Your Home in Ottawa

National Market Analysis-Fourth Quarter 2008

2009-03-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

Economic Downturn and Dampened Consumer Confidence Caused House Prices to Dip During Fourth Quarter

During the fourth quarter of 2008, Canada's real estate market posted a decline in both unit sales and house prices, according to a House Price Survey released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services. The combination of a global economy in recession and shrinking employment figures did much to dampen consumer confidence, diminish home sales and cause house prices to drop.

Of the housing types surveyed, the average price of detached bungalows dipped by 4.8 per cent to $319,640, followed by standard condominiums, which decreased by 5.2 per cent to $233,230, year-over-year. The average price of standard two-storey properties fell by 6.3 per cent to $376,140, year-over-year.

"For many people, deciding to hold off on buying a home at the end of the year was an easy decision to make. With consumer confidence in tatters, many were reticent about making any large purchases. However, waiting on the sidelines during the normally slow winter market is one thing, sitting out the seasonally busy spring market is quite a different story. Activity levels should rise as the year progresses," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

Looking ahead, Soper concluded, "the balance of 2009 should see gradual and continuous improvements as the effects of low mortgage rates along with efforts by governments and central banks to get the economy back on its feet again begin to take hold."

For more information, please see the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices at www.royallepage.ca..

If you are wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you
Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Fourth Quarter 2008

Homes selling faster, prices still rising

2008-09-17T13:49:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, September 5, 2008 : Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,187 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,307 in August 2007, a decrease of 9.2 per cent. There were 1,418 sales in July 2008.

“Making comparisons with 2007 is always difficult, because it remains the best year on record by such a significant margin. When you compare this year’s sales numbers to 2006, which still stands as the second-best year on record for sales, it becomes much more apparent that Ottawa’s resale housing market is very steady. In fact, year-to-date sales are up over the same time period in 2006. At the end of August of that year, members of the Board had sold 10,141 homes. As of the end of August 2008, members have sold 10,469 homes in the Ottawa area this year,” said Board President Heather Skuce.

The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in August in the Ottawa area was $280,806, an increase of 5.1 per cent over August 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,400 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.

The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

2007 Best Year Ever for Ottawa Resale Housing Market

2008-01-14T20:34:00.000-05:00

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 583 residential units in December, bringing the total number of residential properties sold through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system in 2007 to 14,579,setting a new record. The previous record, set in 2006, was 13,782. There were 682 sales in December
2006.
“2007 was an amazing year for the housing market in Ottawa,” said Immediate Past President Diane Hatfield. “The powerhouse spring market certainly helped drive those numbers, but Ottawa saw constant, sustainable growth throughout the year, resulting in a year-end increase of nearly six per cent in sales over 2006,” Hatfield added.
The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in December in the Ottawa area was $276,532, and for the year the average price was $272,618. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,325 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus
are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca.
Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

Ottawa Resale Home Sales Speeding Towards New Record

2007-11-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,054 residential units in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,008 in October 2006, an increase of 4.6 per cent. There were 1,111 sales in September 2007.
“With 13,069 sales so far this year, and with two months still left in 2007, Ottawa Real Estate Board members are on track to blow away last year’s record sales number of 13,783,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “Homes also spent fewer days on the market this past month than they have since the summer months – perhaps the mild fall weather gave the market a little boost,” Hatfield added.
The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $273,441, an increase of 6.3 per cent over October 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,300 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information
about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

Can Ottawa be Far Behind?-

2007-11-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

Who will be the First Ottawa Councillor to Propose a land transfer tax for Ottawa?

Toronto City council has voted 26-19 to endorse Mayor David Miller's two controversial new taxes, one covering land transfers and the other for vehicle registrations.

The October 22nd vote was considered crucial to Mr. Miller's future political clout, after he suffered an unexpected defeat in July when council opted to defer the measures, forcing him to order unpopular budget cuts. After a daylong debate and weeks of intense lobbying, councillors supported a compromise package, endorsed by prominent developers and the Toronto Board of Trade.

Under the compromise tax package approved by Toronto Council, the buyer pays a tax based on the purchase amount, using a scale similar to the existing provincial land transfer tax. It is based on a tax rate of 0.5 per cent on the first $55,000, one per cent on the value between $55,000 and $400,000 and 2 per cent on the amount greater than $400,000. First-time buyers of new or resale homes would receive rebates of up to $3,725, meaning those buying homes worth up to $400,000 pay nothing. The tax would not apply to sale agreements signed before Dec. 31, 2007.

The President of the Toronto Real Estate Board remains concerned about the potential impact of the second land transfer tax and disappointed that the public's opinion of the issue was ignored.

Market Driven by Single Homes in September

2007-10-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

October 4, 2007
Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,116 residential units in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,084 in September 2006, an increase of 3 per cent. There were 1,312 sales in August 2007. “The big story in September was single-family homes, whose sales increased by four per cent over last year at this time,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “Meanwhile, condo sales numbers held steady right where they
were last year, but condos are still a hot commodity – those sold in September spent an average of just 31 days on the market,” she added.

The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in September in the Ottawa area was $272,500, an increase of 6.4 per cent over September 2006. 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,300 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca . Information about listings
and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

August Housing Market Calmer, But Still Active

2007-09-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,316 residential units in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,245 in August 2006, an increase of 5.7 per cent. There were 1,455 sales in July 2007.
“After a sizzling July, the August market settled down a bit, but remained steady, with year-to-date home sales now edging close to the 11,000 mark,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “Also, people buying homes have plenty of choice – at the end of August there were almost 4000 homes on the MLS® market in Ottawa,” Hatfield added.
The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in August in the Ottawa area was $267,014, an increase of 2.5 per cent over August 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,300 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca . Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide,
available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

July Resale Housing Market Sizzles-

2007-08-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, August 8, 2007 : Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,456 residential units in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,234 in July 2006, an increase of 18 per cent. There were 1,645 sales in June 2007.
“Sales activity through the MLS® system continues to set records,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “Members had the busiest July ever for sales. Unlike June, we saw increases in both the number of residential (freehold) and condominium properties.”
The average price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in July in the Ottawa area was $269,245, an increase of over six percent over July 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,300 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca . Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

Brisk Real Estate Resales Heat Up June

2007-07-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, July 10, 2007: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,651 homes in June through
the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,855 in May 2007. There were 1,600
sales in June 2006.
“Homes are still selling at a brisk pace, spending an average of just 34 days on the market before
being snapped up,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “With more than 8,000 homes sold
already in 2007, the Ottawa resale housing market is on track for another record-breaking year.”
“It’s also interesting to note that condo sales continue to drive growth – that segment accounts for
the entire difference between sales in June 2006 and June 2007, making it clear that condos are still
a hot commodity in Ottawa,” Hatfield added.
The average price of the homes sold in June through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was
$279,429, an increase of 7.8 per cent over June 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,280 REALTORS® in the Ottawa
area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus
are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa
Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect
the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS®
commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at
www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association
at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in
the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

Affordable homes, hot condo market warm up chilly April

2007-05-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, May 8, 2007: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,554 homes in April through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,305 in March 2007. There were 1,439 sales in April 2006.
“Condo sales continue to lead the way in the Ottawa resale housing market,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “Sales in that sector are up by more than 12 per cent over last April, proving that they are still a very popular choice with Ottawa homebuyers.”
“Also, it is noteworthy that more home purchases made in April were priced below the average than above it, showing that consumers have plenty of affordable housing choices in the Ottawa area,” Hatfield added.
The average price of the homes sold in April through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $276,440, an increase of 5.9 per cent over April 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,280 REALTORS® in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

March Market Has a Spring in its Step

2007-04-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, April 10, 2007: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,306 homes in March through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,032 in February 2007. There were 1,318 sales in March 2006.
“The traditionally brisk spring market got off to a great start in March, with the number of days a property spent on the market down significantly from February, coupled with an increase in inventory in the residential property class. More people are selling, and consumers are buying those homes more quickly,” said Board President Diane Hatfield.
“Also, in the first quarter of 2007 alone there was a 5.3 per cent increase in the total number of homes sold, putting the Ottawa housing market on track for continued growth over the course of the year,” Hatfield added.
The average price of the homes sold in March through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $273,898, an increase of 7.6 per cent over March 2006. 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,230 REALTORS® in the Ottawa
area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

Spring Market Underway-

2007-03-07T07:58:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, March 6, 2007: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1032 homes in February through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 764 in January 2007. There were 982 sales in February 2006.
“The average number of days a home spent on the market dropped significantly from January to February, indicating that after the usual winter lull, the Ottawa housing market is picking up again nicely,” said Board President Diane Hatfield. “The average sale price of a home in Ottawa
continues to rise, but the inventory of housing available below the average price remains strong,
allowing plenty of opportunities for first-time buyers to enter the market and take advantage of stilllow interest rates.”
The average price of the homes sold in February through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $264,566, an increase of 6.6% over February 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,230 REALTORS® in the Ottawa
area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide.

2007 Off to a Great Start Thanks to Mild January

2007-02-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, February 6, 2007: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 763 homes in January through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 647 in January 2006. There were 682 sales in December 2006.
"This year is tied with 2002 for the highest number of sales on record for the month of January, possibly due to the warmer temperatures that Ottawa experienced for the first half of the month," said Board President Diane Hatfield. "Both the residential and condominium classes are showing strong increases over last January, and the average sale price has continued to rise as well. It's an excellent start to the year for Ottawa's residential real estate market."
The average price of the homes sold in January through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $260,374, an increase of 6.3% over January 2006. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,200 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide.

Record-Breaking Year for Home Sales in Ottawa

2007-01-10T15:18:00.000-05:00

Ottawa, January 9, 2007: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 682 homes in December
through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, setting a new record of 13,783 residential
sales for 2006. The previous record was 13,152 in 2004. There were 615 sales in December 2005.
“Overall, it was a very healthy year for Ottawa’s residential real estate market,” said newly elected
Board President Diane Hatfield. “The average sale price of a home continued to trend upward, and
the still-growing condominium market drove sales numbers all year long. Condos are also selling
more quickly than they did in 2005, while residential sales stayed on pace with the previous year.”
The average price of the homes sold in December through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area
was $247,833, and for the year the average price was $255,889. 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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,200 sales representatives and brokers
in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate
Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa
Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect
the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS®
commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at
www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association
at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in
the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide

2006-12-18T13:01:00.000-05:00

Home Sales Surpass 2005 Total by November

Ottawa, December 8, 2006: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 877 homes in
November through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 906 in
November 2005. There were 1,011 sales in October 2006.

“Despite slightly lower sales than last November, our members have now sold over 13,100 homes in Ottawa this year, a significant increase over 2005,” said Board President Ron Levine. “This is traditionally a quieter time of year for real estate sales, but I can say with satisfaction that sales have remained consistently strong all year, with condo sales still a growing part of the housing market.”

The average price of the homes sold in November through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $258,027, an increase of 5.5 per cent over November 2005. Year to date the average price is $256,289. 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,200 sales representatives and
brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.

The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the
Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS®
to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by
REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the
Board's internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca.
Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide.

Looking For A Rental?-

2006-11-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

I have a client who purchased a new Minto Terrace home with appliances and now wishes to rent it out. Located in Avalon it has one parking spot with another possible. The rent is $1250. per month. Tenant pays utilities. Never been lived in. Anyone interested?

2006-11-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

Housing Market Still On The Rise This Fall
Ottawa, November 7, 2006: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,015 homes in October through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 931 in October 2005. There were 1,087 sales in September 2006.

“Condominium properties are selling faster than at this time last year, with an average of 42 days on the market, down from 48 in October 2005, and their average selling price is up nine per cent over last October, indicating that condo sales are a driving force in Ottawa’s resale housing market,” said Board President Ron Levine. “In addition, residential properties are selling at the same brisk pace as last year, and sales numbers are up more than nine per cent, demonstrating continued solid growth.”

“Ottawa Real Estate Board members have sold 12,232 properties so far in 2006, putting our predicted total of 13,000 sales for the year well within reach,” Mr. Levine added. The average price of the homes sold in October through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $255,763, an increase of 4.7 per cent over October 2005. Year to date the average price is $256,129.

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. The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,200 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area.

Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®. The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board's internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board's weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide.

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

Convent Glen and Sunridge News-

2006-10-16T07:03:00.000-05:00

New Convent Glen and Sunridge Blogs-
Go to www.ianponting.com to view and contribute to these blogs. You may also email me at ian@royallepage.ca for more information.

News from the Ottawa Real Estate Board-

2006-10-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

On Track for a Successful Autumn
Ottawa, October 6, 2006: Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,092 homes in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,078 in September 2005. There were 1,246 sales in August 2006.
"We are on track to surpass 13,000 sales this year. Ottawa's housing market is still growing, though it is a more controlled growth now than it has been in the past several years. Interest
rates are still low, and many buyers are taking advantage of the diverse housing choices available to them here in Ottawa," said Board President Ron Levine.
So far this year, 11,226 homes have been sold in Ottawa by Board members through the MLS® system. The average price of the homes sold in September through the MLS® system in the Ottawa area was $255,026, an increase of 6.5 per cent over September 2005. Year to date the average price is $256,117.
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.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,200 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.
The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLSmark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca .
Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide.

Source Ottawa Real Estate Board

Add Life to Your Home-

2006-10-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

Add Life to Your Home for a Fall or Winter Sale
By Ian Ponting

The fall and winter is often a great time to put a home on the market. With the summer holidays over and kids back to school, buyers often have more of an inclination and time to shop around for a home. So, during the fall season, take a little extra time to make your home stand out to prospective buyers and prepare your home for viewing.

Make your home even more appealing to potential buyers by adding life and colour to in the interior and exterior of your house with plants and flowers. You may not associate fall with flowers coming into bloom, but there is an easy to grow and colourful plant that can make your home stand out in the crowd – and mum’s the word!

Chrysanthemums! These gardeners’ favourites are hardy and easy to maintain - simply plant them and let them grow. Yellow, orange, white, red and purple chrysanthemums are available at nurseries and gardening centres now. These perennials will bloom constantly until the snow comes and will survive to flower again next year.

Spruce up your front doorway with another fall favourite, spirea. This flowering shrub produces whitish and pale pink flowers or green and purple foliage and looks great in large pots on your doorstep. A fall wreath on your front door gives a warm, inviting look to your property and makes it stand out in the neighbourhood. Make a good impression by raking the leaves from your lawn! Make sure there are plenty of lights on or put them on a timer. Potential buyers may cruise by your neighbourhood day or night.

Brighten up every room with flowers or green foliage. Your flower shop or corner store will stock a variety of hardy, green leafed house plants that are attractive and easy to care for. Three very popular, eye-catching and easy-to-care-for houseplants are Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen and Dracena.
Indoors, make a point of tending to greenery before a showing. Sad looking plants will not impress visitors. Wipe dust off green foliage and remove drooping, brown or dead leaves. A sickly looking plant may be evidence of cold draughts or excessive dry heat in your home. The days may still be warm, but the nights are cooler, so check the caulking around your windows and doors. If visitors see that you care for your plants and flowers, they will also be confident that you care for your home.

For the classic touch, fill a clear glass vase with assorted fresh cut flowers. Ask your flower shop for an assortment of lilies, larkspur, snapdragons, alstromeria and gladioli. Lilies add an instant and very pleasant fragrance when there is less fresh air circulating in your home. Cut flowers will appeal to more than one of your prospective buyers’ senses and leave a lasting impression.

New in Sunridge-Main Floor Den

2006-09-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

Check out this new listing in Sunridge. Spacious four bedroom with clerestory family room, main floor den, partly finished high ceilinged basement and it backs on to a park(ravine setting). Jump over to my web page www.ianponting.com and check it out.

Sold in 90 Days or I'll Sell it For Free-

2006-08-29T06:54:00.000-05:00

We have all seen these ads. How can a sales representative do this? I suspect the certain conditions apply clause covers this. Any comments? Especially from those that have been through this process.

New Chapel Hill Listing-

2006-08-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

Just listed and ready to show shortly, 1644 Teakdale check it out at www.ianponting.com.
It has a deep lot of about 131 feet, finished basement, main floor family room and a master ensuite bath.

Future Development land - 97.91 acres

2006-08-11T15:22:00.000-05:00

Go to my web site www.ianponting.com and check out this new listing if you are in the market for investment properties. Buy it rent out the house and out buildings before you make plans for it. 4238 Eighth Line Road closer to Ramsayville Road.

Landscape your way to energy savings

2006-08-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

When considering ways to reduce your energy bill, your thoughts probably turn to insulating your window frames, roof, pipes, and exterior walls – and that’s true! Did you know that heating and cooling costs could be reduced by strategically planting trees, shrubs and hedges on your property? If you’re interested in cutting costs – read on!

To determine where best to plant in order to impact temperature changes around the home, begin your landscaping project with a plan. Sketch a simple drawing of your property, including buildings (garden shed, garage, etc.), walk and driveways, patio surfaces and utilities, such as telephone and gas lines. This process allows you to quickly identify “free” planting space and where landscaping may be inhibited due to height or width restrictions, such as overhead utility wires. Use a variety of shaded pencils to differentiate your property’s features in various colours, such as inter-locking brick from grass.

Once the plan has been drawn, indicate the direction of the sun and prevailing wind with arrows for both summer and winter and the areas on your property that are most vulnerable to these climate conditions. Keep in mind the way water drains off your property and the location of existing trees and shrubs. You have now located where shade and/or wind protection is needed.

In the winter, trees, shrubs, or hedges can be used to shield your home from the harsh wind. By referring to your plan, you will be able to identify the direction of the wind and have a good idea where best to plant.

A properly chosen and located windbreak, such as a tree or shrub with dense leaves and needles, can dramatically reduce wind speed and insulate your home by creating “dead” air spaces. Ensure that the shrub or tree is planted at least 30 centimetres from property walls. Live in a snowy climate? Try low-lying shrubs that help trap the snow before it collects against exterior walls.

In the summer, shading from trees can reduce air temperatures by as much as 5 degrees celsius. Using trees and shrubs to shade can be a cost-effective way to reduce air-conditioning costs. Again, refer to your landscaping plan to identify the best location and approximate size of your shading plants.

Trees and shrubs with open branches and leaves allow a summer breeze to circulate while still providing shade. These plants are ideal for filtering the cooler morning sun from the east, while denser trees with spreading leaves and branches could be planted to the south of your property, which receives the most amount of sun. And, after the leaves drop in winter, light and radiant heat can still reach a home during the sun-starved winter months.

In its first year, a young tree will shade windows, and over the next 5 to 10 years it will provide shelter for your roof. On the other hand, low lying plants and shrubs provide shade for the ground and pavement around your property, which will reduce air temperature before it hits windows or exterior walls. Consider building a lattice or trellis with climbing vines - not only are they an attractive addition to a garden, but they also provide protection from the summer elements.

After concluding the type of landscaping your property requires, consult a landscape professional, reliable nursery and /or your local library for further information regarding the most appropriate plant for your energy reducing needs, budget and climate.

Trees and shrubs can be a significant investment, so ensure that your purchases are undamaged, that the branches, foliage and roots are healthy and that there is no indication of insects or disease. Many nurseries and plant stores offer guarantees for their plants.

By following a few simple and fun steps, you can landscape an energy efficient garden while adding beauty and value to your property.