Just as there's a difference between renters and owners, there's a difference in the mindset of a rental income property investor versus that of a home owner looking for a residence. When considering a property purchase for yourself, emotional attachment comes naturally when envisioning your future "home sweet home". Part of my job as your Ottawa real estate professional is to help you weigh the neighbourhood and property factors in terms of a sound investment. While you're picturing Thanksgiving in your future dining room, I will be keeping an eye open for resale potential. When looking at strictly rental income properties it's about cashflow, tax savings, tangible investment and return on equity. Where it becomes confusing is when considering owner-occupancy with a rental unit. This d... 09/21/2009

One of the frequent Ottawa Real estate Questions I get asked is , "how many houses should you see before you are sure that you have actually found the right property.??" Well the answer to this most frequently asked Ottawa Real Estate Questions, is quite profoundly "It depends !". Depends on what ?Well firstly it depends whether you are a local to Ottawa or an out-of-town Buyer regarding these Ottawa Real Estate Questions. If you are from Out of Ottawa you might need to visit the various different neighbourhoods of Ottawa before you decide on an AREA of choice, before you actually narrow it down to a house."Area" is the most important of all the Ottawa Real Estate Questions.West Ottawa, East Ottawa,Downtown Ottawa, South of Ottawa are all quite different areas of choice.Some people want... 09/20/2009

You've got to consider the location perception and match it to the demographics to judge the rental potential on Ottawa investment properties - and anywhere I'd argue! YOU may not want to live in a neighbourhood, but you've got to switch from homeowner mindset into investor mindset when considering a rental property. I had to consider both as my foray was initially an owner-occupied property. So it had to suit my needs as well as generate tenancy. The upside is that now that it's fully tenanted, I have a good handle on the type of person that would like to live there... someone like me! I chose an established high-rent high-demand 'hood and don't regret the decision - but I paid a corresponding price tag. Saturday, September 19th from 2 - 4pm, I'm inviting you to an open house at 446 Cl... 09/18/2009

One of the infrequent Ottawa Real Estate Questions asked of me, is whether a Buyer should buy a Condo or a Freehold Property.People usually make up their mind before hand, that they either "don't want to pay condo fees", or they "want to buy a condo".What they never take into consideration is the following important point:Average Ottawa Condo Fees are $ 250.00. The upside of a condo is that this fee usually, but not always, covers roof replacement, garage doors, foundation issues, landscaping, snow removal of common roads and Building Insurance and Building Management, and sometimes Water.Some condo fees replace the older windows every few year too.So if you had any Ottawa Real Estate Questions pertaining to "what condo fees cover ?", hopefully this gives you some answers. However, I of... 09/18/2009

Of all the Ottawa Real Estate Questions I get asked by First Time Buyers, I would have to say that the most frequent one relates to "how much downpayment do I need ? ", and the second of the most frequently asked Ottawa Real Estate Questions would be , "what will my closing costs be?" This question seems to overshadow questions regarding area and even accommodation of the property. Of course the affordability issue is a big one, and no good real estate agent would start showing a Client a property unless they know that they have the downpayment and they also have pre-mortgage approval. I can asssit First Time Buyers with all of this information. Generally speaking a 5% downpayment is minimum in Ottawa, and the closing costs for FIRST TIME BUYERS involve approximately $ 900 for lawyers f... 09/17/2009

Did you know that negotiation is a service I provide, that if utilized properly can give you the competitive edge?  It can amount to thousands of dollars in your pocket.   When presenting offers, I often pick up crucial information that might otherwise be never revealed through email and fax.  A seller for example who doesn't want to miss out on the 'other' house, or a causal remark that they were thinking of leaving the appliances anyway.  These are just two quick examples of the importance of having your REALTOR present all possible offers. Do you have examples where your presence made an impact in the negotiating process? Send me a note, tell me about the outcome. Ready 2 Move? 09/17/2009

I was recently approached by a friend, who required some direction on the purchase of his first condo.  'Michael' had visited the showrooms of a nearby developer and had received some encouraging news about "some really cheap pre-construction prices".  But as a prudent purchaser faced with one of his biggest investments, Michael wrote to me asking for some advice on what questions he needs to ask the builder, and if I had any tips for him. I've been to many presentation centres, where they showcase only the finest construction materials, and show you wonderful pictures, models and plans of site in their pursuit of securing your deposit.  Developers spare no expense in selling you not just the condo itself, but also the lifestyle that comes with living at that address.  So one of the fir... 09/17/2009

Did you know that when you are represented by CENTURY 21, you get a great name and professional image?  We are well trusted and are regular contributors to our wonderful community.  On top of that, CENTURY 21 is in 60 countries with over 8,800 offices and 145,000 global agents.  You want the best representation?  Trust me; we truly are the local experts! Ready 2 Move? 09/17/2009

This fantastic building has been well managed and features 2 bedrooms with 2 full baths that average a spacious 1200 sq feet (approx) and 1 bedrooms which are around 800 sq feet. Building ameneties include, indoor pool, party room, storage lockers and elevators Prices ranges from 200,000 - 350,000   You can view my website for listing of Parkdale Terrace Condos   09/16/2009

With the fall market just around the corner there are lots of Buyers out there looking to move in before the Christmas and Holiday season! Are you a home buyer that has been thinking of moving to Pineview? Centrally located this well designed neighborhood in Ottawa is definately the place to be. Only minutes from HWY 417, shopping and local transit this area offers a variety of over 1,850 homes; Single family residences, semi-detached, row units and condos. The price points in Pineview are also very reasonable and can range anywhere from $150,000 up to $500,000 +. I have been working as a Realtor in Pineview for approx. 4 years and I'm happy to report every year has had steady homes sales with increasing value - on average approx. 85 sales a year which includes both residential and cond... 09/16/2009

On of the most frequently asked Ottawa Real Estate Questions I get asked is:  "when is a good time to BUY or SELL a Property in Ottawa ?" Well the answer to this question is often linked to the seasons, and right now we are having a change in Season from the Summer to the Fall.Traditionally most Sellers decide to list their properties in Spring or Summer to co-incide with the warmer weather and when a lot of people are in a good mood and out-and-about.As a result, at this time there are a lot of properties competing for Sale on the market.However I sometimes advise people to go against the flow and think laterally in terms of asking themself this Ottawa Real Estate Question ? "when would my home stand out from the crowd?" Well the answer to this has to be in the Fall and even more so in... 09/16/2009

Are you looking to purchase a new home but don't know where to start. As an Ottawa REALTOR® I have seen the product that is offered by the new home builders in this city and I would be happy to share this information with you. I can supply you with a list of the new homes that are available in the area. This will save you time and give you a better understanding of your options. If you wish, we can also evaluate your choices and I'll give you my professional input to help you make a decision. In order to help you make this decision I can help you find the answers to these questions. WHAT'S THE RESALE VALUE OF THIS HOME? By looking at the model you want to purchase I can evaluate the past sales and let you know what type of return you can expect on your investment. I recently advised a c... 09/15/2009

If you have tried to list your home in Ottawa on yourself (For Sale by Owner - FSBO) without any success don't feel bad about it. The reason that your Ottawa home didn't sell was most likely because it didn't find the right buyer in the city of Ottawa. By calling me I will make sure you home gets the attention it deserves maximizing the chance of finding the right buyer for your property not only in Ottawa but across the country and the world. There will always be buyers and sellers the trick is to get both of them together whether they are in Ottawa or not. By listing with me you can bet that if a buyer is looking for your home he or she will find it! Think about it if you as a seller found my online chances are I will also find your buyer online. MLS Listing- The power of having thous... 09/15/2009

Tickets are now available for the Going to the Ottawa's 4th annual Dogs Fundraiser at the Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa, Ontario. Tickets are $40 per person and include an all you can buffet, live racing, complimentary race program, $2 wager coupon, valet parking and coat check, silent auction, 50/50 draw and door prizes. Guest must 19 or older and have a government-issued photo id. For information or to purchase tickets, contact info@responsibledogowners.ca or call 613.228.7764. Rideau Carleton Racetrack in Ottawa 4837 Albion RoadOttawa, ONK1X 1A3 09/15/2009

One of the Ottawa Real Estate Questions that I DO NOT get asked often enough by Sellers, (well not nearly often enough !!!) Is the importance of INTELLIGENT PRICING OF A PROPERTY.Here are some of the facts: Timing is extremely important in the Ottawa real estate market. A property attracts the most activity from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed. It has the greatest opportunity to sell when it is new on the market. More buyers purchase their properties at market value than above market value. If you price your property at market value, you are exposing it to a much greater percentage of prospective buyers and you are increasing your opportunity for a sale.If you price your home at market value, 60% of buyers will look at your home, if you price it 10... 09/15/2009

One of the frequent Ottawa Real Estate Questions I often get is focussed around the issue of DIVORCE. I quote from an article by SARAH HAMPSON that I found on the internet: "I know what I don't want," Robin Wright Penn tells More magazine in its just-released September issue. Someone uncork the champagne. Ms. Wright Penn is talking about her marriage to fellow actor Sean Penn, and their decision (for the third time) to file for divorce. This time it's for good, reportedly. The decision to leave a marriage is never easy, despite the social tolerance for divorce. The period of deliberation that precedes most splits could be called "the Hamlet years," as one or both of the spouses struggle with a confusing mix of emotions. Ms. Wright Penn's knowledge of what she doesn't want is as powerful... 09/14/2009

The Ottawa Real Estate market is still strong. According to the stats from the Ottawa Real Estate Board "August resale home sales solid". The members of the Ottawa Real Estate board sold 1,216 residential properties in August 2009. This is compared to last year (1,181 for August 2008), an increase of 3%. Pretty good for everyone. The sales year-to-date are now up by 2.6% over last year's sales for the same period. These are the average sale prices:    $315,074 - average incl condo and residential - 12.3% increase over last year    $225,167 - average price for condos in Ottawa - 5.1% increase over last year    $339,406 - average price for residential homes - 13% increase over last year.   In my opinion, this means that the market is still strong in Ottawa. There has been no better time t... 09/14/2009

Ottawa Real Estate Questions sometimes come in the form of ,``well tell me about the area``Well the area of ORLEANS in East Ottawa is where I specialise in helping people buy and Sell their properties. One of The greatest Ottawa Real Estate Questions is what is there to do in the various areas of Ottawa that make one area different or better or worse than another area.......... ORLEANS, 20-30 minutes drive from downtown Ottawa has a lot to offer in terms of the fact that it is a relatively newer area and the expansion of new housing developments from the likes of the new home builders like the Mintos and Richcrafts and Cardels of the world and the expansion of the plethora of retail outlets on Innes Road has made the area simply explode with growth into it`s own urban community. There a... 09/13/2009

On walkabout through Centretown Ottawa, I passed by a triplex offered for sale by its charming owner. She'd recently toured me through her units and is a fine example of how to successfully own Ottawa investment properties! We'd connected as I also own a century-old triplex that boasts both positive cashflow and appreciation in value. As we chatted on her porch it dawned on me just how much the face of today's "landlord" has changed! Single and 33 when I became a "landlady", this move drew skepticism, derision and raised eyebrows. In retrospect, I only wish I'd started ten years earlier! Meet the new face of a landlord: recent graduates, having just landed their first salaried job, skip afterwork cocktails to save for a duplex down-payment! Savvy twenty-somethings own Ottawa investment ... 09/13/2009

You may have some Ottawa Real Estate Questions of your own that I can answer for you, but last night I went to see a movie on the big screen called "The Ugly Truth" and it led me to ponder about a lot of things in life.Have you ever wanted to tell someone something, but felt it was just too hard to actually get the words out without hurting their feelings ? Well usually the best thing to do is just to take a deep breath, speak slowly, and as gently as possibly speak the truth because in the long run, you will be so glad you did. As an Ottawa Real Estate Agent ,I pride myself on fully disclosing to my Clients everything I possibly can about a property.I am quite famous for telling my  Buyers and Sellers why they should NOT buy, just as I am for telling them that they should buy Ottawa re... 09/12/2009