FAQ

Are there any homes available that are not on MLS?

Yes, one of the advantages of working with our team is that we have many clients who sell off-market each year. We send over 10,000 letters out to homeowners in desired neighborhoods to target people who might be willing to sell to our military clients. We are doing everything possible to get some options available for our military buyers.

With a typical home purchase in Ottawa, how long is the closing date?

It really varies depending on the time of year….in the winter months, sellers are pushing their closing dates into spring.  On average, it is 6 to 8 weeks.

Is the current market a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or a balanced market?

At the moment, the Ottawa Real Estate market is a balanced market with some neighbourhoods with low inventory that might be more of a sellers market. 

How do you ensure we have quality homes to see, i.e. homes that meet our requirements, during our very brief HHT?

As soon as we connect, I will be asking for your Ottawa home search criteria, and will begin sending you listings to review.  By the time you arrive in Ottawa for your HHT, we will have a list of properties to view and hopefully some off market possibilities.

Can you give us any information about schools and school boards in Ottawa?

There are four school boards in Ottawa:  Ottawa Carleton District School Board, Ottawa Carleton Catholic District School Board, Conseil des Ecoles Publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (French Public School Board) and Conseil des Ecoles Catholiques du Centre-Est (French Catholic School Board).  There are also a number of private schools in the greater Ottawa area.  Once you settle on a short list of homes, I can provide you with the actual schools your children would attend for any specific address in the city. We know this is an important consideration

If we know in which DND location we will be working, can you direct us to homes that make the commute a manageable one?

I am familiar with all of the DND work locations and the surrounding neighbourhoods.  As well, there is a good local transit system in Ottawa, providing express bus/light rail service from east , west and south to the downtown core.

Will we have access to the necessary professionals to deal with the purchase of a home quickly?

I have access to a team of professionals (lawyers, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, septic/well inspectors, etc) to address all of your home purchase needs on a timely basis. They are all approved by BGRS and offer a high level of customer service

My spouse will want to find a job.  Who are the major employers in Ottawa?

The Federal Government is by far the largest employer here – with a very strict bilingual policy so speaking both English and French is a huge asset.  The issue of bilingualism applies to any public sector job here in Ottawa.  There is also some High Tech employers here – and this sector is growing – mostly in the far west end of the city.

What is the weather like in Ottawa?

You will definitely experience four seasons here.  Spring is fresh and beautiful with lots and lots of tulips, Summer can be quite hot and humid, Fall is breathtaking with the colours of the leaves and Winter is snowy and cold – but dry and with sunshine!

What do people do in leisure time in Ottawa?

This is a city that simply speaks to leisure time.  There are bicycle paths all over the city, great walking and hiking trails, skiing within 20 minutes of the downtown core, rowing clubs, sailing clubs and more!  Being the capital of Canada, there is a huge assortment of quality restaurants and theatres – and festivals all year around.