When we really like a property, we can overlook or downplay its negative aspects. This homeownership.ca post advises us to approach purchasing a home as a business decision and to remove emotion from the decision. Before viewing any properties, contact a financial adviser to set your budget, a mortgage broker to get […]
Emotional Homebuyers Can Lose Out On The Best Deals Read More »
If you want to convert your home’s look from average to exceptional, this Realtor.com post by Jamie Weibe tells you how. Remove mismatched decor items, store toys/magazines and organize your things to fix a cluttered appearance. Clean and re-grout tile to make it look new. Use traditional, neutral tones to freshen paint in areas
6 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive Read More »
This homeownership.ca post tells why an understanding of underwriting is a key advantage for home buyers seeking a mortgage. Work with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your price range and can make an offer instantly. The pre-approval process determines the size of mortgage and type of home
Underwriting insights! What Every Homebuyer Should Know Before Applying for a Mortgage Read More »
As people age, reduced mobility, impaired balance, failing vision and muscle weakness make them more susceptible to injuries in their home, and bathrooms are no exception. This Consumer Reports article tells how the latest design trends are helping owners upgrade their bathrooms with changes that enhance safety while retaining their beauty and avoiding an
Create a beautiful bathroom for the ages Read More »
Should removing and cleaning the window screens be part of your winter maintenance routine? According to this houzz.com post, there are several benefits to be gained. Simply put, dirty mesh blocks light, heat and the view. For example, you get 30 to 40 percent more light coming in without screens on the windows. More sunshine
Why Cleaning Window Screens Should Be Part of Your Winter Strategy Read More »
Mild weather and post-election enthusiasm spurs on home buyers! Statistics are useful in establishing trends but should not be used as an indicator of an increase or decrease in value of specific properties. If you are curious about the value of your home and/or specific neighbourhood statistics we would love to help. Contact us.
Ottawa Real Estate Update: November 2015 Read More »
A walkable community is well-planned, compact and designed for people to walk to work, school, parks restaurants and activities as a form of everyday transportation. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, more and more buyers want to live in walkable communities. The study found that fully 12% more Millennials, the generation born between the
Not Only Millennials Want Walkable Communities Read More »
Because the cost of electricity is expected to rise as a result of the federal Liberals’ green energy policies, prudent investors should pay attention to the energy consumption of their rental properties. This Canadian Real Estate Magazine post advises landlords to find ways to become more energy efficient such as installing programmable thermostats and
Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them Read More »
This slide show from Bob Villa is an excellent visual representation of how NOT to treat your appliances. For example, an overloaded washing machine stresses the bearings and misaligns the drum. Overfilling the freezer can block air vents, restrict the flow of cold air and overtax the condenser. Clean spills right after using the
9 Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Appliances Read More »
In this Point2Homes post, Nadia Balint attributes Ottawa’s stellar, but unsurprising (to locals), ranking in the recent Numbeo Quality of Life Index to three characteristics: Ottawa is young and fun with almost half the population under 35, it promotes and supports family life and the housing is relatively affordable. The Index rates factors like
Ottawa Named 3rd Best City in the World for Quality of Life; Here’s Why Read More »