Posts Tagged ‘Ottawa Housing Market’

Flip Your Own Home!

Posted on: March 31st, 2025 by Chris Scott

In a market where buyers are being choosy and inventory is picking up, it’s more important than ever for your home to stand out. You don’t need a full HGTV-style overhaul—but thinking like a house flipper (even if you’re just selling your personal home) can mean more money in your pocket and fewer days on the market.

This is the moment to flip your own home—and we’re here to show you how.

Start with Strategic Renovations

You don’t have to gut the kitchen or tear down walls to make a big impact. Small updates can go a long way. Think: updated light fixtures, modern faucets, refreshed cabinetry (hello, new hardware!), and swapping out that tired old vanity in the powder room. Focus on areas where buyers’ eyes go first—kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. We have had clients paint their cabinets this year and the results were amazing. All of the stuff that we suggest would be at least a 5x return plus you would be able to sell your home faster.

Staging: Help Buyers See Themselves There

Staging isn’t just for vacant homes—it’s about creating a lifestyle that buyers can picture themselves stepping into. That might mean rearranging furniture, adding cozy layers, or swapping out personal items for a more neutral, magazine-ready vibe. We work with professional stagers who know exactly how to make a space shine. This is part of our value proposition!!

A Fresh Coat of Paint = Instant Refresh

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into a space. Stick to warm, modern neutrals that photograph well and appeal to the widest audience. In some homes, we have our painter just freshen up some baseboards, while at other times it is more extensive. If you could only do one thing, painting is usually the best return on investment.

Don’t Forget the Outside

Curb appeal still matters. Trim the hedges, power wash the siding, and add a couple of fresh planters by the front door. If your mailbox has seen better days or your house numbers are falling off—those little details can make a big difference. Mulch in the front gardens can also make a huge difference!!

Clean Like You Mean It

A spotless home shows better, feels more cared for, and photographs beautifully. From baseboards to windows, it’s worth investing in a deep clean (and yes, we know amazing pros who can help).

We’ve Got You Covered

This all might sound like a lot—but the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve built an amazing network of painters, stagers, contractors, cleaners, and landscapers who we trust with our own homes. Whether you need help picking paint colours or someone to haul away old furniture, we’ve got the resources to make it happen.

🏡 Ottawa Real Estate Market Update – Big Changes Ahead! 📈

Posted on: November 27th, 2024 by Chris Scott

Hey everyone, Chris here with a quick update on the Ottawa real estate market! The past few weeks have been eventful, with interest rates dropping, including a significant half-point cut by the Bank of Canada. This shift is already impacting the market—buyers are coming back, multiple offers are returning, and momentum is building.

Here’s what I’m seeing:

  • Buyer activity is picking up as affordability improves.
  • Low inventory remains a challenge, with fewer new builds and limited resale options.
  • Market predictions: A potential shift to a seller’s market in early 2024, with home prices projected to rise by 5-6%.

Every neighborhood is different, so if you’re curious about what’s happening in your area, reach out to my team. Let’s chat about how these changes might impact your real estate goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBURBAN STATISTICS UPDATE OCTOBER 2024

Posted on: November 8th, 2024 by Chris Scott

Here’s the latest update in our Suburban Statistics Series, featuring insights on the five largest urban neighborhoods in Ottawa. With Ottawa’s spread-out layout, it’s always fascinating to see how each area’s market trends vary. These stats compare MLS OREB sales from January 1 to October 31, 2023, with the same period in 2024.

 

 

Bank of Canada Rate Update: What It Means for the Ottawa Real Estate Market

Posted on: October 23rd, 2024 by Chris Scott

We’ve got some positive news to share! The Bank of Canada has reduced its main lending rate by half a percentage point, bringing it down to 3.75%. This marks the fourth consecutive rate cut, and there’s a chance we might see another reduction in December.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

If you’ve been waiting for some good news before making a move, this might be it! The lower rates will impact affordability, potentially easing monthly mortgage payments. With limited inventory in Ottawa, we might even see some upward pressure on prices in 2025 as affordability improves.

Thinking of Making a Move?

If you’re considering upsizing or buying your first home, now could be a good time to enter the market before potential competition heats up early next year. And for those set to renew their mortgages next year, these rate cuts could make a significant difference. While renewal rates will be higher than in recent years, the reductions will still help many Canadians stay comfortably in their homes.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? Reach out to us—always happy to help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ottawa Suburban Real Estate: A Market Holding Steady

Posted on: October 3rd, 2024 by Chris Scott

As we move into the fall season, Ottawa’s suburban real estate market remains surprisingly stable, even amidst economic uncertainty. High interest rates and inflation have not significantly impacted the prices of two-story, double-car garage homes in key suburban areas like Stittsville, Kanata, Barrhaven, Riverside South, and Orleans.

For example, Stittsville leads the pack with an average price of around $960,000 for this type of home, while Orleans offers a more affordable option at around $845,000. These price differences highlight the variety within Ottawa’s suburban neighbourhoods, but the overall theme remains consistent—minimal price fluctuations compared to last year.

One of the most intriguing findings is in Barrhaven, where the average sale price has barely budged from 2023. This stability across the board suggests that Ottawa’s real estate market may be gearing up for a shift, particularly if interest rates start to decline next year as many expect.

If you’re curious about what’s happening in your specific neighbourhood, or want more insights on how these trends could affect your buying or selling plans, feel free to reach out. Our team is always here to help guide you through Ottawa’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBURBAN STATISTICS UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2024

Posted on: October 1st, 2024 by Chris Scott

Here’s the newest Suburban Statistics Series update. We’re highlighting stats for the five biggest urban neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Since Ottawa is pretty spread out, it’s interesting to see how things vary in each area. These stats are all based on MLS OREB sales from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, compared to the same period from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.

 

 

Ottawa Market Update: Heading into Fall

Posted on: September 11th, 2024 by Chris Scott

In this quick update, Chris shares his latest insights on the Ottawa real estate market. With inventory levels slightly higher than usual and prices remaining stable over the past year, the fall season is shaping up to be busy. Chris expects a balanced market, offering fair opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? Watch the video and reach out to our team for personalized advice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBURBAN STATISTICS UPDATE AUGUST 2024

Posted on: September 5th, 2024 by Chris Scott

Here’s the newest Suburban Statistics Series update. We’re highlighting stats for the five biggest urban neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Since Ottawa is pretty spread out, it’s interesting to see how things vary in each area. These stats are all based on MLS OREB sales from January 1, 2023, to August 31, 2023, compared to the same period from January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024.

 

 

Market Update Chats with Chris & Colin

Posted on: August 28th, 2024 by Chris Scott

After a fantastic team meeting discussing the latest market trends, we decided to share our insights with you. This past week has been a busy one, with four conditional sales and a noticeable uptick in buyer activity. We’re seeing a range of dynamics – from competitive offers on new listings over a million dollars to increased interest in properties that have been on the market for a while. We’re also keeping a close eye on potential interest rate changes, with optimism around rates coming down soon. This could create more opportunities for both buyers and sellers in a market that feels balanced and full of potential. If you’re looking to buy or sell, or just want to chat about your neighbourhood’s unique market trends, our team is here to help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ottawa Market Update: Is it Really a Sellers Market?

Posted on: August 7th, 2024 by Chris Scott

Chris talks all things inventory, new listings, and whether it is a balanced market. For more detailed insights and advice, check out our latest update.