new or older home. Learn the benefits of buying a home in a mature neighbourhood or in a new community....
Staying in Touch - August 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events including pop-up cinemas, local markets and festivals/fairs, mortgage information on how to ensure your credit score enables you to qualify for the best possible rate, Articles: “Thinking of...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - July 2023 Statistics OTTAWA, August 3, 2023 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,263 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,102 in July 2022, an increase of 15%. July’s sales...
You may be excited about selling, but do your other family members share your enthusiasm? Kids can often be hesitant about, or even resistant to moving. That can make the selling process more stressful. The good news is, there are ways to get everyone in...
If you are thinking about purchasing a property, it is important to know all the options available to you. There are several different mortgage options as well as government programs and grants available to explore....
Are you considering purchasing a rural property? Getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life certainly has it's appeal! When buying a rural property there are considerations to keep in mind that are different then when buying a property in the city. ...
Why do people decide to move? Unless it’s a requirement, such as a job relocation, the research tells us that you, like many homeowners, may decide to sell at some point. Here are the top 4 reasons:...
Gathering the Records you Need when Selling Your Home Gathering the records you need when selling your home is important to be able to answer questions the buyer may have. Imagine you’re viewing a home for sale. You venture to the basement, check out the furnace room,...
Staying in Touch - July 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, mortgages, events including Ottawa Bluesfest, Urban Art Markets and Hope Volleyball Sumerfest, mortgage information on Types of Lenders, Articles: “Is it time to change your lifestyle? Learn about rightsizing”,...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - June 2023 Statistics OTTAWA, July 5, 2023 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,658 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,493 in June 2022, an increase of 11%. June’s...
An executor’s job is to act on behalf of your estate after your death. They take care of probate, pay your final taxes, and distribute your assets to your beneficiaries. they will administer your estate according to your last will and testament as per your final...
When people ask themselves, is it time to downsize? It is important to know that downsizing is not downgrading. It is about simplifying and changing your lifestyle to one that better fits you and your family. Think of it as rightsizing! When looking at rightsizing,...
When making any home improvements or investing in renovations to your property, you want to ask yourself two important questions: Will I enjoy this upgrade while I live here? Will this project add value to my home?...
When you are planning to buy a home in Ottawa and surrounding areas, it is important to budget for the costs associated with your home purchase. There are costs at the time of purchase and costs at time of closing. There are also different costs to plan for when...
Staying in Touch - June 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, mortgages, events including Father's Day activities, information on The First Time Home Buyers Savings Account (FHSA), Articles: "Savvy Negotiation Helps Win the Deal", “Questions to Ask when Selling your...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - May 2023 Statistics OTTAWA, June 5, 2023 - The Ottawa Real Estate Board reports 1,939 residential and condominium properties sold in May 2023 compared to 1,830 in May 2022, representing approximately a 6% increase in units sold. Year to date (as...
Purchasing a home is not the same as buying a product off the shelf. You don’t simply pay the price on the tag and know it’s yours. You can’t just see a home for sale and say, “I’ll take it!”, especially if the market is...
If you’re thinking of selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions that need answers. In fact, asking the right questions is key to selling your home successfully and for the best price. ...
With the summer drawing nearer and the weather getting nicer, it is a great time to get out and check out the fresh farmers produce at one of the local Farmers Markets. Here are some of the local markets:...
In-ground or above-ground pool? Here are the top considerations On those long, hot days of summer, there is no better way to cool down and relax than by taking a dip in a refreshing pool. And when it’s your own private oasis, even better still! In-ground...
Explore Local Ottawa Area Gardens, Garden Centres & Nurseries Looks like it's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend! Great opportunity to spend some time with Mom exploring some of the local Ottawa area gardens and nurseries, get some inspiration and get started on your own...
Staying in Touch - May 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, mortgages, events, what you need to know about Canada’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA), Canada’s real estate market: Buyers are back, but where is the inventory? and Improve Curb Appeal Instantly...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - April 2023 Statistics OTTAWA, May 3, 2023 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,488 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,876 in April 2022, a decrease of 21%. April’s...
As you may know, curb appeal refers to how your property looks from the street, where potential buyers first see it. Your home’s curb appeal can have a big impact on the sale of your property. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a buyer to drive...
The spring market is off to a healthy start. Buyer activity picked up earlier than was anticipated in the first quarter of 2023, pushing home prices up over the final quarter of last year. As a result, home prices in Canada are expected to continue...
When it comes to putting money away to buy their first home, the federal government’s ‘tax-free in, tax-free out’ First Home Savings Account aims to give Canadians a helping hand. Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA)....
Staying in Touch - April 2023 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, mortgages, events, Spring Cleaning: Tips to Refresh Your Home, Detail is Important in Everything We Do in Real Estate, and Reacting to Offers & more!...
Easter weekend is a great time to spend quality time with your family and friends and enjoy early spring together. Here is a list of some 2023 easter activities in the Ottawa area....
Ottawa Real Estate Market - March 2023 Statistics OTTAWA, April 4, 2023 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,194 residential properties in March through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 2,003 in March 2022, a decrease of 40%. March’s...
Reacting to Offers in Real Estate. Plan Ahead so You Can React Quickly to Offers Once you have attracted potential buyers into your home with curb appeal, and impressed them with cleanliness and absence of clutter, the next step in obtaining the best possible price for your...
Detail is Important in Everything We Do in Real Estate. We often forget how little things mean a lot and certainly in real estate we must organize ourselves when buying and selling a home. Making a list to follow saves time!...
