Fall in Ottawa is a good time to prepare your home for winter. Eavestroughs need attention, outdoor water lines need to be winterized, heating systems need servicing, and snow-removal arrangements need to be made.

But what happens when the seasonal checklist starts to feel harder to manage?

Perhaps climbing a ladder no longer feels comfortable. Carrying patio furniture has become difficult. You’re worried about shovelling, or you simply don’t want to spend your time organizing repairs and appointments anymore.

It’s worth paying attention to those feelings. There are several ways to make the work more manageable, and the best choice depends on your circumstances, resources and preferences.

Notice What Has Become Difficult

Sometimes the change is gradual. A job that once took an afternoon now takes several days. You find yourself putting things off, or you’re uncomfortable doing tasks you previously handled without much thought.

Consider which parts of maintaining your home are becoming challenging:

• Physical work, such as lifting, raking or clearing snow

• Tasks involving ladders, awkward reaching or uneven ground

• Remembering inspections and service appointments

• Finding reliable people and coordinating their visits

• Paying for maintenance and unexpected repairs

• Keeping up with a large yard or property

Be honest with yourself about what feels comfortable and what requires help. You don’t need to wait for an injury or an urgent repair before changing your approach.

Hiring Help May Make Staying More Manageable

If you enjoy your home and want to stay, paying for help may be a practical option—if you have the resources.

Depending on your needs, you could arrange:

• Eavestrough cleaning and exterior maintenance

• Lawn care and seasonal yard cleanup

• Snow removal, including steps and walkways

• Heating-system servicing

• Small repairs through a qualified handyman or appropriate tradesperson

• Help storing outdoor furniture and putting up holiday decorations

You can choose help for particular jobs rather than handing over everything.

Before hiring someone, confirm what is included, how scheduling works, and whether they have appropriate qualifications and insurance. For snow removal, be clear about which areas will be cleared and when service takes place.

It also helps to look at the annual cost. Several smaller bills can add up, so compare the full expense with your budget.

Hiring help can reduce the physical work, although someone still needs to manage appointments, payments and decisions.

Family Help Can Be Valuable—When It’s Available

Family members may be willing to help with a seasonal cleanup, move furniture into storage or coordinate service appointments.

A conversation about specific tasks is usually more useful than a general request for help.

For example:

“Could we choose a Saturday to put away the patio furniture and get things ready for winter?”

Or:

“Would you be able to help me arrange someone to clean the eavestroughs?”

Discuss what each person can realistically take on. Distance, work, health and other responsibilities can affect availability, even when everyone wants to help.

It’s also wise to have a backup plan for time-sensitive jobs. Snow removal and urgent repairs may need attention when family members are unavailable.

And some tasks belong with a professional. A willing family member may not have the equipment or experience for roof work, electrical repairs or other specialized jobs.

Could Your Current Home Be Made Easier to Manage?

Before considering a move, look at whether changes to your current property could reduce the workload.

Simpler landscaping, fewer seasonal decorations, more convenient storage or replacing worn materials may make a difference. Moving frequently used items to accessible locations can also reduce unnecessary lifting and reaching.

The important question is whether those changes would meaningfully address the difficulties you’re experiencing.

A smaller garden may help with yard work, but it won’t resolve a long staircase, a difficult entrance or the responsibility of maintaining an older house. Consider the whole picture before investing in changes.

A Different Home May Offer a More Manageable Lifestyle

Sometimes the responsibilities of the property have become greater than you want to carry.

A smaller home, a property with a smaller lot, or a condominium may reduce certain maintenance demands. Moving closer to family or services may also make daily life more convenient.

However, a smaller home is not automatically easier to maintain. A bungalow can still have a large yard, an aging roof and significant upkeep. A newer property still needs regular care.

When comparing homes, consider:

• The amount of exterior work required

• Steps, stairs and access from parking

• The age and condition of major components

• Storage and everyday convenience

• Access to family, shopping and services

• The ongoing costs and responsibilities

Think about an ordinary week—and a snowy January morning—as well as how the home looks during a showing.

Understand What a Condominium Takes Care Of

Condominium living may remove some responsibilities from your personal checklist, but the arrangements vary.

Depending on the property, the condominium corporation may look after certain exterior maintenance, landscaping and snow removal. Owners remain responsible for other items.

Before buying, confirm exactly what is covered and what you would still need to manage. Review the condominium documents and status certificate with your lawyer.

Monthly fees, the corporation’s financial position and the possibility of special assessments also belong in the comparison. Maintenance still has a cost, even when you aren’t personally arranging every job.

The goal is to understand whether the property would actually make your life easier.

Compare the Costs Along With the Workload

It can be helpful to compare three practical options:

• Staying and hiring more help

• Staying with a realistic combination of family and professional support

• Moving to a home with more manageable responsibilities

Include regular maintenance, utilities, property taxes, insurance and likely repairs. If you’re considering a move, include moving expenses and transaction costs, along with any condominium fees.

Cost matters, but so do your time, energy and comfort. Ask yourself how much responsibility you want to keep and how much you would prefer someone else to handle.

Make the Seasonal Plan Fit Your Circumstances

You don’t need to make a housing decision just because fall maintenance feels tiring. Start by identifying what needs attention and arranging help for the jobs you can no longer comfortably manage.

And yes, if outdoor holiday decorations are part of your tradition, arrange to put them up on a mild day—before it’s so cold that you freeze your fingers! That might be a good job to share with family or hire someone to do.

Over time, notice whether the support you’ve arranged is working. Does your home feel manageable again, or are the responsibilities still weighing on you?

A Conversation Can Help You Explore the Options

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® serving Ottawa, Orléans, Cumberland and surrounding communities, I help people consider how their housing choices fit their circumstances.

That can include discussing a more manageable home, understanding the practical differences between properties, or connecting you with professionals who may help you maintain your current home.

You don’t need to have decided to move before we talk.

If seasonal maintenance is becoming difficult, let’s have a no-obligation conversation about your options and what would make life easier for you.

Book your no-obligation conversation Here

Fall in Ottawa gives us some beautiful days, but it also gives us a fairly short window to get our homes ready for winter.

Whether you’re in Orléans, Cumberland or elsewhere in the Ottawa area, a little preparation now can help prevent unpleasant surprises when the temperature drops. Most of these jobs are also much more comfortable to tackle before you’re wearing a winter coat and trying to work with frozen fingers!

Here are the things I suggest checking before winter arrives.

Start With a Walk Around Your Home

Take a slow walk around the outside of your property. Look for anything that has changed, become loose or needs attention.

Check siding, exterior trim, steps, railings and the areas around windows and doors. Watch for gaps, damaged caulking and places where water could enter.

Look at your roof from the ground for missing or damaged shingles. If something doesn’t look right, have a roofing professional take a closer look. You don’t need to climb onto the roof yourself to identify a possible concern. If you haven’t had your roof checked from above in the last couple of years, find a service who can take drone images to check for issues around flashings, vent pipes, chimneys and shingles.

It’s easier to arrange repairs before snow and ice make access difficult.

Clear the Eavestroughs and Check the Downspouts

Once the leaves have fallen, make sure your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear. Leaves and other debris can interfere with drainage.

Check for loose sections, leaks and downspouts that have become disconnected. Make sure water drains away from the foundation and doesn’t discharge onto a walkway where it could freeze.

The Government of Canada recommends checking eavestroughs and downspouts in both fall and spring. If the job involves working at a height, consider hiring someone with the equipment and experience to do it safely.

Put the Outdoor Water Systems to Bed

Disconnect garden hoses, drain them and put them away before freezing weather arrives.

Prepare outdoor faucets according to their design. Where there is a dedicated indoor shut-off, shut off and drain the outdoor line as appropriate. Frost-free faucets also need their hoses disconnected so they can drain properly. If you’re unsure how your system works, ask a plumber.

Have irrigation systems winterized, and empty rain barrels before temperatures drop below freezing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage. 

Give Your Heating System Some Attention

Don’t wait for the first very cold morning to discover that your heating system needs service.

Arrange a professional checkup for your furnace, boiler or heat pump. Check the filter and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and boxes. Check that outdoor intake and exhaust openings are unobstructed, and keep them clear of snow throughout winter.

Natural Resources Canada recommends scheduling heating-system maintenance in the fall, before the system is working through the colder months.

If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, arrange any needed inspection and chimney cleaning before lighting the first fire.

Check Windows, Doors and Drafts

A small draft in October can become a much less pleasant draft in January.

Check weatherstripping around exterior doors, including the door between your home and an attached garage. Look for gaps around windows and inspect door sweeps.

Repair or replace worn materials where needed. Follow product instructions, including the temperature requirements for applying exterior caulking.

Avoid sealing intentional ventilation openings. The goal is to address unwanted drafts while keeping the home’s ventilation working properly.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Fall maintenance is a good reminder to check your alarms, although testing should be part of your routine throughout the year.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Check their age and replace batteries or the entire alarm as directed by the manufacturer. The City of Ottawa recommends monthly testing of both types. 

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if an alarm sounds.

Get Entrances and Snow Equipment Ready

Before the snow arrives, check your steps, walkways and handrails. Address loose railings, uneven surfaces and other problems that could become harder to see under snow.

Make sure entrance lights work and your house number is visible.

Bring shovels and suitable ice-control products somewhere easy to reach. If you have a snowblower, have it serviced and check it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you hire someone for snow removal, confirm the arrangements now—including which areas they will clear.

Store Outdoor Furniture and Protect Your Equipment

Clean and dry patio furniture, cushions and garden tools before storing them. Secure anything that could blow around in strong winds.

Prepare lawn equipment, barbecues and other seasonal items according to their manufacturers’ instructions.

Check the guidance for your outdoor air-conditioning equipment before covering it. An outdoor heat-pump unit that operates in winter must remain uncovered and clear of obstructions.

Put Up Holiday Decorations Before You Freeze Your Fingers

This one may not be traditional home maintenance, but it belongs on the fall list!

If you put up outdoor holiday lights or decorations, take advantage of a mild, dry day to install them. You can leave them switched off until you’re ready to celebrate.

It’s much easier to handle clips, cords and decorations before it’s so cold that you freeze your fingers.

Check lights and cords for damage before using them. Choose products rated for outdoor use, follow their instructions and keep cords out of walking paths. Use appropriate outdoor electrical protection, avoid overloading outlets, and stay well clear of overhead power lines.

Hydro Ottawa also recommends turning decorative lights off when you leave home or go to bed. 

Make a List You Can Manage

You don’t have to do everything in one weekend.

Start with the jobs that need to happen before freezing temperatures: outdoor plumbing, drainage, heating maintenance and any necessary repairs. Then work through the remaining items as weather and time allow.

If some jobs have become difficult to manage, arranging help is a practical part of looking after your home.

Whether you’re staying put or considering a move, regular maintenance helps keep your home comfortable and cared for. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Orléans, Cumberland or the surrounding Ottawa area, I’m always happy to have a conversation about your plans.

Book your no-obligation conversation Here

If you were watching Ottawa’s housing market in September, you may have noticed more homes coming up for sale. The latest figures help explain why.

After a sharp slowdown in August, home sales edged slightly higher in September. That was encouraging, particularly because sales usually decline between those two months.

But there is another part of the story: new listings increased much faster than sales did.

So, while activity steadied, buyers had more properties to choose from, and sellers faced more competition. September gave us a pause in the decline—not enough evidence, on its own, to call it a rebound.

Let’s look at what happened and what it could mean if you are thinking about buying or selling.

Sales Were Steady, Rather Than Strong

Ottawa recorded 1,010 home sales in September, compared with 1,002 in August. That is an increase of 0.8%, although sales were still 6.6% lower than in September 2025.

Eight additional sales may not sound like much. What makes the result interesting is the seasonal pattern. Only one of the previous ten August-to-September periods saw sales increase. The typical change, measured by the median, was a decline of 5.9%.

However, we also need to remember where September started. Sales had fallen approximately 24% from July to August. A small increase after that drop means activity stabilized at a lower level; it does not mean the earlier slowdown was reversed.

Looking at July through September together, sales were down 8.2% compared with the same period last year, making it the third-lowest summer total since 2016.

It was a quieter summer overall, with a less predictable month-to-month pattern than we usually see.

More Homes Came Onto the Market

This was the bigger change in September.

There were 2,927 new listings, up 38.1% from August and 3.0% from September 2025.

An increase in listings is normal when the fall market begins. People return from holidays, routines settle down and some homeowners move ahead with selling plans. But this year’s increase was much larger than the usual seasonal rise. Over the previous ten years, the median August-to-September increase was 12.9%.

By the end of September, Ottawa had 4,813 active listings—up 7.1% from August and 7.9% from a year earlier. That was the second-highest September level since 2016.

For buyers, that means more options. For sellers, it means more homes competing for buyers’ attention.

Why the Gap Between Listings and Sales Matters

In last month’s update, one of the things to watch was whether homes were coming onto the market faster than buyers were purchasing them.

That gap widened in September.

Across July, August and September, new listings reached their highest three-month total since 2016, while sales recorded their third-lowest total for that period.

Think of a buyer looking at several similar homes. When more properties become available, that buyer has more opportunities to compare condition, location, layout and price. A home that might previously have faced only a few close competitors may now need to stand out among a larger selection.

That can give buyers more negotiating room, although the situation still depends on the particular property and the competition around it.

Prices Presented a Mixed Picture

The average residential sale price was $685,640, down 1.0% from September 2025 and nearly unchanged from August.

The median sale price was $625,000, down 0.8% from a year earlier and slightly higher than in August.

Those figures suggest that overall sale prices did not change dramatically. In fact, the average price stayed within a range of less than 1% from July through September.

However, the MLS® Home Price Index declined more noticeably. This measure helps account for changes in the mix of homes selling, providing a different view from the average or median.

Together, the figures point to relatively stable headline prices, with some underlying price softness. They do not tell us that every Ottawa home gained or lost the same amount of value.

Property Type and Location Still Matter

Sales were lower than a year earlier across the three major property categories:

• Single-family homes: 535 sales, down 4.6%.

• Townhouses: 329 sales, down 3.5%.

• Apartments: 121 sales, down 24.8%.

Apartments accounted for more than half of the net year-over-year decrease in citywide sales.

Location also made a difference. OREB President Tami Eades noted that suburban areas accounted for nearly three-quarters of September sales, while downtown and rural areas experienced more volatility and a wider gap between new listings and sales.

That is why I would not use the Ottawa-wide result alone to decide what your home is worth or how you should approach a purchase. We need to look at your neighbourhood, property type, price range and the homes buyers are comparing with yours.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

If you are ready to buy, the larger selection may give you more opportunities to find a home that fits your needs.

You may also have more room to discuss price, conditions or timing. But having more choice does not mean every seller will accept a large discount, or that a well-positioned home will sit unsold.

Start with your budget, financing and priorities. Then compare the actual properties available to you. The goal is to make a sound decision about a home you can comfortably afford and enjoy living in.

What Does This Mean for Sellers?

Your home can still sell, but preparation and positioning deserve careful attention.

With more competing listings, buyers have more reasons to move on if the price does not match what they see. Cleanliness, lighting, presentation, professional marketing and reasonable showing access all help buyers understand what your property offers.

Pricing should reflect current comparable sales and active competition. Once listed, showing activity and buyer feedback can help us assess whether the strategy is working.

What Should We Watch Next?

New listings declined in both October and November in each of the previous ten years. The coming months will show whether September’s increase eases with the usual seasonal pattern or leaves inventory elevated for longer.

For now, September’s message is fairly straightforward: sales steadied, supply increased, and conditions shifted further toward buyers.

If you are thinking about buying, selling, downsizing or rightsizing in Orléans, Cumberland or elsewhere in Ottawa, let’s look at how these conditions apply to your plans. A citywide headline is useful background, but your next step should be based on your circumstances.

Book your no-obligation consultation. Call 613-853-5807, email steve@stevesicard.ca, 

Market information based on the September 2026 Ottawa Real Estate Board figures supplied for this article.

Coordinating a Home Sale With a Move to a Retirement Residence

Moving from a longtime home to a retirement residence involves two connected transitions.

The first is choosing a residence, suite and level of support. The second is preparing and selling the current home. When families treat these as completely separate projects, dates and decisions can become difficult to coordinate.

A single working plan can make the process more manageable.

Confirm the Residence Before Committing to a Sale Timeline

Before setting a listing date, understand the residence’s process.

Ask about:

• Suite availability

• Deposits and agreements

• Monthly costs

• Included services

• Required assessments

• Move-in dates

• Notice requirements

• Refund or cancellation provisions

• What furniture will fit

• Whether additional support can be added later

A residence representative can explain its policies. A lawyer can review contractual questions when appropriate.

Do not assume that the preferred suite will still be available several months later or that the home needs to be sold before a suite can be reserved.

Work Backward From the Preferred Move

Once the residence timing is clearer, build a schedule backward.

The plan might include:

1. Measuring the new suite

2. Deciding what will move

3. Distributing or selling other belongings

4. Completing essential home repairs

5. Arranging cleaning and staging

6. Photographing and listing the property

7. Reviewing offers

8. Coordinating the move and closing

These steps may overlap, but writing them down helps the family understand what needs to happen and who will be responsible.

Decide Whether to Move Before or After Listing

Some homeowners remain in the property while it is shown. Others move to the residence first and list the home afterward.

Moving first may make sorting, preparation and showings easier. It can also allow the homeowner to settle into the residence without the disruption of buyer visits.

However, this approach may temporarily create two sets of housing expenses.

Remaining in the home avoids that overlap but can make preparation and showings more tiring.

The decision should consider:

• Finances

• Health and mobility

• Available family help

• The amount of preparation required

• Suite availability

• Comfort with showings

• Local market conditions

There is no universal sequence that is right for everyone.

Sort According to the New Space

Instead of asking, “What should we get rid of?” begin with, “What do we want to bring?”

Obtain measurements and, if possible, a floor plan for the new suite. Identify the furniture, photographs, artwork and personal belongings that will make it feel familiar.

From there, divide the remaining items into practical categories:

• Family

• Donate

• Sell

• Recycle

• Dispose

• Review later

A limited “review later” category can keep the process moving when a decision is emotionally difficult. There are companies that provide downsizing services that include helping with the sorting. 

Prepare the Property Without Overdoing It

A longtime home does not need to be completely modernized before selling.

The most useful work often includes:

• Addressing obvious defects

• Improving lighting

• Deep cleaning

• Reducing clutter

• Completing minor repairs

• Improving the entrance

• Removing damaged or worn items

• Presenting rooms according to their intended use

Before spending money on a major renovation, obtain advice about whether buyers are likely to recognize enough added value.

Keep Communication Organized

When several relatives and professionals are involved, communication can become confusing.

Designate one family contact—with the homeowner’s agreement—to coordinate schedules and share updates. That person does not replace the homeowner as decision-maker. The role is to ensure everyone receives consistent information.

A shared calendar or written checklist can track residence appointments, contractor visits, showings, legal matters and moving dates.

Plan the Move With the Person, Not Just the Possessions

The emotional side of the move deserves as much attention as the logistics.

If possible:

• Visit the residence more than once

• Attend a meal or activity

• Decide where favourite belongings will go

• Arrange the suite before arrival

• Preserve familiar routines

• Allow time for goodbyes

• Avoid scheduling too many decisions on the same day

A move can be the right decision and still involve grief, uncertainty or fatigue.

One Coordinated Plan Reduces Pressure

Residence staff, family members, movers, lawyers and real estate professionals each have different responsibilities. The process becomes easier when those roles are coordinated around one realistic timeline.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I can help manage the real estate portion, develop the sale schedule and work alongside the residence and professionals your family selects.

You do not need to wait until a suite has been chosen or the house is ready to list. An early conversation can identify the decisions ahead and help prevent the move from becoming an emergency.

schedule your personal, no obligation consultation Here

Most sellers do not have the option of moving out before their home is listed. They continue working, preparing meals, caring for children or pets and managing an ordinary routine while buyers come through the property.

That can feel intrusive, especially when a home remains on the market for longer than expected. A practical showing plan can make the experience much more manageable.

Prepare for Real Life, Not Perfection

A home does not need to look untouched every hour of the day.

The objective is to create a clean, welcoming property that buyers can understand easily. Start by simplifying the rooms buyers are most likely to notice:

• Entryway

• Kitchen

• Living and dining areas

• Primary bedroom

• Bathrooms

• Main storage areas

• Backyard or balcony

Remove items you will not use before moving and give everyday belongings an easy place to go. A basket or container in each frequently used room can make last-minute tidying much faster.

Complete the Larger Preparation Before Listing

Once showings begin, you should not still be completing disruptive projects unless absolutely necessary.

Before professional photography, try to finish:

• Minor repairs

• Touch-up painting

• Deep cleaning

• Decluttering

• Exterior tidying

• Light-bulb replacement

• Window cleaning

• Furniture adjustments

Doing this work in advance allows you to concentrate on maintaining the home instead of constantly preparing it.

Establish a Simple Daily Routine

The easiest showing routine is one you can repeat quickly.

Each morning:

• Make the beds

• Clear bathroom counters

• Put dishes away

• Open curtains or blinds

• Remove obvious clutter

• Empty visibly full wastebaskets

• Check for pet hair or odours

Before leaving for a showing:

• Turn on the lights

• Put toilet lids down

• Clear the kitchen sink

• Secure medication and valuables

• Take pets with you when possible

• Make sure exterior access is safe

A written checklist near the door can reduce the feeling that you have forgotten something.

Plan for Children

Trying to maintain a display-home appearance with children can create unnecessary stress.

Give each child a clearly labelled bin or basket for toys and personal belongings. Before a showing, those items can be gathered quickly without needing to organize them perfectly.

It may also help to limit the number of toys or activities available during the listing period. Pack less frequently used belongings early and keep a smaller selection accessible.

Explain the process in an age-appropriate way. Children may respond better when they understand why people are visiting and what the family is working toward.

Plan for Pets

Pets are part of the family, but not every buyer is comfortable around animals. Pets can also become frightened or escape when unfamiliar people enter.

Whenever possible, arrange for pets to leave during showings. Prepare a portable bag with leashes, food, medication, waste bags and anything else you may need.

Pay particular attention to:

• Litter boxes

• Food bowls

• Yard cleanup

• Pet hair

• Scratched doors or trim

• Bedding and odours

Never assume that a note asking buyers not to let a pet out will be enough to keep the animal safe.

Protect Privacy and Security

Buyers will look inside closets and other areas that are part of the home, but personal documents and valuables should be secured.

Before listing, remove or lock away:

• Financial documents

• Passports and identification

• Prescription medication

• Jewellery

• Spare keys

• Portable electronics

• Private family information

Also consider what appears in photographs. Family pictures should be removed, reducing highly personal material helps protect privacy and allows buyers to focus on the home.

Establish Reasonable Showing Expectations

Access matters when selling, but your household still needs a workable routine.

Discuss showing notice, preferred hours and any unavoidable restrictions before the property is listed. Some flexibility can help attract buyers, particularly those with limited availability, but that does not mean every request will be practical.

Clear communication allows your REALTOR® to coordinate access while minimizing surprises.

A Manageable Plan Makes a Difference

Selling an occupied home requires cooperation, but it should not take over your entire life.

Good preparation, a repeatable routine and clear showing arrangements can reduce disruption while presenting the home professionally.

If you are planning to sell in Orléans or the surrounding area, I can help you decide what should be completed before listing, what can be left alone and how to create a showing plan that works for your household.

Schedule your no obligation consultation Here

A condominium can be an appealing option for someone who wants fewer exterior maintenance responsibilities and a more manageable home, and for those who want to travel.

However, a condo that looks suitable during a short showing may not work as well in everyday life. Buyers need to evaluate the entire route from the parking area or sidewalk to the unit—not only the kitchen and living room.

Begin at the Property Entrance

The evaluation should start before entering the building.

Look for:

• A step-free route

• Safe passenger drop-off

• Convenient visitor parking

• Well-maintained sidewalks

• Good exterior lighting

• Protection from rain and snow

• Doors that are not difficult to open

• A reasonably short route to the lobby

A building may be described as accessible while still presenting small obstacles that become frustrating over time.

Examine Parking Carefully

An underground parking space is convenient, but location matters.

Check the walking distance from the space to the elevator. Look at the width of the space, lighting, door thresholds and room for unloading groceries or mobility equipment.

If you do not drive, consider access to public transit, taxis, community transportation and family pickup.

Ask whether accessible parking spaces exist and how they are allocated. Do not assume a different space will be available later.

Evaluate Elevators and Hallways

Consider how the building would work if your mobility changed.

Questions to ask include:

• Are there multiple elevators?

• Is there backup power?

• What happens when an elevator is being serviced?

• Are hallways wide and well lit?

• Is there seating near the lobby?

• Can someone using a walker navigate the doors comfortably?

• How far is the unit from the elevator?

• Is the emergency plan appropriate for residents with limited mobility?

A high-floor view may be beautiful, but elevator dependence deserves consideration.

Look Closely at the Unit

Within the unit, examine how easily you can complete everyday tasks.

Helpful features may include:

• Minimal interior steps

• A walk-in shower

• Space to maneuver in the bathroom

• Lever-style handles

• Laundry inside the unit

• Accessible storage

• Good natural and artificial lighting

• Space around the bed

• A balcony threshold that is easy to cross

• A kitchen that does not require frequent reaching or bending

Think about whether minor adaptations could be made later and whether condominium approval would be required. If there is no laundry machines in the unit, are you prepared or able to go to the laundry room on a regular basis? Is it easy for you to get to? The cost for a unit with laundry are typically higher, as are the monthly condo fees. 

Review the Condominium’s Rules and Finances

You are not only purchasing a unit. You are becoming part of a condominium corporation.

A status certificate can include the declaration, rules, budget, financial statements, reserve-fund information, insurance, legal proceedings, common expenses and disclosed special assessments or fee increases.

The Condominium Authority of Ontario recommends that buyers have the certificate reviewed by legal counsel.

The documents may also answer practical questions about:

• Pets

• Smoking

• Renovations

• Parking

• Storage

• Visitors

• Rentals

• Balcony use

• Amenities

A condominium may fit physically but still conflict with your preferred lifestyle. Some do have pet restrictions.

Understand What the Fees Include

A low monthly fee is not automatically better, and a high fee is not automatically poor value.

Compare what is included, such as:

• Water or utilities

• Building insurance

• Exterior maintenance

• Snow removal

• Amenities

• Concierge or security

• Contributions to the reserve fund

Consider both the current fee and the possibility that fees will change as the building ages or operating costs rise.

Visit More Than Once

If possible, return at different times.

Notice elevator traffic, noise, lighting and activity in common areas. Speak with residents when appropriate. Walk to nearby shops or services instead of relying only on the distance shown online.

The best test is whether you can picture completing an ordinary week comfortably.

Buy for Today With Some Flexibility for Tomorrow

No home can anticipate every future circumstance. The objective is to find one that works well now and offers reasonable flexibility.

A condo can reduce certain responsibilities, but it does not automatically guarantee accessible or worry-free living. Careful evaluation of the unit, building, location, finances and rules can help you make a more informed decision.

If you are considering a condominium in Ottawa, I can help you identify properties that match your priorities and evaluate the practical details that may affect daily life.

Book your no obligation consultation Here

This article provides general real estate information. Buyers should have condominium documents reviewed by an Ontario real estate lawyer and obtain appropriate financial and accessibility advice.

One of the choices home buyers may face is whether to purchase a newly constructed home or an existing resale property.

It is tempting to reduce the decision to “new versus old,” but there is much more to compare. Each option offers different advantages, responsibilities, costs and timelines.

The better choice is the one that fits your household and plans.

The Appeal of New Construction

A newly built home may offer contemporary finishes, current building standards and floor plans designed around modern lifestyles.

Depending on the builder and stage of construction, buyers may be able to select flooring, cabinetry, counters and other finishes. Newer communities may also offer parks, paths and nearby amenities as development progresses.

For many buyers, the appeal is being the first person to live in the home and having fewer immediate renovation decisions.

However, buyers should also consider:

• Construction and occupancy timelines

• Builder agreements and closing adjustments

• Upgrade costs

• Landscaping, fencing and window coverings

• Appliances, if they are not included

• The time required for the surrounding community to develop

• Potential construction activity after moving in

The model home price may not reflect the final cost once the desired lot, elevation, upgrades and adjustments are included.

The Advantages of a Resale Home

With a resale property, you can see the actual home, street and neighbourhood before committing.

The landscaping may already be established, fencing and window coverings may be installed, and schools, shopping or transportation may be easier to evaluate. You can also inspect the home and review its maintenance history.

A resale home may offer features that are less common in newer developments, such as:

• Larger lots

• Mature trees

• Established streets

• Finished basements

• Existing decks or patios

• More separation between homes

• Locations closer to established services

The trade-off is that older systems or finishes may require maintenance or updating. It is also possible that the “big ticket” items like the shingles, furnace and air conditioner were recently replaced. 

Compare the Entire Cost

The purchase price is only the beginning.

For new construction, ask what is standard and what is considered an upgrade. Budget for expenses that may arise after possession, including appliances, blinds, air conditioning, landscaping or fencing.

For a resale home, consider the age and condition of the roof, furnace, air conditioner, windows and other major components. Cosmetic renovations can also affect the total investment.

Create a realistic budget for the first two or three years, not only closing day.

A resale home with a higher purchase price may include improvements you would otherwise need to purchase separately. A new home may have fewer immediate repairs but require substantial spending to complete it.

Think Carefully About Timing

A resale transaction generally has a defined closing date negotiated between the buyer and seller. New construction timelines can be longer and may change according to the agreement.

Timing becomes especially important if you are selling another property, ending a lease, arranging school changes or relocating for work.

Ask yourself:

• Do we need certainty about the move-in date?

• Can we accommodate a possible delay?

• Do we need the proceeds from another sale?

• Where will we live if the dates do not align?

• Are we comfortable waiting for the finished home?

These practical questions can be more important than choosing between two kitchen styles.

Representation Still Matters With a Builder

A builder’s sales representative works for the builder. Buyers should obtain independent advice before signing a new-construction agreement.

Builder contracts can be lengthy and contain provisions that differ from a typical resale agreement. Have a real estate lawyer review the documents and explain deposits, adjustments, timelines, warranties and your obligations.

It is also wise to have your own home inspection. A new home should not be assumed to be free of deficiencies simply because it is newly built.

Which Choice Is Right for You?

New construction may suit you if customization, newer systems and a contemporary layout are priorities—and your timeline has flexibility.

A resale home may be a better fit if you value an established neighbourhood, a predictable closing date, mature outdoor space or the ability to evaluate the finished property before buying.

Neither category is automatically the better investment or lifestyle choice.

If you are deciding between a new development and a resale home in Orléans, I can help you compare the complete costs, locations, timelines and trade-offs. The goal is not simply to choose a newer or older home. It is to find the home that fits the way you want to live.

Want to discuss this in further detail, book your personal consultation Here

If the Ottawa real estate market seemed quieter in August, the latest numbers confirm that it was not just your imagination.

August is often slower than July. People are travelling, enjoying the final weeks of summer and preparing for the start of a new school year. This year, however, the drop in home sales was much larger than we would normally expect.

At the same time, home prices remained fairly steady. That makes August an interesting month—and a good example of why we cannot describe the entire market with one simple headline.

Sales Dropped Sharply

Ottawa recorded 1,002 residential sales through the MLS® System in August, down 18.6% from the same month last year.

Sales were also 24.4% lower than in July.

To put that monthly decline into perspective, the typical July-to-August drop over the previous ten years was 5.8%. This year’s decline was more than four times that historical seasonal change.

August’s sales total tied 2022 for the lowest August result since 2016.

The slowdown affected every major property category:

• 535 single-family homes sold, down 16.3% year over year

• 310 townhouses sold, down 19.9%

• 136 apartments sold, down 22.3%

This is worth noting because earlier periods of slower activity were more concentrated in townhouses and apartments. In August, reduced sales were seen across the broader residential market.

Through the end of August, 9,283 Ottawa homes had sold in 2026. That was 6.9% fewer than during the same period in 2025.

Home Prices Told a Different Story

While sales fell considerably, prices did not follow them down to the same degree.

The average residential sale price was $688,253, an increase of 0.3% compared with August 2025 and 0.7% compared with July.

The median price was $622,357, down 1.2% year over year and 2% from July.

The MLS® Home Price Index—which is less affected by changes in the mix of properties sold—reported a composite benchmark price of $637,700. That was 1% higher than a year ago and 0.6% higher than in July.

Put those numbers together and we get a mixed picture: fewer homes sold, but overall values remained relatively stable.

As OREB President Tami Eades noted, this is not a market moving uniformly in one direction. Different neighbourhoods, property types and price ranges can behave quite differently.

That is why an Ottawa-wide average should be treated as useful background information—not as an automatic estimate of what an individual home is worth.

There Was Less New Supply—but Demand Fell Faster

Ottawa had 2,119 new listings in August. That number was unchanged from August 2025 but 16.2% lower than in July.

There were 4,496 active listings at the end of the month. Active inventory declined 3.9% from July but remained 11.3% higher than a year earlier.

Normally, fewer new and active listings could help maintain a closer balance between buyers and sellers. In August, however, sales declined much faster than the number of available properties.

Months of inventory reached its highest August level since 2016. This indicates that buyers had more choice relative to the pace of sales.

It is also important to understand how some listings left the market.

OREB found that cancellations, terminations and expirations became more prominent relative to completed sales through the summer. Although those non-sale removals declined from July, sales declined even more sharply.

That suggests some sellers may have decided to step back, rethink their price or wait for different market conditions rather than complete a sale.

What Buyers Can Take from the August Market

For buyers, slower activity can create opportunities that were more difficult to find in a highly competitive market.

Depending on the property, buyers may have:

• More time to evaluate their choices

• A better opportunity to include protective conditions

• Greater ability to compare recent sales

• Less pressure to make an immediate decision

• More negotiating room on certain listings

That does not mean every seller will accept a lower offer. Well-located, properly priced and attractively presented homes can still generate strong interest.

The important thing is to understand the competition around the particular home you are considering.

How long has it been listed? Has the price changed? What have similar nearby properties sold for? Are other buyers showing interest? Those details matter much more than a broad statement that it is a “buyer’s market.”

What Sellers Should Consider

Sellers are facing more competition for a smaller pool of active buyers.

In these conditions, pricing too high at the beginning can be costly. A home may receive fewer showings during its most important first weeks on the market, while buyers focus their attention on better-positioned alternatives.

Before listing, sellers should give careful thought to:

• The most recent comparable sales

• Competing homes currently for sale

• The property’s condition and presentation

• Professional photography and marketing

• Likely buyer concerns

• Showing accessibility

• Pricing strategy

• How long they are prepared to remain on the market

A slower market does not necessarily require expensive upgrades or a steep discount. It does require an honest understanding of how the property compares with the choices buyers already have.

Is It Still a Good Time to Move?

There is no single answer that applies to everyone.

If you need more space, want a more manageable home, are relocating for work or family, or have found a property that better fits your lifestyle, your reasons for moving may be more important than one month of statistics.

People who are both selling and buying also need to consider both sides of the transaction. A little more competition when selling may be offset by having more choice and negotiating flexibility when purchasing.

The best approach is to develop a plan around your home, your neighbourhood, your finances and your timing.

Looking Ahead to Ottawa’s Fall Market

August gave us a softer starting point heading into the fall. Sales were considerably weaker, inventory remained elevated compared with last year, and some sellers appeared to be reconsidering their plans.

Prices, however, were much more stable than the sales numbers might suggest.

One month does not create a lasting trend. The next few months will help show whether August was an unusually quiet end to the summer or the beginning of a more sustained shift.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Orléans, Cumberland or elsewhere in Ottawa, I can help you look beyond the city-wide averages and understand what is happening in the part of the market that applies to you.

I’m Steve Sicard, an Orléans and Ottawa REALTOR® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®. Since 2007, I have helped buyers, sellers and families make informed real estate decisions with practical advice, personal service and no unnecessary pressure.

If you would like to discuss your plans, let’s start with a no-obligation conversation.

Book your no obligation consultation here.

Here’s something families discover the hard way: the activities that kept a senior happy and engaged in July rarely survive a Canadian January unchanged. Engagement that depends on nice weather, or on remembering to plan something, tends to fade the moment life gets busy or the temperature drops.

The families who keep a loved one thriving all year long do one thing differently. They treat activity like nutrition — planned, varied, and adjusted for the season. A garden walk in June becomes a mall walk in February. A porch visit becomes a video call. The spirit stays the same; only the setting changes.

Consider this your year-round almanac. We’re publishing it as our August series on keeping seniors active, engaged, and connected heads toward fall, so we’ll start there — with the season just around the corner — and travel through the whole calendar.

Fall: Settling In

Fall is the great transition. The pace slows, routines return after summer, and there’s a natural coziness that seniors often love. It’s the ideal season to establish habits that will carry through winter.

Ideas to try:

• Autumn nature walks to see the leaves change — crisp air, gentle exercise, no summer heat

• Baking with seasonal flavours: apple, pumpkin, cinnamon

• Putting together a fall harvest centrepiece or wreath

• Watching football or curling with family and a favourite snack

• Sorting through the summer’s photos and printing the best ones

• Prepping the garden for winter, or bringing herbs indoors to a sunny windowsill

Fall’s real gift is momentum. The routines you build now — a regular walk, a weekly baking afternoon, a standing visit — become the anchors that hold when the days get short.

Winter: Keeping the World from Shrinking

Winter is the season families worry about most, and for good reason. Cold, ice, and early darkness can quietly shrink a senior’s world to a few rooms — taking movement, mood, and connection down with it. This is when intentional engagement matters most.

The key is bringing the activity indoors without letting it disappear. As VHA Home HealthCare notes, winter may limit outdoor options, but it doesn’t have to limit movement — chair yoga, indoor walking, and even dancing in the living room all keep the body going through the coldest months.

Ideas to try:

• Indoor walking programs — many malls and recreation centres across Ottawa and the GTA open early for exactly this

• Baking projects, puzzles, and board games on the coziest days

• Chair exercises and gentle stretching to keep muscles and joints limber

• Video calls with far-away family, especially around the holidays

• Movie afternoons built around old favourites

• Window-side birdwatching with a feeder set up in view

Winter engagement is less about doing more and more about doing something daily. A short walk down the hall, one puzzle, one phone call — small, consistent touches keep the season from closing in.

Spring: Coming Back to Life

When the snow finally goes, something lifts in everyone — seniors especially. Spring is for gently reopening the world after the indoor months, easing back into fresh air and longer days.

Ideas to try:

• Short walks to see the first buds and hear the returning birds

• Planting — a full garden, a few containers, or a windowsill of herbs

• Spring cleaning together, at a comfortable pace, with a senior directing what goes where

• Visiting a garden centre or greenhouse for colour and warmth

• Reconnecting with friends and community programs that paused over winter

• Opening the windows and letting the fresh air do its quiet work

Ease back in gradually. After a long winter indoors, muscles and stamina may need a little time to catch up — so start gentle and build.

Summer: Making the Most of It

Summer offers the widest range of activity all year, and the warm months are perfect for getting outdoors and being social. The one caution: heat and sun call for a little planning, especially for older adults.

Ideas to try:

• Morning or early-evening walks, when it’s coolest

• Gardening in the shade, with water close at hand

• Picnics, farmers’ markets, and outdoor family barbecues

• Porch or balcony sitting with a cold drink and good company

• Outdoor concerts, fairs, and community events

• Birdwatching, or simply reading in a shady spot

Keep it safe by planning around the heat: activities in the cooler parts of the day, plenty of water, sun protection, and a shady or air-conditioned spot to retreat to. A little care lets seniors enjoy summer to the fullest.

The Thread That Runs Through Every Season

Look closely and the same needs echo across the whole year — movement, connection, purpose, a bit of creativity, some fresh air. Only the form changes with the weather. A summer garden becomes a windowsill of herbs. An outdoor walk becomes a hallway loop. A porch chat becomes a video call.

That’s the real secret to year-round engagement: you’re not inventing something new every season, just adapting what already works to fit the calendar.

Adaptation is also where things get harder for families to manage alone — and where steady support helps most. A caregiver who visits on a regular schedule keeps activities happening no matter the season or the weather, and respite care gives family caregivers a genuine break, knowing their loved one is engaged and well cared for rather than simply watched.

Your Year-Round Companion

This seasonal guide is one piece of our free August resource, The Complete Guide to Keeping Seniors Active, Engaged, and Connected Inside, you’ll find all six pillars of engagement — movement, cognitive stimulation, social connection, purpose, creativity, and seasonal ideas — plus a simple weekly engagement checklist to keep things on track no matter the month. Download your copy and keep it handy all year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best activities for seniors during a Canadian winter? Indoor walking at malls or recreation centres, chair exercises, puzzles and games, baking, and video calls with family all keep body and mind active. The goal is a little something every day, even when it’s cold out.

How do I adapt a senior’s favourite activities as the seasons change? Keep the activity, change the setting. Summer gardening becomes a windowsill of herbs in winter; outdoor walks become hallway or mall loops. The familiar comfort stays while the format flexes.

Can a caregiver help keep my loved one engaged all year? Yes. Ideal Caregivers 4U companion caregivers in Ottawa, Mississauga, Edmonton, Markham, Pickering-Ajax, and Oshawa-Whitby provide year-round engagement — from summer garden walks to winter puzzles and crafts — on a reliable schedule, whatever the weather.

Every family’s situation is unique, but no one should have to navigate senior care alone. Ideal Caregivers 4U provides personalized, non-medical in-home support that helps seniors remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home while giving families true peace of mind. Learn how we can help by calling 1-866-372-0603 or click this LINK learn more.

Ottawa Home Sales, Prices and Inventory Remain Stable, but Buyers Have More Choice and Sellers Are Facing a More Selective Market

If you only looked at the July Ottawa real estate statistics, you might think the market had a pretty good month.

Ottawa home sales were virtually unchanged from last July, new listings declined slightly, inventory fell from June, and overall home prices remained relatively stable.

But there's another side to the story.

From what I'm seeing and hearing on the ground, the Ottawa housing market can still feel surprisingly slow—especially for some sellers.

And that's why I think we need to look beyond the headlines.

Ottawa Home Sales Held Steady in July

A total of 1,325 homes sold through the MLS® System in July, up just 0.2% from July 2025.

Sales declined 12.7% from June, but that's actually better than Ottawa's typical seasonal slowdown. Over the previous decade, the median June-to-July decline was approximately 20.7%.

There were 2,530 new listings, down 0.8% year-over-year, while active listings finished July at 4,678—9.3% higher than last year but 6.1% lower than June.

On paper, that points to an Ottawa real estate market moving toward better balance.

But statistics don't always tell us what it feels like to actually have a home on the market.

Some Orléans Sellers Are Experiencing a Very Different Market

I know of homes in Orléans that are listed in price ranges where we're seeing a relatively healthy number of sales, yet buyer activity has been surprisingly slow.

And it illustrates something important:

Homes can be selling in a neighbourhood while other well-positioned properties receive very little buyer traffic.

The two aren't contradictory.

Buyers Have More Choices

One reason may be inventory.

Although the number of homes available declined from June, Ottawa active listings remained 9.3% higher than a year ago.

More inventory means buyers can be selective.

Before booking a showing, they can compare price, location, condition, renovations, lot size, layout, days on market and competing properties.

Today's buyers can also learn an incredible amount about a property online.

Professional photography, video, floor plans and virtual tours can help buyers decide whether a home interests them before they ever walk through the door.

That can mean plenty of online views without necessarily producing plenty of showings.

Not Every Part of Ottawa Is Experiencing the Same Market

This is probably the most important thing to understand about the Ottawa housing market in 2026.

There really isn't one Ottawa market.

In July:

Single-family homes: 714 sales, up 5.0% year-over-year, with approximately 3.2 months of inventory.

Townhomes: 417 sales, down 4.1%, with approximately 3.0 months of inventory. The townhouse benchmark price remained 5.1% below last year.

Condo apartments: 169 sales, down 6.6%, with approximately 5.4 months of inventory. The apartment benchmark price was 5.2% lower than last year.

The condominium apartment market, particularly downtown, continues to be noticeably softer than many suburban markets.

That's why an Ottawa-wide statistic may have very little to do with what's happening to a particular home in Orléans, Barrhaven, Kanata, downtown Ottawa or another neighbourhood.

What Are Ottawa Home Prices Doing?

The average Ottawa residential sale price in July was $683,308, down 1.6% from July 2025.

But here's why I wouldn't focus on that number alone.

The median price was $635,000—unchanged from last year.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark was $634,000, down only 0.5% year-over-year and actually up 0.3% from June.

Taken together, those numbers point more toward price stability than a significant market-wide decline.

What Does This Mean If You're Selling a Home in Ottawa?

This isn't a market where homes aren't selling.

They are.

But buyers have choices, and getting their attention may require more patience than the headline sales numbers suggest.

Preparation, presentation, marketing and especially pricing relative to your current competition matter.

And when I'm looking at the value of a home, I don't just want to know what's sold.

I also want to know:

What's currently competing with it?

What's sitting on the market?

Which homes have reduced their prices?

How long are comparable homes taking to sell?

And what are buyers actually choosing?

Because your competition isn't the Ottawa average.

Your competition is what buyers see beside your home when they're deciding which properties are worth seeing.

So, Was the Ottawa Real Estate Market Strong or Slow in July?

I think the answer is:

Both.

Citywide, July held up reasonably well. Sales were essentially unchanged from last year, new listings eased, inventory declined from June and prices were relatively stable.

But that doesn't mean every seller experienced a busy market.

Some homes are selling while others—even in active price ranges—are seeing surprisingly few showings.

That's why I wouldn't make a buying or selling decision based on a headline saying the Ottawa real estate market is “up,” “down,” “strong” or “slow.”

If you're thinking about selling, buying, downsizing or rightsizing, let's look at your neighbourhood, your type of home, your price range and your competition.

That's where the real story of today's Ottawa real estate market begins.

Are you buying or thinking of selling? Book your no obligation consultation HERE

Are you a landlord? Are you preparing to purchase an income property and become a landlord? Here are some of the most asked questions, and the answers. A guest blog from Peartree Property Management.

The Question We Get Most Often

1. "Should I self-manage or hire a property management company?"

Most investors/owners underestimate:

• the time involved

• the legal knowledge required

• dealing with difficult conversations

• maintenance coordination

• documentation requirements

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) processes

Many owners don't realize that property management is largely about risk management, not simply collecting rent.

2.  "Good property managers have systems for:"

• income verification

• employment verification

• landlord references

• credit analysis

• identifying fraudulent applications

3.  "Professional managers also look at:"

• vacancy risk

• tenant quality

• turnover costs

• neighbourhood trends

• long-term return

• communicating with tenants

• scheduling showings properly

• explaining everyone's rights

• reducing conflict

• coordinating maintenance

• documenting everything

• helping the transaction close smoothly

4. "Involve a Property Management Company Early!"

Why? A property manager can provide:

• rental analysis

• operating costs

• tenant history

• lease review

• market rent opinion

• investor projections

before the property even goes on the market.

"What are you doing today to reduce your risk tomorrow?"

Still have a question or just want more information. Contact the team at Peartree Property Management HERE