Becoming a Home Maintenance Pro: Tips for Homeowner

Many homeowners don't think about home maintenance until something breaks, but that's not the best way to take care of your home. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been settled for years, it’s never too late to cultivate some home maintenance habits. Here are three tips to help you protect your investment and keep your property in good shape for years to come:

Create and Follow a Home Maintenance Schedule
A good place to start is by following a home maintenance schedule. Just as your car needs to have an oil change, your home and yard will need some regular maintenance. Home maintenance schedule apps such as HomeZada and Centriq are an easy way to get yourself on track.

You'll need to mow your lawn, clean your gutters and perhaps even top your trees from time to time. For pest control, you may need to spray or have ground treatment performed a few times a year, too. When it comes to appliances, make sure to send in any warranties and follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner’s manual. For older appliances, many documents can be found online.

Don't be afraid to do some research and speak with professionals about maintenance specific to your location.

Have All of Your Home Systems Checked Regularly
It's important to get your electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems checked annually to keep them in good shape. Some of these tasks can be done yourself; for instance, you might need to clean your air filters, remove debris from the vents and flush out your water heater.

For more technical inspections, check customer reviews on Yelp, Google, Facebook, and the BBB when searching for a new company. Always go with one that is experienced, licensed, bonded and insured.

Follow a Cleaning Schedule
Home maintenance often focuses on repair work, but keeping your home clean can be just as important. In addition to once a week tasks such as vacuuming and dusting the shelves, deep cleaning every month or so can save you big in the long run. Moving furniture around, pulling out the washer and dryer to clean behind them and clearing out the garage gives you a chance to inspect for pest problems, water damage and similar issues that can quickly escalate into expensive repairs.

Being a homeowner is very rewarding on many levels, but homeownership comes with a great deal of responsibility. As long as you put in some effort on a regular basis, you should have no problem keeping your home in good repair.

Article by: Dixie Somers

Another Stellar Year for Ottawa's Real Estate Market

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 663 residential properties in December through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 765 in December 2017, a decrease of 13.3 percent. December’s sales included 471 in the residential property class, a drop of 15.7 percent from a year ago, and 192 in the condominium property class, a decrease of 6.8 percent from December 2017. Year to date activity increased by 2.4 percent from 2017.

The total number of residential and condo units sold throughout all of 2018 was 17,476, compared with 17,065 in 2017. Residential property class sales decreased slightly to 13,418 from 13,478 in 2017 and condominium property class sales were up 13.1 percent with 4,058 units sold in 2018 versus 3,587 in the previous year.

“For the last decade, we have experienced steady growth in our real estate market from volume to prices; however, the past two years have jumped significantly in activity with a 12.6% increase in unit sales from 2016. Ottawa and its surrounding area has excellent employment numbers and has proven to be one of the most affordable larger cities in the country,” proclaims Ralph Shaw, Ottawa Real Estate Board’s 2018 President.

“What has come to a head in 2018 is the overall shortage of inventory which is extreme in certain pockets of the city. While this has caused unit sales to slide in the residential market, it has fueled the condominium market which has recovered and carried us through much of 2018. We have been predicting this will bode well for new construction in delayed high-rise projects,” he adds.

“Another significant factor affecting the market in 2018, and first-time homebuyers, in particular, is the mortgage stress test – an attempt by the federal government to cool two major markets in the country. It has also unfortunately made move-up buyers less likely to take that step and free up entry-level options, which is an important part of the resale market,” Shaw points out.

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in December in the Ottawa area was $453,011, an increase of 4.7 percent over December 2017. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $278,295, an increase of 9 percent from this month last year. Year-end figures show an average sale price of $446,661 for residential-class properties in 2018, a 5.1 percent increase from 2017 and $278,316 for condominium properties, up 3.2 percent from last year.*

“In 2019, we expect the economic fundamentals of supply and demand to be at play with upward pressure on prices due to limited supply and increasing demand. Buyers do have affordable options in outlying communities if they are willing to commute – or they will simply have to pay more provided they can qualify. New builds and purpose-built rental housing could help ease some of the pressure, particularly if builders are able to provide a variety of quality options allowing for more movement in the market,” Shaw concludes.

The $300,000 to $449,999 range continues to represent the most active price point in the residential market, accounting for nearly 45 percent of December’s sales while almost one in four sales were in the $500,000 to $750,000 price range. Between $175,000 to $274,999 remained the most prevalent price point in the condominium market, accounting for 55.7 percent of the units sold. Year-end figures echoed these dominating price points holding 45.6 percent of the residential market and 49.8 of the condo market respectively.

In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,713 properties since the beginning of the year down from 2,977 from this time last year.

* The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start reimagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas—some big, some small—can help breathe new life into your home so that you're ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest.

Air it out. Months of closed windows and doors can make any room feel dusty and stale. As soon as temperatures allow, throw open the windows and skylights to let the fresh air chase away the remnants of winter. It's also the perfect time to launder window treatments and clean area rugs. If you're considering an update to the overall décor, changing out these textiles is an easy and affordable way to create a new look.

Paint to perfection. Over time, once cheerful walls can grow dull. Create a livelier ambiance with a fresh coat of paint, either in the same shade or something completely new. If you're not sure exactly where to start, tackle the project room by room. To choose the right hue, select a favorite item in the room, such as an heirloom throw blanket or a piece of wall art, and consider color shades that complement the item.

Make what's old new again. Sometimes a fresh perspective is as simple as rearranging a room to better fit your needs. Over time, furnishings can become almost an afterthought because they've been in place so long. Try moving things around to create new conversation groupings or to highlight a piece that has been tucked away in the shadows.

Get earth smart. With all of the new growth and hues of green that abound during spring, it's natural to be more mindful of the environment. Earth-friendly upgrades like switching out inefficient lighting or installing low-flow toilets and shower heads can make a sizable difference.

Low Inventory Can Leave Buyers Out in the Cold!

OTTAWA, Feb. 5, 2018 -  Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 712 residential properties in January through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 664 in January 2017, an increase of 7.2 percent. The five-year average for January sales is 638.

“While January is typically the month we see the lowest number of listings come onto the market, the numbers for this month are very low,” Rick Eisert, 2017 President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, observes. “The five-year average for new listings in January is 1,396 for residential and 500 for condominiums. January   2018’s   listings   were at   994   and   406   respectively.”

“We saw this trend throughout 2017, and the result is our resale market is being challenged by decreasing supply in both the residential and condo markets. Furthermore, as the supply continues to be reduced, it will tend to put an upward pressure on prices. This is simple supply and demand economics,” he adds.

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in January in the Ottawa area was $427,487, an increase of 8.8 percent over January 2017. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $263,744, a decrease of 8.6 percent from January 2017. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

January’s sales included 173 in the condominium property class and 539 in the residential property class.

“Sales in the residential property class this month were on par with January 2017 with a minor decrease of 1.1 percent. Unit sales in the condo market, however, have seen an increase of 45 percent from 119 units sold in January 2017 to 173 units in January 2018,” Eisert explains.

“The most active price point in the residential market is the $300,000 to $449,999 range, accounting for 47.5 percent of the market. While the most active price point in the condo market, between $150,000 and $249,999, accounts for 55 percent of the market,” states Eisert. “There is a marked increase in the number of condo units sold in the lower end of the market specifically. This is likely due to the attractive lower price point and the fact that the demand is there.”

“For homeowners thinking of selling, this is a good time to get your property on the market before spring,” Eisert advises. “Since inventory is currently low, sellers will certainly get attention because selection for buyers in some areas, in particular, is quite limited.”

In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 166 properties since the beginning of the year.

November Blues? Not in the real estate market.....

OTTAWA, Dec. 5, 2017 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,239 residential properties in November through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System compared with 992 in November 2016, an increase of 24.9 per cent. The five-year average for November sales is 1,001.

“November numbers are upholding the robust year we have been experiencing in the real estate market in 2017,” Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Boards states. “Both residential sales and condo sales continue to steadily increase.”

November’s sales included 294 in the condominium property class and 945 in the residential property class. “This is not surprising though,” Eisert remarks. “The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institution’s (OSFI) announcement regarding the new stress tests for low- ratio borrowers may have buyers rushing into the market before the stricter mortgage regulations come into play in January 2018. If this keeps up, I expect December could be a busier than usual holiday season for REALTORS®.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in November in the Ottawa area was $418,354, an increase of 3.2 per cent over November 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $257,212, a decrease of 7.6 per cent over November 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased ordecreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions  will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“It is crucial in a market that is moving quickly, such as the one we areexperiencing, to ensure you are pricing your property correctly. Having the guidance and market knowledge of a REALTOR® is essential for home buyers and home sellers,” suggests Eisert.

“The most active price point in the residential market is the $300,000 to $450,000 range, accounting for 46 per cent of the market. While the most activeprice point in the condo market, between $150,000 and $275,000, accounts for 66 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,821 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Photo by Jacob Ufkes on Unsplash

Leave might be falling,but the real estate market is not!

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,243 residential properties in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,214 in October 2016, an increase of 2.3 per cent. The five-year average for October sales is 1,165.

“As we enter the 3rd quarter of the year, we continue to see the resale market outpace last year’s performance, which was also a stellar year,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. October’s sales included 261 in the condominium property class, and 982 in the residential property class.  Condominium sales continue to drive the overall residential sales market, with a year to date increase of 21.4 per cent over the same time period last year.”

“The fall market is brisk and could be fueled by the impending tightening of mortgage regulations,” says Eisert. “Properties continue to sell nmuch faster in comparison to this time last year with the average days on market for residential properties down 17.7 per cent from 55 to 45 days. Our market could still be described as balanced, though in some areas it continues to trend towards a Sellers’ market.”

Eisert adds “Slow but steady growth best describes Ottawa housing prices.” The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in October in the Ottawa area was $425,256, an increase of 7.7 per cent over October 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $269,604, an increase of 6.7 per cent over October 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“In the residential market, the $300,000 to $399,999 range remains the most active price point, accounting for 33.3 per cent of the market. While in the condo market, the most active price point is between $175,000 and $249,999, accounting for 45.2 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,607 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Steady September contributes to strong third quarter for 2017

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,387 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,365 in September 2016, an increase of 1.6 per cent. The five-year average for September sale is 1,250.

“We are seeing no slowdown in the condo market. Sales have been increasing in this property class since February, with the average increase per month coming in at 25.5 per cent,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “The boost in condo sales has impacted our year-to- date unit sale figures and is putting us on track for a strong year-end finish.”

September’s sales included 311 in the condominium property class, and 1,076 in the residential property class. “Inventory levels and the number of new listings continue to tighten compared to the same time last year,” explains Eisert. “REALTORS® are reporting substantial increases in attendance at open houses over the past few 

months. The low inventory and the late summer weather have certainly contributed to this increased traffic.”

“The Ottawa market is showing signs of stabilizing after the record setting spring and summer. All indications suggest that it will be a typical selling season heading into the fall,” says Eisert. “Although properties continue to sell much faster in comparison to this time last year, our market is still balanced, though trending toward a Sellers’
market. The average increase in sale price has not skyrocketed, but rather has increased gradually due to more homes selling in the $450+ price range compared to last year.”

The average sale price of a residential class property sold in September in the Ottawa area was $416,464, an increase of 8.2 per cent over September 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $261,548, an increase of 3.9 per cent over September 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“The most active price point in the residential market continues to be the $300,000 to $399,999 range, accounting for 36.2 per cent of the market. While the most active price point in the condo market, between $150,000 and $249,999, accounts for 51 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,364 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Condo sales help set new record for August unit sales

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,538 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,481 in August 2016, an increase of 3.8 per cent. The five-year average for August sales is 1,343.

“Condo sales continue to strengthen the Ottawa resale market,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “These numbers also assisted in setting a new record for the number of units sold in August, pushing August 2016 unit sales into second-place. In comparison to last year the number of condo units sold was up 22.1 per cent, whereas residential units have held steady with a less than one per cent decrease over this time last year. We are actually seeing very similar numbers to that of July 2017.”

August’s sales included 359 in the condominium property class, and 1,179 in the residential property class. “The number of new listings and inventory levels for the month of August continued their steady downwards trend compared to last year,” explains Eisert. “However, prices continue to remain relatively steady, especially in comparison to other markets in Canada. Over the past several years, Ottawa has been more or less on par with inflation rates.”

“While REALTORS® have reported fewer multiple offer situations in the past month, we are seeing Sellers receive asking price or very close to it,” says Eisert. “Cumulative days on market have tightened significantly since last year. Residential listings are selling almost 30 per cent faster than this time last year, and condo units are selling just over 10 per cent faster than last year. Although, keep in mind that while some areas within the Ottawa market are quite active, other areas of the city remain less active.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in August in the Ottawa area was $420,335, an increase of 7.6 per cent over August 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $270,768, a decrease of 0.4 per cent over August 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“The two most active price points in the residential market continue to be the $300,000 to $399,999 followed by the $400,000 to $499,999 range, combined accounting for 55.6 per cent of the market. Within the condo market, the most active price point was between $150,000 and $249,999, accounting for 49.5 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,153 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

Condo sales drive the Ottawa resale market in July

 Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,530 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,490 in July 2016, an increase of 2.7 per cent. The five-year average for July sales is 1,446.

“The Ottawa resale market continued its steady pace into mid-summer, with condo sales really bolstering the market this past month,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “We’ve actually been seeing this positive trend since February. The condo market had been in a slump for the past few years because it was overbuilt. Some owners who had difficulty selling their condos rented them instead, thereby decreasing supply. Now as rental leases are coming due, combined with evidence of stronger condo sales, these owners are placing these units back on the market for sale. Meanwhile, residential sales have remained virtually the same in comparison to this time last year.”

July’s sales included 332 in the condominium property class, and 1,198 in the residential property class. “The number of new listings coming onto the market continues to be on the lower end of the five-year average, especially where residential units are concerned,” explains Eisert. “Inventory levels continue to tighten, however the choice for buyers continues to be decent, with both entry-level properties and higherend properties available, particularly in the condo market.”

“Cumulative days on market has been holding pretty steady throughout the course of 2017,” says Eisert. “However, when compared to numbers from 2016, residential properties in July 2017 are selling almost 22 per cent faster and condos just over 11 per cent faster than July of last year.”

The average sale price of a residential class property sold in July in the Ottawa area was $420,335, an increase of 5.3 per cent over July 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $267,641, an increase of 2.8 per cent over July 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“Ottawa buyers are beginning to see prices climb in certain areas of the Ottawa market, so they are getting in on the market now,” says Eisert. “We continue to see an increase in the number of ‘lifestyle’ properties sold – the $750+ price range. As prices and the number of units sold in higher end price ranges increase, so does the total sales volume. The condo market sales volume is up 32 per cent over last year, while the residential market is up by 16.5 per cent.”

“The two most active price points in the residential market continue to be the $300,000 to $399,999 followed by the $400,000 to $499,999 range, combined accounting for 56.1 per cent of the market. Within the condo market, the most active price point was between $150,000 and $249,999, accounting for 50.7 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 1,825 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Ottawa resale market proves strong in first half of 2017

  Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,162 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,985 in June 2016, an increase of 8.9 per cent. The five-year average for June sales is 1,818.

“We’re having a stellar year so far in 2017. Year-to-date sales numbers for the first half of the year are up in both the residential and condo property classes, combined coming in at a 13.5 per cent increase over the same time period in 2016,” says Ralph Shaw, President-Elect of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Average sale price in both the residential and condo class is up in the first half of 2017 compared to last year, although not a significant amount.”

June’s sales included 408 in the condominium property class, and 1,754 in the residential property class. “Listings and inventory levels continue to trend downwards, and REALTORS® report an increase in multiple offers on properties in some pockets around the city,” says Shaw. “While some areas within the Ottawa market are very active in sales, there are other areas of the city that remain very balanced and steady.”

“Something we hadn’t seen for years, is the recent rise in the lifestyle market in both the residential and condo property class, with 46 over $1 million units sold in June, and 171 units over $1 million sold since the beginning of the year,” says Shaw. “Both numbers are more than double the amount sold last year. It indicates that home buyers are looking beyond their basic needs to check off more boxes from their wish lists such as view, downtown location, or acreage property.”

“Since the announcement in April by the Ontario Liberal government of cooling measures in Toronto, it’s no surprise that the Ottawa market has been thriving. Not only is Ottawa an affordable place to live, it’s also very desirable,” says Shaw. “We have a great mix of city life and rural expanses. It’s no wonder MoneySense just named Ottawa as Canada’s best place to live in 2017.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in June in the Ottawa area was $434,502, an increase of 8.8 per cent over June 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $289,905, an increase of 9.4 per cent over June 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“The most active price point in the residential market continues to be the $300,000 to $399,999 range, accounting for 35.1 per cent of the market. Within the condo market, the most active price point was between $150,000 and $249,999, accounting for 50.8 per cent of the market,” says Shaw. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 1,496 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Condo sales lead the way for stellar performance in May.

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,300 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,919 in May 2016, an increase of 19.9 per cent. The five-year average for May sales is 1,946.

“Not only was May 2017 the best May on record for unit sales, it also surpassed the record for highest unit sales in a single month ever; blowing the previous record out of the water by  315 units,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “One of the reasons for these stellar numbers can be attributed to the condo market, which has really helped strengthen the whole market over the past several months. This is quite evident in May, where units sold increased by 44.6 per cent over May 2016.”

May’s sales included 444 in the condominium property class, and 1,856 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life   leases, and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“Sales activity continued to trend towards a sellers’ market, as evidenced by lower than normal inventory levels and listing averages for May, more multiple offer situations, and fewer days on market, but prices still remain relatively steady,” explains Eisert. “If we were in a true sellers’ market, we would expect to see a much higher spike in prices.”

The average sale price of a residential- class property sold in May in the Ottawa area was $436,625, an increase of 7.4 per cent over May 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $270,993, an increase of 2.3 per cent over May 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“Higher-end residential units in  the $750,000+ range continue to outperform sales from last year, especially in the $1 million+ range, where unit sales have almost doubled those in May 2016,” says Eisert. “We are not seeing quite the same trend for condo units though, where there are increases in units sold in almost all price ranges.”

“The two most active price points in the residential market continue to be the $300,000 to $399,999 followed by the $400,000 to $499,999 range, combined accounting for 56.4 per cent of the market. Within the condo market, the most active price point was between $150,000 and $249,999, accounting for 50.7 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 1,551 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Spring conditions produce blossoming resale market

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,795 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,711 in April 2016, an increase of 4.9 per cent. The five-year average for April sales is 1,613.

“The April resale market continued its upward trend in units sold, just shy of a record set in 2010,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Sales activity is indicating a trend towards a seller’s market. Lower inventory, combined with increased demand, is creating many more multiple offer situations and quicker moving properties, with the average cumulative days on market dipping to just 71 days.”

April’s sales included 312 in the condominium property class, and 1,483 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases, and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“We continue to see a trend in the number of high-end units selling,” reports Eisert. “Properties selling for $500,000 and up has increased over last year, and even more significantly in the over $1 million market, which doubled in sales over April 2016. Since the beginning of the year 83 properties over $1 million switched hands, compared to only 38 in the same time-frame last year. The increase in sales for high-end properties may be fuelled by a combination of the migration of buyers from Toronto and move-up buyers. Another contributing factor is that many, generally well paying, jobs are opening up in the high-tech sector, driving more people into the Ottawa market.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in April in the Ottawa area was $435,883, an increase of 7.9 per cent over April 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $268,553, an increase of 2.9 per cent over April 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

“The two most active price points in the residential market continue to be the $300,000 to $399,999 followed by the $400,000 to $499,999 range, combined accounting for 55.1 per cent of the market. Within the condo market, the most active price point was between $150,000 and $249,999, accounting for 53.8 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 865 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Ontario's Fair Housing Plan introduces a comprehensive package of measures to help more people find affordable homes, increase supply, protect buyers and renters and bring stability to the real estate market. 

HIghlights of the Ontario's Fair Housing Plan are:

To read a full report of the Ontario Fair Housing Plan, click here.

March resale market goes out like a lion

 Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,485 residential properties in March through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,160 in March 2016, an increase of 28 per cent. The five-year average for March sales is 1,240.

“The busy spring selling season descended upon Ottawa early this year,” remarks Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Unit sales for March marked the second-best on record, only 13 units down from the record set in March 2010. We’re also starting to see properties move faster, with the average cumulative days on market sitting at 82 days. With all these positive numbers, it’s still important to emphasize that price and conditions vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.”

March’s sales included 314 in the condominium property class, and 1,171 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases, and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“We’re seeing a lot more multiple offers than we’ve experienced in a while, mostly due to lower inventory levels,” says Eisert. “The number of properties listed in March also experienced a decrease over last year, and is about 100 units shy of the five-year listing average for March.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in March in the Ottawa area was $415,467, an increase of 5.3 per cent over March 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $272,597, an increase of 5.3 per cent over March 2016. The Board cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

“We’re seeing a trend since the beginning of the year, with 50 properties sold over $1 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to only 22 in the first quarter of 2016,” explains Eisert. “Again this month, a higher number of properties in the over $1 million price range were sold. These gains were in both the residential and condominium property classes, with seven more residential units and four more condo units sold this year over last year. These high-end property sales are taking place throughout the market with Rockcliffe Park, The Glebe, and Westboro leading the way.”

“The two most active price points in the residential market in March were the $300,000 to $399,999 and the $400,000 to $499,999 range, accounting for 53.7 per cent of the market. Within the condo market, the most active price range was in the $150,000 to $249,999, accounting for 51.2 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 639 properties since the beginning of the year.”

Planning to make a move. Give us a call or send an email, we are always available to help.

PLAN FORWARD. PLAN SMART.

Buying a home like a winner! Here are few essential tips for making a buying process as smooth as possible:

• Arrange a pre-approval mortgage from your lender and get your finances in order – Shop for lender that will give you the best financing options. When you fall in love with a house, nothing is worse than failing to get financing from your lender. BE PREPARED.

• Buy what you can afford – Make a list of your needs and wants and look for a house within your means. There are expenses related to the purchase of a home, such as land transfer tax, legal fees, property taxes, insurance, etc, so don’t forget to budget that in. AVOID SURPRISES - Find out the costs and expenses when purchasing a home.

• Always hire professional to do the job – When you hire a licenced real estate agent to help you to purchase a home, your interests are protected. Buying a home is emotional for many home buyers, especially during negotiation. Emotions can often lead to pitfalls. A real estate agent will provide their level of expertise and guidance, give recommendations to buyers to make the right decision and negotiate the best price to get you the house. It is a WIN-WIN situation.

• Think long term investment – A home is a very important and smartest investment that an average person will ever make. So think buying a home as a long term investment and take that decision seriously. PLAN FORWARD. PLAN SMART.

 Contact me today and plan your journey to your next home.

4 Tips to Stand Out Against the Competition

INSTALL AN AIR-CONDITIONING TIMER

– Regulate the temperature to an optimal 70 degrees F when buyers arrive.

CLEAN UP OUTDOORS AREA

– Rent a pressure washer to clean a patio, deck or driveway, and sweep up debris around the pool.

SHOW OFF BUILT-IN FEATURES

– Arrange neutral items in small clusters on built-in bookcases, shelves and wall cut-outs to show off attractive architectural elements of your home.

STAGE THE UNEXPECTED

– Show buyers how livable the home is by staging something fun and inviting. Arrange some rolled up towels by the pool or place a novel next to the rocking chair on the front porch.

When you are ready for your next move, call me to discuss other staging techniques that will attract the right buyers for your home. 

PLAN FORWARD. PLAN SMART.

When it comes to listing your home, there is no set of black-and-white rules that applies to every property and every seller. But check out these things to think about when you walk through it with an agent or stager.

PAINT

Fix - There is no accounting for the massive upgrade a fresh coat of paint can bring.

MAJOR KITCHEN UPGRADES

Don't fix - Unelss there are major structural isses, most new buyers woudl prefer to do something to their own taste.

MNOR KITCHEN ISSUES

Fix - Things like plumbing leaks should be fixed, and small upgrades like swapping out light fixtures cn make a big difference.

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW

Don't fix - While adding new windwos can be a major selling point, it is also a project that can quickly snowball in time and cost.

FLOORS

Fix - From fixing scratched wood floors to replacing cracked tile, to cleaning dirty carpet, a little money spend on sprucing up floors canbe well worth the investment.

Contact me for your FREE, No Obligation Comapartive Market Analysis. iI you know anyone who are thinking buyting or selling a home, I can certainly help with that too.

Spring market is primed for competitive season ahead!

OTTAWA, March 3, 2017 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,010 residential properties in February through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 908 in February, an increase of 11.2 per cent. The five-year average for February sales is 872.

“Numbers   continue   to   indicate a positive trend for Ottawa as a whole,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Even with the additional day in February last year due to the leap year, sales this year are up in both the residential and condo property classes. Keep in mind though, that all real estate is local, and that prices and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.”

“A total of 2,066 homes were listed this month, up almost 25 per cent from January, while inventory on hand still remains low compared to last year,” explains Eisert. “Now is a great time to list your home in anticipation of the increase of buyer interest in the spring that will pick up as early as March.”

February’s sales included 233 in the condominium property class, and 777 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in February in the Ottawa area was $417,374, an increase of 8.5 per cent over February 2016. The average sale price for a condominium-class proper 713.JPG ty was $258,397, an increase of four per cent over February 2016.

“This month revealed a larger average price gain in the residential property   class   than   usual   due to an increase in the number of properties sold in the $750,000 to $999,999 and over $1 million price range, similar to what occurred with condo prices last month,” explains Eisert. “For example, in the over

$1 million price range alone, there was a significant increase in sales over last year; 20 units sold in

2017 versus 6 units in 2016. It is important to note that dramatic changes in the average sale price is not indicative of all property values. We encourage buyers and sellers to talk to a REALTOR® for more information about the housing market outlook where they live, or want to live.”

“In the residential market the most active price point was the $300,000 to $399,999 range for the month of February, followed by the $400,000 to $499,999 range, combined accounting for 54.6 per cent of the market. The condominium market was most active in the $150,000 to $249,999 price range, accounting for 54.9 per cent of the market,” says Eisert. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB members assisted clients with renting 392 properties since the beginning of the year.”