Buying a Home
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 >>
Finding Your Neighbourhood
Deciding on the right neighbourhood is perhaps the most daunting decision any home buyer faces. And it is equally as important for first time buyers as it is the second, or even last time around. Why? Because your neighbourhood dictates not only where you will live, but how you will live. Take the time to… Read More >>
What is a Co-Op?
We have plenty of condominiums in Ottawa but only a handful of co-ops, so they raise many questions for buyers. Firstly, it is important to know that co-ops exist in large numbers in many cities across Canada and the United States, as well as in many other countries. In a co-op, the corporation owns the… Read More >>
Mortgages for Self-Employed Buyers
In general, for many years, most of the banks and lenders have had in place programs to approve clients that are “business for self” under what they call “stated income” guidelines. Typically banks and lenders use line 150 on the Notice of Assessment’s as proof of income for qualifying purposes on a mortgage. Essentially under… Read More >>
Getting to Know Your Community
Whether you have just settled into a new neighbourhood, are exploring the options for a move, or have your own reasons for getting more involved in your community, it can be difficult to know where best to turn first. Your neighbourhood community center is a great place to start. Enroll in one of the programs… Read More >>
Don’t Forget to Look At the Trees!
When buying a home, especially when you’re looking in established urban neighbourhoods, it’s really important to look at the property for more than just the house. Trees are beautiful in an urban landscape and in Ottawa we’re really lucky to have a great variety of majestic ones. When considering a property to purchase, take a… Read More >>
Finding the Right School
All schools are not created equal. But then again, neither are children! The key to making the right choices for your child’s education is to consider both the institution itself and the character of your child to make sure the two mesh. Attending the school information sessions is a great way to start, especially if… Read More >>
