Take the Market by Storm this Spring
Spring is often a livelier time of year on the real estate market, as people prepare to move during the warmer months. Since Ottawa is currently experiencing an unusually low inventory of homes for sale, buyers are eagerly awaiting more options to appear in the market this spring. This climate could put you at an […]
Power-Down When You Are Out of Town
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
The Health Effects of Urban Green Space
Those of us who live in the Ottawa region treasure our urban park lands and the woods and wilderness nearby that give us amazing opportunities for recreation and adventure. While we sense that our urban green spaces make us happy, there is mounting scientific evidence to support the idea that living among ample trees and […]
Neighbourhood Spotlight: Ryan Farm
Ryan Farm is one of the many desirable west end Ottawa neighbourhoods in which we frequently list homes for sale. Bounded by Woodroffe and Rowley Avenues on the west and east and by Lotta Avenue and Meadowlands Drive on the north and south, the neighbourhood has seen substantial growth and change in recent years. With […]
Setting Up A Home Exercise Space
Whether you are planning to start a new exercise regime this New Year or to break up your boring gym routine, having a space to exercise at home can be a lifesaver during long winter days. A dedicated home gym is a luxury few of us can afford, but with a few simple and affordable […]