Our team helps with many HHTs each year, and each one is a little different from the rest. In one case this year, Colin and Chris first spoke with the relocating members in March after they were referred by a past relocation client. At that stage they were not familiar with Ottawa Relocations and were still interviewing Realtors who are registered with BGRS. They arranged a video call where Chris and Colin learned more about the plans and priorities for their move from BC to Ontario. Like many members who are reposted, there was a home to sell before they could confidently purchase a home in Ottawa. For a different twist, these members were also expecting an(other) addition to their family in the spring PLUS 1 member was scheduled for service at sea for the next several weeks. Needless to say, subsequent communication was a little spotty! Time can often pass while members await their official COS or for their current home to be sold. Here, Colin was not certain when the HHT would be scheduled and was even still waiting for confirmation that the team would be needed. In the meantime, he created a custom search portal to track home sales in Ottawa, continued to send market updates, and kept checking in on how things were coming along with the home sale preparation.
At long last, messages were exchanged! The house was listed on MLS in May, then sold in June! Somewhere in there a beautiful baby was born. Plans were made for an HHT at the end of June. Since all of the systems and parameters were already in place, it was easy for Colin to quickly kick the search into high gear. Finally, over 3 months after their first zoom call, all parties were boots on the ground in Ottawa and ready for a week filled with home viewings, school ratings, neighbourhood reports, and lots of phone calls. New baby certainly got to see lots of Ottawa in between feedings and naps!
To keep things moving, Colin scheduled every one of their top listings choices for Day 1, with a couple of late additions + some 2nd viewings on Day 2. After months of planning and updates, everything came together nicely (and quickly). By Day 3 a great deal had been negotiated & accepted, home inspections were booked & executed (Colin always has a couple of BGRS inspectors on standby during an HHT), and I think there was even time for some sightseeing. Maybe just some downtime at the hotel…. Either way, another happy ending to an HHT.
As we know, reposting letters can come at different times of the year. They can be requested, or they can be unexpected. Some of our house hunting trips come together only a few days after our initial contact with our new clients. However they happen, trust is always a key component to a successful HHT. It is challenging to by a home in the best of situations, and CAF members are required to work with a Realtor who they have likely never met. They need to feel that when they arrive in Ottawa, they can trust that the information they receive is current and insightful to meet their requirements and be confident that the details have been taken care of. The team at Ottawa Relocations is experienced, focused, and determined to make every HHT a huge success for every single military relocation. Just ask their past clients!
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. That’s why staging is one of the most powerful tools in our real estate playbook. A perfectly staged home doesn’t just look good—it tells a story, invites buyers in, and helps them envision their future in the space.
We recently had the opportunity to work on a condo that was completely vacant when we first listed it. While it had a great space and natural light, it lacked the warmth and personality that buyers are drawn to. That’s when we called in our expert stager, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
Before: A Blank Canvas
When we first stepped into the condo, it was completely empty—just walls, floors, and windows. While some buyers can see past that, many struggle to picture how furniture will fit, how spaces flow, and how it will feel to live there. Empty rooms can also make a home feel cold and uninviting, making it harder for buyers to form an emotional connection.
After: A Standout Listing
The difference was night and day. Once staged, the condo no longer felt like an empty space—it felt like a dream home. The transformation not only enhanced its visual appeal but also made the listing photos pop, attracting more online views and interest from buyers.
And the best part? It worked. The staged condo quickly stood out in the market, leading to more showings and strong interest from potential buyers.
Why Staging Matters
Staging isn’t just about making a home look pretty—it’s about creating a connection. It helps buyers see the potential of a space and imagine themselves living there. In a competitive market, it can be the difference between a listing that lingers and one that sells quickly.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t underestimate the power of staging. Whether it’s a condo, townhome, or single-family house, we have the resources and expertise to make your home shine.
Curious about what staging can do for your home? Let’s chat and make your property stand out!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
