In 2008, I had the opportunity to work with Anny and Martin, a couple who were part of a BGRS move. What started as a regular real estate transaction turned into something much more meaningful. Their positive attitude, trust, and openness made the experience memorable, and it ultimately shaped my career.
After helping them purchase their home, I realized how rewarding it was to work with military families. It wasn’t just about the transaction; it was about understanding their unique needs, especially during relocation. This experience led me to specialize in military real estate, and I’ve never looked back.
Sixteen years and four transactions later, Anny and Martin contacted me to list their home in Kingston. This wasn’t just another listing; it was a reminder of the ongoing relationship we had built and how much of my business I owe to them and others in the CAF community.
Working with military families is about more than just buying and selling homes—it’s about being there for them during significant transitions. Anny and Martin are a big reason I chose this path, and they continue to inspire me to do my best for every client.
We recently had the pleasure of assisting a military couple with their house hunt in Ottawa, turning it into an efficient and exciting adventure. The journey began with setting up a personalized portal tailored to their preferences,
allowing them to interact with listings by favouriting, disliking, and commenting on homes. This interactive approach helped Chris develop a strategic itinerary to maximize their limited viewing time.
To ensure efficiency during their brief visit, Chris pre-booked an inspection with a trusted home inspector before the couple’s arrival. This foresight was crucial in accommodating the tight timeframe and guaranteed that they could work with a reliable inspector.
Upon their arrival on a Sunday, the couple dived into their home search, visiting 28 homes over four days across Ottawa and its surrounding areas. Chris’s deep knowledge of the region helped them explore a variety of neighbourhoods, from the small-town feel of Carleton Place & Kemptiville to the notable suburbs of Kanata, Barrhaven and Stittsville. We explored them all! More inventory in the 2024 posting season has made military house hunting in Ottawa easier than in previous years. Good to see more balanced conditions in our marketplace.
The highlight of their trip was of course finding their dream home in Kemptville and swiftly fulfilling the home inspection condition, providing them with essential peace of mind.
This story exemplifies the success of a well-planned House Hunting Trip (HHT). If you’re preparing for your HHT in Ottawa or surrounding areas, our team is ready to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful home-buying experience.
Interested in starting your house-hunting journey? Contact us today to learn how we can assist you!
With DND now located in West Ottawa and the operational headquarters slated for Shirley’s Bay, military buyers have shifted as well. Many of my relocation clients still have Kanata, Barrhaven, and Stittsville at the top of their list. However, many others are starting to look at better value options in Carleton Place and Richmond. Here is a quick comparison of the two locations for you.
Richmond
Richmond is a quaint village that is just south of the Kanata/Stittsville area. There are about 4400 residents and lots of new development happening in the area. This will be a very fast growing community over the upcoming few years. What used to be a small farming village is now becoming a bustling place as new restaurants and amenities are coming in to satisfy the new demographics. The Richmond Fair is not to be missed. Nice small town community feel. Still part of the city of Ottawa.
Distance: The commute to DND is about 21 minutes
Average Sale Price: $467,131
Based on MLS residential sales from Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
Carleton Place
Carleton Place has been growing at a record pace ever since the highway between it and Ottawa was extended to 4 lanes. It is now home to over 11,000 residents. Military buyers are attracted to this location because of the relatively affordable prices and the fact that Carleton Place now has all the big box stores and amenities that many buyers are looking for. Please note that unlike Richmond, Carleton Place is not part of the city of Ottawa. You do pay slightly higher property taxes on average.
Distance: The commute to DND is relatively painless at about 28 minutes in no traffic
Average Sale Price: $326,781
Based on MLS residential sales from Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
