Ottawa Select Real Estate Blog

For generations, Canadians have been asking themselves this important question: ‘Is it better to buy a home or rent?’ On the one hand, owning comes with more responsibility and higher monthly expenses, but offers more stability and a ...

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,677 residential properties in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,132 in October 2020, a decrease of 21 per cent. October’s sales included 1,263 ...

Since the late spring of 2020, Canadian home prices have been rising at historic rates, following the onset of the global pandemic. Widespread lockdowns suddenly forced millions of workers and students to conduct their daily business from home. ...

The common notion that spring is a better time to sell than winter is being challenged by today’s hot seller’s market conditions. A recent Royal LePage survey found that 79% of real estate professionals say they would advise their ...

No matter your age, Halloween can be one of the most playful, spirited (and spooky!) times of the year. It only occurs once every 365 days, so why not make the most of it and step into some festive fall fun?! We’ve rounded up five of our ...

Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your home is winter-ready. Be sure to check these important tasks off your list.  Clear leaves and debris from your eavestroughs to avoid clogging Winterize landscaping and remove leaves your lawn, as ...

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,607 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,314 in September 2020, a decrease of 31 per cent. September’s sales ...

With interest rates trending low, Variable Rate Mortgages (VRMs) have shown to be a tremendous money-saving option. And like Fixed Rate Mortgages, VRMs come with open and closed terms. An open VRM allows the borrower to pay off the mortgage at any ...

It sure may look like one, but keep in mind, it's not about, "they came down 10k or even 50k." It's about, "Was the property priced right to begin with?" Some properties hit the market out of sync with the neighbourhood. As few people are interested ...

Some Buyers might be wary of signing a Buyer Agency Agreement because they are concerned that the relationship might not work out. And they don't want to be stuck with a 'crummy agent.' That's understandable. Having a relationship with a Buyer Agent ...

A detailed plan is key when buying your home. Let's get together and go over all the calculations now, so you're prepared at 'deal time.' Mortgage financing is just one component. Here are other expenses to keep in mind. Mortgage Loan Insurance ...

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,572 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,006 in August 2020, a decrease of 22 per cent. August’s sales included 1,175 in ...

Generally, in Ontario, HST is applicable on the purchase of property in four instances: (a) where the property is residential property and is a new construction build or has been substantially renovated (b) where the property is a residential ...

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,724 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,183 in July 2020, a decrease of 21 per cent. July’s sales included 1,312 in the ...

What property issues do Sellers need to disclose to potential Buyers? From visible to hidden defects, psychological stigmas, and “as is” clauses – what are your responsibilities regarding disclosure and how do you protect yourself ...

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,131 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,038 in June 2020, an increase of 5 per cent. June’s sales included 1,647 in the ...

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,296 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,342 in May 2020, an increase of 71 per cent. May’s sales included 1,779 in the ...

As of June 1st, Canadians seeking an uninsured mortgage – aka mortgages with a down payment of at least 20% – will need to pass a stricter stress test and prove they can afford payments at a higher qualifying rate. The Office of the ...

House hunting is a funny thing – you can go in thinking you know exactly what kind of place you want, but then a home unexpectedly blows you out of the water! That’s a wonderful experience, but it can be a challenge to your budget. If ...