Posted on: October 7th, 2024 by Chris Scott
Ever wonder what a HHT (House Hunting Trip) looks like? Every year we help dozens of families relocate into ottawa on their house hunting trips. With only five days to spend in a new city looking for a house it is very intense! We had so much fun documenting our most recent experience.
Day One: Stittsville and Barrhaven
We kicked off the first day by exploring homes in Stittsville, where the neighbourhoodâs charm immediately stood out. The friendly atmosphere and tree-lined streets made a strong first impression. However, while the overall vibe of Stittsville was appealing, the home we toured felt too dark for their taste, quickly ruling it out.
Next, we shifted our focus to Barrhaven, where most of their top choices were located. The proximity to recreational centres, shopping, and the well-established community made Barrhaven an appealing option. While some of the homes we visited were a bit older or showed signs of wear, that didnât affect their final picks. By the end of the day, they had narrowed it down to two or three homes that really stood out and were worth keeping in mind as we continued the search.
Day Two: Richmond, Orleans, and Findlay Creek
We started the day in Richmond, focusing on a few homes Chris had picked out as they aligned perfectly with our client’s criteria. These homes were all new built or constructed within the last few years, offering a bright and modern feel. Several of them backed onto green space, which was a key feature our clients were looking for. While Richmondâs growth and development were appealing, there was some hesitation about whether the current infrastructure would keep pace with the rising population.
After wrapping up in Richmond, we made the hour-long drive to Orleans to check out a few homes that had been high on their favourites list. However, it was clear upon arrival that these homes were significantly older and more lived-in compared to the newer properties we had seen earlier. On the plus side, the larger yards were a hit, but ultimately, the homes didnât meet their needs.
Toward the end of the day, we managed to squeeze in a last-minute showing back in Richmond. This home ticked many of the right boxes and quickly rose to the top of their list. Meanwhile, Colin took them to see one more property in Findlay Creek, a last-minute opportunity since it was in his area. Unfortunately, this home didnât fit their needs either, and that wrapped up Day Two.
Day Three: New Listings and Final Visits
After some reflection, our clients realized that while they liked the homes in Richmond, they couldnât quite picture themselves living there long-term. However, a few new listings had come on the market since we originally booked their showings, and they wanted to explore those before making a decision.
We started the day in Kanata, arriving just as the for-sale sign was being installed. The home featured a pool, which caught their attention, but the small rooms left them wondering how it would work with their growing boys. Despite the hesitation, it earned a spot in their top three choices.
Next, we headed to another new listing. The clients were impressed by both the home and the yard, but with multiple offers already on the table and the tight time frame of their house-hunting trip, entering a bidding war just wasnât a feasible option.
From there, we revisited their two top picks from Barrhaven. As the day came to a close, they faced a tough decision between the two favourites in Barrhaven and the new contender in Kanata. To feel confident in their choice, they decided to return to the Kanata home with Chris for one final look that evening.
Pros & Cons of the Top Three Picks
Day Four: Decision Day
After much deliberation, our clients were finally ready to make their decision. They chose their top pick and we quickly submitted an offer. After a bit of negotiation and back-and-forth with the sellers, we successfully secured a conditional agreement!
Fortunately, we had already arranged for a home inspection, which took place just two days later. Everything went smoothly, and the conditions were met by the following week, officially securing their new home. It was a perfect way to wrap up an exciting and productive house-hunting trip!
Posted on: September 27th, 2024 by Chris Scott
Navigating real estate during a divorce is one of the most challenging aspects of the process. The decisions you make regarding your home can have long-lasting financial and emotional impacts, which is why itâs crucial to approach this situation with care and a well-informed strategy. In Ottawaâs real estate market, these decisions become even more significant given the unique dynamics of the area. Our team understands the intricacies involved and is here to guide you through each step with the sensitivity and expertise needed during this time.
To help you move forward with confidence, here are five essential tips for couples divorcing with real estate in mind:
- Get a Professional Valuation:Â Understanding the current value of your home in the Ottawa real estate market is crucial. This will inform your decisions, whether you’re considering selling the property, buying out your spouse, or dividing the proceeds.
- Consider Tax Implications:Â The division of property can have tax consequences that are often overlooked. Consulting with a tax professional can help you avoid surprises down the road.
- Decide on the Future of the Home:Â Whether to sell the home or keep it is a significant decision. Itâs essential to consider not only the financial aspects but also the emotional and practical implications.
- Keep Communication Open:Â As challenging as it may be, maintaining open lines of communication with your spouse about real estate decisions can lead to better outcomes for both parties.
- Work with a Specialized Real Estate Team:Â Given the complexities of divorce-related real estate transactions, working with a team that has experience in Ottawa real estate and understands the delicate nature of these situations is invaluable. Our team is well-versed in managing these transactions with the utmost discretion and attention to detail.
When you work with us, youâre choosing a team that is not only skilled in real estate but also deeply committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Weâre here to provide the support and guidance you need to move forward with confidence, knowing that your real estate matters are in capable hands.
