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...
How to Create a Fur-Friendly Home A living space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing requires some creativity, especially if you have four-legged family members in the home, but with some thought it can be done. Consider these tips: Pet proof your home. Keep electrical cords, medicines,...
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....
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that comparing mortgage rates will guarantee you get the best bang for your mortgage buck. While this may be true for particular situations, there are many scenarios where this strategy is not effective. Following are three...
Don't Forget to do Your Property Check-Up Before the End of Summer While the warm weather is here and before the summer ends, it is a good idea to walk your property and note any maintenance issues that need attention. Even garage doors that are starting...
Staying in Touch - August 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on “Understanding Debt-To-Income Ratios for Your Mortgage", “Important Questions to Ask when Selling your House“, “Home Evaluation – What is the Market Value of Your Home?” and “Updating Flooring to...
Understanding Debt-To-Income Ratios for Your Mortgage When applying for a mortgage, lenders consider various factors to assess your creditworthiness and determine your eligibility for a loan. One critical metric they evaluate is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which provides insight into your ability to manage monthly mortgage...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - July 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, August 7, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,241 units in July 2024. This was a 13.6% increase from July 2023. Read the full release...
Home Insurance: Steps You Should Take When Making an Offer 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...
Updating Flooring to Improve the Value of Your Home Flooring is one of the most important features of your home. Main level hardwood and tile flooring has almost become the norm, especially when you look at newly built homes. If you plan to be in a...
Home Evaluation - 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...
If you’re thinking of selling your house or condo, you probably have a lot of questions that need answers. In fact, knowing the questions to ask when selling your house is key to selling successfully and for the best price. ...
Local Ottawa Area Conservation and Heritage Sites to Enjoy this Summer The Ottawa area has so many beautiful places to enjoy during the summer months. From hiking, and kayaking to picnicking and learning about the area’s history, there are many wonderful sites to explore. Here are...
Staying in Touch - July 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on “...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - June 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, July 4, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,439 units in June 2024. This was a marginal increase of 0.1% from June 2023. Read the...
Refinancing your mortgage involves replacing your existing home loan with a new one, typically to take advantage of lower interest rates, better loan terms, reduce monthly debt payments or to access the equity in your home....
Canada Day 2024 Activities in the Ottawa Area Looking for something to do on Canada Day this year? Ottawa has plenty of fun, family-friendly activities going on that you can explore all across the city. Click on the titles to be directed to the websites or...
What is a Heat Pump and What Does it Do? If you are exploring options to heat and cool your home or reduce your energy bills, you might want to consider a heat pump system. Heat pumps are a proven and reliable technology in Canada, capable...
Looking for ways to improve your backyard? 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?...
Selling & Buying a Home at the Same Time? With the changes in the Ottawa real estate market and the supply of homes on the market increasing, selling your present home and purchasing your next home at the same time is becoming more the norm....
Staying in Touch - June 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on “Purchase Plus Improvements“ Articles: “First Time Home Buyer? What You Should Know & How to Get Started“, “Landscaping Tips To Increase Your Property Value” and “7 Primary...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - May 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, June 6, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,545 units in May 2024. This was a decrease of 9.2% from May 2023. Read the full...
The Purchase Plus Improvement program allows the home buyer(s) to purchase a property and include the cost of the improvements in their mortgage financing. Improvements such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, hardwood floors, windows, painting, etc. all qualify. Generally anything that will improve the value of...
Unfortunately, air quality alerts are becoming a more common occurrence these days. Aside from that, there are many reasons why the air quality in your home may not be at its best. Maybe it’s a faulty furnace or an aged carpet to blame. Until you...
First Time Home Buyer? What You Should Know & How to Get Started Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but also a complex process that can be confusing. It is important to ask yourself a few questions: How is your financial situation? How secure...
Landscaping Tips To Increase Your Property Value Landscaping is one of the most important and easiest ways to increase your property’s value. Great curb appeal helps to create a great first impression. Think about when you have looked at houses for sale in Kanata, Stittsville and...
7 Primary Bedroom Staging Ideas As you most likely know, staging involves setting up the furniture, art and accessories of each room to help make your home look as appealing as possible to potential buyers. It’s similar to what furniture stores do when they create displays...
Staying in Touch - May 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on "Budget 2024: Everything You Need To Know“ Articles: “Considering Condo Living? What You Should Know“, “Fix it or Leave it As Is?”, “Let the Light Shine In:...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - April 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, May 6, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 1,456 units in April 2024. This was an increase of 8.9% from April 2023. Home sales were 2%...
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:...
Budget 2024: Everything You Need To Know In the government’s recently announced budget for 2024, they outlined several proposed tactics to tackle the urgent needs of building more homes, making life more affordable and ways to grow the economy. In this article we will dive into...
Let the Light Shine In: Home Lighting Recently, researchers discovered that the home lighting can have a much greater impact on your health and well-being than originally thought. Better lighting can boost your energy, increase alertness, and help you sleep better. So, it pays to ensure the...
Time to Plan Your Garden & Explore Local Ottawa Area Garden Centres & Nurseries As we move into May, now is the time to plan your garden & explore local Ottawa area garden centres & nurseries! Get some inspiration and get started on your own gardens!...
Fix it or Leave it As Is? We are often asked should I fix it or leave it as is? When you’re preparing your home for sale, you obviously want your property to look its best for potential purchasers. That means fixing things that are broken,...
Considering Condo Living? What You Should Know A condominium offers a lower maintenance lifestyle and often many amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, security, social activities and others, depending on the type of condo. Here are some important factors from the Ontario Condominium Authority's Buyers Guide...
Staying in Touch - April 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on "What are Appraisals and When Do You Need One?" Articles: "Thinking of Selling Your Home? Consider These Top 3 Improvements First", "How to Select a Real Estate...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - March 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, April 4, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board totaled 1,165 units in March 2024. This was an increase of 10% from March 2023.Home sales were 21.5%...
Refresh Your Home with These Spring Cleaning Tips Here are a few spring cleaning tips to help you freshen rooms, remove allergens, and brighten the look throughout your home this Spring. Clean Your Doormats Trap more dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside....
Selling your home is one of the biggest transactions you may make. Selecting the right real estate agent to help you through the selling process smoothly and ensuring you get the best price is paramount...
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...
Staying in Touch - March 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on “Protecting Your Home: Understanding Mortgage Life & Disability Insurance“. Articles: “Tips When Viewing a Home“, “Gifts and Loans for a Down payment on Homes” and “Things to...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - February 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, March 6, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board totaled 886 units in February 2024. This was an increase of 15.2% from February 2023. Home sales were...
When planning for your mortgage, an aspect that often gets overlooked: Unforeseen circumstances can leave families vulnerable to financial strain....
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. ...
Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) Declaration Period Open A reminder the declaration period for the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) pertaining to the 2023 occupancy year has officially commenced. You can now submit your annual occupancy status declaration through the designated form. To complete your declaration, simply visit...
Gifts & Loans for Down Payment on Homes When buying a home, it can be difficult to come up with the funds for the down payment. NerdWallet Canada’s 2024 Canadian Home Buyer Report, found that "Home buyers are getting help where they can. Referring to their...
Tips When Viewing a Home We are often asked, when looking at homes for sale, what should I look for? Here are some tips when viewing a home, whether it be a condo, townhome, single home or property with land. Whether you're looking for your first...
Ottawa Real Estate Market - January 2024 Statistics OTTAWA, February 6, 2024 - The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board totaled 629 units in January 2024. This was an increase of 16.5% from January 2023. Home sales were 10.7% below...
Staying in Touch - February 2024 - Learn more about: the Ottawa real estate market, events, mortgage information on Why Should I Open a First Home Savings Account (FHSA)?, Articles: “Why Should You Downsize? And Steps to Take“, “2024 Colour Trends” and “How...
Why Should I Open a First Home Savings Account (FHSA)? What is a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), what are its benefits and how does it compare to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). These are common questions of...
New Home Construction - What You Need to Know If you are someone who prefers to buy new, loves to customize your home or perhaps appreciates being an original owner then new home construction and buying from a builder may be for you. There are advantages...
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!...
How do I Select a Building Inspector As the Ottawa real estate market changes, purchasers have more time to view properties and potentially go back for a second showing on properties that they are interested in. In addition, conditions in an offer that include a building...
2024 Colour Trends We tend to spend a lot of time indoors during the winter months and looking at the same walls over and over again can seem stagnant and stale, so why not add a splash of new colour to your walls to freshen things...
Why Should You Downsize? And Steps to Take Downsizing is about simplifying and changing your living arrangements to better fit your current and future needs. A larger home requires a lot of maintenance and may become a physical and financial burden. Physical changes may cause safety...
