Mary\’s Most Excellent Blog

I™ve just sold a property at 2082 Sunland Dr. in ORLEANS. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

I™ve just sold a Resale – single family property at 2256 Iris St in OTTAWA. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

I™ve just sold a Resale – condo-townhouse property at 209 383 Cumberland St in OTTAWA. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

The Canadian Real Estate Association has been more than cooperative and civil in trying to amend the Competition Bureau™s contentions that CREA inflates prices for real estate services by keeping tight reins on the MLS system, but yesterday CREA agents proved they will no longer take the bullying of the Competition Bureau and stated they would rather œtake their chances on a court showdown than make further concessions to appease Ottawa™s competition watchdog.CREA has already changed rules that used to require agents to represent sellers for the entire duration that a property is listed on MLS. As of Monday, CREA made it possible for seller™s to represent themselves without an agent™s help and only pay a flat-fee for the use of CREA™s MLS system. This is a huge concession on CREA™s behalf. The last thing CREA wants to do is underplay the value of a knowledgeable real estate agent and essentially that is what the Competition Bureau is demanding of them. The tight control that CREA maintains over its MLS system is what makes MLS a reliable and vital tool to the real estate industry. How can a seller listing without an agent truly understand all of the terms and conditions of an offer, let alone accurately list housing details? These potential errors risk jeopardizing the high standards of the MLS system.    CREA members have paid a lot of money in membership fees to have access to the Board™s MLS system and are the very reason that the MLS system has maintained untarnished prestige and reliability within the industry. Home owners who have purchased or sold a home with the help of a real estate agent know that their professional expertise is unmatched and far outweighs the strife that accompanies blindly wandering into the market with a hand guide on how to sell a home.    CREA will soon file its defence with the Tribunal and a hearing will probably take place in the fall. The Competition Bureau will still have time to withdraw the charges if the two sides reach a deal before the hearing.

I™ve just sold a Resale – single family property at 1391 Norview Cr in ORLEANS. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

On March 28, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 653 Apollo Wa in ORLEANS. If you are looking for a Resale – single family property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale – single family property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

On March 28, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 653 Apollo Wa in ORLEANS. If you are looking for a Resale – single family property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale – single family property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

Last week-end was the H’Art of Ottawa exhibit that we recently blogged about.   MyOttawaRealEstate.com went out to support the exhibit that day to see what amazing things are happening in our community!!!   Check out our vidoe below regarding his days events…..

http://www.youtube.com/user/Myottawarealestate#p/a/u/0/W2p_lpJ1mcs  

On March 28, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 5998 Longleaf Dr in ORLEANS. If you are looking for a Resale – single family property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale – single family property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

On March 28, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 5998 Longleaf Dr in ORLEANS. If you are looking for a Resale – single family property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale – single family property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

Single Story For Sale in Chapel Hill South

Minto built 4 bedroom!

¢  2,223 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm single story – MLS ® $469,900

Chapel Hill South, Ottawa  -   Impeccably Maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Minto Dakota Model on oversized fully fenced premium corner lot. Facing a park & within walking distance to schools, this home features an open concept floor plan offering approximately 2245 square feet of living space. Improvements include upgraded cabinets in kitchen, open staircase to basement, extra and oversized windows,9 ft ceilings, professionally painted, mature landscaping.

I™ve just sold a Resale – single family property at 625 Simoneau Wa in ORLEANS. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

I™ve just sold a Resale – single family property at 258 Ructic Hills Cr in ORLEANS. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

I™ve just sold a Resale – single family property at 573 Churchill Av in OTTAWA. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for or selling your home, please Contact Me.

4 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story “Detached” – MLS# 751951  $397,900Fallingbrook, Ottawa  

Gorgeous custom home on a 50 foot lot with approximately 2200 square feet of living space. Ideal for a blended family, teens, nanny, and in-laws. Tasteful décor, 4 bedrooms plus 2 bedroom on the lower level.   Exceptionally well improved large lower level features colonial trim, pot lights, and 4 piece bathroom.   Stunning new carpet on stairs and upper level, mirrored entry, fresh paint throughout, stunning hardwood, tile floors and walls, bright eat-in solarium, french doors and updated main floor powder room.   Outstanding master bedroom features a private bed area surrounded by mirrors, large walk-in skylight closet, and renovated en-suite in 2005.   Roof was updated in 2009, updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances. New windows, large fenced yard, deck, interlock, and much more!   Close to all amenities, schools, community centre, parks and bike paths.

Our lovely city is never short of entertainment and we are quite lucky to have so many cultural and artistic venues to liven up our evenings and weekends. Myottawarealestate.com is dedicated to keeping you informed on what™s new and happening in the city!From March 26^th to April 28^th be sure to check out the fantastic art exhibits at both the Cumberland Gallery and the Gloucester Gallery. The Cumberland Gallery will be presenting an exhibit entitled œSynthesis, produced by Studio Art Quilt Associates. This vibrant exhibit combines work from 18 members of Studio Art Quilt Associates. Admission is free so come out and enjoy Orleans™ artistic talent Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Sundays from 11am to 6pm. Also, the Gloucester Gallery will be presenting their art exhibit, œUndercurrents, a display of mixed media textiles by Carmella Karijo Rother with the same schedule as the Cumberland Gallery”make it an artistic afternoon and check out both exhibits!Cumberland Gallery is located on the second floor of Orleans Client Service Centre, 255 Centrum Blvd. The Gloucester Gallery is on the main floor.      

Need some fun family weekend ideas? You™ve come to the right spot! Shopping and the movies can get monotonous, but luckily Orleans has so much more to keep you busy, sometimes you just need to venture out into the country to find it!Come breath in the fresh spring air at Proulx Farms 3^rd generation sugar bush extravaganza. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the miracles of nature while you watch sap being collected from sugar maple trees that are over 200 years old and visit the sugar shack to learn how sap is transformed into that deliciously sticky maple syrup that everyone enjoys! Other activities include horse drawn hay rides, nature walking trails, a petting farm, several parks and play structures, and tastiest of all”100% pure taffy tasting and a pancake meal with traditional maple syrup. Yum! Sugar Bush runs from March until mid April. Weekends 9am to 5pm.Reservations are required during weekdays.    Directions: Trim Rd South turn left on Innes Rd, Innes Rd for 3 km to O™Toole Rd Turn left on O’Toole Rd for 500 meters to the bottom of the hill on the right hand side to 1865.

Art is both a reflection of community and the creation of community. Art, whether it is a musician™s seductive melody, a painter™s brush translating emotion into colour, or a dancer™s delicate step pirouetting into the hearts of an audience, all art is forged with the same tools”passion, rigor, and risk. Ottawa is glimmering with artistic talent that you can be a part of by following our blog to find out where Art is happening. Come out on March 18^th from 6-8pm and experience All A Flutter presented by H™Art of Ottawa Studio Artists at the Ottawa Bagel Shop and Deli. You™ll have a relaxing evening enjoying local artwork and meeting the artists to learn about their creative inspirations. Let your imagination be inspired by colour, form, and good company.What is H™Art Ottawa Studio? H™Art Studio is a unique learning centre that assists individuals with learning disabilities to express themselves through literacy and art. The goal is focused on personal growth and self-expression. Participants explore multiple mediums such as writing journals, group discussions, and creating vibrant works of art. On March 18^th the artists will be pleased to share their work with you and look forward to having your support.          All A Flutter

H’Art of Ottawa Studio Artists
Ottawa Bagel Shop and Deli: 1321 Wellington Street West, OttawaOpening: Thursday, March 18 6:00-8:00pm  

On March 21, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 2256 Iris St in OTTAWA. If you are looking for a Resale – single family property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale – single family property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

Hints of warm weather this early in the year gives everyone something to smile about. In a few more weeks spring will be dancing in the air; snow will melt away reminders of winter and the city™s runners, walkers, and cyclists will start to populate the streets again. Summer athletes are prepping for the new season and if your sport is golf then it™s time for you to gear up too!The best way to welcome your 2010 Golf Season is to join fellow golfers at the 2010 Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo hosted at the Ottawa Athletic Club March 27^th and 28^th. This is Ottawa™s 16^th consecutive year putting on this exciting event and it is designed to give golfers the opportunity to test the latest golf equipment on the market, plan their golf schedules, and pick up tips from the pros–key elements for a promising season of golf.The Golf Expo is for golfers of all ages and capabilities and with this nice weather gracing the Ottawa area the weekend is sure to be a blast.   There will be raffles with chances to win free golf clothing to keep you trendy on the fairway (like the new golf expo jacket worth over $5000!), a free golf seminar, putting contests for cash, and lots of food and beverages. Make the Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo a fun family outing because this event is by no means an œadults only affair. The first 125 kids to enter the Golf Expo Saturday and Sunday morning will receive free golf clubs courtesy of TaylorMade Golf. You can also stop by the œTake a Kid to the Course Week exhibition to pick up a list of golf courses that will be participating.This Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo is a great way to swing into spring so Reserve Tickets Today!Adults/Seniors: $14
**All Adult paid admission  includes a entry ballot for chance to win the  the Golf Expo Jackpot (worth over $5,000 value in golf accessories, travel and green fees) and a FREE sleeve of Top Flite XL 5000  golf balls.

Children 12 and under will receive FREE admission. Tickets are available at the door. No advance tickets. Cash only.FREE PARKING at the OAC Parking Lot.Ottawa Athletic Club: 2525 Lancaster Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  Hope to see you all there and check back on our blog at www.myottawarealestate.com after the event to watch our video covering the 2010 Ottawa Gatineau Golf Expo!  œFour!  

On March 14, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 2082 Sunland Dr. in ORLEANS. If you are looking for a property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

This month in the Marketplace Newsletter our article gave you a few fun ideas for March Break to keep your kids engaged, active, and happy!

Here is a list of day camps and activities offered in the Ottawa area that will keep your entire family entertained while kids have a week break from school:

Ottawa School of Art:

http://www.artottawa.ca/osa-eao/index.php/non-credit-programs-march-break-camps-orleans/general-info/general-information-|-march-break.html

The Ottawa School of Art is pleased to offer March Break Program for children aged 6 to 15 in Orleans from March 15 to 19, 2010.   The school’s low student-teacher ratio ensures professional guidance and attention to each child’s creative development in addition to the benefits of interacting with their peers. All the instructors are professional artists.

Mixed Media Fantastical Journey – Ages 6 to 8

Aliens, fairies, Medieval Knights, deep-sea creatures, robots and unique circus acts … Make a comic book (drawing/cartooning), a medieval costume (painting and assemblage), a robot of wood and wire with moving parts (kinetic sculpture), your own unique playing cards (printmaking), and more!

Instructor: Marika Jemma
Fee: $240.00
OSO2BC13.301
9:00 – 16:00

Mixed Media: Famous Painters – Ages 9 to 12

Children will love this class because we will create everything from hanging mobiles, clay sculptures, paintings, cartoon drawings, printmaking ad much more. Each day will be a new adventure, which will spark creativity through colour, forms and texture.

Instructor: Lindy Nadarajah
Fee: $240.00
OSO2CD13.301
9:00 – 16:00

Painting Intensive Portfolio Builder: 13 to 15

Strengthen your skills working with colour, light, composition and perspective. View examples of Western and American paintings from books or touring the gallery, then use acrylics, watercolours, temperas, and drawing materials to build skills and inspire creativity.

Instructor: Ranajit Sinha
Fee: $240.00
OSO2E13.301
9:00 – 16:00

 Ray Friel Centre: http://ottawa.ca/residents/parks_recreation/facilities/rec_centres/rayfriel/programs/children_camps_en.html

March Break Camp

Join us for lots of adventure during your week off! We will be going on amazing out trips, experiencing cool special events, and enjoying wonderful theme days.

March Break Dance

Come and experience quality instruction in jazz, hip hop, ballet and tap dance in our professionally designed dance studio. Children will explore dance combinations set to music and develop their dance skills in the basic technical steps of dance. Performance given on last day of camp.

March Madness

Be prepared to try something new! Toilet paper fights, playing with food and being very, very NOISY. Includes special events, skating, ice hockey, wave swim, cooking class and crafts.

Camp-Pre/Post Care

Beat the traffic, drop your children off as early as 6:30 am and pick them up before 6:30 pm.

Single Story For Sale in Kenson Park

• Charmingly Updated Family Bungalow ¢  2 bath, 4 bdrm single story – MLS ® $359,900 Kenson Park, Ottawa  -   Charmingly updated & completely renovated family Bungalow located on oversized premium lot. Recent improvements include: basement windows 2009 and updated windows on main level, roof 2009, central air conditioning 2005, furnace 2006, shed 2009, repaved driveway 2009, parging 2009 and refinished hardwood floors 2006. Kitchen 2006 which features solid oak custom cabinets, granite counter, and extra deep sinks. Completely renovated bathrooms in 2009 that both feature a soaker tub and stunning modern ceramic. This home also offers a great opportunity for in-law suite or rental income unit.

Are you looking for the ideal community with a blend of urban living and natural attractions? Sometimes searching for that perfect balance of accessible amenities and serene natural landscape is hard to come by, but Minto Homes has made that dream a reality. Minto Homes TrailsEdge is a new community that combines a cozy neighbourhood with picturesque landscapes and greenways. Now offering its initial phase of 117 Executive townhomes, Minto Homes Trails Edge is located on the south western edge of Orleans, just east of Chapel Hill. With all of the new development on Innes Rd, such as the new Lowe™s store and Empire Theatres, Trails Edge offers dynamic living close to all the services that accompany urban living while maintaining the luxury of nature™s past times with lush parks and walking trails. All homes are ENERGY STAR qualified; that means this is an environment friendly community designed to be 20-30% more energy efficient than Ontario Building Codes even require. It feels good to know that investing in a Minto Homes is investing in a greener environment.Purchasing a new home can be an intimating affair, so we would like to represent you and ensure that the real estate process is a smooth and pleasant experience for you as a buyer. Call us, Dan or Mary, at 613-850-2020 for more information on Minto Homes TrailsEdge and let our experience guide you in this bright investment.        

On February 28, 2010 at 14:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 258 Ructic Hills Cr in ORLEANS. If you are looking for a Resale – single family property in this area, don™t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale – single family property, check out my site at http:\www.newottawarealestate.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

Single Story For Sale in Avalon 258 Rustic Hills

¢  3 bath, 3 bdrm single story – $309,900

Avalon, Orléans  -   Spectacular Semi-detached Home in mint condition built by Brigil. This Impeccably maintained and spacious home features Tile Entry w/Convenient Inside Access to Garage, hardwood floors in the main hall, living room and dining room areas. Ceramic floors in the foyer, kitchen, eating area, powder room, main & ensuite baths. Large kitchen with island offer generous counter space and ample cabinets. Bright & Spacious Eat-In Kitchen, living room with a cozy gas fireplace, 3 good size bedrooms, master with 5 piece ensuite (soaker tub and seperate shower) & walk-in closet! Finished basement for your enjoyment which also feature tons of storage. Move in condition!

Multiplex For Sale in Ottawa

OUTSTANDING INVESTMENT PROPERTY ALL BRICK BUILDING WITH 6-2 BEDROOM UNITS.   3 STORAGE GARAGES AT BACK, INDIVIDUAL METERS.   MORTGAGE MUST BE ASSUMED, FAVOURABLE LONG TERM RATE PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOUR MONEY IS HARD AT WORK.

Outstanding investment property!

With an estimated population of approximately 100,000 and only a handful of medical and urgent care clinics, the current health model for Orleans is not adequately supporting the needs of the community. Thankfully, that is destined to change and the East end will have better access to health care services than ever before.

The solution is a newly developed plan called the Orleans Family Health Hub. The health hub will offer comprehensive medical services all in one location and closer to patients™ homes. An Orléans Family Health Team would integrate primary care services, like visits to family physicians, but also function as a care connector to connect patients to the services they require such as day surgery, cancer assessment or dialysis treatment.

Phil McNeely, local MPP for Orleans, describes the benefits of the health hub: “We can’t just keep building bigger hospitals and what the health hub will do will be to move a lot of those services out to the community, out to Orleans, and they’ll be delivered here at less costs and closer to people’s homes.”  

The Montfort Hospital is leading the initiative and is to receive $1 million in government funds to aid in the development of the health centre. Other partners include Bruyère Continuing Care, Champlain Local Health Integration Network, CHEO, Community Care Access Centre, Connexion Family Health Team, Orléans Urgent Care Centre, Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Hospital.  

The new mini-hospital will be the first of its kind and addresses the growing concerns of an aging population needing quality health care. The health hub will reduce patient wait times and provide care at lower costs. The development is ideal for the growing community of Orleans and will spark continued economic growth for the city.      

 The new health hub will be located at 2233 Mer Bleue Road. The 21.7 acres of land was purchased from the Taggart Group at a cost of just over $ 4 million.   The location has excellent accessibility to all of the neighborhoods in Orleans. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2011 and optimistic promises to be opened sometime in 2013.  A campaign will be launched in the near future to appeal to businesses and individuals to fundraise for the project. Check in on our blog for details and we will keep you up to date on the development of the Health Hub and the fundraising campaign.      

This is new health care for a new era and Orleans being a dynamic and growing community is the perfect host for innovative development.  .

625 Simoneau Way         Orleans/Fallingbrook       $283,500   MLS# 749222

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to own this 3+1 bedroom 2 bath home is Fallingbrook!   Main lvl features open concept living/dining room,tile floor throughout, spacious kitchen w/eat-in,newer cabnitry, patio doors that lead you to 16x 12 back deck area. The fully finished large basement features the 4th bedroom, & laundry room w/ washer & dryer. Large fully fenced yard, surrounded w/ mature trees!