Posts by curiousprojects

Building Your Retirement Home

September 15, 2016 | Comments Off

For several years now, Canada’s population of 65-and-overs has been increasing at rapid rates. In fact, in 2015, according to Statistics Canada, there were more Canadians over the age of 65 than there were those under the age of 15 – a pace that has only been growing since 2011. Coincidentally, as the Canadian population grows older, the number of Canadian retirees will rise. So, are you someone who is approaching the first stages of retirement? More importantly, are you ready to retire? One of the biggest decisions an individual(s) will make upon retirement is purchasing their retirement home. It’s
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Finding the Best Neighbourhood for Your Family

September 9, 2016 | Comments Off

A row of a new houses in Ottawa, Ontario Buying a home is arguably one of the biggest decisions we will ever make. The process can often seem a little daunting at first, especially for those who are first-time home buyers: where to buy, what neighbourhood, what to buy, when to buy – all relevant ponderings that can (and will) be answered in time, rest assured. Similarly, when it comes time to choosing a home that is best suited for your family, there are also a lot of factors to consider – some of which can seem a little overwhelming.
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Ottawa Real Estate Market Hightlights August 2016

September 7, 2016 | Comments Off

According to recently released statistics by the Ottawa Real Estate Board, August 2016 was a record breaker. 2016 continues to outpace 2015 in number of properties sold! While inventory has dropped compared to this time last year the total number of sales are up and so are average sale prices. With fewer homes for sale in the Ottawa real estate market for buyers to choose from, OREB’s president speculates a Seller’s market may be on the horizon, but only time will tell. While these statistics are helpful in establishing trends there are many factors to consider when buying or selling that
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Considering Your Lifestyle When House Hunting

August 21, 2016 | Comments Off

Considering Your Lifestyle When House Hunting Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. As a result, making a smart and focused decision requires an analysis of your unique needs, allowing you to find a home that suits not only those needs but also your lifestyle. In addition to the physical attributes of a home, such as the number of bedrooms and total square footage, you should consider your lifestyle when choosing a home. Evaluate these factors on your next house-hunting adventure. Commute Time Your dream home might not be a dream if a
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Voice Control & Connected Devices Fuel Home Automation

August 15, 2016 | Comments Off

Connected devices hooked up to the Internet are advancing home automation in a way that helps you make your new home a clean, energy efficient and welcoming place. The key to controlling the devices can be a smartphone, tablet or computer. As you bring devices under your control and make your home a Smart Home, get them to interact with one another, you can also help them work together to improve your living environment even more. Voice automation, which involves controlling connected devices with your voice, makes it possible for you to direct many changes. Through a virtual assistant, the
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4 Helpful Tips for Purchasing Home Insurance for a New Homeowner

August 9, 2016 | Comments Off

An insurance policy is an asset for any home owner. Owning a home for the first time is incredibly exciting. After all, you have a space that is completely yours to decorate, spend time in and simply enjoy. However, with the rewards of homeownership also come the responsibilities, and people who are buying their first houses will discover that they suddenly have a whole slew of necessary to-dos. One of the most important things for a new homeowner? Buying a home insurance policy for the new house, which will not only protect the structure of the house, but also
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Market Snapshot July 2016 Ottawa Real Estate

August 5, 2016 | Comments Off

According to recently released statistics by the Ottawa Real Estate Board, Summer 2016 in real estate is still hot, continuing to outpace 2015. While inventory has dropped by 15% compared to this time last year the total number of sales are up and so are average sale prices. While these statistics are helpful in establishing trends there are many factors to consider when buying or selling that can affect market value in a specific neighbourhood, home or style of dwelling. Our sales team have access to the most up to date market information and comparables. If you have any questions
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Housing Trends We are Seeing in the Canadian Real Estate Market

July 29, 2016 | Comments Off

The Canadian housing market is already in the news, thanks to the recent collaboration of Vancouver residents to form the #DontHave1Million campaign that went viral. This Twitter campaign was in response to the recent reports that the average home in Vancouver will set you back $1.27 million, which is more than double the average price of a home throughout the rest of the Canadian market. And, at the rate things are going, this trend shows no sign of slowing down. With this in mind, let’s see the other nine trends in the Canadian housing market to keep in mind in
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The Lowdown on Open House Etiquette for Home Buyers

July 27, 2016 | Comments Off

Open houses in Ottawa are an excellent opportunity for you to check out potential future homes. You do not need to have a real estate agent, nor is making an appointment necessary. You don’t even have to be an official home buyer. Instead, open houses can be a stress-free way for you to ease into buying a home. They may help you prioritize what you want, for example. That said, if you are new to open houses, you may be unsure how to act, so here are a few etiquette tips. Just Show Up You may feel odd attending open
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Buying Near Parks and Recreational Facilities

July 15, 2016 | Comments Off

Buying Near Parks and Recreation Facilities According to RealtorMag, twenty-three percent of recent buyers indicated that convenience to parks or recreational facilities influenced their choice of neighborhoods. Proximity to parks and recreational facilities was the most important to recent buyers aged 34 and younger, and to those aged 35 to 49. Here are some reasons to believe those numbers will rise. Public Health Concerns The alarming increase in obesity, especially among children, has focused attention on how important physical activity is to our overall wellbeing. Governments at all levels are promoting the benefits of active living and we have become
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Eric Ritterrath