From the blog...

OTTAWA HHT’S 2020

Posted on: May 8th, 2020 by Chris Scott

I have been fortunate enough to work with military members for over 15 years on their relocation moves to Ottawa. It is my favorite part of real estate. The thrill of finding homes for people on tight timelines is always a fun challenge. April & May are always the busy house hunting trip months. We were geared up for another busy posting season when Covid-19 hit. The impacts on the market were immediate. With the exception of a few military members who sold their homes in their respective cities all booked HHT’s were cancelled or postponed. Many listings that were ready to go to the market got pulled. When HHT’s resume hopefully later this month this is what the new Ottawa market looks like:

Listing Inventory Down

Sales were down 56% in April. There are fewer listings available but still, lots of buyers looking. Prices have stabilized but I am starting to see more multiple offers in the past week or so. Our market is starving for more new listings. I believe that they will be coming in the next few weeks. Sellers have been waiting for the right time to put their homes on the market.

Virtual Showings

We have already completed our first virtual house-hunting trip. I think we will have more to follow this year as families do not want to travel. We are face-timing clients through homes and providing them with as much information to make an informed decision. It seems challenging to buy off a video tour and floorplan. However, most new homes are sold the same way. I think this will be part of our new normal in weeks and months ahead.

Spring Selling Season Delayed

The spring market is going to be delayed into the summer this year. I think there will a very active summer market. If you are coming late on your Ottawa HHT this year it will not be reflected in the market. August right now seems like a very popular closing month for many of my clients.

Obstacles Can Be Navigated

Our team is committed to our military clients having the absolute best experience possible. Last year we navigated dozens of CAF members through a very hot market. This year it is the Covid-19 crisis. No matter what is thrown at us we will make sure you find a suitable home.

If you want to chat more about the market or your own real estate needs my cell is 613-863-6999

Leave a Reply