Whether or not a new city or neighbourhood is a good place to live is the primary question on the minds of anyone considering a big move. Since everyone is seeking a unique and different way of life, it’s always a good idea to do a deep dive into the community before browsing for listings. Today, we’ll shine a spotlight on Barrhaven, a quiet, family-friendly area in the City of Ottawa.   If you are seeking a thrilling nightlife or the busy hustle and bustle of the downtown core, Barrhaven may not be for you, however, anyone dreaming of beautiful green spaces and a safe community woul ..read more

Ottawa’s real estate market continues to thrive! The number of homes sold in February has experienced a significant increase for both residential and condominium class properties compared to this time last year. “Even with higher prices and the interest rate holding steady, Ottawa is a strong, active market,” says OREB President Curtis Fillier.” “With metrics across the board up from last year, it’s clear both buyers and sellers are making moves,” stats Fillier. “The metrics, however, don’t tell us about all the people relegated to the sidelines because affordability remains out of reach for ..read more

Selling a house can be a challenging and emotional endeavour no matter what your reason is for moving. In many ways, it can be even more difficult to go through the process when the home isn’t your own. As an adult, helping to list the home of your parents or other loved one means you need to understand a fast-changing market while handling the conversations and ultimately the transaction with care and compassion. How do you start? In this post, we’ll explore both the similarities and differences of between helping a parent or family member sell their home versus selling your own home.  W ..read more

Mortgages are typically a little more complex than other types of loans. Since they involve such high dollar amounts and long amortization times, mortgages get divided into smaller terms, usually five years. When the time is up, you’ll have some decisions to make. Signing on for another five years with your current lender may seem like the easiest option with the fewest headaches. However, shopping around and exploring your options may pay off substantially. In this post, we’ll shed some light on a few of the possibilities.  A Background in Mortgages Before we begin, it may be helpfu ..read more

Though we are still experiencing a relatively quiet market compared to pre-pandemic times, we’re seeing positive momentum in the market! ⁠ Compared to this time last year, January has experienced a significant surge in the number of properties sold. Additionally, average sale prices for residential and condominium properties alike have seen a slight uptick. ⁠ “Ottawa’s market activity is seeing positive gains over last year but it’s still a relatively quiet market even by pre-pandemic standards,” says OREB President Curtis Fillier. “While REALTORS® are telling us there’s lots of showing activi ..read more

Whether buying, selling, or investing, Ottawa real estate provides an excellent foundation for a lifetime of financial security. With a high number of government positions and innovation in technology, it’s one of the best places for someone seeking advancement or opportunity.  In addition, there are few cities that offer the combination of safety and security along with a vibrant arts and culture scene and fantastic entertainment and dining. There’s something for everyone here, from families and single professionals to empty nesters looking for a high quality of life in their retirement ..read more

When you’re not immersed in it day after day, Ottawa real estate is not likely something you find yourself thinking much about. If you’re not buying, selling, or investing, why would you want to focus on what is happening in the housing market? The truth is what happens in real estate can trickle down to other aspects of life, which becomes even more apparent when a change is on your radar. While it’s best to leave the intricate details to an experienced local real estate agent, having a handle on current conditions is always helpful before making your move. In this post, we’ll show you some o ..read more

Of all real estate transactions, downsizing is among the most unique. Unlike most first-time buyers, you have the advantage of equity behind you, which means you have more buying power and a multitude of options before you.  You also have real-world experience with buying and perhaps even selling a home. As they say, this is not your first rodeo! You likely have a vision for your lifestyle and the means to make it happen.  However, it may have been several years since you’ve made a move or thought about a change, and the real estate market may be different than you expected. Before b ..read more

As we enter the winter season, the Ottawa real estate market is gently slowing down. This comes as no surprise as we typically see a natural ebb during the colder months. On the flip side, the average sale price for both residential and condominium properties have seen a slight increase compared to this time last year. “Sales are performing as expected with the arrival of colder months, and an uptick in new and active listings is bringing more choice back into the market,” says OREB President Ken Dekker. “While more choice may mean the pace of buying and selling has slowed, that doesn’t mean ..read more

Up until the last few years, the traditional path regarding real estate for many couples and families followed a simple formula. The standard formula meant buying a house when you were young to raise a family. Many years later, you’d sell the home and downsize; maybe to a condo or small townhouse and capitalize on some of the equity generated from the sale of your larger family home while enjoying a care-free lifestyle. However, there are numerous options available to you in today’s market, and many people are finding joy and satisfaction along paths that are anything but traditional. For exam ..read more