What's happening in Visount Alexander Park, Ottawa? The Neighborhood of Viscount Alexander Park is fairly small so it is normal to find very few listings at one time on the Ottawa MLS. Since September 1st 2009 there has been only 1 new listing of residential family home in the 3103 (Viscount Alexander Park District) during this same period 3 homes sold. There is a lot more activity on the condominium side for Viscount Alexander Park. Since September 1st 2009 there has been a total of 16 new condominium listings and 10 of those have already sold. What's important to note is that all listings that have sold since September 1st have sold within 25 days. This said it is important to work with a REALTOR when planning to buy a home in Viscount Alexander. Working with a REALTOR will allow you ... 12/01/2009

Here's what happened in Manor Park, Ottawa during the month of November 2009. There was a total of 2 properties listed during the month of November in the neighborhood of Manor Park, Ottawa none of these have sold yet. This is quite normal given the fact that these homes are in a higher price range and normally stay on the market for a longer period of time. As for sales during the month of November 2009, Manor Park saw the same of one (1) residential home. These numbers are quite normal for the neighborhood of Manor Park. If you are planning to sell your home in Manor Park now is a great time inventory is low and demand is up. Call today for your free home market evaluation. 613-889-7732 Looking for a home in Ottawa? Want to sell your current home? Looking for a Home for Sale in Manor ... 12/01/2009

MyOttawaRealEstate.com wants to keep you informed on what events are coming up in Ottawa over the next few months.  We believe that we live in a beautiful and vibrant city that has so much to offer us especially in the events department.  Real Estate is our profession and keeping our clients informed on what's going on in the community is also part of that.  This Saturday December 5th from 10-5 at the Jack Purcell Community Centre on 320 Elgin St. Ladyfest Ottawa presents a holiday craft sale like no other, featuring the hip, original work of 60 artists and crafters!  This is the perfect opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping away from the busy Ottawa malls and to help support our local crafters with additional crafters hailing from Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, and beyond!  We he... 12/01/2009

Country Place/Pineglen is located between Merivale and Prince of Wales. And South of Hunt Club. The main road through Country Place is Amberwood.   At the time of this writing there are 4 homes for sale in Pineglen and Country Place.  Ranging in price from $329,000 to $509,000 If you are looking for other Pineglen homes for sale or Country Place Homes for sale please feel free to contact me at lucas@lucassmith.ca or directly at 613.369.5940.   12/01/2009

The Orleans Festival of Lights was amazing ! It was on Saturday Night and Although it was really cold we had a lot of fun on the Keller Williams Ottawa Realty float.We had our mascot the sheep running besides us.Check out the Link at http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091129/OTT_parade_of_lights_091129/20091129/?hub=OttawaHome  Click on the video on the right hand side and watch the advert first. Feel free to sene me comments at http://OttawaRealEstateQuestions.com   11/30/2009

Low inventory in Ottawa, Ontario can be problematic for buyers trying to find Condo Listings in Downtown Ottawa Currently for Sale on November 30th 2009 we currently have 88 condo listings in Downtown Ottawa. In this search I included the areas of Lower Town, Sandy Hill, Centre Town, Golden Triangle, Mechanicsville, Hintonberg and West Centre Town. In November 2009 there was a total of 41 condo listings that went up for sale on the Ottawa MLS in the downtown area. Of those 41 condo listings that went up 14 have already sold this month! In November 2009 there was a total of 29 condo listings that have sold in Downtown Ottawa of these sold condo listings 15 are still conditional sales at time of writing. As you may have gathered from this data the competition between buyers is definitely ... 11/30/2009

I have decided to try to differentiate myself from other area Realtors by trying to add unique services to my Relocation clients coming to or leaving Ottawa. Having grown up as a "base-brat" and from my experiences as a member in the Canadian Forces I know how stressful and time sensitive a house hunting trip can be.  Also a sale to transfer from Ottawa needs to be facilitated as quickly and effeciently as possible, as their is a lot of other items to consider albeit the liquidation of real estate is a very important one. In additon to my skills as a negotiator, knowledge of local issues, local neighbourhoods and real estate developments and committment to your house hunting trip, my relocation clients will now also receive: *  Free use of a car mounted GPS system during your stay in Ot... 11/30/2009

Keeping you informed on what's happening in the Canadian Real Estate Market. Look forward to monthly videos and updates that will keep you on the cutting edge of the real estate world. http://tinyurl.com/ydjernr 11/30/2009

When it comes time to pricing your Orleans home how do you determine your list price? Did you know that even 5% over market value can discourage potential buyers from viewing your home? It's important to understand that your homes selling price is determined by the current real estate market conditions and the price a ready and willing buyer is ready to pay. It is NOT determined by an appraisal, what you paid, what you need, what you want, what your neighbor says or even what another Realtor says. If your house is not priced competitively for the current market, people looking in your price range will reject your home and instead view larger homes for the same price! On top of that, the buyers you could have attracted will now not view your home since it's outside of their budget. Worki... 11/30/2009

Entering into a listing agreement with a real estate agent when selling your home in Orleans can be a risky business. Chances are you will be perfectly happy with the efforts of your Realtor, however circumstances can change. Every sales representative will promise the world when it comes to selling your home, but how many of them can back that up with a solid performance? According to a recent survey performed by NAR more than 58% of home sellers were dissatisfied with the performance of their agent, even if that agent sold their property. It's time for Sellers to get a little more educate and protect themselves by getting a "guarantee of performance" clause with a right to cancel your contract if you're not completely satisfied. It is important to be able to work together as a team to... 11/27/2009

If you see buying a home in Orleans as one of your most important investments, the REALTOR you work with could be one of your most valuable resources! Many buyers don't know that hiring the services of a Realtor to represent your best interest is FREE! You can also benefit from the knowledge and skill of a Realtor, because Real Estate is our Life. We deal in this market everyday and are always learning about new buyer and seller experiences. Behind the scenes I can help you determine how much home you can afford. I work with a trustred group of mortgage professionals that can explain alternative financing methods and assess your finances. As your Realtor I am also familiar with current real estate trends, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and local zoning changes that could affec... 11/27/2009

Saturday NOVEMBER 28 from 5-7pm is the ORLEANS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, and I will be participating by being on one of the Keller Williams Ottawa Realty Floats.I will most likely be behind an OPEN HOUSE SIGNBOARD THAT SAYS LARA KAPLAN.I will be bundled up in a red and black tartan coat and my new warm winter boots that can stand temperatures of minus 30 degrees !! Why ? Because I am originally from South Africa and am still trying to get used to this weather here in Canada, (smile), I mean where I come from, the weather is Plus 12 Degrees Celsius in the Winter ! (yes, really, BIG SMILE !) So it will be a blast ! Come along, bring your family, friends, kids, grandkids.  11/27/2009

When you decide it's time to sell your home in Orleans there are over 2,200 Realtors available to you - but how do you select which one? First it is important for you, as a Seller, to understand that the Real Estate market is changing and the way Realtors market your home is changing.  Some of us are embracing change while others seem to want to stick to their old ways.  There was a time when a sign on your front lawn and MLS is all you needed to sell your home - however with so many more options available to buyers who are looking to purchase a home it's important for you, as a Seller, to select a Realtor who is ahead of the game. I have selected to adapt to change since it is what will benefit my current and future potential clients as well as my growing business. Bilingual service, E... 11/25/2009

Carlingwood is a gracious and quiet neighbourhood adjacent to the Ottawa River Parkway and NCC cycling paths. Close at hand are the Carlingwood and Lincoln Fields Shopping centres, for ease of access to all kinds of shops and services. Both a Metro and a Fairlawn independent grocer are both close at hand. Restaurants, churches and schools are all nestled within this affordable, family oriented neighbourhood. The commute to downtown is easy with access via to the 417 just minutes away, or via Carling as an alternative route. OC TRanspo routes are extensive via Carling Station a short walk away, however routes 116, 166, 169, 59 and O-Train Carling Station are nearby.* Currently as of November 25th, there are 2 homes listed for sale in Carlingwood ranging in price from $429,900 to $699,000... 11/24/2009

Are you looking to buy  a 4 bedroom home in Ottawa ? These are not as common as 3 bedroom homes in Ottawa, however they really are available in price ranges above $300 000 most of the time, unless of course you wish to spend less, and then you can buy a 3 bedroom  home in Ottawa with a study or an extra recreation room which can be turned into a bedroom.This type of home would enable you to pay less money, yet still get what you are looking for, however a true 4 bedroom home in Ottawa will probably cost you above $ 300 000 on average.There is not too much for sale right now, but there still ARE very good buys on the market, and I can definitely assist you with your creative purchasing decisions and Ideas for home staging and decorating.Feel free to call me at http://OttawaRealEstateQues... 11/23/2009

If you haven't heard yet or if you haven't recieved your Green Bin on your front door Step, the Green Bin program is part of the City of Ottawa's long-term plan for solid waste management.  Many people have concerns about how this will affect us at tax time and with the media putting out false information, homeowners were led in a negative direction.  Even though when you really think about it, this is a good system to be putting into place when it has everything to do with helping out our environment and helping to reduce the waste that were  putting into our landfills. The proposed system would see costs for the green-bin program paid by homeowners through a service charge attached to the June property-tax bill. Currently that bill just has an $86 garbage-collection fee. Under the new... 11/23/2009

$254,900, 18 Baton CT, Kanata, ON, MLS# 743555 Charming and lovingly maintain 3 bedroom, 3 bath free hold town home. The home is located on a private court, close to all amenities, and easy access to the highway. 6 appliances included, updated heating system, neutral flooring, and recently painted with modern colours. The large master bedroom with walk-in closet also features a bright 3 piece en-suite. Large unspoiled lower level provides fabulous opportunity for your personal touches!  11/23/2009

Welcome to this months professional profile post - this is the 1st of many to follow! Capital Home Staging and DesignKristy Morrison-Bowen Kristy is a young professional business owner in Ottawa whom I've been very lucky to work with. When selling your home, we need to put your best foot forward and that's where working with Kristy comes in! With over 88% of buyers searching the photos on the internet before they contact or connect with a Realtor we need to have your home in top selling condition and we need it to appeal to the largest majority of potential buyers. Before your home goes on the market you will have a personal 2 hour consultation with Kristy where she will discuss how to highlight your home, eliminate any eye catching distractions and enhance the visual flow throughout yo... 11/22/2009

As a seasoned Realtor in Ottawa one of the most frequently asked questions I get is: "When is the best time to sell my home?" The majority of Realtors and Sellers would suggest that selling your home in the Spring is the greatest time to put your home on the market. Having said that, in my opinion, the best time to sell your home is when YOU are ready to move! We know that the Spring market is the most active time to buy and sell homes in Ottawa - however, since there are so many other Sellers thinking the same thing, you'll have LOTS of competition and will be forced to price your home more competitively to appeal to more buyers. The abundance of homes for sale allows a Buyer to take their time and be a little more "picky" with their decision and what they are looking for - they react ... 11/22/2009

Energy-saving Pros:  -significantly less energy wattage required to produce light comparable to traditional incandescent bulbs - substantially longer lifespan (5-10 times) vs. incandescent bulbs - Less heat emission during operation contributing to lower air conditioning requirements Inconvenience Cons: - More time required to reach maximum energy efficiency and light output - higher cost per unit, particularly for specialty "warm light" applications - Not necessarily compatile with some fixtures and/or dimmer switches - The bulb itself and the type of light it creates, is not as esthetically pleasing Look for the "Energy Star" symbol, indicating that it meets international standards for energy efficiency.  Ask what disposal programs are in place for recycling used CFL's which contain a... 11/19/2009