From the Blog Archives - Page 334 of 360

The Barisieur by Renouf

May 26, 2015 by Claude Jobin

Someone (or something) should make your first cup of coffee otherwise your having to get up to make coffee before you’ve had your fist cup of coffee. Having coffee, not making coffee, should be the first thing you do. Well fear not the Barisieur by Renouf will revolutionize your mornings. Fresh brewed coffee on your your night side table. It’s not as good as when someone brings you coffee in bed, but it’s right up there.

Shelf Ideas

May 25, 2015 by Claude Jobin

dress-up-your-walls-with-these-unique-shelves-presented-by-the-molly-&-claude-team-realtors

I can’t say I’m a fan of all of these shelf ideas but some I like and perhaps the point is to push you to think “What could I use”

Reward – Ikea Limhamn Etagere

May 22, 2015 by Claude Jobin

Before they discontinued it, I missed the opportunity to buy a Limhamn Etagere at Ikea. Do you have one you don’t want anymore? Do you know of someone who has one and doesn’t want it anymore? Help!

Making the most of your Hallway

May 21, 2015 by Claude Jobin

With smaller and smaller spaces maximizing your space is crucial. Sometimes there’s extra space in the hallway! Houzz.com has a few great suggestions on how to make the best use of that space. It might turn out to be a room!

Dark Kitchen

May 20, 2015 by Claude Jobin

May I have your opinion(s) please? We have a listing with a kitchen with dark wood cabinets and a matching wood ceiling. My suggestion was paint the ceiling white! For now we did that virtually with the help of Photoshop. Without spending a fortune on renovating what would you suggest, if anything? Which do you prefer?

Waterford – Mad Men Edition

May 19, 2015 by Claude Jobin

waterford-mad-men-presented-by-the-molly-&-claude-team-realtors

Waterford has anticipated that you might be missing Mad Men and they’ve been kind enough to create a Mad Men collection. Enjoy!

Buying a Condo vs Renting an Apartment

May 18, 2015 by Claude Jobin

Are you considering buying a condo rather than continuing to rent? If you want to step into the real estate arena and begin your home ownership journey, or if you are ready to move from that suburban single family home you have enjoyed for many years and downsize, buying a condo can help make your money work for you, while you enjoy the lifestyle you desire.

Amenities

One of the downsides of living in an apartment is a lack of amenities. Can you imagine having to schlep to the laundromat in the middle of January? It’s also hard to work up the motivation to go to the gym if it’s a far distance from your home.

When you buy a condo, you get access to amenities, from basics like laundry to exclusive features like a fully equipped gym. Part of finding the right fit is knowing that condo fees will be a part of your monthly payments, and paying for features that you use is very important. Do you want the complete luxury package, with security, pool, party room, even a woodshop? Do you want to have the basics, and not pay for those little extras that you wonʼt use? With so much variety in the Ottawa market at many different price points you can build on your financial investment.

Low Maintenance

One of the upsides of renting an apartment is that you don’t have to worry about maintenance. If there is a leak or the dishwasher stops working, it’s up to your landlord to solve the issue. When you own a home, mowing the lawn, fixing the roof, and unclogging the gutters is also your responsibility. When you buy a condo, you fall into the sweet spot between maintenance-free apartment living and maintenance-heavy home ownership.

If the freedom that comes from having someone else take care of the larger maintenance associated with home ownership appeals to you, then a condo could be a perfect fit. No more grass mowing or snow clearing. Never think about pool maintenance or the prospect of having to re-roof again. Let others worry about inspections and repairs and replacements, while you reap the many benefits.

No matter your needs or desires, there is a condo in Ottawa that suits your interests. Ottawa has a variety of appealing condos available all across the city and we can help you find the right condo for you.

Ottawa Real Estate Board MLS Statistics

May 15, 2015 by Claude Jobin

For the statistically minded, below, please find a selection of MLS statistics from the Ottawa Real Estate Board for April 2015. For the less statistically minded please give Molly or myself a call to help you understand how these apply to your area and more specifically to you.

Navigating Open Houses as a Buyer

May 15, 2015 by Claude Jobin

Are you planning on visiting some open houses this upcoming weekend? Open houses allow you to visit your potential dream home in the flesh, but there are few things to know so you can make the most of the opportunity. Ottawa real estate agents recommend the following open house tips for buyers:

Online Research

There’s nothing wrong with picking out a few open houses while out on a walk or drive, but your best bet to find what’s on the market is to do some online research. Make a list of the most desirable homes, visit them the same day, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Ask Related Questions

When you visit an open house, there are some obvious questions you’ll want to ask about the home itself. Beyond this, use the opportunity to ask questions about the neighbourhood, schools, and nearby amenities. Even if this particular home is not the right one for you, but you can narrow down locations that are most suitable for you and your family.

Sleep On It

As you enter an open house and get taken in by the sweeping staircase or stunning modern kitchen, you may be tempted to make an offer on the spot. Even if it seems like the perfect home, resist the urge. Home buying is not an overnight process. Compare what’s out there and make sure you’re getting the right home at the right price for your budget.

Don’t Focus on Finishes

It’s a bonus of the current homeowner has the same taste in books or paint colour as you, but ultimately it means very little. They’ll take the books with them, and the paint can easily be changed. You don’t need to look like a crime scene investigator, but focus on the bones of the house, not the finishes. Is the exterior in good condition? Are there signs of cracks around door frames or mould damage on the ceiling? These things will be a lot more expensive and labour-intensive to fix.

Take Pictures

Especially if you’re touring a lot of homes, they can start to blend or the dimensions may warp in your mind. Avoid this by taking pictures to supplement your memory of the open house. Look back with fresh eyes on the pictures after a day or two and see if you still love the home.

Find an Agent

If you are not currently represented by an agent, open houses are a good low-pressure opportunity to find an agent. Ottawa real estate agents at open homes who seem engaged, informed, and hardworking would make a great fit. Even if this home isn’t right for you, you can hire the agent from the open house and they will help you find your dream home.

Searching for a home to buy is an exciting quest. These tips should help you navigate the world of open houses and find the perfect fit for you and your family.