Blog

Buying Old Versus New Properties – Pros and Cons

April 3, 2016

When buying any commodity, new is often better than used. In the housing market, though, your best opportunity can come from an old home or, as in Ottawa, where the inventory of new homes is overstocked, you may be able to purchase a new home for the same price buyers paid years ago. Here are … Buying Old Versus New Properties – Pros and Cons Read More » ...

Why Appreciate Your Real Estate Agent

March 27, 2016

When you decide to buy your first home, the initial excitement is often quickly followed by fear of the unknown. After viewing many attractive properties online, you have no idea where to start. Eventually, though, with the invaluable assistance of a real estate agent, you can purchased your dream home at a great price. … Why Appreciate Your Real Estate Agent Read More » ...

Time To Get Out The Spring Maintenance Checklist

March 21, 2016

In Ottawa, there are two sights that remind homeowners it’s time for spring maintenance: bikes on the road and geese in the sky. With the recent double-digit temperatures, it seems spring has won its annual wrestling match with winter. And, as spring fever sets in, you may want to store your parka and get … Time To Get Out The Spring Maintenance Checklist Read More » ...

Financing Your Home Purchase – Mortgage Broker or Bank?

March 15, 2016

When it comes time to purchase a new home, where should you go for financing? You may have a relationship with a bank from past transactions (RRSPs, savings accounts, car loan), so it’s the first option that comes to mind. But, mortgage brokers are licensed specialists who have access to many lenders and mortgage … Financing Your Home Purchase – Mortgage Broker or Bank? Read More » ...

7 Deadly Sins of Home Renos

March 9, 2016

Homeowners who renovate only to boost resale value should aim for a return on investment (ROI) of three dollars for every dollar invested. Resale renos should be neutral in colour and conservative in tone so they appeal to the maximum number of potential buyers. And, cost control always trumps elegance. In fact, some … 7 Deadly Sins of Home Renos Read More » ...

Real Estate Snapshot February 2016

March 3, 2016

What a difference a day makes! An extra day in February saw 46 sales on that day (February 29th) as per the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s news release March 3rd. See the full Ottawa Real Estate market snapshot for February and the … Real Estate Snapshot February 2016 Read More » ...

Saving Strategies for Every Age

March 3, 2016

We all want to save more money, but doing it requires a plan. And, the best approach to saving depends on the stage of life you’re in because each phase has unique financial commitments. Although individual circumstances vary, these generation-specific suggestions will point you in the right direction. Millennials (19-35) Millennials, born … Saving Strategies for Every Age Read More » ...

First Time Homebuyers Government Incentive Programs

February 25, 2016

Thinking of buying your first home? If so, it may be time to get on with it, especially considering the possibility that interest rates will rise. Using government incentive programs that encourage first time homebuyers to enter the real estate market, you can realize additional savings. And, mortgage financing has been almost free … First Time Homebuyers Government Incentive Programs Read More » ...

Why Listing In January or February Can Make Sense

February 19, 2016

Although it may seem odd, listing in the winter months can be advantageous for sellers. Statistically, there are indeed more buyers in the spring market. However, there are also more homes for sale, including properties similar to yours. With more competition for the pool of buyers, your chances of finalizing a deal may actually … Why Listing In January or February Can Make Sense Read More » ...

Congratulations to our Award Winners

February 16, 2016

At Royal LePage Team Realty helping YOU is what we do and we couldn’t do that without a dedicated network of real estate professionals. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our 2015 Award winners and thank them for their hard work and dedication. We are so proud to work with those … Congratulations to our Award Winners Read More » ...

Why Homeowners Should Beware of Icicles

February 13, 2016

Ottawa’s freeze-thaw weather patterns often create sparkling icicles that look magical. But, they actually identify a dangerous — and potentially costly — hazard, an ice dam. Imagine coming home from work to find water streaming down your interior walls and soaking into the hardwood of your foyer. What would you do? What Is … Why Homeowners Should Beware of Icicles Read More » ...

Don’t tax my dream campaign succeeds

January 1, 2016

The efforts of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and the Progressive Conservatives were recently rewarded when the provincial government decided they would NOT be expanding the municipal land transfer tax program. Liberals keep election promise In an unexpected announcement during the legislature’s question period, Municipal Affairs Minister Ted McMeekin ended … Don’t tax my dream campaign succeeds Read More » ...

8 steps to getting started in property investment

December 31, 2015

This propertyinvestment.com post from Nila Sweeney is an excellent primer for those who want to start a property portfolio. First, check your finances to see how much you can invest and get mortgage pre-approval. Then, define what success means for you, as well as the level of risk you are comfortable with, and … 8 steps to getting started in property investment Read More » ...

An Economist’s Letter to Millennials Who Can’t (Yet) Buy a Home

December 30, 2015

This post from Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at realtor.com, explains what Millenials can do to help themselves along the path to home ownership. For example, a high debt burden will restrict their ability to qualify for a mortgage, and the amount they can get, so they need to limit their total debt payments (student loans, … An Economist’s Letter to Millennials Who Can’t (Yet) Buy a Home Read More » ...

5 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof

December 29, 2015

Most of us have little or no experience with re-roofing, so this post by home reno expert Bob Vila is a valuable guide to the questions a homeowner should ask before hiring a roofer. First, ask for an estimate that is comprehensive enough (permits, inspections, materials, labour, contingency) to establish a firm budget. Discuss … 5 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof Read More » ...

The 3 Most Common Reasons a Home Inspection Kills a Deal

December 28, 2015

In this Redfin.com post, home inspector Dylan Chalk underscores the importance of a home inspection by identifying how they can prevent a potential sale. The most common reason is the home is not what it appears to be, especially in the case of a “flipped home”, one purchased and updated with the intention of … The 3 Most Common Reasons a Home Inspection Kills a Deal Read More » ...

Reno Investments Providing the Highest Returns

December 27, 2015

This detailed Home Inspection Network post provides useful data to anyone who is considering a home renovation. Author Bev Siciliano begins by explaining what many do not realize – we might not fully recoup our investment when the home is sold. For that reason alone, home renovations should be analyzed individually to ensure we get … Reno Investments Providing the Highest Returns Read More » ...

What You Need to Do When Saying Goodbye to Your Home

December 26, 2015

Although you’re excited about moving, there are easy ways to reduce the ache you feel when thinking about leaving the old abode. According to this Realtor.com post by Lisa Davis you could throw a going away party with the neighbours who shared your journey over the years. Toast your soon-to-be former residence. Leave a … What You Need to Do When Saying Goodbye to Your Home Read More » ...

The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage

December 25, 2015

This article from Bob Vila gives eight handy tips to consider when using your basement for storage. The suggestions include taking advantage of vertical space by building up and not out, using open shelves for frequently-used items and built-in cabinets to conceal toys or cleaning supplies, storing off-season gear in sealed bins to protect … The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage Read More » ...

Is It Time to Downsize? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First

December 24, 2015

If you’ve reached the time of life where you are contemplating downsizing your home, the first question to ask, according to this Realto.com post, is what kind of lifestyle do you want after downsizing? By defining how you want to live, you can narrow your search and focus on housing that will meet those … Is It Time to Downsize? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First Read More » ...

What’s the best property type for your first home?

December 23, 2015

Inexperience can cause first time home buyers to be confused by the multitude of available options. This post by Caroline James is an excellent introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of five popular property choices: a large detached house on a suburban block, a small home on a sub-divided lot, a townhouse, an apartment … What’s the best property type for your first home? Read More » ...

8 Mistakes That Could Screw Up Your Home Sale

December 22, 2015

Usually we hear “buyer beware”, but real estate author Michael Corbett advises sellers to beware and gives 8 reasons why in this trulia.com post. Always work with professional help, including a real estate agent. Their expertise, experience, neighbourhood knowledge and resources will help you plot a course through the selling process. Overpricing is … 8 Mistakes That Could Screw Up Your Home Sale Read More » ...

5 tips for eco-friendly renovations

December 21, 2015

If you are renovating, you should consider the green strategies suggested in this realestate.com post by Danielle King. For example, add insulation to the roof and external walls and you could save 25% on energy costs. Replace inefficient windows or add window film since up to 40% of your heating can be lost through … 5 tips for eco-friendly renovations Read More » ...

Canadian Home Prices Are Growing At One Of The Fastest Paces In The World

December 20, 2015

The Canadian real estate market continues to boom, according to this Financial Post offering. With a year-over-year increase of 8.2%, Canada ranked 4th of the 23 countries studied in Scotiabank’s report Global Real Estate Trends, behind Ireland (13.3%), Sweden (10.5%) and Australia (8.3%). However, the report warns the trend could change if economic uncertainty … Canadian Home Prices Are Growing At One Of The Fastest Paces In The World Read More » ...

Here’s What Pushes People to Buy Homes in 2015

December 19, 2015

If you want to sell your property quickly, at near the asking price, it is important to know why people are buying. In this post, Realtor.com chief economist, Jonathan Smoke, suggests we pay attention to the five main triggers for home buyers: they have grown tired of their home and want a change, interest … Here’s What Pushes People to Buy Homes in 2015 Read More » ...