When done right, a bathroom remodel can help increase the value of your home. It is important to work with a contractor that you trust and be aware of what can go wrong and what to expect. We have put together a few of dos and don’ts for your next bathroom renovation.

1. Do Waterproof the Bathroom. Waterproofing your bathroom may seem like an obvious task; however, it can be overlooked and done incorrectly. It is important to remember that water can get everywhere in a bathroom, even on ceilings. When planning out renovations with your contractor, be sure to talk about plans to waterproof and ensure that walls from floor to ceiling are going to be covered. Improperly waterproofing your bathroom can cause mold to grow which can aggravate your allergies or asthma. 

2. Do Budget for the Unexpected. A bathroom renovation can become pricey, especially if there are any surprises along the way. When renovating an older home, it is important to remember that improper ventilation or hidden water damage could result in some extra work. It is always a good idea to leave a cushion in your budget of at least 10-15% in case there are any unexpected and serious repairs.

3. Don’t Install Hardwood. When choosing the flooring for your bathroom, there are many quality tiles to choose from. One flooring option that is never a good idea in a high moisture environment is hardwood flooring. With hardwood floors, you risk the chance of capturing moisture which can ruin the hardwood and cause mold growth. Porcelain tiles are highly recommended as they are very durable and have a very low moisture absorption.

Remodelling your bathroom can be quite a challenge, especially if beginning the project unprepared. If you have a strong plan, a great contractor, and these tips your remodel should go as smoothly as possible. What remodelling plans do you have soon? We would love to chat with you about any tips and tricks you have.

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. 

2. 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.

3. 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!

Trends are continuously changing, and since we are spending so much time in our homes, it is time to refresh our spaces. The days of decorating at the bare minimum are gone; in 2022 we’re aiming for functionality. Having the perfect space to meet your everyday needs has become essential. To help you get started, we have put together a few home design trends we should expect for the new year.

1. Create a Designated Room. The need for a home office skyrocketed in the last couple of years and now homeowners are looking to have more designated spaces for their everyday activities. It has become more common to have a recreational room, gym, spa, etc. The need to have a space dedicated to a hobby or to create entertainment value has become a need as more people are staying home and buyers appreciate this already in place.
   
2. Elevate your Kitchen. As we move into 2022, we are seeing more homeowners invest in showstopping kitchens. The use of luxury materials and bold finishes is increasing in popularity. While a completely white kitchen is still common, more are exploring rich colours for their cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and it is the heart of the home, so why not make it a space that you are excited to live in?
   
3. Utilize Antique and Vintage Furniture. In the last year or so, we have seen quite the delays in production and delivery of furniture. As an alternative, many have been opting for antiques and vintage, which add interest. We have always enjoyed the pieces we have procured, and we never tire of them. It is readily available to purchase from a variety of reputable dealers and ready to be shipped, and it also brings charm into your home. 

The task of making your house a home can take some time. We hope these trends will give you some inspiration. We are always ready to chat with you about your ideas!

It can be easy to fall into the more common red and green theme when decorating your home for the winter season. However, there are many ways you can elevate your decorations to make your home feel warm and cozy all winter long. We have put together a few ideas we think you might enjoy as you begin to decorate your space.

1. Highlight the Fireplace. A fireplace can be the heart of the home, especially in the winter. The cozy and warm atmosphere a fireplace can bring is one of the best winter decorating accessories you’ll ever need. During the holiday season, you can enhance your fireplace mantel with gorgeous candles, garlands, and string lights. 

2. Add Touches of Greenery Outdoors. While the winter may take away our beautiful gardens, using greenery instead is sure to liven up your front entry. On either side of your door, fill planters with freshly cut greenery, branches, pine cones, and beautiful ribbon to add something a little extra.  Additionally, a winter classic is of course a beautiful wreath on your front door. 

3. Create Wintery Centrepieces. There are so many options when it comes to decorating for winter that it may be overwhelming to know where to start. A small but impactful decoration, to begin with, is centrepieces. These can be used on dining tables, coffee tables, and side tables throughout your home. One of the benefits of creating a centrepiece is that they are very versatile. Use greenery, pine cones, and twigs for a warm wintery look and use cranberries, dried orange slices, and string lights for a bright and fresh winter look. 

Ultimately, decorating for the winter has endless possibilities; from winter wonderland to cozy cottage, you’re sure to impress your guests with your decorating skills. Let us know how you like to decorate your home for the winter; we would love to hear your tips and tricks! 

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.

2. 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. 

3. 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.

As the winter season is quickly approaching, there are a few important things to consider as a homeowner. In our lovely city of Ottawa, the winter brings cold air and a lot of snow. Because of this, it is important to prepare your home to avoid any potential damage from the weather conditions. We have put together this checklist to help you get started on your winter home maintenance. 

1. Prepare your plants. Now is the best time of the year to take care of your plants ahead of the winter. Not only will it protect your plants in the colder months, but it can also protect your home. Be sure to trim any branches so they are at least 3 feet from your house. This will ensure the moisture accumulated on them won’t cause damage to the roofing and siding. Additionally, you might want to cover any plants that cannot handle excessive amounts of snow and can break under the weight.
   
2. Take a look at your fireplace. Winter is the time to start enjoying your beautiful fireplace; however, before you start getting cozy by the fire, you might want to be sure everything is working properly. First, take a look inside to be sure that the damper opens and closes properly. Check for any bird nests, branches or leaves obstructing the chimney. You should be able to see daylight coming through the top. Additionally, check the firebox for any cracks or missing bricks.
   
3. Declutter your gutters. Throughout the year, your gutters can accumulate a lot of leaves, twigs and grime. Ahead of the winter, it is important to make sure that your gutters are clean, properly tightened, and free from holes or cracks. When checking your gutters, be sure that your downspout is at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent any potential damage to your foundation. 

Heading into the winter can be daunting; however, if you make sure to be prepared ahead of time, the season is bound to be a breeze. What are some of your home winter-proofing tips? 

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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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.

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Are you a young business professional intent on taking advantage of the favourable interest rates? Is your family growing, and it’s time to settle down in a place you can call your own? Or are you merely tired of renting and want to feel like the place you live in is really yours? At the same time, you may feel like you are throwing your precious, hard-earned money away on rent, while you could be investing it in your property. Purchasing a starter home is a way out and an excellent solution. Also, it is a good option for those with a more modest budget. However, it is also a good way to start building your equity. Still, there is a lot to consider before buying a starter home, and we are here to help you.

What are starter homes?

Perceive a starter home as a middle ground between being a renter and purchasing a forever home. It is an excellent way to smoothly and virtually imperceptibly transition into the homebuying process. Still, make no mistake, buying a starter home is buying a home. It is the first house you can afford to buy. But, you are moving upmarket. And the starter home is what will enable you to purchase a bigger and more luxurious place later down the road.

The difference between a starter home and your dream home is that it may not have all the great features you want from your forever home. Still, it suits your and your family’s current needs and it will provide some luxuries. These are typically smaller and less expensive properties. Also, they are primarily for people who plan to stay there for about five years. So, young couples, professionals at the start of their careers, young families, and anyone who won’t be needing a six-bedroom mansion soon.

So, if you can’t wait to throw a housewarming party and gather friends in your new home, look at our list of essential factors to consider before purchasing your first home and get there faster.

Factors to consider before buying a starter home

Purchasing a house is one of the most substantial investments people make in their lives. Although starter homes are more affordable, they are still the most significant investment you will have made up to that point. Also, not many life events can compete with the thrill of purchasing your first home. It is the first tiny bit of this planet you can call your own. And it is a considerable accomplishment. So, since this is your first real estate investment, there are things you will have to consider before you run to your lender and put an offer on a place.

The space you need

We have already established that starter homes are smaller, which makes them more affordable. So, while you may compromise on the space a bit, you will still live comfortably in it. 

As we have mentioned, starter home buyers typically plan to live there for up to five years. Thus, consider how your needs will change in the next couple of years and pick a home that will be able to accommodate them. That way, even if you outgrow your starter home, you will still be able to live there until you can buy your forever house.

Furthermore, consider the outdoor space you want to have. If you like to spend your time outdoors, you will want a nice garden and a beautiful patio. This feature will also be an excellent selling point when you decide to put your home on the market and purchase a new home for yourself.

Location

Location is everything in real estate. It determines your home value and the quality of life you will have there. And starter homes are not an exception. After all, they are called starter homes for a reason. You will have to sell it one day, and you should ensure you can do it successfully.

So, you will probably want to buy a home that is close to your work, restaurants, nightlife opportunities. It will ensure that your needs are satisfied and future buyers will be interested. The good rule of thumb is – buy a house that has everything prospective buyers might want.

Your budget

You have probably already realized that purchasing a starter home doesn’t differ much from the home buying process in general. Therefore, like all homebuyers, you also have to consider your budget. Firstly, you must understand that being able to buy a home does not necessarily mean that you can afford to own a home. So, even purchasing a starter home may not be a sound financial decision. 

Buying a home implies paying a monthly mortgage, covering registration costs, paying for property taxes, home insurance, etc. Moreover, it means that all the necessary maintenance becomes your responsibility. If the home you purchase is not in great shape, it could become a money pit that demands extensive renovation. Therefore, carefully inspect your finances, and even more importantly, choose the home you want carefully before making any definite decisions.

Understand the housing market in the area you plan to buy

When it comes to real estate, considering the housing market before buying anything is crucial. This is something your real estate agent can help you with. But the bottom line is this – purchase a home in the area where home prices tend to increase. Growing prices indicate that the market is strong and that you will probably profit when the time to sell comes.

The alternative is rather bleak. If the housing market in the area is not that strong, you risk depreciation, which means you may lose money when you decide to sell. 

The advantages of buying a starter home

Purchasing a starter home has several significant advantages, many of which we have already mentioned. When you decide to invest in one, you will:

• stop spending money on rent, but start investing in your property
• get a springboard for building equity and savings
• get an opportunity to make a profit if the market appreciates
• have a property to rent if you decide to keep it
• save a lot (you will pay less for the down payment, monthly mortgage, utilities, property taxes)
• not have to stay in that place long-term
• most likely sell it quickly when the time comes. 

The disadvantages of buying a starter home

As usual, where there are upsides, there are also downsides. And we have to go over them too, so you can make an informed decision:

• It is still a time and money-consuming process (consider closing costs, agent’s fees, moving expenses).
• In seller’s markets, where inventory is low and prices high, it may be simpler and more affordable to simply continue renting. 
• Starter homes are a temporary solution, as the name suggests. If you outgrow it quickly, you may have to move sooner than anticipated, so the whole ordeal becomes more expensive.

The bottom line

Even with all the downsides of buying a starter home, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by a long mile. If you do your research well and consider all the essential factors before you make any decisions, you can turn it into a profitable investment that will move you up the market in a few years.

White and Red Wooden House With Fence · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)

The kitchen is the heart of the home and where you spend most of your time cooking or eating meals with your loved ones. Ensuring your kitchen has the proper layout and configuration is crucial to creating a space you will love to use every day. There are many details to think about when redesigning your kitchen. To help you ease the stress, we have put together a few tips to help you through your kitchen remodelling journey.

1. Determine the island’s function. If you’re thinking of including an island in your kitchen design, think about how you would like to use the island within the space first. If you plan on having your cooktop on one side and bar stools on the other, you need to make sure that the cooktop is a safe distance from the dining area. Other items that are typically considered in the design of a kitchen island include sinks, dishwashers, and microwaves. 

2. Consider your countertops. When choosing countertops, there are a few things to consider, one being the counter space overall. If you are an avid cook or baker, try planning for as much counter space as possible. Additionally, the material used for your countertops is crucial. Marble might be gorgeous, but it can also stain very easily. Similarly, wood is a popular choice, however, remember that it must be sealed properly to prevent damage. 

3. Double up on kitchen appliances. If you have a large family or cook often, it might be beneficial to double up on some staple kitchen appliances. Having two microwaves and two ovens is a great way to help reduce overall cooking time, especially for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Another great appliance to double up on is the dishwasher. When hosting large dinner parties, the dishes can start to pile up and having more than one dishwasher can help alleviate the workload. 

When redesigning a kitchen, there are many details and it can be easy to lose track of the end goal. Starting with a detailed plan ahead of time can help in creating your ideal space. We hope these tips can help you in your kitchen remodel and we would love to hear if you try any of these yourself.