Mary’s Most Excellent Blog

PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FLIP A BRAND NEW PROPERTY.  New regulations have come into play to change the rules of the builder/investor game.

When an investor purchases a new home from a builder and never personally occupies it but resells the property instead, they are still required to register with TARION.  Failure to comply with the Ontario New Home Warranty Act means delinquent investors are liable for up to a $25,000 fine and or a sentence of up to one year in JAIL.  One gets the feeling that the government frowns on such activity. 

Along the same lines, I must say that I am surprised every time I’m called in to list for sale a property where the investor purchased a brand new condo and fails to realize that they are prohibited from flipping the paper (as per the agreement with the builder) and based on the fact that the property needs to be registered as a condominium before they can resell their unit.  Registration may come right away or years after their unit has been delivered.  Buyer Beware and make sure you deal with a real estate professional even when you buy new because you may not think to ask such questions that may have serious implications to your bottomline.  Ending up in the black or the red is a matter of knowing what you’re getting into up front. 

For more information on how to maximize your investment dollars while minimizing your legal exposure, call Mary Caird 613 797-1010.  www.yourottawarealtor.com   

Well folks, it looks like the over cast sky may hold off its rain, long enough to allow the throngs of Canadians who are poised to storm Parliment Hill in celebration of Canada Day.  Getting wet is all just part of the fun for die hards who wouldn’t let their enthusiasm be damped by anything short of an electrical black out as the bands take to the stage.  For more information about upcoming events and festivals in Ottawa, go to www.OttawaKiosk.com  Our team of real estate professionals will be stepping up efforts to give back to the neighbours and people who have been so good to us.  In volunteering around town at the community centres, parks and events, we hope to meet you and your family and heighten our community presence while continuing to make a difference to the local charities and the individuals they support. 

 For information regarding buying or selling real estate in Ottawa, contact Mary Caird or Dan Salhany at 613-850-2020. 

Spacious, 3 bedroom, 3 bath freehold end unit on oversized private fully fenced lot. Open concept living/dining area with wood burning fireplace and a wall of windows. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet size kitchen with ample cabinets & a bright and spacious eating area. Master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and full ensuite. 6 appliances as well as a finished rec-room.

94 Markland Cr. in Barrhaven!  $229,900  MLS# 732412….. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Please check out our listing section of the website for more pictures!

We have just listed this Impeccable & Impressively maintained 3 bedroom townhome in Kanata.  Recent improvements and updates include: windows 2009, roof 2003, gleaming hardwood floors, baseboards and trim, newer light fixtures, gas furnace 2009, renovated euro bathrooms & more! Private fenced yard with access to park like setting. 5 appliances, central air conditioning and all custom window coverings included. 

28 Bering Court, $ 169,900, MLS# 732022

Prices Starting at $219,700 with large balconies, stylish kitchens, with islands, granite counter tops, hardwood floors, high baseboards, 6 appliances.  For more information, conact Mary Caird at MyOttawaRealEstate.com 613-797-1010.  MORE for your money.

I’ve just sold a Resale - single family property at 1845 Robinwood Pl 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.

2055 St Laurent Blvd.  $299,900 (MLS # 731152)

142 Paseo Dr.  $279,900 (MLS # 731481)

I’ve just sold a Single-family property at 384 Wisteria Cr 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.

What’s in a label?  You can not always judge a book by its cover but a new vehicle (better yet, two 2009 black SUVs) with a highly visible customized logo, is an unmistakable way for the public to recognize a top producer.  Statistics prove that a wrapped vehicle makes an impression on between 35,000 to 70,000 people per week.  Consider this:  you can’t turn it off, hang up on it, throw it in the garbage.  There’s junk mail spam filter or pop up blockers.  You don’t have to click on it to open.  Knowing all this, our team has chosen go head to head for front of mind awareness and show our commitment to earning business and offering a quality service.  Driving a mobile billboard with highly visible graphic, around the neighbourhood where your target market lives, works and shops, is not only a day to day lifestyle for us, its a smart way to promote our value added proposition to the Ottawa real estate market.  SOLD EVERYWHERE YOU GO! 

Look for the Caird Salhany Team fleet of Muranos and Rogues with the SOLD sign you’ve come to trust.  Its a Real Estate rEVOLution, guaranteed to turn heads and add curb appeal to your next real estate transaction.  Call Dan or Mary 850-2020 to review your real estate options.

Upper East side Manor Park Terrace Homes (near Airport Parkway and Hemlock in New Edinburgh)

Living large just minutes from downtown.  Low condo fees on 2 and 3 bedroom units up to 1,363 sq. ft. 

Low low prices starting at in the mid 200’s.

Grand Opening Bonus Includes $14,500 in upgrades:  Appliances $5,000, Hardwood floors $6,000 and Central Air Conditioning $3,500  Offer Expires July 31, 2009

Call Mary Caird for details.

Conducted since 1999, CMHC surveys examine consumer behaviour, attitudes and expectations when acquiring, renewing or refinancing a mortgage.  From mid-March to mid-April 2009, CMHC surveyed more than 2,500 recent mortgage consumers online, the largest sampling ever undertaken for this particular survey.

The key highlights of the survey include:

• Mortgage clients are optimistic  
• Canadians are astute mortgage consumers
• Canadians manage their mortgages prudently
• Client satisfaction with mortgage providers still relatively strong
• First-time buyers increase their use of mortgage brokers

More specifically, the survey indicates that nearly 90 per cent of recent home purchasers across the country believe that homeownership is a good long term investment and that almost 70 per cent think that now is a good time to purchase a home in their community.  Interestingly, this information comes as no surprise.  All you have to do is ask your friends, neighbours and coworkers and you’ll confirm the consumer confidence that has translated to the paradigm shift that we are affectionately calling A SELLERS MARKET. 

I’ve just sold a Resale - condo-townhouse property at 6798 Bilberry 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.

What a spectacular new listing at 27 Marchvale Dr. in rural Kanata!  Come and check out more details on this property in our listing section on our site.

MLS# 730388 Listed for $2,290,000

You don’t have to be a millionaire to have cause for concerned about your investment.  If you’ve been contributing to your annual RRSP, you will likely have some equity funds that lost out in 2008 and the early part of 2009.  I understand from the Financial Planners that my fellow investors have seen recent looses between 25 and 40%.  To make matters worse, you simply can’t expect to be back where you should be when the markets recover.  It will take most of us approximately 5 years to make up our looses based on the principle of negative returns and compounding interest.  What has put a smile on most Ottawa Home Owners faces is that fact that our local real estate market has continued to increase in value regardless of the struggling world economy.  If you missed last week’s Ottawa Citizen article, the message is clear.  Ottawa home sales have infact tipped the scales and out-performed predictions to the point that we are now declared in a Seller’s market.  Call Mary Caird 613-797-1010 today for a free confidential consultation on how this new paradigm shift will effect the value of your home especially if you are considering making a move in 2009 or 2010.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to have cause for concerned about your investment.  If you’ve been contributing to your annual RRSP, you will likely have some equity funds that lost out in 2008 and the early part of 2009.  I understand from the Financial Planners that my fellow investors have seen recent looses between 25 and 40%.  To make matters worse, you simply can’t expect to be back where you should be when the markets recover.  It will take most of us approximately 5 years to make up our looses based on the principle of negative returns and compounding interest.  What has put a smile on most Ottawa Home Owners faces is that fact that our local real estate market has continued to increase in value regardless of the struggling world economy.  If you missed last week’s Ottawa Citizen article, the message is clear.  Ottawa home sales have infact tipped the scales and out-performed predictions to the point that we are now declared in a Seller’s market.  Call Mary Caird 613-797-1010 today for a free confidential consultation on how this new paradigm shift will effect the value of your home especially if you are considering making a move in 2009 or 2010.

I have just reduced one of our featured properties at 6798 Bilberry Drive.  Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!  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.

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 1845 Robinwood PL in Ottawa. This Single-family property has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. 200 amp electrical service, garden shed ‘08, all vinyl windows ‘02, central air and HE Lennox furnace replace ‘07, Roof reshingled ‘03 with 25 year warranty. Hydro 78/th, taxes 4200/09, gas $133/mth
.

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 1845 Robinwood PL in Ottawa. This Single-family property has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. 200 amp electrical service, garden shed ‘08, all vinyl windows ‘02, central air and HE Lennox furnace replace ‘07, Roof reshingled ‘03 with 25 year warranty. Hydro 78/th, taxes 4200/09, gas $133/mth
.

I’ve just sold a Resale - single family property at 501 Tisdale Cr 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 - single family property at 501 Tisdale Cr 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 Single-family property at 1676 Sunview Dr. 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 Single-family property at 1676 Sunview Dr. 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 - single family property at 11 Kesler 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.

501 Tisdale Cr. $321,900

Bright well maintained 3 Bedroom Bungalow!  Main level features hardwood, ceramic tile, & laminate, renovated 4-piece bath, spacious updated kitchen/eat-in area w/ deep cherry stained cupboards, & open living room area.  Large finished basement w/ 2-piece bath, bar, & gas fireplace. Private hedged yard w/ interlock patio, landscaping, pond, & storage shed. Roof/05, Furnace/09, and newer windows.  Look into our listing page for more details!

6798 Bilberry Dr. $229,900

 Renovated 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom end unit in Covent Glen North!  Kitchen features luxurious granite counter top and backsplash, secretary desk, wine racks, lit under valance, crown molding. Beautiful hardwood floors, southern exposure, walk-out and extra side yard to private ravine, deck, 2 sheds, interlock patio and much more.

Aside from discounted rates, I understand most Mortgage Lenders are now quoting 30 year amortizations and providing some viable options to also help home shoppers economize their monthly payments.  In light of what has been a continued decline in the Bank of Canada rates, it looks like we can stop asking …”how low can they go”. 

If you’ve heard the press conferences with the Finance Minister, we have been given assurances that rates have hit rock bottom and further that rates will be staying here for some time.  If you are shopping for a mortage and need a third party opinion about the rates you are being quoted, you can always call me.  Keep in mind that an active Real Estate Agent with good contacts can pre-negotiate the most favourable rates available based on their volume of business with the same institution.  Here comes the shameless ploy “Saving you time and money is my highest priority.  Call Mary Caird today 613-77-1010″.  

1676 Sunview Drive

Now Listed for $289,900! 

Retirement living in a maintenance free bungalow across from the park.  Open concept, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with quality construction by Legault.  Recently installed dark hardwood floors, generous rooms, eat-in kitchen, and neutral décor.  Fenced yard, westerly exposure, and interior access to garage.  For more photo’s and information, please go to our listings section of the website.

11 Kesler Avenue

Now Listed for $584,900! 

4 bedroom plus 2 bedrooms in finished basement, plus 4 bathrooms and mainfloor den. Ideal for extended family. Granite fireplace in great room, hardwood floors, new tile.   For more photo’s and information, please go to our listings section of the website.

Check out the new add we have in the April issue of Homes and Land!

I’ve just sold a Resale - condo-townhouse property at 208 429 Somerset 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 Single-family property at 903 Admiral Ave. 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.

Is anyone other than me in total shock that, as of last friday the banks have lowered their lending rates to 3.75% for fixed 5 year terms.  Some of us dinosaurs remember the 22% highs of the early 80’s.  Now that was an interesting time. 

I mean, we knew it was coming down the pipe…we hear that it is supposed to happen….but seeing is truly believing.  Understand also that Mortgage Lenders are very reluctant to take un and some have policy in place against variable lending with increased rates to discourage such short term positioning…tisk, tisk….what were we thinking. 

Come one, come all to the negotiating tables and be mindful that if one maintains good credit, one may still arrange to borrow up to;

 95% for singles and duplexes,

90% for triplex and fourplexes and

as much as 85% on 5 or more residential units. 

I have noticed a return in popularity of the 2nd mortgage, in part due to the outrageous penalties to break an existing mortgage.  A Home Seller used to have to concern themselves about paying out a three month penalty and now most are faced with the higher amount being the “interest differential” between their current interest rate and the lower amount that is currently available.  Ouch!  Did we think with lower interest rates, the Big Bad Banks (we rely on so much) are about to loose money?  It would appear not!  The shaky yet hopefully markets are a good indicator of that.  Weighing the decision to purchase more bank stock vs. another investment property?  Call Mary today for a confidential Free Market Consultation to review your options.

I’ve just sold a Town-Home property at 64 Burlington Cr 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.

Check us out.

Did you know that HOMES AND LAND MAGAZINE is more than just a first class, glossy colour publication for promoting local real estate?  Its is an online presence that provides added exposure for the real estate professional to effectively market properties to the savvy house hunter.

- 35,000 hard copies distributed every 4 weeks at strategic points around the Ottawa region

- Online,easy to navigate, Buyer resource  HomesAndLand.com

- Digital Photo Galleries and Virtual Tour System

- Exclusive coverage of Hotels, Embassies, & the Airport

- HomeMail:  Magazines sent to advertised Sellers. - Direct Mail - Magazines sent to Doctors, Dentists, Professionals

AVERAGE MLS RESIDENTIAL & CONDOMINIUM SALE PRICES WITH PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER PREVIOUS YEAR

YEAR                        AVERAGE SALE PRICE                PERCENTAGE CHANGE

1981                                $64,896                                 3.4

1982                                $71,080                                 9.5

1983                                $86,245                                21.3 

1984                               $102,084                               18.4

1985                               $107,306                                 5.1

1986                               $111,643                                 4.0

1987                                $119,612                                7.1

1988                                $128,434                                7.4 

1989                                $137,455                                 7.0

1990                                $141,438                                 2.9

1991                                $143,361                                 1.4

1992                                $143,868                                 0.4

1993                                $148,129                                 3.0

1994                                $147,543                                -0.4

1995                                $143,193                                -2.9

1996                                $140,513                                -1.9

1997                                $143,873                                 2.4

1998                                $143,953                                 0.1

1999                                $149,650                                 2.4

2000                                $159,511                                 6.6

2001                                $175,971                                10.3

2002                                $200,711                                14.1

2003                                $218,692                                  9.0

2004                                $235,678                                  7.8

2005                                $244,531                                  3.8

2006                                $255,889                                  4.7

2007                                $272,618                                  6.4

2008                                $289,792                                  6.3

Time to change the snow pictures.

The past 2 weeks the Dan and Mary Home Selling Team has tracked a 50% increase in Open house attendence, due in part to the sunny weather and apparent consumer confidence in the local housing market.  We have also seen a 15-20% increase in traffic to our websites over the previous weeks.  A strong buyer’s market coupled with the all time low interest rates, seems to make an easy qualification for the average family with an average combined income nearing $100,000 gross.  Increase in homes coming on the market, buyers out look and deals being made is also due to a relatively stable employment base of public servants.  Corporate giants and small businesses alike have an exceptionally well educated and capable employment pool to continue to fill local job positions.  In fact, the current immigration policy is expected to create an increased number of first time buyers who will continue to fuel the affordable starter homes and cause the ripple affect to benefit the rising number of home owners still hoping to move up.  That having been said we are seeing a slow down of activity at the higher price range (over $500,000) depending on location, location, location.  The sharper the price, the more activity and the faster the sale.  A property Seller who is forced to reduce their asking price, in essence chases the market down as showing activity and interest declines.  Carrying costs and lost opportunities must be factored in, when calculating ones net proceeds on closing.  Well priced homes always sell first, faster and for more money.  To give yourself a distinct advantage contact Mary today

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 35 Dewberry Crest. in Ottawa. This Single-family property has 4+1 bedrooms and 2 baths.

CHECK OUT THE NEW PRICE…$615,000.  FOR A PERSONAL VIEWING, CONTACT MARY CAIRD TODAY.

Learn how to get back on track with your retirement savings plan and use your RRSPs to invest in blue chip real estate with a strong upside.  Avoid dealing with tenants, vacancies and costly repairs. 

After careful consideration and analysis we have found a viable opportunity for ourselves and our valuable clientelle.  Land Banking provides all the benefits of investing with your RRSP while increasing your quarterly rate of return. 

Taking your next step toward financial freedom is easy with the right Ottawa Real Estate Agent looking out for your best interest.  Call today for a free consultation and personal information session.

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 1676 Sunview Dr. in Ottawa. This Single-family property has 2 bedrooms and 1 baths.

Check out this new Commercial property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 373 Vantage Drive in Ottawa.

Check out this new Town-Home property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 384 Wisteria Cr. in Ottawa. This Town-Home property has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 903 Admiral Ave. in Ottawa. This Single-family property has 3 bedrooms and 1 baths.

You’ve heard the term but what does it mean?

It could in fact mean a variety of things to just about anyone you ask.  The clearest way can convey the essence of this term is to quote what some of my buyer’s have told me.  “I don’t want to go from eating steak and buying the odd drink for a friend to Kraft Dinner and Spam”.  In other words, your housing costs including repairs, upkeep and improvements, has gone beyond your means. 

On a regular basis, I sit with Buyers who show me their pre-approves.  Although I am sworn to confidentiality, I can say, that most are not totally comfortable with the mortgage amounts they are approved for.   When the numbers are crunched and real carrying costs are factored in (i.e. taxes, utilities, and condo fees), the monthly payment sometimes reflects an amount they simply don’t feel they could afford.  Especially for the first time buyer, it has everything to do with their current cost of housing/rent and the lifestyle one has become accustom to.  It would be fiscally irresponsible to blame our instant gratification western culture or an innocent little coffee shop named ST*RB*CKS (you soy-vanilla bean-latte lovers, know what I’m talking about).  An old fashion calculation even for a double income is to assume the second didn’t exist for whatever reason.  Tip:  Bottom line, determine an amount you (and your partner) are comfortable with given your projected or last years desposible income and work backwards.

 For a FREE consultation to evaluate your options and honest recommendations regarding the type of Ottawa homes in your price range, contact Mary Caird today!

Maintenance Free Retirement Living in a detatched BUNGALOW at $319,900 is exclusively offered for a short time only (before it hits MLS).  Freshly laid hardwood floors, low maintenance, fenced yard ideal for your retirement. 

Move up or trade for any of my listings and I’ll GUARANTEE YOUR HOME FOR CASH (some conditions apply).  Call Mary Caird to arrange a private viewing.

Now priced at an amazing $629,900, this magestic custom built home awaits your personal touch.  Vacant and available for immediate possession, the versatile layout with 5+3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and room for a second kitchen, is ideal for an Embassy, group home or large extended family.  Contact Mary Caird to arrange a personal showing. Move up or Trade for any of my listings and I will GUARANTEE YOUR HOME FOR CASH (some conditions apply).  Find out how Mary’s Guaranteed Home Selling System can work for you.

Every year the real estate market gets its kick start with the lowering of interest rates after RRSP season, the increased daylight and the melting of snow.  We also know the spring market has arrived when the RCMP members, Canadian Military Forces and Corporate Relocations get their official messages and start moving across Canada.  Every year (well in advance) the phone starts to ring with referrals.  Subsequently, I find myself hustling about in an effort to laying the ground work for comparative market evaluations, and in-home consultations on locally owned properties, as members wait with bait breathe, to receive official word that their roots will be yanked up, yet again.  Most tell me, they are used to it.  Given the relative stability of our Ottawa Real Estate Market, and whatever career incentives await them on the other end, they do appear to take their relocations “all in stride” as they pack their boxes and list their homes. 

Last year I had the priviledge to helped House Hunting members coming from as far away as Yellow Knife, make a smooth transition.  Already this year,  I have several moves planned and the first of many, already pending escrow. 

Posted to or shipping out of Ottawa?  To work with an experienced OTTAWA AGENT who understands how to put your mind at rest and make your family a priority, call Mary Caird, Broker with 24 years of valuable real estate expertise AT YOUR SERVICE.