Ontario voters head to the polls with housing supply crisis top of mind

Ontario voters head to the polls with housing supply crisis top of mind: June 2nd is Election Day in Ontario and voters’ real estate concerns are shaping their voting intentions. According to a Royal LePage survey1 conducted…

206-6434 BILBERRY Drive Ottawa, ON K1C 4P5

Property Site: https://tour.royallepage.ca/home/THNTS7/206-6434-BILBERRY-Drive-Ottawa-ON-1272287X

Backing on to the park this bright second floor unit has ceramic and laminate floors throughout, no carpets. Freshly painted in late 2021. Kitchen has an extended counter over a built in china cabinet. Bathroom and kitchen have had some updates over the years. Sliding barn door opens to the bathroom. The balcony is screened in and overlooks the park and playground. Laundry is in the building. Includes exclusive use of a parking spot #178. Complete with an in unit storage room. Laundry on the 3rd. floor. Reach your new unit either via the elevator or stairway. Appliances included a new dishwasher. Bring your bicycles(storage is available in the building) . Cycle or walk along the network of trails and paths close to the river. Covid precautions in effect. Please wear mask and minimize touching of surfaces and objects. Thank you.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Price: $235,000

For more information about this property, please contact Ian Ponting at 613-830-3350 or ian@royallepage.ca. You can also text 7181974 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://ianponting.royallepage.ca

MLS ID: 1272287X

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1865 LECLAIR Crescent Ottawa, ON K1E 3S2

Property Site: https://tour.royallepage.ca/home/AVEB6W/1865-LECLAIR-Crescent-Ottawa-ON-1211399

Lovely three bedroom home on a child friendly crescent in popular Sunridge, conveniently located to schools, parks, nature trails, public transit and shopping. The spacious mid level family room with a fireplace is a great place to relax. The updated kitchen offers newer appliances, granite countertops, ceramic back splashes and beautiful updated cabinets with plenty of drawers. The patio door leads to a good sized deck and a fully fenced backyard. A master bedroom with full ensuite and spacious secondary bedrooms are located on the second floor. The basement has an office,recroom for those working from home. Come see your new home. The virtual tour is coming soon. Offers to be presented at 5p.m. October 1, 2020, however Seller reserves the right to review and may accept pre-emptive Offers.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 4

Price: $549,900

For more information about this property, please contact Ian Ponting at 613-830-3350 or ian@royallepage.ca. You can also text 6486808 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://ianponting.royallepage.ca

MLS ID: 1211399

98 and 100 Bearbrook Road Ottawa, ON K1B3B9

Property Site: https://tour.royallepage.ca/home/SSGFJH/98-and-100-Bearbrook-Road-Ottawa-ON-1208563

98 and 100 Bearbrook Road are offered for land value. No representations are made with regard to the two homes on the property. No access to the homes. Zoning permits multiple commercial and residential uses. Close to all amenities Blackburn Hamlet offers.

Bathrooms: 0.00

Square feet: 42,011

Price: $2,700,000

For more information about this property, please contact Ian Ponting at 613-830-3350 or ian@royallepage.ca. You can also text 6450756 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://ianponting.royallepage.ca

MLS ID: 1208563

98 BEARBROOK Road Ottawa, ON K1B 3B9

Property Site: https://tour.royallepage.ca/home/HEW6UP/98-BEARBROOK-Road-Ottawa-ON-1208563

98 and 100 Bearbrook Road are offered for land value. No representations are made with regard to the two homes on the property. No access to the homes. Must be sold with 100 Bearbrook Road MLS 1208569. Zoning is AM11 Arterial Mainstreet. Zoning permits multiple commercial and residential uses. Close to all amenities Blackburn Hamlet offers.

Bathrooms: 0.00

Price: $1,350,000

For more information about this property, please contact Ian Ponting at 613-830-3350 or ian@royallepage.ca. You can also text 6445191 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://ianponting.royallepage.ca

MLS ID: 1208563

100 BEARBROOK Road Ottawa, ON K1B 3B9

Property Site: https://tour.royallepage.ca/home/T4FDHS/100-BEARBROOK-Road-Ottawa-ON-1208569

98 and 100 Bearbrook Road are offered for land value. No representations are made with regard to the two homes on the property. No access to the homes. Must be sold with 98 Bearbrook Road MLS 1208563 Zoning is AM11 Arterial Mainstreet. Zoning permits multiple commercial and residential uses. Close to all amenities Blackburn Hamlet offers.

Bathrooms: 0.00

Price: $1,350,000

For more information about this property, please contact Ian Ponting at 613-830-3350 or ian@royallepage.ca. You can also text 6445189 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://ianponting.royallepage.ca

MLS ID: 1208569

1862 LECLAIR Crescent Orleans, ON K1E 3R7

Property Site: https://tour.royallepage.ca/home/Y43E29/1862-LECLAIR-Crescent-Orleans-ON-1201085

Offers to be presented at 11:59 a.m. July 30, 2020, however Seller reserves the right to review and may accept pre-emptive Offers. Impressive, spacious home in desirable Sunridge backing on to Barnabe Park. Enjoy walking the local trail system, easily accessible from this lovely home. Plenty of living space for the growing family including a large finished recreation room(s) in the basement. Renovations include: Main and ensuite bath partial(2020), flooring kitchen and laundry(2020), freshly painted(2020), final two vinyl windows (2020), roof shingles (2008), furnace(2007), owned hot water tank(2019), kitchen cabinets refinished(2020), Lennox a/c (2007) Note the Brazillian Jatoba hardwood in the living, dining and family rooms. Fridge, stove and dishwasher are included all (2014). Enjoy your new patio(2020) off the kitchen eating area overlooking the beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. A sturdy garden shed is included. Covid 19 protocols in effect.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

Price: $589,900

For more information about this property, please contact Ian Ponting at 613-830-3350 or ian@royallepage.ca. You can also text 6362068 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://ianponting.royallepage.ca

MLS ID: 1201085

6 Affordable Ways to Boost your Home's Curb Appeal

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside. You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider:

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.

 2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning. There are window washing products that connect to your hose to make this job easier. Check your home improvement retailer.

3. Maintaining shrubs, hedges and flower beds. Trimming the hedges, shrubs and other evergreens can make a big difference in how your property looks from the street. It's like giving them all a haircut! Flowering plants can also brighten up the look.

4. Front door painting. From the curb, a buyer's eye is naturally drawn to your front door. If your entry system looks old and worn, consider a fresh coat of paint. It can make the entrance look almost new.

5. Garage door painting. This is a bigger project that can take a day or two, but the effort might be worth it. For many homes, the garage door is the biggest item in the curb appeal panorama. Making it look better will have a big impact.

6. Removing unsightly items. Look at your home from the street. Are there items in your field of vision that take away from the curb appeal? For example, are there garbage cans and other items stowed along the side of the property and visible from the road? If so, move them.

This Simple Question Can Save You a Lot of Money

 Imagine this scenario...

 You purchase a new home and move in. A few weeks later, you hear a strange rumbling sound. It’s  the furnace.

 It’s only a year old, yet it’s sputtering like it’s twenty. You realize you’ll have to call in an HVAC  contractor to get it fixed.
 You’re thinking, “Ouch! This is going to be expensive.

 ” Well, maybe not. You see, since that furnace is relatively new, it might be covered by its original  warranty — even for you, the new owner.

 But a warranty is useless if you don’t know it exists.
 Recent studies suggest that upwards of 50% of  people pay to get items fixed that were actually covered by a warranty. So, when purchasing a new  home, be sure to ask this simple question: “What warranties do you have for items, materials or  workmanship in this house?”

 Warranties are common on new stoves, fridges, washers, dryers and    other big ticket appliances. Some such warranties are transferrable, which means they are still in  force when the items pass from one owner to another.

 Even less expensive items, such as electronic  thermostats and automatic garage door openers, may be covered by a transferrable manufacturer’s  warranty.

 If the home you’re purchasing is relatively new (say, less than 10 years old), the builder’s  warranty may also still be in force. That can be handy if a structural problem arises.

Even recent  renovations, may have come with a labour and/or installation warranty of some kind.

As you can see,  warranties are everywhere! The more you’re aware of them, the more you’ll save when something  needs repair or replacement.

Condo sales drive the Ottawa resale market in July-

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,530 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,490 in July 2016, an increase of 2.7 per cent. The five-year average for July sales is 1,446. 

“The Ottawa resale market continued its steady pace into mid-summer, with condo sales really bolstering the market this past month,” says Rick Eisert, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “We’ve actually been seeing this positive trend since February. The condo market had been in a slump for the past few years because it was overbuilt. Some owners who had difficulty selling their condos rented them instead, thereby decreasing supply. Now as rental leases are coming due, combined with evidence of stronger condo sales, these owners are placing these units back on the market for sale. Meanwhile, residential sales have remained virtually the same in comparison to this time last year.” 
Courtesy of The Ottawa Real Estate Board August 2017

Ready to sell or buy call Ian Ponting 613-222-2662 or email me ian@royallepage.ca

How Long Will Your Home Appliances Last?

If you’re paying a lot of money for a new washing machine, wouldn’t it be nice to know how long you should expect it to last? There is, of course, no exact formula for figuring that out. Every brand and unit is different. There are however, some broad estimates.

According to an article in Consumer Reports, a washer and dryer will hum along just fine for about 10 years, with a likelihood of needing a repair during the last two to three. Leading brands offer a parts and labour guarantee for at least a year. So, if something goes wrong during that period, be sure to contact the manufacturer right away.

The National Association of Home Builders released a report a few years ago on the longevity of kitchen appliances. They found that refrigerators can last up to 13 years under normal use. Dishwashers and ovens will start to show their age after nine years. The worst record is for trash compactors, with a life expectancy of only six years before repairs or replacement is required.

Microwave ovens last an average of nine years. However, the door seal should be checked often. Otherwise, the unit will quickly lose efficiency. (You’ll notice this when your food doesn’t heat up as quickly and evenly.)

All experts agree that the best way to keep home appliances functioning properly is to follow manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance. If you’ve lost your user’s manual, you can download a new one (which may contain important updates) from the manufacturer’s website.

Important Things to “Fix Up” before Selling

You’ve probably seen signs around the area for Open Houses. You may have even attended a few. These are open invitations for potential buyers to drop by on a certain day and time, to check out the property and get more information.

When you’re listing your home for sale, you might wonder whether you’ll need to have an Open House

To answer that question, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons. Planning and hosting an open house isn’t as easy as it may seem. There’s a lot of preparation involved. In addition, you’ll likely spend hours making your property look its best and you’ll need to be away from your home for a good part of that day.

That being said, an Open House has many advantages.

•  It helps showcase features of your property that may not come across well in advertisements and listing descriptions. 
• It attracts potential buyers who, for any number of reasons, might not otherwise call to view the home.
• It generates a buzz and publicity about your listing.

However, an Open House might not be necessary if there is high demand for properties like yours and you’re likely to get multiple offers.

Knock, Knock. How to Avoid Door-to-Door Scams

It’s early in the evening and there’s a knock on the door. You answer and are greeted by an official-looking man who claims he needs to see your utility bill to confirm you’re getting your energy rebate.

Do you let him in?

 While he may be legitimate, he may also be using deception to sell you something you don’t want. Here are some suggestions for finding out:

• Ask for a business card. Then, check if it has an address, phone number and website. If the salesperson refuses or just shows you his ID card (which anyone can fake), that’s a red flag.
• Ask for the name of his employer. Sometimes salespeople will say they “represent the phone company”. That doesn’t mean they actually work for it.
• Ask if you can call his company to confirm details before buying. If he refuses, or says the office is closed, shut the door
• Ask if you can consider the offer and call the office the next day to place your order.
•  If you’re really suspicious, ask him to come back later. Then, call the non-emergency police number. Police are aware of common scams in the area.

Most importantly, use your common sense. Door-to-door salespeople can be pretty persuasive, but if something doesn’t seem right to you, trust your gut. Say, “No thanks.”

Of course, if everything checks out with the salesperson, and the offer is a good one, consider taking advantage of it.

Your Exit Plan in Case of a Fire

In almost every movie featuring a house on fire, the actors seem to be able to move around the house and see just fine, while beating back flames with a shirt or coat. Of course, that’s not what happens in real fires.

When there’s fire in a home, there is typically complete darkness (because the power goes out) and a cloud of spreading thick, black smoke makes it difficult to see and breathe.

That’s why knowing how to get out of your house — fast — is crucial.

Experts recommend rehearsing what to do in case there’s a fire. Make sure everyone in the family has an exit plan. Each should know exactly how to get out, including primary and secondary exits, and where the family will meet once safely outside.

Never attempt to take anything with you. It may seem like you have plenty of time to grab a coat or purse, but the characteristics of a fire can change in seconds.

 As a fail safe, in case you can’t exit through a door, you should determine in advance which window has the safest exit. Make sure that the window opens easily and everyone knows how to remove the screen or any other obstruction.

Finally, don’t call the fire department from inside your house. Get out first, then make the call.

How to Cut Your Electricity Bill in Half

You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle.

A good place to start is with your electronics.

 According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock, digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible. Also, unplug charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not connected to the device, they still suck power.

Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re 75% more efficient.

Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and repair or replace insulation as needed.

None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could potentially save you a bundle.

Making an Offer in a Competitive Market

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.

If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over the seller? Here are some ideas:

• Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other competing offers are near the listing price.
• Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this purpose.)
• Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.
• Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf. A REALTOR® will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you the best chance of getting the home.

In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Call today.

How to Watch Out for Poisons in Your Home

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of exposures to poisons occur inside the home. Almost all are preventable, if you follow some simple guidelines.

•  Look for the poison label on products you buy. Visually, it’s a skull and cross bones, often (but not always) with the word POISON above it. 
•  Don’t make assumptions. Sometimes a seemingly innocuous product, like a shampoo, can contain poison or other ingredients which are harmful if swallowed.
•   Avoid mixing different cleaning products together. When chemicals are combined, they change. Combining some cleaning products can even create toxic fumes. 
•  Keep all medication, even the non-prescription kind, out of reach of children. Never leave medicine on the bathroom counter. 
•  Never use pesticides inside the home unless the product is clearly labeled for indoor use. Then, use only as directed.
•   Never use a charcoal grill or barbeque indoors, no matter how well ventilated you think you’ve made it. Doing so can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 

One final tip. Pay attention to the expiry date of products, especially cosmetics and cleaning liquids. As chemicals age, they change and can emit harmful fumes.

What Does a Property Surveyor Do?

Property Surveyors, sometimes referred to as land Surveyors, play a vital role in the real estate world. They are the professionals who determine or confirm the exact boundaries of a property.

Will you need to deal with a Property Surveyor when selling your home?

 You might.

Sometimes the mortgage lender will ask for a land survey, especially if your property is older and hasn’t changed hands in many years. You might also be asked for one by the buyer if there is any confusion about the size and boundaries of your property – or if significant changes have been made to it in recent years.

This is nothing to be concerned about.

 A qualified Property Surveyor will do the appropriate inspection and measurements on your property and issue you the survey. (It looks a little like a blueprint.)

Property Surveyors are highly trained and licensed. In the United States, the profession is represented by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, with each state having its own governing body. In Canada, Professional Surveyors Canada (PSC) represents the profession nationally, and most provinces have their own professional associations.

Before getting a new land survey, make sure you don’t already have one. Hopefully, you’ve stored the paperwork that relates to the purchase of your home. Look through it. A valid land survey might be right there.

 If you have questions about land surveys, call today.

Will an Open House Help Sell your Home?

You’ve probably seen signs around the area for Open Houses. You may have even attended a few. These are open invitations for potential buyers to drop by on a certain day and time, to check out the property and get more information.

When you’re listing your home for sale, you might wonder whether you’ll need to have an Open House.

To answer that question, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons. Planning and hosting an open house isn’t as easy as it may seem. There’s a lot of preparation involved. In addition, you’ll likely spend hours making your property look its best and you’ll need to be away from your home for a good part of that day.

That being said, an Open House has many advantages.

• It helps showcase features of your property that may not come across well in advertisements and listing descriptions. 
• It attracts potential buyers who, for any number of reasons, might not otherwise call to view the home.
• It generates a buzz and publicity about your listing.

However, an Open House might not be necessary if there is high demand for properties like yours and you’re likely to get multiple offers.

Are You Ready to Buy Up?

No matter how much you love your current property, you may be dreaming of the day you can buy up into a better home in a better neighbourhood.

Is that day today, or, is it a few years down the road?

Here’s a quick way to make that assessment.

 First, make a list of all the practical reasons why it might be time to move up. Those reasons might include features such as: more bedrooms, proximity to work and school, a larger backyard with trees, nearby parks and walking paths and better access to things you enjoy like theatre.

Next, make a list of the emotional reasons for making such a move. Those reasons might include memorable get-togethers with friends on a more spacious deck, an easier and less stressful commute to work, more family time with the kids and enjoyable Saturday golf at a nearby course.

 Finally, take a financial snapshot to determine if you can afford to move up. You’ll need to get a good idea of what your current property will sell for in today’s market, average price of homes in your desired neighbourhood, and how much mortgage you’ll need.

Once you have all that down on paper, you’ll have a clear picture of your readiness. If the practical and emotional reasons for buying up are compelling, and you can afford to make the move, then you have your answer.

The time is now!

By the way, if you need help in making this determination – especially figuring out what your home will likely sell for, call or email Ian today today.

613-222-2662
ian@royallepage.ca