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Ottawa’s housing market is holding its ground—steady demand, moderate price growth, and plenty of homes to choose from—while other markets are seeing way more ups and downs.

That said, it’s smart to keep an eye on what’s happening across Ontario. In some places, sales are slowing, prices are dipping, and homes are sitting on the market longer.

Ottawa’s known for being a bit more stable—thanks to steady jobs and a growing population—but we’re not completely immune. Big changes in other parts of the province or country can ripple our way. 

Right now, there are more homes for sale than this time last year (and compared to the 5-year average). That might be an early sign of more supply coming on the market. But here’s the flip side—the sales-to-new-listings ratio went up from 51.7% to 55.1% over the past year, showing demand is still keeping up. For buyers, this means more choice! 

In the condo market—especially downtown—demand seems to be softening. But overall, Ottawa is still standing out for its resilience.

As Paul Czan, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, says: 💬 “Our fundamentals remain strong—steady demand, balanced inventory, and moderate price growth.”

Want more information or have any other questions, I am very happy to help. Click HERE to request more information or to ask your question(s).

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Something to take into account: when you see headlines about “The Canadian Real Estate Market”—even from reputable sources—take a closer look. The data may not reflect what’s happening in your specific market or home type.

I recently came across an article with the headline: “Home Sales at Crisis Levels in Sagging Market!” While that may be true for certain cities or property segments, it doesn’t tell the full story. In fact, the Ottawa market tells a different tale. June home sales—excluding condo apartments—were up compared to June 2024, and new listings were also on the rise.

It looks like June 2025 was busier than June 2024. Home sales were  10.6% higher compared to June 2024, and new listings increased by nearly 14% compared to June 2024. According to OREB President Paul Czan, this confirms that our spring market may have arrived a little late—but it certainly showed up strong.

More homes hitting the market means more choice for buyers, which is great news. Sellers, however, will need to be strategic: price thoughtfully and prepare your home to shine if you want to stand out.

One segment that’s still feeling the pressure is apartments. Condo sales were down about 20% compared to June 2024.

Still, Ottawa remains a stable, resilient market. We’re seeing a return to more traditional seasonal activity. With families aiming to move before the school year and students coming back to the city, a stronger fall.

Have you got any questions? Reach out HERE for a casual, no-obligation chat—I'm happy to help you make sense of it all!

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  • "Spring Market Surge: What Ottawa Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Now"

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Ottawa? Here’s what’s going on right now:

So far this year, home sales have been tracking pretty closely to 2024—but here’s the twist: sales in April 2025 jumped over 33% compared to last April. That’s a major spike, and it suggests our spring market just arrived a little later than usual.

It is also worth noting that the median time to sell a home was 17 days, that is from day listed to day sold firm, and that homes sold for an average of 98.8% of the asking price.

Why the delay? It has to do with April’s federal election and the uncertainty around U.S. tariffs — both had a lot of people hitting the pause button on real estate decisions.

Now that things are settling down, we’re seeing more listings hit the market, and buyers are starting to re-engage. If you’re thinking of selling, just remember—rising inventory means smart pricing and great presentation are more important than ever.

Unlike markets like Toronto or Vancouver that are showing signs of slowing, Ottawa is holding steady. Most homes are still selling close to the asking price, and the atmosphere feels a lot less frantic than in other cities.

And with the Bank of Canada holding interest rates steady, buyers are feeling more confident that now could be the right time to make a move—without worrying about missing out on a better rate down the road.

Thinking of jumping in? Let’s talk about how this market shift could work in your favour.

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Buying My Home

🏡 8 Smart Things Every Home Buyer Should Do Before Making an Offer

Buying a home is a big deal—whether it’s your first place or your fifth.
And while it’s easy to fall in love with a big backyard or those perfect kitchen counters, it’s even more important to slow down and make sure the home you love is actually the right one for you.

These 8 smart steps will help you avoid costly surprises, feel more confident, and buy your next home with peace of mind.


1. 💳 Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before you even start looking at homes, connect with a mortgage specialist and get pre-approved. It’s one of the smartest first steps you can take. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Know your true budget: A pre-approval gives you a realistic price range so you’re not wasting time (or falling in love with homes you can’t afford).

  2. Lock in your rate: Many lenders will hold your interest rate for 90–120 days—helpful if rates are on the rise.

  3. Strengthen your offer: Sellers take your offer more seriously when you’re pre-approved. It shows you’re ready and financially capable.

  4. Identify financial issues early: If there’s anything holding you back—like income verification or debt ratios—you’ll find out now, not during a deal.

  5. Check your credit report: Before applying, request your credit reports from both Equifax and TransUnion to ensure they’re accurate. Mistakes happen—and even a small error could affect your mortgage approval or interest rate.

Pro tip: Online mortgage calculators are helpful, but nothing beats sitting down with a real person who can give you strategy, options, and answers. Don’t have a Mortgage Specialist, click HERE


2. 🔍 Look Beyond the Surface

A fresh coat of paint and cute décor can make a home look amazing—but don’t let cosmetics distract you from the big picture. Look for:

  • Cracks in walls or ceilings

  • Water stains or musty smells (signs of moisture problems)

  • Uneven floors or doors that don’t close properly

  • Poor ventilation in kitchens or bathrooms

A good-looking home isn’t always a good investment—so pay attention to the structure and systems.


3. 📍 Check the Location (More Than Once)

The house might check every box, but how does the neighbourhood feel?

  • Visit at different times of day (morning, evening, weekend)

  • Take note of traffic, noise, and lighting

  • Check proximity to schools, stores, parks, and transit

  • Look into nearby developments or rezoning plans

  • Research crime rates and walkability

You’re not just buying a house—you’re joining a community.


4. 🛠️ Pay Attention to Big-Ticket Items

Be sure to ask the seller (or your inspector) about the age and condition of:

  • The roof

  • Windows and doors

  • Furnace and A/C

  • Electrical and plumbing

These major systems can be expensive to replace, and knowing their condition helps you budget and plan.


5. 💡 Ask About Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient home is more comfortable and more affordable to live in. Ask about:

  • Updated windows and insulation

  • High-efficiency furnace or A/C

  • Energy Star-rated appliances

  • Smart thermostats or water-saving fixtures

A drafty home may cost you more in heating and cooling than you expect.


6. 💰 Know the Real Costs

Your mortgage isn’t the only cost to consider. Budget for:

  • Property taxes

  • Utility bills

  • Home insurance

  • Maintenance and repairs

  • Condo or association fees (if applicable)

Understanding the full picture of your monthly expenses will help you avoid financial stress after you move in.


7. 👷‍♂️ Never Skip the Home Inspection

Even if the home looks “move-in ready,” a professional inspection is a must.

Inspectors will check:

  • Foundation and structure

  • Roof and attic

  • Electrical and plumbing

  • HVAC, moisture issues, and more

This gives you peace of mind—or leverage to renegotiate if needed. Learn More HERE


8. 🧠 Pause, Reflect, and Decide

It’s easy to feel rushed, especially in a competitive market. But this is a big decision—one worth thinking through.

  • Sleep on it before submitting an offer

  • Picture your day-to-day life in the home

  • Discuss it with someone you trust

  • Make sure it meets your needs now and in the future

A well-thought-out decision is one you won’t regret.


Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to think about when buying a home—but taking the time to do your homework will pay off in confidence, savings, and peace of mind.

If you're starting your home search and want someone by your side who can spot red flags, explain the fine print, and help you make the right call, I’d be happy to help.

📩 Let’s connect and get you one step closer to your new home. Reach me here: Connect


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Selling My Home.

💰 How Do I Increase My Home’s Value Before Selling?

So—you’re thinking about selling your home, but you’re also wondering:
“What can I do to boost my home’s value before I list it?”
You’re not alone, and the good news is: you don’t need to break the bank to make a big impact.

In fact, some of the most effective improvements are simple, affordable, and make a huge difference in the eyes of potential buyers.

Let’s walk through 8 smart ways you can increase your home’s value (and maybe even spark a bidding war 👀).


1. 🚪 First Impressions Matter: Boost Curb Appeal

Buyers start forming opinions before they even walk through the door.

  • Tidy the front yard

  • Add potted plants or flowers

  • Paint the front door, maybe the garage door too!  

  • Replace worn-out house numbers or outdated outdoor lights

It doesn’t have to be fancy—just fresh, clean, and welcoming.


2. 🧼 Deep Clean Every Inch

This one’s non-negotiable. A clean home feels bigger, brighter, and better cared for.

  • Clean windows, baseboards, light fixtures, and grout

  • Shampoo carpets and polish floors

  • Declutter every room—less really is more

Pro tip: Hire a professional cleaning service for a one-time deep clean. It’s worth it. (I can HELP with this.)


3. 🎨 Fresh Paint = Instant Upgrade

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home.

Stick with light, neutral colours like soft greys, beige, or warm whites. These shades appeal to the widest audience and make spaces feel open and bright.


4. 💡 Update Lighting & Fixtures

Dated lighting can instantly age a space. Swapping in modern, energy-efficient fixtures is easy and budget-friendly.

Also, make sure every room is well-lit. Open blinds, turn on lamps, use LED bulbs, they allow you to use a higher watt bulb, to really brighten things up, and let natural light shine wherever possible.


5. 🛁 Refresh the Bathroom

You don’t need a full reno to make your bathroom sparkle:

  • Replace old faucets or cabinet hardware

  • Re-caulk tubs and sinks

  • Hang crisp new towels

  • Add a new mirror or light fixture for a modern touch

A sparkling bathroom signals to buyers that the home is well-maintained.


6. 🍽️ Kitchen: Keep It Clean & Functional

No need for a full remodel.

  • Paint cabinets or update hardware

  • Swap out dated appliances if your budget allows

  • Clear off all countertops, ensure sinks are clean and free of sponges etc. during showings

  • Add a vase of flowers or bowl of fruit for a welcoming touch

The goal? Clean, functional, and move-in ready.


7. 🛠️ Take Care of Repairs

That leaky faucet? The squeaky door? That burnt-out lightbulb?
Fix them.
Buyers notice the little things—and they assume that small neglect = bigger hidden problems.

A home that feels “ready” often sells faster and for more money.


8. 🏡 Stage It (Even Just a Little)

You don’t have to rent furniture or redecorate the whole house.

Sometimes, simple staging like this is enough:

  • Rearranging furniture for better flow

  • Removing personal items and family photos

  • Adding a few cozy, modern touches like pillows or plants

Help buyers see themselves living in your space—that’s the goal.

I provide a Staging Consultation when I help you sell your home!


Final Thoughts

You don’t need a full renovation to make your home shine before it hits the market.
With a bit of planning, elbow grease, and the right guidance, you can boost your home’s value, attract more buyers, and walk away with more in your pocket.

If you're thinking about selling and want help deciding where to focus your time and budget, I’d be happy to walk through your home with you and give you a Personalized Game Plan.

📩 Just Reach Out—no pressure, no obligation.


Want more tips like this? Follow along or SUBSCRIBE for monthly homeowner advice, local market updates, and selling secrets that actually work. 


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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady—But What Comes Next?

Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate Steady at 2.75% 🏦

Today, the Bank of Canada decided to keep its key interest rate at 2.75%. This means borrowing costs—like those for mortgages, loans, and credit—won’t change for now.

Why? There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air, especially due to shifting U.S. trade policies and unpredictable tariffs. These changes have made it harder to predict how the economy will perform, both in Canada and around the world.

The Bank of Canada looked at two possible scenarios:
1️⃣ In the first, trade tensions stay high, but tariffs are limited. Canada’s economy would slow a bit, but inflation (the rise in prices) would stay close to the Bank’s 2% target.
2️⃣ In the second, a full-blown trade war breaks out. This could push Canada into a recession and drive up inflation to over 3% by next year.

Because these changes are so unpredictable, it’s harder than usual for experts to know exactly how things will play out. But for now, the Bank is holding steady—and keeping a close eye on what comes next.

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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady—But What Comes Next?

Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate Steady at 2.75% 🏦

Today, the Bank of Canada decided to keep its key interest rate at 2.75%. This means borrowing costs—like those for mortgages, loans, and credit—won’t change for now.

Why? There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air, especially due to shifting U.S. trade policies and unpredictable tariffs. These changes have made it harder to predict how the economy will perform, both in Canada and around the world.

The Bank of Canada looked at two possible scenarios:
1️⃣ In the first, trade tensions stay high, but tariffs are limited. Canada’s economy would slow a bit, but inflation (the rise in prices) would stay close to the Bank’s 2% target.
2️⃣ In the second, a full-blown trade war breaks out. This could push Canada into a recession and drive up inflation to over 3% by next year.

Because these changes are so unpredictable, it’s harder than usual for experts to know exactly how things will play out. But for now, the Bank is holding steady—and keeping a close eye on what comes next.

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So, the Ottawa housing market in March 2025? Pretty steady overall. Sales were a bit lower compared to last year, but things are picking up month by month now that spring’s rolling in.

Both buyers and sellers are still a little cautious—which makes sense with the economy being a bit unpredictable and an election on the horizon. But the good news? Lower interest rates are pulling more people back into the market. People are starting to make moves again.

Looking ahead though, there are still some concerns around trade and tariffs, especially when it comes to new construction. That could make the housing supply issue even trickier.

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February Real Estate Market Update – Big News for Buyers & Sellers!

More homes sold in February than in January! 809 homes sold last month compared to 617 in January—momentum is building as we head into spring!

Major news! The Bank of Canada just cut the key lending rate by 0.25% to 2.75%!

This is great news for buyers and sellers, as lower rates mean more affordability and stronger market activity.

More inventory, more options! With 1,668 new listings in February, buyers have more choices without an oversupply, keeping demand high for sellers. Some neighborhoods still have limited availability, making well-priced homes sell quickly!

Market Stats You Should Know:

  • 98.6% list-to-sale ratio (homes selling very close to asking price)

  • Median days on market: 19 days (still moving fast!)

  • More balanced market (60 days is considered fully balanced)

Spring Market Outlook: Expect an active market ahead, though some buyers and sellers may move cautiously due to the upcoming federal election and ongoing tariff uncertainties.

Thinking about buying or selling? Now is the time to take advantage of lower interest rates! Drop your questions below or DM me anytime!

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The January home resale numbers, although lower than they were for January 2024, are still very good. What matters most is that the market is good for home buyers and for home sellers.

For buyers, there were 1359 new home listings in January, which is a 3% increase compared to January 2024.Overall, at the end of January, there were 3312 homes available on MLS, a 57.3% increase compared to the end of January 2024. 

Based on the number of homes sold in January, if no more homes come on the market, there is 5.37 months of inventory, which means it would take that much time to sell all the currently available listings. Which is much better than the 2 to 3 months we saw during Covid. 

For sellers, the good news is that the median days on market (DOM) is 43, which means that midpoint for the time a home is listed, to the time that it is sold, is 43 days. A balanced market would have an average of 60 DOM's.  This shows that with a median of 43 days, some homes were up around 86 days, but many were less than the 43 days. 

The list to selling price ratio was an average of 98%. This is good for home sellers who price their home to the market. All said, with around 43 days to sell your home once it is listed and a selling price around 98% of the asking price, you are in a very good market. 

If you are looking to sell and buy, you also have more choice. 

🚨 The market is shifting! 🚨 Whether you're a buyer or seller, now might be the perfect time to make your move. 🏡📈 

💬 What do you think about the current market? Are you planning to buy or sell this year? Let’s chat! ⬇️👇

Drop me a note here!

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The final numbers for 2024 are now in!

 The number of homes sold in December 2024 was 7.9% higher than the number sold in December 2023.

 For the 2024 year, the total number of homes sold was 11.8% higher than for the 2023 year.

 There was also a 13.6% increase of homes listed in December 2024 compared to December 2023,

 This is a good sign for the market and for buyers, although, there is still a lack of inventory in some areas and price ranges.

 The consecutive interest rate reduction by the Bank of Canada, as well as the longer amortization periods and increase to the amounts of insured mortgages have helped buyers.

Here is a recap of Regulatory changes and updates:


1) Effective Dec 15 - the limit on insured mortgages increases to 1.5 million from 1M.

2) Amortization Period for all first-time homebuyers and buyers of new-build properties is extended to 30 years from 25.

3) Removal of Stress Test for Straight, Stand-Along Uninsured Renewal Switches. Insured and uninsured mortgages no longer need to be stress-tested for qualification purposes.

4) Insured Refinances Eligible homeowners can access an insured refinance of up to 90% of their improved property value for construction funds. This change encourages homeowners to add a secondary suite to their property. This can help accommodate families or generate rental income.

Want more information, or have a question, please let me know. I am happy to help!

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The home sales in November were stronger than they were for November 2023. In fact they were 45.1% higher. The average price of a home was up 4.6%. Please note that these numbers include all property types.

The Bank of Canada lowered the key interest rate by.50% to 3.25% this morning, For people with variable rate mortgages, rate cuts can mean more of their money goes toward the principal on their mortgage, and less towards interest. It can also help home buyers who opt for a variable rate mortgage and folks looking to refinance their mortgage. The impact on fixed rate mortgages won't be know for a while.

Adding in the following Regulatory Changes and Updates, should bode well for home buyers and sellers.

1) Effective Dec 15 - the limit on insured mortgages increases to 1.5 million from 1M.

2) Amortization Period for all first-time homebuyers and buyers of new-build properties is extended to 30 years from 25.

3) Removal of Stress Test for Straight, Stand-Along Uninsured Renewal Switches. Insured and uninsured mortgages no longer need to be stress-tested for qualification purposes.

4) Insured Refinances Eligible homeowners can access an insured refinance of up to 90% of their improved property value for construction funds. This change encourages homeowners to add a secondary suite to their property. This can help accommodate families or generate rental income.

Want more information, or have a question, please let me know. I am happy to help!

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This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.