As real estate agents, we often hear from clients who are struggling to choose the right paint
colour for their homes. It’s an important decision because the colour of the walls can affect the
entire atmosphere of a room and even the overall feel of the home. When it comes to choosing
the right paint colour, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Pair it well with the style of your home. Firstly, consider the style of your home. If you
    have a traditional home, you might want to stick with classic colours like beige, cream, or
    pale yellow. If you have a modern home, you can opt for bolder colours like navy blue or
    emerald green. Additionally, the colour of your furniture and accessories should also be
    considered. You don’t want your paint colour to clash with your decor but rather
    complement it.
  2. Set the right tone. Secondly, think about the mood you want to create in each room. For
    example, if you want a peaceful and calming bedroom, you might want to consider a soft
    blue or green. On the other hand, if you are going to create a bold and energetic space, a
    vibrant red or orange might be the right choice. Keep in mind that paint colour can also
    affect the perceived size of a room. Lighter colours can make a room feel larger, while
    darker colours can make it feel smaller.
  3. Emphasize your creativity. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with accent walls or
    bold colour choices in smaller spaces like bathrooms or entryways. Adding a pop of colour
    can make a big impact and add personality to your home. However, be cautious of going
    too bold with your paint choices, as it may turn off potential buyers if you decide to sell
    your home in the future.

Overall, choosing the right paint colour is an important decision that can have a big impact on the
overall feel of your home. If you’d like to talk more about it, reach out and let us know, we’d love
to chat!

A home’s colour scheme determines the look and feel of every space while being a reflection of your personal style. It isn’t always easy to make the decision on which colours to choose, so here are three tips to make your planning a little easier:

  1. Amplify the colour you love. If you have a colour you like, you can find a matching shade by choosing one with a similar undertone. This will create a seamless and intentional look. As an example, if you have a blue accent wall with a red undertone and you are looking for a neutral colour to complement it, you can pick any neutral colour with a red undertone and they will look great together.
  1. Don’t get stuck with just one colour. Bringing in a new colour can add depth and dimension to your home. Experimenting with different hues and going beyond the usual can be an enjoyable part of the design process. A standout bold colour in a room or two can make for a pleasant surprise. 
  1. Be wary of your home’s trim. Factory-white windows can clash with warmer off-white window trims, so it’s important to be mindful of this when choosing colours. Using the same colour for both the trim and the mullions can create a more cohesive feeling. This can also help with colour transitions, especially if you use high-quality paint. Similarly, matching the trim to the wall colour can also unify the home’s overall aesthetic.

We’d love to know if you’ve done any repainting in your home recently—send us pictures! Looking forward to hearing from you!

The most important place when it comes to home appliances is the kitchen. Good appliances will completely transform the feel and function of a home. Before making a final purchase, you should take into account these three tips:

  1. Don’t impulse buy. It’s easy to be tempted by new features or interesting designs. Before you buy, however, think about what your household needs, who will be using the appliances, and how they’ll be used. Then, just as you would when shopping for a new car, it is wise to do a little research. Not a fan of shopping? Find a friend or family member who likes to shop and ask for their help. This can help prevent the temptation to buy the first thing that looks good and feeling the subsequent buyer’s regret.
  1. Take a holistic approach. It really pays to do your homework and find which appliance brands (and types) are most reliable. You might think the most reliable appliance brands would be the higher-end ones, but you’d be surprised. Most people expect their major appliances to last about ten years, which is pretty close to what manufacturers expect as well. That doesn’t mean your appliances won’t need repairs before that, however. Brand reliability is definitely worth researching online before going to the store. 
  1. Choose your smart appliances wisely. Are smarter appliances a smart buy? Smarter doesn’t usually mean easier or simpler to use. It’s easy to be tempted by the latest high-tech gadgets and smart devices. Many “smart” features really can make your life easier— if you’re comfortable with technology. Buying the latest and greatest major appliances with high-tech computers isn’t always a good idea, however. Adding computers and more electronic components to appliances means there’s more to break down. Technology is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant to last—and when items break, your local service professional may not be trained yet to fix the computer screen on your high-tech fridge or other cutting-edge appliance.

What kitchen appliance do you rave about? Let us know what’s working in your life—we’d love to hear about it!

Living in Canada means that we’re dealing with lots of snow and ice for a good portion of the year. That being the case, it’s essential to be well-informed when buying a home during the winter season. To get you started, here are three common mistakes to avoid when buying a home during winter:

  1. Consider the effects of ice and snow. One common mistake people make when buying a home in winter is not considering the potential impact of snow and ice on the property. For example, a home with a steep driveway or a lack of adequate snow removal equipment can become difficult or dangerous to access during a snowstorm. Additionally, cold weather can cause problems with plumbing and heating systems, so it’s essential to have these inspected before making an offer on a property.
  1. Take advantage of the market. Another mistake people often make when buying a home in winter is not taking advantage of the lower demand for homes during this season. With fewer buyers in the market, sellers may be more motivated to negotiate on price, making it an excellent time to get a great deal on a property. However, some buyers may be hesitant to make an offer because they think there is something wrong with the home if it hasn’t been sold during the peak buying season. This is not necessarily the case, and it’s essential to look at the property objectively and make a decision based on its merits, not just on the time of year.
  1. Take your time. Finally, some people may make the mistake of not being prepared for the longer closing process that can occur during the winter. Because of the holidays and inclement weather, it can take longer to complete inspections, appraisals, and other steps in the home-buying process. It’s essential to be patient and allow extra time for these activities rather than rushing through the process and potentially making a mistake. By being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking the necessary precautions, buyers can avoid making common mistakes when purchasing a home in the winter.

Are you considering a move in 2023? If you’re thinking of buying, winter can be a great time to avoid competition while finding your dream home. Reach out and let us know. We’d love to chat!

Staging a home refers to preparing the property for sale. There are many elements to staging; however, it is meant to showcase a home’s best assets, impress potential buyers, and sell it quickly for the best price. To help you in your staging process we have put together a few staging tips.

  1. Refine the furniture. The furniture plays an important role in staging a home to sell. Getting the right size furniture can make all the difference, potentially determining the overall perception of the room. If the furniture is too big, the room will look smaller than it is and if it’s too small, the room can feel cold. If you aren’t using your own furniture, you can always rent it for the purpose of staging. When choosing pieces remember to select warm, homey, and quality furniture. The way each piece works together can help determine the flow and feel of the room.
  1. Depersonalize. Potential buyers will try to envision themselves living in your home. Things like family photos, keepsakes, or anything of personal value may hinder their ability to feel at home. Therefore, while staging it is important to depersonalize and declutter. Store any kids toys and clear the kitchen and bathroom counters. This helps the buyer put themselves in the home and imagine the life they would like to create, potentially helping them in their decision.
  1. Define each room. When reworking the design of each space and removing or replacing furniture, be sure to define a specific purpose for each room. This helps potential buyers see how they can maximize the home’s square footage. Turn the empty finished basement into an entertainment room and the finished storage room into a guest bedroom. It’s likely the buyer will not use the room for the same purpose; however, it is important for them to be able to see each room be a functional and usable space.

Overall, it’s important to present the home in the best light possible to really emphasize its features. However, you need to also remember that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money, as in this case less is more. Staging your home should aim to appeal to the most potential buyers as possible. If you have any staging tips or would like to know more about staging your home to sell, feel free to reach out anytime.

If you’re thinking of selling your home this spring, there are a few things you might want to consider ahead of listing. After long winter months, spring is the perfect time for a home refresh. Giving potential buyers a great first impression is important when selling your home, so here are a few tips to help you prepare for the upcoming spring market.

  1. Flood each room with natural light. Spring is almost here, and with spring comes the sun! Open your curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If your curtains are starting to look outdated or worn, consider removing them completely to brighten up the space even more. 
  1. Upgrade what’s outdated. There are several things in a home that need a little updating once in a while; for example, light fixtures, faucets, towel racks, and more. These elements can easily be updated and instantly elevate your space. Full renovations aren’t necessary, as in many cases updated cabinet doors or reglazed bathtubs can make everything seem as good as new. The one aspect of your home that you should consider spending more time on is the outside. Ensuring your landscaping is well done and your garage is in good shape helps increase your overall curb appeal. 
  1. Freshen up with paint. A fresh coat of paint will instantly give your home a facelift. The colour of your walls can make a room feel smaller or darker than it is. To showcase your space, consider painting your walls in white or neutral tones to help brighten and open up your home. 

The spring real estate market is fast-paced and full of opportunities. Preparing your home for selling ahead of time will give you peace of mind that you are ready for showings and open houses. If you are thinking of selling your home this spring, please do not hesitate to reach out!

The Engel & Völkers End of Year Market Report for 2021 has been released, highlighting notable trends, changing buyer and seller preferences, economic factors, and more. We have put together our top three takeaways that we believe are indicative of what we can expect in the year ahead. 

  1. Interprovincial Migration Fueled by Canadians ‘Going Home’. In 2021, there was a major influx of Canadians returning to their hometowns amid COVID. Over the last year, more people have shown that they want to be closer to their families–so much so that the trend of multi-generational living is rising. According to Statistics Canada, multi-generational households have become the fastest-growing segment in the housing market. 
  1. Interest Rates Should Hold Until Mid-2022. Over the last couple of years, the Bank of Canada had historically low-interest rates leading to buyers being able to leverage their assets and move up in the real estate market. The Bank of Canada announced in the fall of 2021 that it would be raising interest rates, however, in light of the recent wave, they have put a pause on this increase. Now the Bank of Canada does not anticipate raising the interest rates until mid-2022.
  1. Supply Crisis in Canada. The shortage in supply in homes throughout 2021 caused some unforeseen trends to emerge. Many buyers began to settle for homes that did not meet their hopes and expectations. This caused many bidding wars, some in areas where it is less common. Some premium homeowners opted for transformational renovations to meet their needs as opposed to looking for something new. The supply crisis has been the leading cause of rapidly increasing home prices, and it will continue to do so until the supply and demand equalize.

Overall, we have seen many changes in the real estate market over the last year and we will continue to monitor developments in 2022. If you would like to read more on these findings, we would be pleased to send you a copy of the Engel & Völkers End of Year Market Report. If you have any other questions or would like to chat about Ottawa’s real estate market we would be happy to connect with you!

Winter can be a difficult time to sell your home, especially in a cold and snowy climate. There are several ways to help make your home more appealing this time of year. Here are a few tips to help with your winter showings.

  1. Keep your home warm and cozy. Be sure to keep your home at a warm temperature for potential buyers as they may be deterred from a cold home during a particularly chilly month. A buyer may begin to wonder if the home has a proper heating system or if it is strong enough to withstand the Ottawa winter.
  1. Clear paths of snow and ice. Before potential buyers arrive to view your home, make sure to thoroughly clear any paths and the driveway from snow and ice. If you are able to maintain salting and shovelling over time, it will help avoid a large build-up of snow before a showing. 
  1. Turn on all the lights. It can get dark in the winter, and it is important to have light throughout the home during a showing. If the showing begins before sunset when there is no need to have many lights on, a great option is to have lamps on timers. This way you ensure that potential buyers have light the entire time they are there. 

The main thing to remember is to make your house feel like a home, so that any potential buyer can imagine themselves living there. We hope these few tips can help prepare your home for any winter showing. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to talk more about selling your home in the winter.

Selling your home comes with a lot of paperwork, showings, and stress. Part of that stress is figuring out what you can do to make your home presentable and appealing to potential buyers. Everyone has different tastes and your home buyers may not share your personal preferences. However, there are ways to prepare your home to please the masses. Here are some tips we recommend to get your house ready for listing:

  1. Get it ready to show. It is important to be sure that your house is ready for showings at all times. This means making sure the landscaping is done, rooms are decluttered, and any minimal repairs are completed. Homebuyers are looking around with a fine-toothed comb to be sure everything is in top shape, and it could be a turn-off for some if they are walking into an unprepared home. 
  1. Take the “home” out of your “house”. An important step in preparing your home for selling is taking out anything personal, which includes photos, memorabilia, keepsakes etc. The more personal items in your home, the less likely a potential buyer will be able to picture themselves living there. 
  1. Lighten it up. When preparing your home, remember to brighten it up and maximize the light in each space. Prior to any showings, keep blinds and drapes open, turn on all the lights and ensure all lightbulbs are working. Anything that you can do to make your home bright and cheery will instantly catch the eye of the potential buyer.  

There are many ways as a seller that you can prepare your home for listing and showings. Although these are just a few, we have many more that we would be more than happy to share with you over a cup of coffee. Please give us a call.

Active Listings

Find Residential Condos and Family Homes for sale or lease.

Luxury Properties

Find Luxury Properties and Waterfront Homes in Rockcliffe Park, Rothwell Heights, Cedarhill, Winding Way, Manotick and more…

Open Houses

Find a list of Open Houses being hosted by Exceptional Properties.