Ottawa Homes Blog

Online Xmas Shopping

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:33:00 GMT

xmas is fast approaching. Don't get caught with that dreadful last minute shopping feeling. Why not shop from the comfort of your own home and consider Online Shopping. Here are some great Canadian sites http://www.intletail.com/canada or http://www.cybershopping.ca . If you choose to shop from US sites and don't want to pay the high shipping cost, have your merchandise shipped to the UPS store in Ogdensburg. You can track your parcel at http://trackogdensburg.com/ . When placing your online...(read more)

Amazing Country Store for xmas shopping

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:32:00 GMT

I have been living in Oxford Mills for over two years now. One of the many advantages of living in the country is being close to antique and country craft stores filled with beautiful treasures, lovely keepsakes and amazing gift ideas. If you haven't discovered 'Olde Porch Primitives', I highly recommend you take the trip to Oxford Mills. OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10:00 - 5:00 AND SUNDAY 11:00 TO 4:00. Located 5 minutes west of Kemptville in the quaint little village of Oxford Mills, 9...(read more)

Why Send Out Cards?

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:32:00 GMT

When you act on a prompting you can change someone’s life. The SendOutCards convenient system lets you send that birthday, anniversary or thank you card without the hassle of pen, paper, stamps, envelopes or mailboxes. Sending a card has never been so easy! With just the click of a button, you can choose your custom card, add a personal photo, write your message and click send. SendOutCards prints, stuffs, stamps and mails the physical card for you. Try it and make someone happy. Send out a...(read more)

Tips for Safe Online Shopping

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:30:00 GMT

Shopping online does carry some risk, but so does shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. At least online shoppers don't need to worry about fender-benders in the parking lot, pick pockets at the mall, or getting the flu from all those fellow shoppers. But the nice thing about shopping online is that by following some basic guidelines you can be reasonably sure you'll have a safe experience. Secure your PC: The first thing you need to do is be sure your computer is secure. Keep your operating...(read more)

Pre-Listing Home Inspections

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:24:00 GMT

Sellers can facilitate the sale of their home by obtaining a pre-listing home inspection (PLI). Home inspections used to be initiated almost exclusively by the buyer in real estate transactions. However, PLIs, paid for by the seller before a house is put on the market, are a popular way for REALTORS® to try to reduce the possibility of last-minute surprises and, at the same time, create a marketing edge. Having PLI information available to all parties may result in fewer conditions in offers....(read more)

Ottawa Real Estate Statistics - Ottawa

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:47:00 GMT

Ottawa, October 5, 2011 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,202 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,071 in September 2010, an increase of 12.2 per cent. The five-year average for September sales is 1,160. Of those sales, 280 were in the condominium property class, while 922 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached,...(read more)

Activating your eEdge Account

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT

For Keller Williams Agent who haven't had the opportunity to activate their eEdge account, feel free to watch my You Tube Video "> ">View Video Format: ??? Duration: --:--...(read more)

Laughs for Charity Dinner and Silent Auction

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:11:00 GMT

Keller Williams VIP Realty is sponsoring their 3rd annual fundraiser, " LAUGHS FOR CHARITY " Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Centurion Conference Center at 170 Colonnade Road. This year's goal is $10,000 dollars with proceeds benefiting Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and Christie Lake Kids. We are looking for donations for our silent auction. Any items will be graciously received and appreciated. Tax receipts are available for items valued over $200.00...(read more)

Ottawa Real Estate April Stats

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:35:00 GMT

Click the link to view Ottawa Real Estate Board April Statistics http://www.theottawahomes.com/MLS/page_2179039.html

MLXChange Tips and Tricks

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:57:00 GMT

As an MLXchange Instructor, I have decided to start blogging about how as realtors, we can help each other out by posting tips and tricks with regards to using MLXchange. Therefore I am posting my first Tip and hopefully this will be the beginning of a new trend

TIP # 1: Checking how many times your clients have accessed their personal web page

From the Search Menu, select 'Saved Search Manager'
Scroll to the very right of the screen
Position your cursor on the title of the column 'Last Gateway Access' and click twice to sort by most recent date
You can now have a visual of which client is accessing their gateway and the date they last accessed.

Home Buyer Seminar Success

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:14:00 GMT

On Saturday, March 26th, I hosted a Home Buyer Seminar. I was very pleased with the outcome and attendance. I'm extremely grateful to all the speakers that took the time on the weekend to come out and speak. I spent the previous week preparing the Home Buyer Kits which included CMHC publications such as the Home Buying Step by Step, Choosing a sustainable neighborhood and other useful information such as the MLS district map, a detailed explanation of the Buyer Representation Agreement, mortgage information, First Time Buyer Incentives. All in all the kit is full of great information. I advertised on my web site and the mortgage specialist was kind enough to distribute the flyer to numerous branches. I contacted a few of my past clients and they agreed to post the flyer at their offices. All the attendees came from seeing the announcement on my website. I was hoping to get more responses from ads in Facebook and the flyers that were posted in different locations.

The Seminar lasted 3 hours. I started off by thanking all the attendees and introducing the guest speakers. Each speaker had sent me their powerpoint presentation prior to the seminar and once the final copy was slightly modified I integrated into my presentation. At the end of the seminar, I had a door prize and had the attendees fill out a Buyer Questionnaire. I am fairly confident that I will have 3 new buyers out of 6 that attended the seminar. Not bad considering that 4 out of the 6 were couples; the 5th was single and the 6th was a client that had purchased one week prior to the seminar. He was kind enough to provide a testimonial of my services. Thank you for that Jonathan.

I welcome any suggestions for improving my future seminars such as : efficient ways to advertise to get a better turn out, incentives to attract more people, ideas on door prizes.

My next seminar will be held on March 26th, from 1:00 to 4:00. I shall have 3 guest speakers again (mortgage specialist, inspector and lawyer).

FREE HOME BUYER SEMINAR

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:03:00 GMT

FREE HOME BUYER SEMINAR
Thank you to all those who attended the
Seminar on Saturday, March 26th, 2011
It was a great success!!

The next Seminar will be held on:
SATURDAY, MAY 14TH, 2011
Book early and reserve your seat
Guest Speakers:
Mortgage Specialist
Real Estate Lawyer
Home Inspector
Real Estate Representative
Click here to Register

Appraisal on a Hobby Farm

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:44:00 GMT

For all Realtors who are representing clients purchasing a Hobby Farm, I would like to share this valuable information and experience with you that will benefit your client and relieve unnecessary stress.

I recently represented a client who was downsizing from a $800K home to a 98 acre hobby farm which he purchased for $580K. Needless to say he was very pleased with the fact that his monthly mortgage payments would be significantly reduced and walk away with a profit allowing him to renovate the farm and take advantage of the Ontario Renovation Tax Credit. So far so good!!

The bank ordered an appraisal which was done on the farm and 5 acres only, which is pretty standard for a hobby farm appraisal. The appraisal came back at $140K less than the purchase price. You can well imagine how upsetting this was for my client as he would now have to use the profits of the sale of his house to come up with the difference since the mortgage is based on 20% of the appraised value.

This is how I saved the day with the advice from a fellow Realtor specializing in rural properties, the dedication of three bank representatives and an experienced appraiser. The appraisal should have been coordinated and requested by the Small Business Adviser at the bank. Most banks will have such a person on staff. There is a program in place that allows them to appraise the farm house, the outbuildings and the remainder of the 5 acres. Since it is considered a different mortgage than residential, the banks will require more security. The Small Business Adviser proceeded to order another appraisal which I am happy to say came in over the purchase price. My client is extremely pleased with the outcome and grateful for my persistence and professionalism throughout this long stressful process.

For further information about the program or contact information of all the 'Key People' that made this happen, email me at mrowe@kwottawa.ca or call my direct line at 613-794-2899.

REALTORS® welcome federal housing initiatives in stimulating Canadian economy

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Ottawa – January 27th, 2009 – The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) welcomes the federal government initiatives to stimulate economic growth outlined in the 2009 budget, especially those that will encourage home ownership in Canada. The Association applauds the government for recognizing the economic importance of the housing industry in some of the budget measures.

“The change announced to the popular Home Buyers’ Plan will help Canadians who want to own their own home, and do it in a responsible way that is not a major drain on taxpayers,” says the President of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Calvin Lindberg.
Research conducted for CREA by the Altus Group shows that each residential real estate transaction in Canada generates $32,200 in ancillary consumer spending. The study also reported that 94,700 full time direct jobs were generated annually by that ancillary or spin-off activity. The study is posted on the www.crea.ca website.
“The federal government has found a way to introduce economic stimulus and housing initiatives for specific groups, and for Canadians who want to buy their first home.” Mr. Lindberg added. CREA had proposed the federal government do that by increasing the limit of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to help stimulate the housing market.
Introduced in 1992 by a Conservative government and made permanent by a Liberal government in 1994, the HBP has broad political and consumer support. It will now allow first time homebuyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to be used in a down payment on a residential property. The Plan has not had the same impact and relevance it did 16 years ago, when the original $20,000 limit represented 13.3 per cent of the average house price, versus about 6.5 per cent in 2008.
The Association also believes that the success of the proposed home renovation tax credit program will depend on effective administration and promotion. “The use of tax credits will make the program of interest to many Canadians who own their own home,” adds the CREA President, “but the success will be tied in part to the availability of savings or credit, since the expense has to be paid before the tax credit is issued.”
A survey conducted for CREA by IPSOS Reid in October 2008 revealed that only 12 per cent of homeowners had ever applied to some type of government renovation or energy efficiency program. In that same survey, 36 per cent said they would consider replacing windows as a priority to improving home energy efficiency, while another 27 per cent said it would be adding insulation.
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) also welcomes federal government initiatives that will encourage home ownership and better communities in Canada. “The announced measures for aboriginal and social housing are welcomed by REALTORS® as steps to help house those who may be in need, and to modernize existing housing resources,” adds CREA President Calvin Lindberg.

CREA first called on governments to address various issues affecting native home ownership during the World Urban Forum in Vancouver in 2006. The Association’s analysis of native housing issues is available in a booklet posted on the www.crea.ca website. “The budget spending initiatives help address the issue of the quality of native housing, and quality of life on Canadian reserves. Equally as important is the transition to market-based housing on reserves, and the government in the budget has committed to the transition to that as well,” adds Mr. Lindberg.

Tax credits available for renovations, first-time homebuyers

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:32:00 GMT

The 2009 Federal Budget offers up several financial breaks for first-time homebuyers and home-owners looking to improve the value of their homes through renovations. First-time buyers could see savings of up to $750 to alleviate closing costs by way of a $5,000 non-refundable income-tax credit on a qualifying home purchased after Jan. 27, 2009. This is welcome news for prospective real estate clients debat-ng whether they should wait for better financial times. Coupled with the Province of Ontario’s rebate of up to $2,000 for Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers, potential savings are substantial. In a further effort to stimulate the housing market, the proposed budget offers to increase by $5,000 the maximum amount first-time homebuyers can withdraw from their RRSPs.

Under the Home Buyers’ Plan, $25,000 can now be withdrawn, up from $20,000, with the stipulation the money be repaid over a 15-year period, beginning in the second year after it is withdrawn. The budget also contains something for prospective sellers: A Home Renovation Tax Credit—a one-year, temporary 15 per cent income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed or goods acquired between Jan. 27, 2009 and Feb. 1, 2010. A credit may be claimed on eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 but no more than $10,000, putting up to $1,350 back in the homeowners’ pockets. This provides a great opportunity for sellers deciding if they should spend money to complete a few renovations in order to make their homes more attractive to potential buyers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (613) 794-2899,

Area’s housing market defies national price drop

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:37:00 GMT

OTTAWA ‘continues to be a sound and stable city’: report
By Paula McCooey, The Ottawa CitizenJanuary 27, 2009

OTTAWA — The city's resale housing market remains resilient even while sales and prices are dropping in other Canadian markets, according to a survey by a major real estate firm.
Citing “solid” year-over-year price gains, the report from Royal LePage Real Estate Services says Ottawa “continues to be a sound and stable city for homeowners and investors alike to invest.”

The national average for detached bungalows dipped by 4.8 % to $319,640 at the end of 2008, said the report, which was released Monday.
Condos across Canada decreased by 5.2 % to $233,230, year-over-year, and two-storey properties fell by 6.3 % to $376,140.
Ottawa prices remained below Canadian averages, but increased in all sectors.
Of three Ottawa house types examined, the average price of a standard condominium had the highest increase, rising 5.2 % to $207,167.

The average rise of a standard two-storey home rose 3.5 % to $317,083, year-over-year.
The average detached bungalow appreciated by 4.1 % to $321,333.
Of six Ottawa markets surveyed, the highest increase for two-storey homes was in Orléans, where an average two-storey rose 6 % to $281,000.

In south Ottawa, the same house rose 5.6 % to $283,000
In west Ottawa, 4.5 %to $350,000
In central Ottawa, 4.4 %to $446,000
In east Ottawa, 3.9 % to $266,000 and
In Kanata 2.3 % to $294,500
In Orléans, the average bungalow rose 6.8% to $267,000
In east Ottawa, 5% to $263,000
In south Ottawa, 4.7 % to $265,000
In central Ottawa, 4.4 % to $500,000
In west Ottawa, 3.2 % to $320,000
In Kanata, 1.3 % to $313,000

For condominiums, Orléans had the biggest increase, 7.2 %, bringing the average to $179,000. In west Ottawa, the average condo rose 6.4 % to $250,000
In south Ottawa, 6.2 % to $171,000
In east Ottawa, 5.8 % to $181,000
In central Ottawa, 5.3 % to $280,000
In Kanata, 2.8 % to $186,000

MLXchange Training

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:38:00 GMT

Are you having challenges with MLXchange? Perhaps you are a new agent or you just need a refresher course?
I offer MLXchange one-on-one or group sessions custom designed for your specific needs.
The one-on-one sessions can be offered at your office or home office.
The group sessions can be offered at your office or in the computer lab at the Ottawa Real Estate Board (11 agents required).

The cost is $50.00/hour (minimum of 3 hours). For additional information on available dates and time, please contact:
Michele Rowe, Sales Representative, Keller Williams Ottawa Realty, 613.794.2899 or email at mrowe@kwottawa.ca

Point2Agent Training

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:15:00 GMT

Are you new at Point2Agent? Do you need help getting started?

I am offering a Hands-on one day Point2Agent course in an Computer Lab Setting.

You will learn how to:
Use your Online Office
Design and Edit the content of your Website
Setup Drip Campaigns
Manage your prospects
Create and manage listings
Understand Statistics and Executive Reports
Manage Domains
ETC.........

The course is $75.00 from 9:00 to 4:00. There is a minimum requirement of 11 students.

For specific dates and more information, please contact Michele Rowe @ 613-794-2899 or email at mrowe@kwottawa.ca

New Building Code Requirement Takes Effect

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:57:00 GMT

Ontario is ensuring new homes in the province are more energy efficient with a new requirement under the Building Code.

Starting in January 2009, Ontario’s Building Code will require near full-height insulation on foundation walls in all new home construction. The basement insulation requirement is the second step in a three-phase approach to energy efficiency brought in with the introduction of the 2006 Building Code.

After 2011, further requirements will see houses with at least an EnerGuide 80 level of efficiency. EnerGuide 80 is a model energy rating system for houses developed and administered by Natural Resources Canada.

Land Transfer Tax Refunds for First-Time Homebuyers

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:08:00 GMT

For information pertaining to Land Transfer Tax Refunds for First-Time Homebuyers, click the following link.

http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/bulletins/ltt/1_2008.html

Ottawa resale market balanced, prices still rising

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:52:00 GMT

December 5, 2008 : Ottawa resale market balanced, prices still rising

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 646 residential properties in November through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 890 in November 2007, a decrease of 27.4 per cent. There were 964 sales in October 2008.

“These numbers are right in line with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s just-released forecast for resale home sales in Ottawa for the remainder of 2008,” said Board President Heather Skuce. “Sales are moderating to near-2006 levels; in fact, 2008’s year-to-date sales numbers are still slightly ahead of 2006. In that year, 13,090 homes had been sold by November 30, versus 13,264 so far this year. Sale prices continue to rise, and CMHC says Ottawa is now becoming a balanced market, which offers plenty of opportunity for both buyers and sellers,” Skuce added.

The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in November in the Ottawa area was $291,441, an increase of 7.7 per cent over November 2007. The Board cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (COAHP)

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:47:00 GMT

The federal, provincial and municipal governments have committed $36 million to make homeownership affordable for more than 4,500 low and moderate-income renter households.

This is a solution for people who are renting and want to own a home, but have limited access to the necessary funds for a downpayment. This solution is The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (COAHP).

The COAHP makes home ownership affordable for low and moderate-income households across Ontario. The COAHP provides up to 5 percent down payment assistance for eligible consumers when purchasing a home.

Applicants must:

be 18 years and older
be renting
have combined household income at or below the maximum level
qualify for mortgage financing

The price of the purchase must not exceed the COAHP's eligible value, and must be modest in size relative to community standards.
For more information on COAHP visit: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=4083

Ontario’s Housing Industry Submits Poverty and Affordable Housing Solutions to Ontario Government

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:42:00 GMT

A coalition of groups representing Ontario’s Housing Industry released a wide ranging set of recommendations today to the Ontario government to address the province’s poverty and affordable housing challenges.

Ontario’s Housing Industry commends the Ontario government for its renewed commitment to reducing poverty and expanding opportunities for those with low incomes. The recommendations present fiscally responsible and cost effective ways of improving housing affordability in Ontario.

Key recommendations of Ontario’s Housing Industry include:

1. Remove government imposed cost and regulatory barriers to the supply of land and new housing which constrain housing opportunities for lower income households;
2. Create a long-term portable housing allowance program to provide immediate assistance to low income households who have housing affordability problems;
3. Stop the regressive taxation of tenants by equalizing residential and multi-residential property tax rates across Ontario;
4. Address homelessness by focusing on special needs housing and services for the hard-to-house and integrating enhanced support services within housing projects;
5. Make strategic investments to fix Ontario’s existing social housing stock.

In the past, Ontario has wasted vast resources on government sponsored housing production which was very expensive, helped only a small number of households and left a costly legacy to maintain in a good state of repair. Almost 600,000 Ontario households are still in core housing need. Previous mistakes can be avoided by understanding how housing markets work, removing barriers to housing supply, providing direct assistance to those in need and ending the unfavourable property tax treatment of tenants.

Ontario’s Housing Industry includes the following groups: BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association, bildgta.ca); FRPO (Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario, frpo.org); OHBA (Ontario Home Builders’ Association, ohba.ca ); OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association, orea.com); REALPAC (Real Property Association of Canada, realpac.ca); RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario, rescon.ws); and TREB (Toronto Real Estate Board, torontorealestateboard.com).

Homes: New down payment rules

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:47:00 GMT

New rules that came info effect in October 2008 have forced consumers to have a least five per cent down on any home purchase. Mortgages can also be amortized over 35 years, down from 40 years, making for a larger month payment.

The market is expected to get some relief from the fact that new listings are expected to decline, Mr, Klump, chief economist at CREA, said.

CREA president Calvin Lindberg said consumer confidence has not been this low since the mid-1990s. "The major drop in consumer confidence and a steady stream of economic bad news from the financial markets is taking its toll on the national housing market," he said.

The association pointed out a decline in housing is bad news for the overall economy, saying spin off spending from MLS transactions is about $15.3 billion per year when moving and renovation costs and the purchase of new furniture and appliances is included.

Homes prices, sales sag

Michele Rowe, Sales Representative — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:58:00 GMT

A slowdown in some of the country's most expensive cities for housing continues to drag down the average sale price of a home in Canada, the Canadian Real Estate Association said on November 14th, 2008.

The average sale price of a home last month was $281,133, a 9.9%decline from a year ago. It's the fifth straight month that prices have fallen in the country's major markets on a a year over year basis, and each month the percentage decline has increased.

Sales also continue to decline across the country. In major markets, sales in October were down 15.1% from September. The 32,046 sales in October for the entire country were the lowest monthly level since July, 2003.

"The breadth and depth of the drop in the MLS activity suggests a major downshift in consumer psychology, " said Gregory Klump, chief economist at CREA. "That has moved many home buyers to the sidelines until economic news begins to improve."

CREA said activity was down in 75 percent of the Canadian markets it surveys, including the five most active, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Toronto accounted for one-third of the national decline.

"Many home buyers across Canada battened down the hatches in October as they were concerned with dire headlines about stock market volatility and a global economic downturn," said Mr. Klump.