Blog - James Dean

Beyond the Sign: How Realtors Determine List Prices

Beyond the Sign: How Realtors Determine List Prices. – There are a number of factors that go into the successful marketing and sale of a home. Even before the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up, the professional REALTORS® at Royal LePage Team Realty are working hard to make sure that all of the elements are in place. […]

Bring Your Gardening Hobby Indoors

Bring Your Gardening Hobby Indoors Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean your gardening hobby has to take a back seat. Luckily, there are many approaches you can take with a variety of different styles to make your indoor garden just as fabulous as outdoors. In this article, we’ll list some tips, […]

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot August 2022

The August 2022 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out! Market Snapshot: Sales slowed down in August which is traditional for the month as most are enjoying summer vacations. Days on market increased as did prices (in comparison to August 2021) but at a more moderate rate than earlier in the year. If you’re considering […]

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Fall Maintenance Checklist It’s September, and fall is in full swing. As the seasons change, the national capital region will put a wide variety of colours on full display for us to enjoy. But while the leaves are beautiful, they can provide their own set of tasks to deal with. Your property will need […]

5 Tricks for a Smooth Move with the Kids

5 Tricks for a Smooth Move with the Kids Moving can seem like a daunting task. There are so many things to think about, plan and organize with many strict deadlines that need to be met. Not to mention the added stress of having to do it all with the kids in tow. But […]

4 Tips for the Coziest Autumn Patio

4 Tips for the Coziest Autumn Patio As the weather cools, you’re still going to want to make the most of your outdoor spaces. Luckily, you still have a lot of time left to enjoy them before the snow falls. In this blog, we’ll discuss some common patio trends that will help you make […]

5 Things You Need to Know About Buying Commercial property

5 Things You Need to Know About Buying Commercial property. The first thing you need to decide when first considering investing in commercial real estate will be the type of property that best suits your needs. Each has its pros and cons and will need different expertise. It’s important to note that residential mortgages are […]

Beyond the Sign: Choosing the best realtor

Beyond the Sign: Choosing the best realtor – “Whether you are buying or selling a home, working with the right REALTOR® can make a huge difference in the success of your real estate transaction. It takes a lot of skill to be able to market homes, negotiate terms, and ensure the entire process goes smoothly. It is […]

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot July 2022

The July 2022 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out! Market Snapshot: The number of sales dropped in July and momentum continues for new listing inventory showing signs that a balanced market could be coming. The average sale price continues to climb however at a much lower, single-digit rate. If you’re considering a move we’re […]

Low Maintenance Curb Appeal

Low Maintenance Curb Appeal. We all want our yards to look great, but nobody wants to spend their weekends doing yard work. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance property, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier. Low Maintenance Gardening Choose easy-care plants that don’t require a lot of watering […]

Beyond the Sign: Buying and selling waterfront properties

“The waterfront real estate market around Ottawa continues to be hot this summer. Area residents have always loved their summer cottages, but these days more people are also choosing a more permanent lake or river view. According to Jason Ralph, Broker of Record and President of Royal LePage Team Realty, waterfront properties are in high demand. “We’ve seen […]

Summer Curb Appeal

It’s Prime Curb Appeal Season! Ottawa is a city full of natural beauty. From the outskirts to the city centre, you’re guaranteed to find green spaces and gardens full of colour around almost every corner. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about your own curb appeal. It doesn’t […]

First Time Homebuyer Resources

Your First Home is a Big Deal. Buying your first home is monumental. It’s a huge financial investment and a major life milestone. Unfortunately, nowadays it’s more difficult than ever to make the purchase by yourself. Luckily, in a market as diverse and ever-evolving as ours, there are many resources available for first-time homebuyers. […]

Everything You Need to Know About Trees

Everything You Need to Know About Trees With the recent Ontario wide storm so many trees were toppled over and caused a lot of property damage. So we thought it would be a good time to talk about how to properly care for your new trees, if you’ve chosen to replant some of the […]

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot June 2022

The June 2022 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out! Market Snapshot: With more modest price increases in the resale market we saw a more traditional seasonal cycle for June. An increase of inventory allowed for more selection and less pressure on buyers. If you’re considering a move we’re here to help answer any questions […]

4 Great Ways to Invest in the Ottawa Market

4 Great Ways to Invest in the Ottawa Market Ottawa is a city with a variety of real estate in thriving, large neighbourhoods. In an appreciating market like Ottawa, real estate investments can provide significant financial benefits. There are a number of ways through which you can invest in real estate, each with its own […]

BIG vs. Smaller Real Estate Firms: Why We’re Ottawa’s #1

BIG vs. Small-Scale Real Estate Firms: Why Team Realty is Ottawa’s #1. Real estate transactions are some of the biggest and most significant financial decisions you will ever make. Whether you are buying, selling, or using real estate as an investment, ensuring you have the backing of a brokerage with tenured experience at hand […]

Beyond the Sign: Royal LePage Team Realty celebrates 20 years of serving the community

Over the past 20 years, everything has grown for Royal LePage Team Realty. Their families, the business, and Ottawa itself all look much different than they did back in 2002. What hasn’t changed is the team’s commitment to serving the community and helping Ottawans buy, sell, and lease properties. According to Royal LePage Team Realty […]

Buying Commercial Properties in this Economy

Buying Commercial Properties in this Economy Buying commercial real estate requires much thought and planning. After all; it could either be “home base” for your growing business, or simply a very large financial investment. As the market continues to diversify and expand, you may wonder how it could affect your ability to buy commercial […]

Giving Your Kids the Best Chance at Homeownership

Giving Your Kids the Best Chance at Homeownership With housing markets across the country skyrocketing in recent years, it’s becoming a challenge for up-and-comers and young families to plant their roots in homeownership. This is currently affecting younger Millennials the most, but Generation Z is beginning to experience the same roadblocks. The solution: many […]

Diversity is an Advantage in a Multicultural Ottawa

Ethnic Diversity Among Agents in a Multicultural Ottawa From coast to coast to coast, Canada is a beautiful country that residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring, many with hopes of putting down roots in their favourite corner of our home and native land. In a recent survey, Royal LePage found that newcomers represent a […]

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot May 2022

The May 2022 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out! Market Snapshot: Traditionally a high performing month, May’s resale market has shifted its pace in comparison to 2021. The aftermath of the recent derecho storm stirred up both Ottawa’s landscape and listing inventory. If you’re considering a move we’re here to help answer any […]

Why Summer is a Good Time to Buy

Why Summer is a Good Time to Buy “Summertime” means that the grass is at its greenest, the trees are at their fullest and gardens at their most vibrant. Although spring may be touted as the best time to buy, that doesn’t mean it’s the only time you’ll be able to do so. Summer […]

Beyond the Sign: The current market shift

After an intense few years, the local real estate market is showing a very slight shift towards calmer waters. Jason Ralph, Broker of Record and President of Royal LePage Team Realty, explains, “The market was so overheated that even a small shift seems drastic, even though it isn’t going back to pre-2020 levels. We are starting […]

5 Things You Need to Know About Buying in Ottawa

5 Things You Need to Know About Buying in Ottawa 5 Things You Need to Know About Buying in Ottawa: Ottawa is a beautiful city with much historical significance. The national capital region is home to a wide variety of diverse, thriving neighbourhoods that see growth each year. There are many schools and businesses […]

I Have Just Inherited Property. What Should I Do?

I Have Just Inherited Property. What Should I Do? Do Your Homework Inheriting property can be an exciting time in your life. There can also be mixed emotions depending on the circumstances. The number of older Canadians is growing. This has caused the most significant number of inheritances Canada has ever seen. This trend is […]

Everything you Need to Know About Buying Older Homes

Everything you Need to Know About Buying Older Homes Buying a 20th century home may fit your real estate needs, but there are many things to consider when exploring an older market. Buying an older home comes with numerous advantages. They are often less expensive compared to newer builds, with no construction required […]

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot April 2022

The April 2022 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out! Market Snapshot: With supply remaining under one month we continue to be in a seller’s market. Prices are continuing to climb but at a slower, more moderate pace than what we saw earlier in the pandemic. If you’re considering a move […]

Beyond the Sign: Moving time! 8 tips to help your move go smoothly

Beyond the Sign: Moving time! 8 tips to help your move go smoothly. Moving can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time doing so. Whether you are planning an upcoming move to or within the city of Ottawa, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure that the process goes […]

Why summer is a good time to move…

Why summer is a good time to move… School’s officially out for summer! If you’re like us, you’re probably thinking beaches, holidays, cottages… any activity that will get us out to enjoy the warm weather…but it can also be a perfect time to move! While there might not be as much real estate activity in July as there is in May, it may surprise you to find out that June, July and August are busy months in Ottawa real estate, especially in recent years. The weather is fine and there are still a lot of great opportunities to buy and sell. Stats show that houses (and people) are making moves during the warmer months and many buyers and sellers are motivated to get deals done before the cooler weather returns. So what are some other reasons why summer is a good time to move? Home maintenance / House hunting If you are buying or selling during the winter, there might be things buried under snow that you can’t see or get access to if snow is a factor. It’s also nice to be able to open the windows and get fresh air while doing tasks like painting. Since you’ll be busy packing and preparing, you might hire a teenager who is looking to make a bit of cash for small jobs like mowing the lawn, weeding, babysitting, etc. Delegating small tasks will pay off big time. Garage Sales Do you really want to move that lamp you’ve had in the basement since college again? The answer is probably not. Getting rid of stuff you don’t want or need before you start packing will make your move so much easier (and probably cheaper too!). If you have children, encourage them to go through their books & toys as well, the thought of earning a few dollars is usually a great incen tive to purge! Bonus: whatever doesn’t sell is already out an organized making it easier to drop off at a local charity donation bin. Tip* Before picking a date, check to see if there is a neighbourhood garage sale planned in your area. Community garage sales like the Great Glebe Garage sale have caught on in other areas and tend to draw more “shoppers”. If that’s not an option you might talk to your neighbours to see if you can get a street sale happening, and don’t forget to ask for Garage Sale Signs from your Royal LePage Realtor! Weather This is a pretty obvious one, winters in Ottawa are notoriously cold and snowy. It’s much easier to move when you’re worrying about icy walkways and 3 feet of snow. You might find more willing volunteers to help with your move too, especially if there’s a promise of cold beer and pizza! Having said that, moving in 35 degree heat can also be pretty brutal, make sure you have plenty of cold water on hand and hire professional movers for the larger items. Your back and your friends will be grateful! Kids & Schools Changing schools in the middle of the year can be disruptive and unsettling for some children. If there’s moving to be done, you should try to move before the new school year starts. If older children are off to college or moving out, this might also be a great opportunity for empty nesters. The Ottawa area condo market has been booming in the last year, and there are great deals out there for those looking to downsize. Business is slower Unless you’re in the construction or tourism industry, most businesses slow down during the summer months, making it easier to book time off of work. Summer is a good time to move but don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the season. Making a move can be stressful in any season, but being organized and asking for help when you need it will help ensure a successful move. And when it’s all done you can enjoy a cold beverage and enjoy your new space!

Buying a Home: Step by Step

Buying a Home: Step by Step Buying a home can seem like a daunting task in the beginning. There are so many options to consider, let alone finding that dream home. You may be wondering what the main things to consider when you’re going to buy a house, and how the process works? With so much information surrounding the housing market, we’ve created a short step-by-step process to help you with all your home buying needs! Finances The daunting and confusing aspect of buying a home always lands in the finance department. Mostly because finances on a large scale become a stressful process for people. However, when it comes to organizing your finances to buy a home, it doesn’t need to be complicated or scary. Just keep these tips in mind: Determine what you can afford; remember that typically you require 20% down on your purchase. It is recommended that people look at homes that cost no more than 3-5 times their annual household income. Talk to mortgage lenders and your bank to determine your pre-approval status on a mortgage and ensure your credit score is in order Get prequalified and preapproved for a mortgage! Find the right realtor When it comes to finding the right realtor, remember that they are an essential partner when you’re buying a home. They can provide you with helpful information on homes and neighbourhoods that you may not know or may not be public information. Also, they are your communicator when it comes to making an offer on your dream home. Take your time and ensure you find a realtor that you’re comfortable with and has the knowledge and expertise that you need. The “House Hunt” Now the fun will begin! It’s time to go “house hunting.” You’ll spend plenty of time going over listings, scheduling showings, visiting open houses and ensuring that the homes you are looking for are what your future home should be. An easy way to narrow things down is to ensure that you have a list of wants and needs, so you know exactly what you’re looking for. You can also have your realtor set up a search for you, so you get the newest listings directly in your inbox (via realtor.ca) Don’t rush the process. You want to take as much time as you need to find the right home. Making an offer When it comes time to make an offer, your realtor will become your biggest advocate. Typically offers are contingent on financing, and home inspection. This contingency protects you by allowing you to inspect the home and either renegotiate or withdraw your offer without penalty should there be an issue discovered during the inspection. There are a lot of terms that are included in making an offer and how the seller handles the offer. Should the offer be accepted based on conditions (inspection, selling of your home, etc.) and all goes well, the house will be “conditionally sold” meaning it is sold pending the resolution of conditions. If a condition is that you must sell your home, then you cannot become the official homeowner until those conditions are met. While the offers are on the table, the seller may “counteroffer” meaning they may disagree with some terms of your offer but want to negotiate based on their counterterms. This negotiation process occurs using realtors as your main advocates. You would discuss the counter offer with your realtor, and either choose to accept or additionally negotiate. An accepted offer is an offer that has been approved by the seller. If the offer is accepted and all the conditions have been met, then the house is sold firm, meaning you are officially buying a home! There will be a final walkthrough, and closing dates will be set throughout the negotiation process for you to take possession. Get ready to move It’s time to get ready to move into your new home! Plan ahead of time about your move. In this plan, you should include how and when you’re going to pack, whether you are renting a moving van, or hiring a moving company, what day you intend to move things into your home, and so on. Another significant aspect of getting ready to move will be to call all the necessary utility companies involved with your home (i.e., hydro, water, propane, etc.) to get accounts made in your name and ensure that these services begin on the day you take possession of your new home! Once you are all set with your plan, it’s time to get packing! Moving day approaches faster than you think! Closing day! The day has finally come! It’s closing day on your new home. Closing day means that the keys to your home will be officially transferred into your possession and the house now belongs to you. Typically, you pick up your keys from your realtor in the late afternoon that day

Neighbourhood Snapshot : Carlington is an Ottawa Community to Watch

When you buy a home, it’s more than just the house itself, you’re really buying into a lifestyle, and becoming part of a community. The Ottawa and surrounding area has a lot to offer and there may be “hidden gems” that you hadn’t considered. We’re excited to introduce a new series of blog posts dedicated to giving readers the inside scoop on some great Ottawa neighbourhoods, starting with Carlington! Welcome to Carlington! Nestled in the heart of the city, Carlington is a community to watch. This neighbourhood has lots of amenities along with easy access to the Queensway making travel within the city a breeze. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the pricy Island Park, Civic Hospital, and Westboro neighbourhoods, Carlington has similar charm but is far more affordable. About Carlington Carlington is located in the River Ward in the west-end of Ottawa and it is bordered by Clyde Avenue to the West, Carling Avenue to the North, Fisher Avenue to the East, and the Central Experimental Farm to the South. The area features a variety of different style homes with most being built prior to 1980 but you will also find brand new homes that are taking the place of smaller war-time homes on larger lots. As the Westgate development begins, Carlington will see extensive growth in the near future. “The area consists of many different style homes, on generous sized lots, offering something for everyone”, says Jennifer Forward, Realtor with Royal LePage Team Realty. Carlington is an active community with many young families and is a great place to buy a starter home. The largest segments of the population falling in the age range of 20 to 44 years old but there are people of all ages that call this community home. Great Value “As a former resident for 12 years, current owner, and having sold many homes in the neighbourhood, I feel that Carlington is one of Ottawa’s best kept secrets,” says Forward, “Carlington is a great place to live and offers excellent value”. With neighbouring communities becoming out of the price range for many buyers, Carlington is seeing steady but reasonable growth in property values. With the average price sitting around $400,000, this neighbourhood provides great properties at a more affordable price point. Amenities Enter this well-located neighbourhood, and enjoy easy access to everything you and your family may need. Situated close to 2 hospitals, schools, community centres, and shopping, Carlington has many amenities to offer. This area features a very active community association, and you don’t want to miss the annual “Carlington Family Fun Day” held every May! As summer begins, join this community at one of the best-shaded splash pads in the city at Harold Place Park! The neighbourhood itself offers a warm country feel, thanks to the Experimental Farm being right at your doorstep, which boasts lots of trails and bike paths to choose from. Quickly arrive at beautiful destinations such as Dow’s Lake, the Arboretum, and the Canada Agriculture Museum. Explore these beautiful locations, and enjoy dog walking, biking and an assortment of available activities. Local hot spots Bowman’s Bar and Grill – Self proclaimed as “your neighbourhood restaurant with a great selection of familiar food done well” and this family friendly restaurant does not disappoint! Raven Street Studios – Constructed in 1992, this facility remains Ottawa’s largest and most established recording complex. Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, Avril Lavigne, Snoop Dogg, Train, and Collective Soul have all recorded there! House of Lasagna – This authentic Italian eatery is known for its lasagna and pizza! Eat in, take out or delivery! Timberware Handcrafted Furniture – If you are looking for a beautiful and rustic wood piece for your home, these guys have you covered. Check out their amazing projects! If you’re interested in homes for sale in Carlington or you would like information on property values or current market reports on this or any other neighbourhood please contact us! We are always here to help.

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot: May 2018

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot: May 2018: While inventory is still lower than normal, the number of listings coming onto the market this month is typical spring activity! Have questions? Looking for specific neighbourhood stats? Message us!! The following are hightlights from the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s latest News Release read the full story Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,279 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,294 in May 2017, a decrease of 0.7 per cent. The five-year average for May sales is 2,041. May’s sales included 485 in the condominium property class and 1,794 in the residential property class. “Although our overall inventory stock is down in both the residential and condo market, the number of listings coming onto the market this month is typical spring activity,” states Ralph Shaw, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “The sheer number of home sales that took place in May indicates that inventory is turning over quickly– certainly a sign that Ottawa is a healthy real estate market.” The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in May in the Ottawa area was $464,401, an increase of 6.3 per cent over May 2017. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $281,247, an increase of 3.4 per cent from May 2017.* “In the first five months of 2018, the value of a single-family home has increased about 8% and approximately 6.5% for condominiums,” Shaw notes. “This price acceleration is encouraging news for homeowners who have now seen an average of 3% price growth per year for the last five years.” “Much of the total increase in property values have been experienced since the beginning of this year. Not only will this help new homebuilders validate their pricing since construction costs and development fees are so high, but it also will give baby boomers incentive to sell their homes which will help put inventory back onto the market,” he explains. “While our inventory stays at historically low levels, especially in some neighbourhoods, there will continue to be upward pressure on home prices. We definitely have the demand for housing in this city not only because it is still very affordable but because all the fundamentals are solid here. However, our city does need to have a longer-term housing supply strategy so that we aren’t confronted with future affordability challenges,” Shaw advises. The $300,000 to $449,999 range remains the most active price point in the residential market, accounting for 45 per cent of home sales, while the $500,000 to $750,000 range continues to gain momentum, now representing almost one-quarter of residential home sales. “Between $150,000 and $249,999 was May’s most active price point in the condominium market, accounting for 49 per cent of the units sold,” Shaw reports. “Moreover, apartment condos represent 52 per cent of the sales. This is likely a reflection of the low vacancy rate in the rental market. If you can scrape together a down payment, the carrying costs of one of these condos should be less than renting,” he suggests. In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 1,020 properties since the beginning of the year. * The Board cautions that the average sale price 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 calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price and conditions will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

James Dean

Sales Representative

Royal LePage Team Realty

1335 Carling Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

K1Z 8N8

Office: 613-725-1171

Direct: 613-293-2088

Fax: 613-725-3323 

 Toll Free: 1-800-307-1545 

James@JamesDean.ca