Condo sales drive resale market in October Ottawa, November 3, 2011 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,062 residential properties in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,038 in October 2010, an increase of 2.3 per cent. The five-year average for October sales is 1,071. Of those sales, 253 were in the condominium property class, while 809 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties. “Condos were the main driver of resale home sales in October, with condo sales up 14.5 per cent from the same month in 2010, whereas residential property sales numbers were near-identical to last year’s,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles. “We’ve been hearing a lot about the rising popularity of condos in Ottawa and these numbers certainly support that, but it’s just one piece of our steady resale market, with sales very near the five-year average for October. Also, listing inventory and days on market are both up slightly as we move towards the end of the year,” she added. The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $337,797, an increase of 2 per cent over October 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $259,316, a decrease of 1.5 per cent over October 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $362,341, an increase of 3.7 per cent over October 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,700 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area, and in 2011 is celebrating 90 years of service to its members. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to affect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.REALTOR.ca and www.ICX.ca.

Ottawa, October 5, 2011 :Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,202 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,071 in September 2010, an increase of 12.2 per cent. The five-year average for September sales is 1,160. Of those sales, 280 were in the condominium property class, while 922 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties. “Not much has changed in the Ottawa resale housing market since last month. Sales remain slightly above average, prices continue to appreciate at a moderate rate, and homes are taking about the same amount of time to sell,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles. “The stability and affordability of our housing market, coupled with low interest rates, is still appealing for investors and for home buyers who want to make Ottawa the best place to call home,” she added. The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in September in the Ottawa area was $335,765, an increase of 3.4 per cent over September 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $254,864, an increase of 5.9 per cent over September 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $360,334, an increase of 3.2 per cent over September 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,700 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area, and in 2011 is celebrating 90 years of service to its members. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to affect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.REALTOR.ca and www.ICX.ca.

(NC)—A mid-year report by RBC reveals that most homes in Ontario are still generally affordable, but they may not stay that way. If you're considering a real estate investment because of the favourable market, planning and anticipating potential risks that could affect your cash flow are also key.

Barbara Sukkau, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association says that there are a number of important things that potential investors must consider, including how much they can afford, how involved they will be in the project, and what they are looking to get back.

“To begin, a buyer should figure out where to invest,” Sukkau said. “The demographics of the neighbourhood—for example, is there a majority of student renters in the area, or is it predominantly family owners—may determine whether you invest in a condo, duplex or detached home. Whether you plan to rent to a family or young students may also affect your plans to renovate.”

The purpose or use of the home will impact the required down payment. If you plan to live in the property—either as a tenant in one of the units or as the primary resident while it's being renovated—a down payment of at least five to ten per cent will be required. If investing in a non-owner occupied property, at least a 20 per cent down payment will be required.

“Balancing your time commitment with your available finances could mean monthly rent from tenants to pay off the mortgage or purchasing a fixer-upper to renovate and re-sell,” added Sukkau.

Without a plan to deal with the ongoing maintenance of the property or to fund a project beyond the down payment, real estate investments can take a turn for the worse. A Realtor can provide advice throughout the process and on the many decisions to be made along the way.

To learn more about home buying or to find a Realtor in your area, visit howrealtorshelp.ca.

www.newscanada.com

(NC)—Longing to update your home, but short on time and money? You're not alone. Remodeling experts report that whole-house remodels have declined in recent years—but don't throw in the towel just yet. Instead of focusing on every room, focus on smaller areas where you spend a lot of time, like the bathroom.

1 Start your bathroom update with a good cleaning. Removing any mildew, dust and soap scum for a brighter bath.

2 Colour can affect mood—so add a splash of paint. For only the cost of a brush, roller, tape and a gallon of paint (<$40), both your walls and your mood will feel refreshed.

3 Did you know that within a year, the average person washes their hands 8,776 times? With these many interactions with water, be sure that your bathroom remodel includes a stylish new faucet.

4 Not sure if your current cabinets or vanity are fashionable enough for your new faucet? Before you replace it, instead add new cabinet hardware for an instant update. There are a wide variety of choices—and manufacturers, such as Moen, even offer knobs (starting at $8) and pulls (starting at $16) that perfectly match your faucet in both design and finish.

5 The average person takes 365 showers per year. If your shower space is feeling a bit small, instantly add 7 1/2 inches with a curved shower rod. Moen offers both single and double curved shower rods (starting at $41) in the most popular finishes to maximize your shower space…with ultimate style.

6 Bath accessories are a simple and inexpensive (< $150 for set) way to add organization and a design update to your bath. Collections, such as Ashville or Lindale offer a variety of solutions such as, towel bars, towel rings and robe hooks to keep items tidy and off the floor, as well as pivoting paper holders to entice users to change the empty roll. Plus, they are available in a variety of finishes to perfectly coordinate with the rest of your new bath hardware.

7 The final step of your simple and sensational bath upgrade is the soft touches. Add plush and colourful towels to your new accessories, a decorative shower curtain to your new shower rod and a soft throw rug in front of the vanity.

Soon, with minimal budget and effort, your bathroom will be more enjoyable. More information can be found online at moen.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Ottawa, August 4, 2011 :Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,326 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,116 in July 2010, an increase of 18.8 per cent. The five-year average for July sales is 1,377.Of those sales, 307 were in the condominium property class, while 1,019 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“What a difference a year makes. Last summer the real estate market was reeling from the implementation of the HST that saw many buyers and sellers move up their purchases to the winter and early spring. 2011 is a different story, one that looks a lot more like the average year for Ottawa’s resale housing market,” said Board President-Elect Ansel Clarke.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in July in the Ottawa area was $341,330, an increase of 6.2 per cent over July 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $270,933, an increase of 11.3 per cent over July 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $362,539, an increase of 4.8 per cent over July 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,680 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area, and in 2011 is celebrating 90 years of service to its members. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.

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

Approx 2000 sq. ft. Plus professionally finished lower level. 4 car garage. Top quality. Vaulted & 9’ ceilings. Transom windows. Gleaming hardwood floors. Gourmet Kitchen. Main floor sunroom, library, laundry & den. Master bedroom with luxury ensuite & closet. Lower level with 3^rd bedroom, full bath, walk-in closet, office. Professionally landscaped.  Must be seen!

NC)—Despite a slow start to the season, warmer temperatures and sunnier days mean one thing: the green of spring is not far away. And when it comes to lawns, a little care now will go a long way to ensuring plant health in the dog days of summer that lie ahead. The Urban Fertilizer Council suggests following the 4Rs to ensure your lawn is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy from season to season:

• Right Source: buy a fertilizer recommended for your lawn or garden

• Right Rate: know the size of your lawn and only buy what you need. Apply at the application rate as recommended on the label, using a good quality fertilizer spreader

• Right Time: apply fertilizer in the correct season. Spring and fall are the best times to fertilize. Don't apply if heavy rain is expected, or on frozen ground

• Right Place: fertilizer can't do its job if it's not on your lawn or garden. Sweep on to the lawn any fertilizer that might land on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways

Don't apply fertilizer near ponds, streams, rivers or lakes, or use a low phosphorus or phosphorus–free fertilizer on established lawns. New lawns (under two years old) will benefit greatly from a lawn fertilizer with phosphorus. Ideally, take a soil sample to determine if your lawn needs phosphorous, and if it does – apply with care by following the 4Rs.

More fertilizer tips and best practices can be found online at www.GreenerWorld.ca (launching May 2011).

www.newscanada.com

TURN $30,000 INTO $600,000 EARN 13% OR MORE INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE. If you don't have $30K you should be able to use the equity in your own home. I currently have clients doing exactly this and have done it myself. Let me show you how we do it. Contact:Leo Rosato, Broker Leo@Rosatoteam.com 613 720-4356.

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Residential/2011-05-04/article-2476597/%26lsquo%3BUnprecedented%26rsquo%3B-condo-boom-attracting-investor-attention/1