If you are planning to travel this winter, consider turning off and unplugging electronics while you are away from home to save energy and reduce utility bills: Any appliance with a standby or “sleep” mode is never truly turned off. Desktop computers, printers, TVs, cable boxes, DVD players, alarm clocks, radios, and any appliance that is operated with a remote control – even some high-end washers and dryers have such features now! If an appliance has a glowing standby light or an instant-on feature, it is drawing power even when turned off. Plugging these items into a surge protector will
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Monthly Archives February 2018
Before You Downsize, Do Not…
Whether your are an empty-nester, a retiree, or recently single, downsizing may seem like an alluring and logical way to simplify your life and save on expenses. But for downsizing to really make sense over the long-term, you need to proceed with caution and avoid some pitfalls. Do Not Rush Be patient and take the time to do good research before you make a move. Make sure you have a full understanding of your finances and the potential impacts of a relocation. Moving is a major undertaking at any time of life, but downsizing in your later years can be
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Low Inventory Could Leave Some Buyers Out in the Cold
Members of the Ottawa Real Estate board sold 712 residential properties in January through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service System, compared with 664 in January 2017, an increase for 7.2 percent. The five-year average for January sales is 638. While January is typically the month we see the lowest number of listings come onto the market, the number for this month are very low. The five-year average for new listings in January is 1,396 for residential and 500 condominiums. January 2018’s listings were at 994 and 406 respectively. We saw this trend throughout 2017, and the result is our resale
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Millennials in the Market
MILLENNIALS: CHANGING MARKET EXPECTATIONS & TREND REALITIES When it comes to the future in real estate, all eyes fall to the millennials, who are just beginning to be seen on today’s markets. With the millennial generation however, we are seeing a shift in the previous real estate trends from purchasing a primary residence, to investing in vacation property. What is it about the millennial generation today that has us seeing such a change in the markets? The millennial generation is the first generation to be in our technology-based society as adults, and to have grown up with both eras. Alongside
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Is it time to invest in a second “nest”?
College students, and living options If you’re the parent of a college/university age student, and you haven’t considered it yet, perhaps now is the time you will. As spring is just around the corner, it’s time to think about what investments you can make, and an investment that shouldn’t be overlooked is buying a home. More specifically, buying a home for your college-aged student to live in during school. Should you purchase a home in your students’ university/college town for them to live in during their schooling? What are the benefits, and drawbacks of investing in a second home?
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Mortgage Before Marriage: Buying a Home with a Partner
A growing number of Canadian couples are choosing common-law partnerships over marriage. According to recent census data, nearly 20% of households in Canada now include a common-law couple, and studies by Canadian mortgage insurers indicate that a quarter of all couples with mortgages are now unmarried. While it is certainly not the same as marriage, purchasing a home with a romantic partner is a major commitment and should be considered with the same seriousness as a marriage proposal. Taking on shared debt such as a mortgage will tie you to your partner in a new way and could impact you
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Ottawa Real Estate Market Update : Low Inventory Continues Into 2018
The Ottawa Real Estate board’s recently released statistics show that home buyers are still actively searching for properties. Sales were up over 7% (year over year) in spite of the low inventory, which is a trend that is continuing from 2017. January 2018 listings 994 (RES) and 406 (CONDO) compared with the 5 year 1,396 for residential and 500 for condominiums. If the decrease in supply in both the residential and condo markets continues into the Spring, it may put an upward pressure on prices. If you are thinking of selling this is a great time to get your home on the market.
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Winterlude 2018
The Winter months in the Capital are arguably some of the most enjoyable for its residents and their families. Christmas has passed, yuletide memories have been made, and we’ve welcomed the New Year with wide opened arms. And with the anticipation of new beginnings in 2018, we take in a deep breath of fresh, brisk air and bundle up to embrace what this year has to offer; including the great outdoors. In fact, with the many winter-filled activities that our City and surrounding areas have to offer this Winterlude season, it’s nearly impossible to sit idle as the cold passes
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