Buying & Selling
What’s Wrong With My New House?!
So you buy a wonderful new home that maybe isn’t so new and anticipate all the good times you will have there. And then one day, water stops running out of your kitchen tap. Or you see water seeping in along the sides of your basement wall. Blame it on your home inspector? Perhaps. But… Read More >>
Government Help for First Time Buyers
Home Buyers’ Plan: If eligible, people can withdraw up to $25,000 tax free from the Registered Retired Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a qualifying home. To qualify as a first-time homebuyer you can not have owned a home as a principal residence for four years before the date of the withdrawal of funds. People using this plan… Read More >>
Invest in a Reno
Whether you are an experienced home renovator or just starting out, now is a great time to look for home-renovation projects. As winter looms over us, chances are that you’ll be able to find a quick closing date before the holidays. The winter months could be spent inside the house doing renovations to increase the… Read More >>
The Housing Market: Doom & Gloom or Silver Lining?
It seems not a day goes by without some article or news report to scare the daylights out of sellers and home owners. And while much of it doesn’t hold true for Ottawa anyway, it’s interesting that none of the reports are capitalizing on the opportunity this market poses for buyers. For years now buyers… Read More >>
Before & After
Everyone knows that a staged property generally improves the selling process. We read it and watch it in action on HGTV all the time. We recently had unit 313 at 202 Hinchey Avenue in Hintonburg staged and thought you might enjoy seeing the dramatic change. Special thanks to Emma Doucet of GR Design & Build… Read More >>
The Centretown Draw
Examples of its historical architectural styles can be seen from the more obvious Parliament buildings at the north end to the many brick row units and grand singles that sit in Centretown’s more more quiet corners. Many are notable for the transom windows above the interior doorways, high baseboards and ceilings, claw-foot bath tubs, fancy… Read More >>
The Overbrook Alternative
Everyone looking for a home in an urban Ottawa neighbourhood has the same places on their lists: Centretown, Sandy Hill, Beechwood, Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and west to Hintonburg, Wellington Village and Westboro. There are only so many walkable areas in this town! But have you thought about that friendly little strip of Vanier/Overbrook… Read More >>
New Mortgage Changes
An overview of the new mortgage changes. See the interview with Frank Napolitano, Managing Partner of Mortgage Brokers Ottawa. Courtesy of Sheri Creese, Mortgage Brokers Ottawa
Five renovations that pay off: Kitchens are the #1 reno investment
The kitchen is almost always the heart of the home, and the most important room for homebuyers. So it’s no surprise that kitchen renovations consistently provide the best return on your renovation investment: from 75% to 100% according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada. While kitchen renovations can also be extremely costly, there’s no need… Read More >>
Five renovations that pay off: Bathroom reno offers good return
Although it is certainly possible to over-invest in bathroom renovations, they are among the most reliable renovations in terms of boosting the overall value of your home. If your home has fewer bathrooms than others in the neighbourhood, then a bathroom addition should be a top priority. A smart bathroom reno should return 75% to… Read More >>
Five renovations that pay off: Painting is the #3 reno
Whether it’s inside or outside – and whether you’re staying or going – a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on the overall impression of your home. While it doesn’t have the power-tool appeal of knocking down walls, a simple coat of paint can be almost as impactful. In fact, the experts consistently agree… Read More >>
Five renovations that pay off: Basement reno is #4
Basement renovations are on the “most wanted” list of home improvements for many families as they look to expand quality living space in their homes. An unfinished basement is just an opportunity waiting to be exploited and a great way to increase the square footage of your home! Keep in mind that these can be… Read More >>
