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.
Posted on: August 6th, 2024 by Chris Scott
Relocating to Ottawa for a military assignment comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is finding convenient and efficient ways to commute to key locations such as the DND Headquarters on Carling Avenue and downtown Ottawa. For those who prefer to avoid the hassle of downtown parking and traffic, Ottawa offers several Park and Ride options that make the daily commute smoother and more efficient. Here’s a look at some of the best Park and Ride options and the transit times to major destinations using OC Transpo services.
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Eagleson Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
- Transit Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 63 or 64 directly to Tunney’s Pasture, then transfer to Route 66 or another bus heading towards Carling Avenue.
- Details: Eagleson Park & Ride, located at Highway 417 and Eagleson Road, offers easy access to Connexion routes and has ample parking space.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
- Transit Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 63 or 64 directly to downtown.
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Blair Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
- Transit Time: Approximately 55-60 minutes.
- Route: Take the O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, then transfer to Route 66 or another bus heading towards Carling Avenue.
- Details: Situated in the east end, Blair Station is a key transit hub.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
- Transit Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Route: Take the O-Train Line 1 directly to downtown.
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Fallowfield Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
- Transit Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 95 or 74 to Tunney’s Pasture, then transfer to Route 66 or another bus heading towards Carling Avenue.
- Details: Located at 100 Via Park Place, Fallowfield Park & Ride offers free parking and is well-connected with Fallowfield Station for transit options.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
- Transit Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
Route: Take Route 95 or 74 directly to downtown. |
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Chapel Hill Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
- Transit Time: Approximately 70-75 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 32 or 33 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, followed by Route 66.
- Details: Located at Brian Coburn Blvd and Navan Rd, it offers free parking and good transit connections.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
- Transit Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 32 or 33 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to downtown.
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Trim Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
- Transit Time: Approximately 80-85 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 39 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, followed by Route 66.
- Details: This location is in the eastern outskirts, with direct transit routes available.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
- Transit Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
- Route: Take Route 39 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to downtown.
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Making Your Commute Easier
Using Ottawa’s Park and Ride facilities can significantly reduce the stress and cost associated with daily commutes. The OC Transpo Travel Planner is an excellent tool for planning your route and ensuring you catch the next bus or train on time. By leveraging these Park and Ride options, military personnel can enjoy a more convenient and efficient commute, allowing them to focus on their important work at the DND Headquarters or downtown offices.
Posted on: March 13th, 2023 by Chris Scott
When purchasing a home it is important to know what the extra costs will be. The projections below are an estimate of expenses involved in a typical real estate purchase. Not all of these costs* will apply in all circumstances.
| LEGAL/ RELATED FEES |
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INSPECTION COSTS |
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| Lawyer Fee |
$900-$1100 |
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Home Inspection |
$500-$600 |
| Legal Disbursements |
$600-$800 |
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Status Certificate |
$100 |
| Prepaid Taxes or Utility Bills |
To be determined |
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Septic Inspection |
$500 |
| Title Insurance |
$270 |
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Water Inspection |
$450 |
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| MOVING COSTS |
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| Moving Company |
$600-$4000 |
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| Utility hook ups etc. |
To be determined |
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| Change of locks |
$100 |
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| PURCHASE PRICE |
LAND TRANSFER TAX |
|
LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIO |
PREMIUM RATE |
| $300,000 |
$2,975 |
|
Up to and including 65% |
0.60% |
| $400,000 |
$4,475 |
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Up to and including 75% |
1.70% |
| $500,000 |
$6,475 |
|
Up to and including 80% |
2.40% |
| $600,000 |
$8,475 |
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Up to and including 85% |
2.80% |
| $700,000 |
$10,475 |
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Up to and including 90% |
3.10% |
| $800,000 |
$12,475 |
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Up to and including 95% |
4.00% Traditional Down Payment |
| $900,000 |
$14,475 |
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4.50% Non Traditional Down Payment |
| $1,000,000 |
$16,475 |
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| $1,100,000 |
$18,475 |
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| $1,200,000 |
$20,475 |
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| $1,300,000 |
$22,475 |
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*Please note: these costs are merely an estimate and are only provided as a ballpark estimate of what to expect when purchasing a home.
Posted on: February 24th, 2023 by Chris Scott
Buying a home can feel overwhelming for many. That’s why it’s so important to get the guidance of a great Ottawa Realtor. Our team can certainly help you navigate this stressful time and help make it enjoyable and stress-free.
There are so many things to take into consideration when buying a house. Here are a few of the main things buyers need to think about as they search for a home.
- Location: The location of the house is one of the most important things to consider. Ottawa is such a spread-out city so this can be overwhelming for some clients. You should think about proximity to work, schools, shopping, public transportation, and other amenities that are important to you. Also, consider the neighborhood and its safety, crime rate, and access to parks and other recreational facilities. A sense of community and home values are also important factors in the location. As someone who has lived all over Ottawa and sold in every area, we can certainly help narrow down the areas for you.
- Price: The price of the house is another important factor to consider. You should set a budget and make sure that you can afford the monthly mortgage payments. Also, factor in other expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Our team will make sure that you are paying a fair price for your Ottawa home. We will search all recent sales and review them with you before submitting an offer.
- Size and layout: The size and layout of the house are also important considerations. Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, as well as the size of the kitchen, living room, and other common areas. Also, consider if the house has enough storage space and if the layout works for your lifestyle and needs. Moving is no fun so you want to make sure your home meets your needs.
- Condition of the house: The condition of the house is important to consider as well. Make sure to inspect the house thoroughly for any defects or necessary repairs. Hiring a professional home inspector to help you identify any issues that may not be immediately apparent. We can help line you up with the best Ottawa inspectors when the t
ime comes. We are well connected with other tradespeople such as septic and well inspectors or whatever is needed. 
Resale value: Lastly, it is important to consider the resale value of the house. You never know when you might need to sell the house, so it is important to think about its long-term value. Look at the real estate market trends in the area and think about the potential for the house to appreciate over time. As an Ottawa Realtor we are certainly going to help you in this regard. We know the
market and can certainly help identify areas that are on an upward trend.
