OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BLOG
Canadian Home Prices Are Growing At One Of The Fastest Paces In The World
The Canadian real estate market continues to boom, according to this Financial Post offering. With a year-over-year increase of 8.2%, Canada ranked 4th of the 23 countries studied in Scotiabank's report Global Real Estate Trends, behind Ireland (13.3%), Sweden (10.5%) and Australia (8.3%). However, the report warns the trend could change if economic uncertainty and […]
The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage
Bob Vila is a renowned expert on home improvement. In his article about bathroom remodeling, Bob mentions eight tips that can help homeowners create a more efficient and functional basement for storage. The suggestions include taking advantage of vertical space by building up and not out, using open shelves for frequently-used items and built-in […]
Unchecked Emotions Can Cause Costly Property Mistakes
We are sometimes enthralled by the presentation of a property, but ignoring the things we cannot see or overlooking obvious problems and risks can lead to disastrous consequences. To the extent possible, put your emotions aside and make buying property a business decision based facts and data. Getting Too Attached To A Property […]
The Number of Real Estate Appraisers Is Falling. Here’s Why You Should Care
According to this realtor.com post, the number of real estate appraisers is dropping to the point where parties on both sides of real estate transactions could suffer. Since most residential mortgages need an appraisal before a sale closes, a shortage of appraisers will affect buyers, who rely on accurate valuations to structure their offer, […]
Boost Your Curb Appeal with 4 Doable DIY Projects
Most sellers realize that preparing the interior of their homes for viewing is essential. In this article, Bob Villa explains it is just as important to stage the exterior of your house as it is to prepare the inside rooms when you are selling. For example, a clean, well-maintained yard will signal that you […]
5 must-do’s for first-time home buyers
This homeownership.ca article by real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder gives the essentials for the novice buyer. Start by calculating what you can afford (general rule is 30% of gross income). Then, figure out what is important to you and search for properties with those features. Ask the seller about flooding, leaks, mould, insurance claims […]
How to Reduce Your Energy Bill with No Cost or Sacrifice
This excellent post from Adam Dachis on lifehacker.com tells how to lower your electricity bill easily, at no cost, by using your appliances more efficiently. For example, promoting optimal air flow will lower energy costs by reducing the demand on your cooling/heating system. Opening all vents in the house and replacing filters on a […]
Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them
Because the cost of electricity is expected to rise as a result of the federal Liberals' green energy policies, prudent investors should pay attention to the energy consumption of their rental properties. This Canadian Real Estate Magazine post advises landlords to find ways to become more energy efficient such as installing programmable thermostats and […]
Why Cleaning Window Screens Should Be Part of Your Winter Strategy
Should removing and cleaning the window screens be part of your winter maintenance routine? According to this houzz.com post, there are several benefits to be gained. Simply put, dirty mesh blocks light, heat and the view. For example, you get 30 to 40 percent more light coming in without screens on the windows. More […]
Buying Near Parks and Recreational Facilities
According to RealtorMag, twenty-three percent of recent buyers indicated that convenience to parks or recreational facilities influenced their choice of neighborhoods. Proximity to parks and recreational facilities was the most important to recent buyers aged 34 and younger, and to those aged 35 to 49. Here are some reasons to believe those numbers will […]
Green Renovations — Basements
Virtually all homeowners will find something of use in this detailed and practical fact sheet from Central Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC). If you're planning a basement renovation, it's a must read, filled with time, energy and money saving tips, features and advice on how to green any project, from extensive, expensive renos to […]
Emotional Homebuyers Can Lose Out On The Best Deals
When we really like a property, we can overlook or downplay its negative aspects. This homeownership.ca post advises us to approach purchasing a home as a business decision and to remove emotion from the decision. Before viewing any properties, contact a financial adviser to set your budget, a mortgage broker to get pre-approval for […]
6 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive
If you want to convert your home's look from average to exceptional, this Realtor.com post by Jamie Weibe tells you how. Remove mismatched decor items, store toys/magazines and organize your things to fix a cluttered appearance. Clean and re-grout tile to make it look new. Use traditional, neutral tones to freshen paint in areas […]
Underwriting insights! What Every Homebuyer Should Know Before Applying for a Mortgage
This homeownership.ca post tells why an understanding of underwriting is a key advantage for home buyers seeking a mortgage. Work with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your price range and can make an offer instantly. The pre-approval process determines the size of mortgage and type of home […]
Create a beautiful bathroom for the ages
As people age, reduced mobility, impaired balance, failing vision and muscle weakness make them more susceptible to injuries in their home, and bathrooms are no exception. This Consumer Reports article tells how the latest design trends are helping owners upgrade their bathrooms with changes that enhance safety while retaining their beauty and avoiding an […]