Author Archive
Posted on: September 7th, 2016 by Chris Scott
3 important considerations for your Ottawa HHT
1) Resale: It is important to find an Ottawa home that is going to resell quickly and easily if/when you get posted out of Ottawa . Make sure there are no potential resale obstacles. This could be large power lines, busy street, or unusual layout. Exceptions to these issues can be made if the price is below market value. Definitely don’t take on more then one.
2) Realtor: For anyone who has had a military relocation you know the importance of finding the right agent to guide you through the process. There is no time for mistakes or to switch agents if it is not a match. That’s why you should find someone with military transfer experience and preferably someone who is also familiar with Brookfield policies.
3) Neighbourhood: Where you live is going to matter! Finding the right location in Ottawa with good resale potential, good schools, and that is close to transit will be important. I know the areas inside and out. If you have any questions on areas please get in touch.
There is lots that goes into a successful Ottawa house hunting trip. Much of this success depends on communication prior to arriving. If you have any questions about your posting to Ottawa please feel free to get in touch. I am always reachable via my cell at 613-863-6999 or email.
Chris
Posted on: August 31st, 2016 by Chris Scott
Posted to Ottawa? 3 things you need to know about our Real estate market:
1) Ottawa is one of the most stable housing markets in Canada and the world. Being a capital city we are fortunate to have a strong public service sector. Our average weekly income earnings are also among the highest in Canada. These factors combined make Ottawa a great place to buy real estate.
2) Many military clients are choosing to live in the west end of Ottawa. Popular suburbs include Kanata, Stittsville, and Barrhaven. Good schools and reasonable proximity to the new DND at the Nortel campus are the main reasons.
3) The housing market here is very balanced. Essentially it favours neither buyers nor sellers. The one exception is the downtown condo market which is in a buyers’ market.
If you have been transferred to Ottawa for work feel free to get in touch with me. I specialize in relocating military clients and government officials. I will make your transition to Ottawa as easy as possible.
Chris
Posted on: August 22nd, 2016 by Chris Scott
If you have been posted out of Ottawa and need to sell, finding the right agent to help you is going to be an important part of the process. I have been fortunate enough to be considered a military Realtor® – someone who specializes in this type of transaction.
Having worked with 100’s of military families in Ottawa since 2004, I have a vast understanding of the process from all levels. I am familiar with Brookfield and know their policies inside/out. This is sure to make the process much more efficient.
Technology:
My marketing campaign is new age. We are using the power of social media to get thousands of video views for each of our listings. Using Facebook targeted marketing we are able to get your home in front of the right buyers. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Staging, professional brochures, and HD video tours are just some of the methods we are using to help our clients stand out from the crowd.
Military Buyers
I also specialize in helping military families get settled in Ottawa. During posting season I often have dozens of pre-qualified military clients in my database who are waiting for their posting message or their house to sell in their respective cities. This year I was able to do an off-market deal that matched up two military clients: one buying and one selling. It worked out perfectly for both parties.
Call me anytime if you have any questions about Brookfield Relocation policy or are curious about the value of your home.
Chris
Posted on: July 23rd, 2016 by Chris Scott
If you are selling your home in Ottawa, staging could plan an important part in how fast you sell and for what price. When you get your posting message, it is important to get in touch with me quickly.
I recently had some long-time military clients who wanted to use their final move to relocate to Windsor. They needed everything to be done quickly because of a looming house hunting trip. Of course, we were up to the challenge. My staging expert, Heather, was instrumental in getting this house ready for market the result was a sale on the first day for very close to asking price. See the transformation in the link below. I am familiar with Brookfield’s policies and offer staging for all military clients. If you are planning to sell in Ottawa and need a Realtor® with Brookfield experience, do give me a call I would be happy to help
http://styledandstaged.com/staging-transformations/3-steps-perfect-staging/5538
Posted on: July 6th, 2016 by Chris Scott
Most military clients purchase in residential neighbourhoods. They are typically quicker to re-sell and offer more services. However, Ottawa is fortunate to have some great estate lots that are close to the city and also within a short drive to the new DND at the Nortel campus. Surrounding areas like Carp, Almonte, Ashton, Greely, and rural Kanata may provide some great options.
A few things to consider if you are going this route:
- In addition to a home inspection, you will need septic and water/well tests. These will be around $500 each. You will have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed by Brookfield. I have great Brookfield approved suppliers in Ottawa that I can recommend.
- For properties over 1.25 acres in size, Brookfield will need some comparable homes under 1.25acres to prove the extra size of property does not increase the value. That way you will not have to pay out of pocket for a portion of land transfer tax.
- Propane heating will be fairly common for many of the estate lots outside the city. This is a more expensive way to heat your home. Also, the electricity provider is typically going to be HydroOne as opposed to Ottawa hydro. They are typically more expensive.
When transferring to Ottawa there are lots of variables to consider. I am a Brookfield approved Realtor for Ottawa and specialize in this type of transaction. If you are relocating to Ottawa or have any questions, please get in contact with us. This is what we specialize in.
Chris
Posted on: May 10th, 2016 by Chris Scott
Are you getting ready for your house hunting trip in Ottawa and looking to book a hotel?
We have partnered with two Kanata hotels: the Fairfield Inn and Town Centre both by Marriott. They are offering exclusive rates to our military clients. Call Julie at 613-415-6981 she is the manager at both properties. The Town Centre is a brand new and has full kitchens and a great continental breakfast.
We are striving to make every part of your HHT and Ottawa relocation as smooth as possible. If you have any questions about your transfer to Ottawa please feel free to get in touch. We are military specialists and are happy to help.
Chris
Posted on: May 5th, 2016 by Chris Scott
April turned out to be the best month for unit sales since 2010! Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,714 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,567 in April 2015, an increase of 9.4%. The five-year average for April sales is 1,568.
Also in April, 3,644 homes were listed – up 13.8% since March but down 2.8% over April, 2015. Inventory levels remain healthy heading into what is normally the most active month of the year. April seemed extremely busy so if May is expected to be even busier, hold onto your hats!!
The average sale price of a residential class property sold in April in the Ottawa area was $403,603, an increase of 0.2% over April 2015. The average sale price for a condominium class property was $261,017, a decrease of 1.8% over April 2015. The hottest segments of our market for April were sales in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range. Residential 2-storey and bungalows had the highest concentration of buyers in April.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking of buying or selling, please give me a call. I’m happy to help.
Chris
Posted on: May 2nd, 2016 by Chris Scott
The Louis St. Laurent building in Gatineau, just outside of Ottawa, was closed after a fire there more than a week ago. That closer affects 1,800 DND military and civilian employees who work in that building.
People are, for now, working from home or some other location (telework), are sharing desks in other military locations, are working different shifts – or some combination of these options.
ADM (HR-Civ) remains committed to ensuring that all organizations are well supported and will continue to work with all concerned as the situation is addressed. Managers are encouraged to communicate with their employees to facilitate their return to the workplace.
Posted on: March 25th, 2016 by Chris Scott
What happens if I own two homes after my HHT?
Hopefully this is not a situation you find yourself in when you relocate to Ottawa. However, if you have purchased a home and closed on that property there are some important things to note:
Actual and reasonable expenses associated with maintaining two residences are reimbursed provided that the former residence remains unsold, vacant and actively marketed. The sale of a residence is not considered final until the transfer of ownership occurs.
Temporary Dual Residence Assistance (TDRA)
Core benefit
TDRA offsets expenses associated with dual residency for a period up to six months, such as:
- Interest charges on a first mortgage (or on a second mortgage if there are no charges on a first mortgage);
- Taxes (i.e., property, school);
- Utilities(i.e.,electricity,heating,alarmmonitoring);
- Property maintenance (such as lawn cutting, snow removal, and minor maintenance);
- Insurance (house insurance including additional insurance costs for empty residence); and/or
- Rental of a mobile home pad
Custom benefit
Expense beyond six months.
Personalized benefit
When all custom funds have been expended.
I hope this information is of value to you if you are military client buying or selling a home in Ottawa. Always feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about your relocation into or out of Ottawa.
Thanks,
Chris
Posted on: March 22nd, 2016 by Chris Scott
Most military families are familiar with a house hunting trip (HHT). However, in some cases a Destination Inspection Trip (DIT) may be in order. This allows one to
- inspect the replacement residence;
- inspect purchased property
- finalize school arrangements;
- arrange specific medical requirements/specialized care; or
- make administrative arrangements related to the pending relocation.
The major differences are that this trip would be shorter – usually only 3 days – and the spouse would not be paid to travel with the transferee.
You could be eligible for this if you have already secured accommodation or purchase a property before coming on your HHT. As a military Realtor® in Ottawa I am happy to answer any questions you may have about this process.
Please feel free to get in touch.
Chris
