Military moves are our specialty.
We know the BGRS process, we know the neighborhoods, and we know how to help families make confident decisions—quickly and without the stress. We even send out tens of thousands of letters each year trying to find homes before they hit the market, because sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed in a fast-paced HHT week.
If you’re heading to Ottawa for your house-hunting trip this spring, welcome. Whether you’re excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, you’re not alone. We help dozens of CAF members each year lock in the right home on a tight timeline—and we’re here to help you do the same.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you hit the ground running:
1. Start Early (Before You Even Get Here)
You’ll only be here for a few days, so we want to make every showing count. Before you arrive:
Get your financing lined up. A mortgage pre-approval makes things smoother when it’s time to write.
Share your priorities with us. If you need to be near a French school, want a newer home, or green space is a must—we’ll build your showings around that.
Narrow your focus. We know Ottawa like the back of our hand—from the family-friendly suburbs like Stittsville, Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans to the small towns that surround the city. Communities like Carleton Place, Kemptville, Arnprior, and Rockland offer larger homes, bigger lots, and more value for your dollar if you don’t mind a slightly longer commute. Some of our military clients find that the extra drive is well worth it for the space and lifestyle. We’ll help you weigh the trade-offs, compare neighborhoods, and zone in on the best fits for your family. We know the BGRS process, we know the local markets, and we know how to help CAF members make confident decisions—quickly and without the stress.
2. The Pace Will Be Fast (But We’ve Got You)
There’s no sugar-coating it—HHT weeks move quickly. We’ll usually be out the door early, seeing 6–10 homes a day, stopping for quick lunches and regrouping when needed. The goal is to make sure by Day 2 or 3, we’ve got 1–2 top picks worth digging deeper into.
We’ll manage the schedule, keep you on track, and make sure we’re not just chasing listings—we’re making smart decisions.
3. Be Ready to Pivot
Spring in Ottawa is busy, and homes can go quickly. We’ll give you honest feedback on what’s happening in the market, and we’ll structure your offer to give you the best shot at getting the home you want—without overpaying.
Sometimes homes show better online than in person (and vice versa), and sometimes the winner is the one we almost didn’t book. We’ll stay flexible, adjust as needed, and keep the end goal in mind.
4. Inspections & Conditions Move Fast Too
We’ve got a trusted network of inspectors, lawyers, and mortgage brokers who understand the timelines. If we need a home inspection within 48 hours—we’ll make it happen. If your offer needs to be competitive but still safe, we’ll guide you through what makes sense and what doesn’t.
5. We Make It as Low-Stress as Possible
We know this isn’t just a house search—it’s a major life move for your family. If you’re bringing kids, we’ll work in a few breaks and recommend parks or local places to recharge. If one of you can’t make the trip, we’ll include them virtually every step of the way. We’ve done this many times, and we’ve got systems in place to make it work.
If you’re planning your HHT this spring, reach out anytime. We’re based right here in Ottawa and always happy to help you get started—whether it’s figuring out which neighbourhood fits your family or mapping out what a successful week could look like.
Let’s make it a smooth one
