Ontario’s Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) marks a significant departure from the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA), which previously governed the industry. This change is a positive shift in the regulatory framework that governs the conduct of real estate agents and brokerages; it enhances transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in the real estate market. We spoke with Angie White, Broker Manager at Paul Rushforth Real Estate, to better understand the most recent changes. She’s spent the last several months studying TRESA and providing extensive training t ..read more

Here are the July 2023 numbers: Total number of units sold: 1,263 – up 15% from 1,102 in July 2022. Five-year average unit sales for July: 1,621. “Both transactions and average prices are up from last July, indicating consumers remain confident in the market notwithstanding the two recent quarter-percent interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada. We’re only a month into the third quarter, but based on July’s positive indicators, we are likely to see solid year-over-year results in the second half,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker. Here are the specifics for each proper ..read more

Location, location, location. This timeless real estate mantra still holds true for Ottawa home buyers. However, when it comes to buying real estate, finding a home that meets all your needs is also essential. The right neighbourhood can make a world of difference in your daily life, from amenities and schools to commute times and community atmosphere.  You can count on the experienced real estate agents at Paul Rushforth to help you find the best of both worlds. Our agents have the expertise and local knowledge to guide you toward Ottawa neighbourhoods that align with your preferences ..read more

Several communities in Ottawa are rapidly emerging as up-and-coming neighbourhoods, promising an exciting real estate forecast for those seeking a fresh start. We’ve gathered a short list of areas in 2023 to keep your eye on! First, be sure to explore the outskirts, where we’ve seen a remarkable transformation over the past few years. Gone are the days when the likes of Arnprior and Carleton Place were patches of undeveloped land. Today, they’ve evolved into self-contained mini-cities with impressive amenities. And we’ve got some exciting news for those who have felt the dream of owning a home ..read more

Introducing Condos de la Sapinère and Clément Cove Townhomes When builder Charles Clément approached us, we knew something exceptional was on the horizon. His company, CH Clément Construction, specializes in crafting stunning condos and townhomes, and his latest projects in Rockland and Embrun are nothing short of remarkable.  The projects we’re referring to are the luxury Clément Cove townhomes at the renowned Rockland Golf Course and the picturesque Condos de la Sapinère in Embrun, which back onto the St-Moritz Trail and Castor River. And to say we are impressed with these properties is ..read more

If you know you’re selling your older home in the near future, you may be wondering if you need to renovate first as part of your selling strategy. And if so, how much you should spend? You may have heard that “great kitchens sell homes”, “curb appeal is essential”, or about the popularity of spa bathrooms. While these things are generally true, whether or not you get your investment back on a remodeling project when you sell will depend on a lot of circumstances. There are renovations that pay, and those that will add some value, and those to avoid like the plague. The key lies in the differ ..read more

Have you been thinking lately that a residential rental property could be a good boost to your investment portfolio? This can be a very lucrative opportunity, but a first-time investor might miss some land mines that could obliterate your returns. Here are some important things to consider when shopping for an Ottawa investment property. 1. Do Your Homework Start your search by speaking with a financial advisor because there are many hidden costs of buying a home. A financial advisor will be able to go over the types of investments available to you based on your budget and lifestyle. For exam ..read more

There are plenty of hidden costs when buying a home in Ottawa. If you’re saving for a home but are only thinking in terms of the down payment and monthly mortgage fee, we have some crucial information that will save you from making the same mistake Anne did. Let me tell you a story about a woman who moved from Scotland when houses were only $12,000. Mind you, that was 54 years ago, so prices have shifted since. But what hasn’t – the shock of closing costs if you aren’t prepared. Anne saved with her new husband while they temporarily rented an apartment, waiting to purchase for their growing f ..read more

What can we expect for Ottawa real estate in 2023? Due to all the rumours flying around right now, that truly is the million-dollar question.  The fact is, it’s a whole new year and a whole new market with all new rules. For expert advice, we sat down with Paul Rushforth and learned what buying and selling property in Ottawa will really be like in 2023. So sit back, relax, and let’s talk real estate! 1. What big surprises were you shocked to see in 2022 regarding real estate? 2022 was one of the weirdest years I have seen in real estate, and I’ve been in the business for about 19 years n ..read more

Your home is your biggest asset, so naturally you’ll want to get a good price for it when it comes time to put it up for sale. But you might be thinking that a great way to do that is to forego paying the real estate agent fees. After all, you’ll save money and make more profit this way, and hey, you’re pretty good at negotiating too. In short, you may be thinking of selling the home yourself — known in realtor circles as FSBO (for sale by owner). While this can work out for some people, for most it really doesn’t. The main problem is that most people don’t know how the selling process works ..read more