Ever wonder what a HHT (House Hunting Trip) looks like? Every year we help dozens of families relocate into ottawa on their house hunting trips. With only five days to spend in a new city looking for a house it is very intense! We had so much fun documenting our most recent experience.
Day One: Stittsville and Barrhaven
We kicked off the first day by exploring homes in Stittsville, where the neighbourhood’s charm immediately stood out. The friendly atmosphere and tree-lined streets made a strong first impression. However, while the overall vibe of Stittsville was appealing, the home we toured felt too dark for their taste, quickly ruling it out.
Next, we shifted our focus to Barrhaven, where most of their top choices were located. The proximity to recreational centres, shopping, and the well-established community made Barrhaven an appealing option. While some of the homes we visited were a bit older or showed signs of wear, that didn’t affect their final picks. By the end of the day, they had narrowed it down to two or three homes that really stood out and were worth keeping in mind as we continued the search.
Day Two: Richmond, Orleans, and Findlay Creek
We started the day in Richmond, focusing on a few homes Chris had picked out as they aligned perfectly with our client’s criteria. These homes were all new built or constructed within the last few years, offering a bright and modern feel. Several of them backed onto green space, which was a key feature our clients were looking for. While Richmond’s growth and development were appealing, there was some hesitation about whether the current infrastructure would keep pace with the rising population.
After wrapping up in Richmond, we made the hour-long drive to Orleans to check out a few homes that had been high on their favourites list. However, it was clear upon arrival that these homes were significantly older and more lived-in compared to the newer properties we had seen earlier. On the plus side, the larger yards were a hit, but ultimately, the homes didn’t meet their needs.
Toward the end of the day, we managed to squeeze in a last-minute showing back in Richmond. This home ticked many of the right boxes and quickly rose to the top of their list. Meanwhile, Colin took them to see one more property in Findlay Creek, a last-minute opportunity since it was in his area. Unfortunately, this home didn’t fit their needs either, and that wrapped up Day Two.
Day Three: New Listings and Final Visits
After some reflection, our clients realized that while they liked the homes in Richmond, they couldn’t quite picture themselves living there long-term. However, a few new listings had come on the market since we originally booked their showings, and they wanted to explore those before making a decision.
We started the day in Kanata, arriving just as the for-sale sign was being installed. The home featured a pool, which caught their attention, but the small rooms left them wondering how it would work with their growing boys. Despite the hesitation, it earned a spot in their top three choices.
Next, we headed to another new listing. The clients were impressed by both the home and the yard, but with multiple offers already on the table and the tight time frame of their house-hunting trip, entering a bidding war just wasn’t a feasible option.
From there, we revisited their two top picks from Barrhaven. As the day came to a close, they faced a tough decision between the two favourites in Barrhaven and the new contender in Kanata. To feel confident in their choice, they decided to return to the Kanata home with Chris for one final look that evening.
Pros & Cons of the Top Three Picks
Day Four: Decision Day
After much deliberation, our clients were finally ready to make their decision. They chose their top pick and we quickly submitted an offer. After a bit of negotiation and back-and-forth with the sellers, we successfully secured a conditional agreement!
Fortunately, we had already arranged for a home inspection, which took place just two days later. Everything went smoothly, and the conditions were met by the following week, officially securing their new home. It was a perfect way to wrap up an exciting and productive house-hunting trip!
Ready to kick off your House Hunting Trip? We’re here to make it smooth and stress-free. We’d love to help you find your perfect home. Get in touch today!
When it comes to selling your home, especially within the unique demands of military life, it’s essential to work with a realtor who understands your needs. At the Chris Scott Team, we pride ourselves on providing a full-service solution tailored specifically for military sellers. Unlike many in the industry, who have opted to reduce services when working with a military listing due to the diminished fee structure, we’ve chosen to maintain the same high level of care for our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) clients. This commitment stems from our deep respect for the service members and their families, who deserve nothing but the best during what can be a stressful and significant life event.
Our Full-Service Approach
Initial Meeting
Our relationship begins with an in-depth initial meeting. During this consultation, we take the time to understand your specific situation, needs, and goals. Whether you’re facing a fast-paced relocation or have more time to plan, we tailor our approach to ensure a smooth and efficient process. This meeting also serves as a time for us to answer any questions you may have, laying the groundwork for a successful partnership.
Example: In March, we connected with clients who found us through our Ottawa relocations website. They were preparing for a military move and needed to sell their home on 254 Burnaby Drive. During our initial meeting, we discussed their timeline, plans for renovations, and their expectations for the sale.
Staging
One of the keys to selling a home quickly and at the best possible price is proper staging. We offer professional staging services to showcase your home’s best features, making it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Our team brings in high-quality furnishings and décor that resonate with the current market trends, ensuring that your home makes a lasting first impression.
Example: As our 254 Burnaby Drive clients completed renovations in June, our stager provided guidance on how to optimize their space. They implemented these tips themselves, and later, our stager returned to add the final touches, ensuring the home was perfectly presented.
Professional Photography
In today’s digital age, first impressions are often made online. That’s why we invest in professional photography to highlight your home in the best possible light. Our photographers are skilled in capturing the unique qualities of each room and outdoor space, creating a visual story that attracts serious buyers.
Video Tours
In addition to stunning photos, we provide high-quality video tours. These are especially valuable for military buyers who may be relocating from another part of the country and can’t visit in person. Our video tours offer a comprehensive view of the property, giving remote buyers the confidence to make informed decisions.
Example: For 254 Burnaby Drive, we produced a full-length video tour, complete with Realtor commentary, to showcase the home’s unique features. This approach was particularly beneficial for out-of-town buyers, increasing the property’s appeal.
Listing
Once everything is prepared, we list your home on multiple platforms, including MLS and our website. We craft a compelling listing description that highlights the unique aspects of your home and the surrounding community. Our goal is to attract as many qualified buyers as possible, ensuring a competitive market for your property.
Example: We listed 254 Burnaby Drive on MLS, our website, and Realtor.ca, ensuring maximum exposure. The result? The home sold in just two days, receiving multiple offers—a testament to the effectiveness of our full-service approach.
Selling
From managing showings to negotiating offers, we handle every aspect of the selling process with precision and care. Our experience in military real estate means we understand the urgency and specific requirements that often accompany a military move. We work diligently to secure the best possible terms for you, ensuring a smooth transition to your next chapter.
Post-Selling Care
Our commitment to you doesn’t end when the sale is finalized. We provide post-selling care to ensure that all loose ends are tied up. This includes assistance with any final paperwork, coordination with movers, recommendations for trusted cleaning services, and offering guidance on your next steps, whether that’s settling into a new community or preparing for your next deployment. It even goes beyond the closing of your home, with birthday cards, client draws, and more—we love to keep in touch with you.
Example: After the sale of 254 Burnaby Drive, we connected our clients with a trusted company that checks in on the home to ensure everything is maintained before the new owners take possession. This extra step is part of our ongoing commitment to our clients’ peace of mind.
At the Chris Scott Team, we’re more than just realtors—we’re your partners in the journey of buying or selling your home. For our CAF members, this means providing a level of service that reflects the honor and commitment you bring to your service. We believe that by maintaining our high standards and full-service approach, we can make the real estate process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you and your family.
Posting to Ottawa is usually a message that our clients are excited about. It is much better than Cold Lake! The challenge with our market is that home ownership here is out of reach for many military families. Rising property prices, tight supply, and high interest rates have made things very tough! These factors have shifted the housing landscape, prompting many CAF members to reconsider homeownership and instead explore renting as a more viable option.
The Rising Cost of Property in Ottawa
Ottawa has always been an attractive location for both civilian and military families. The city offers a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community. However, the booming real estate market has driven property prices out of reach for many. For military members, who are often required to relocate frequently due to postings, the high cost of purchasing a home in Ottawa can be prohibitive. Especially if members are relocating from the maritime provinces where the property prices are typically much lower. If you are coming from the West you are typically going to find similar or lower prices here.
For CAF members, who must adhere to a strict budget and financial planning, this competitive market can make homeownership seem out of reach.
Renting: A Practical Alternative
Given the current housing market conditions, many military members in Ottawa are turning to renting as a more practical and financially prudent option. Renting offers flexibility, which is particularly important for CAF members who may receive new postings on short notice. Additionally, renting eliminates the financial burden of a large mortgage and the potential loss in home value should the market fluctuate.
If you’re a military member navigating the Ottawa housing market, remember that you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, understanding your options and making informed decisions is key to securing a home that meets your needs without compromising your financial well-being.
To buy or rent?
This will be dependent on many factors. With all expenses covered on a purchase it is really tempting to buy. With a good Realtor by your side you can make an investment that should appreciate in value. We have had less than 3 years of decreasing prices in the last 3 decades. So chances are you will have equity on the other side when you are posted out. There are also programs in place to mitigate losses should you find yourself in that unfortunate situation.
Our military specialty is a bit unusual in Ottawa. We have lots of experience navigating these questions and would be happy to help in any way we can!
Relocating to Ottawa for a military assignment comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is finding convenient and efficient ways to commute to key locations such as the DND Headquarters on Carling Avenue and downtown Ottawa. For those who prefer to avoid the hassle of downtown parking and traffic, Ottawa offers several Park and Ride options that make the daily commute smoother and more efficient. Here’s a look at some of the best Park and Ride options and the transit times to major destinations using OC Transpo services.
Eagleson Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
Transit Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.
Route: Take Route 63 or 64 directly to Tunney’s Pasture, then transfer to Route 66 or another bus heading towards Carling Avenue.
Details: Eagleson Park & Ride, located at Highway 417 and Eagleson Road, offers easy access to Connexion routes and has ample parking space.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
Transit Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
Route: Take Route 63 or 64 directly to downtown.
Blair Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
Transit Time: Approximately 55-60 minutes.
Route: Take the O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, then transfer to Route 66 or another bus heading towards Carling Avenue.
Details: Situated in the east end, Blair Station is a key transit hub.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
Transit Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Route: Take the O-Train Line 1 directly to downtown.
Fallowfield Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
Transit Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes.
Route: Take Route 95 or 74 to Tunney’s Pasture, then transfer to Route 66 or another bus heading towards Carling Avenue.
Details: Located at 100 Via Park Place, Fallowfield Park & Ride offers free parking and is well-connected with Fallowfield Station for transit options.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
Transit Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
Route: Take Route 95 or 74 directly to downtown.
Chapel Hill Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
Transit Time: Approximately 70-75 minutes.
Route: Take Route 32 or 33 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, followed by Route 66.
Details: Located at Brian Coburn Blvd and Navan Rd, it offers free parking and good transit connections.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
Transit Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
Route: Take Route 32 or 33 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to downtown.
Trim Park & Ride
To DND Headquarters:
Transit Time: Approximately 80-85 minutes.
Route: Take Route 39 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture, followed by Route 66.
Details: This location is in the eastern outskirts, with direct transit routes available.
To Downtown Ottawa (National Defence Headquarters):
Transit Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
Route: Take Route 39 to Blair Station, then transfer to the O-Train Line 1 to downtown.
Making Your Commute Easier
Using Ottawa’s Park and Ride facilities can significantly reduce the stress and cost associated with daily commutes. The OC Transpo Travel Planner is an excellent tool for planning your route and ensuring you catch the next bus or train on time. By leveraging these Park and Ride options, military personnel can enjoy a more convenient and efficient commute, allowing them to focus on their important work at the DND Headquarters or downtown offices.
There is no sugarcoating that if you are posted to Ottawa this year, your HHT may be challenging. Our inventory is down 20% over last year and 40% over 2017 numbers. It is bordering a housing crisis, considering the insatiable demand. Prices are still affordable but buyers are competing and putting upward pressure on prices. I really believe this could be the last year or two of prices that fall within the affordability index with average income levels of the city.
As you may know, we work with dozens of military buyers who get transferred into and out of Ottawa each year. I have been proactive in building up a database of off-market listings. This weekend we have 2 properties that we are showing to a couple on their HHT that are exclusive listings. They will be contenders for them. As an example of our proactiveness, we have sent this letter to 10,000 households in the West end of Ottawa:
Our team is serious about making your house hunting trip in Ottawa successful. Please get in touch to discuss how we can be of service to you.
When I set out last year to undertake this exercise I was optimistic 2018 was going to be a good year. I could not predict just how hot our market was going to be. Early in the year, there was a significant shortage of housing inventory across the city. This of course is a huge challenge for my military clients who are coming in for their house hunting trips. Low inventory makes it extremely challenging to find something on the time crunch of a house hunting trip. Especially in the most active price ranges. The most price range in 2018 was 300-450k. In many cases, our clients were offering against as many as a dozen or more other buyers. This is common practice in cities like Toronto but a newer phenomenon here in Ottawa. There was lots of newer inventory by Spring but it only helped marginally. It was still a seller’s market but as the year went on it became less competitive for properties. Instead of 12 offers on many of the listings, we started seeing 2-4 offers depending on price range. This past year I was able to match up 3 military clients with off market properties. This really helped. We always have “off market” opportunities that we can offer to our preferred military clients on their Ottawa House hunting trips. To better understand the market it is good to look at the stats. Let’s have a look at the numbers driving our market.
KEY INDICATORS
AFFORDABILITY
Ottawa households have one of the highest household income averages in Canada. If you see the graph on the following page you can see that prices are still relatively affordable for Ottawa buyers. This graph looks very different for buyers in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. This is taken from the popular military neighbourhood of Fairwinds in Stittsville.
IMMIGRATION
If you Google best places to migrate to in Canada, Ottawa seems to be the number one choice. I am seeing many more immigrants choose Ottawa as their final destination. Toronto and Montreal are of course popular but when someone researches where to live in Canada, Ottawa comes out close to number one in almost all categories.
The common misconception out there is that these immigrants do not have the funds to purchase real estate. That is not always the case. In many instances, it is their credit or lack thereof that may be holding them back. In any case, these immigrants are coming at a record pace and will likely be purchasing real estate in the future.
MORTGAGE RULES AND INTEREST RATES
Banks have been forced to stress test buyers at a full 2 percentage points higher than the interest rate of their mortgage. This can impact purchasing power by almost 20%. I see the need for this but as house prices rise in major market centres there has been plenty of pushback. Interest rates have been slowly rising and this has put pressure on affordability for some buyers. If this trend continues it will have an impact on the market for sure. With the economy being more sluggish, the need for further increases may be curbed.
LOCAL ECONOMY
Ottawa has always been an underrated city in my view. We have a strong local economy with one of the highest median household income averages in Canada. Our unemployment rate is at historically low levels. It is a prototypical government town that has a growing technology sector and lots of solid, high paying professional jobs. It is only a matter of time before our prices surge and we become a global player in real estate. For a world-class capital city our prices still might be a bargain. Time will tell!
ELECTION YEAR
Housing affordability has climbed up to be one of the top issues for millennials. This makes it an election issue. A recent poll found that 64% of millennial voters want the government to do something about climbing prices. We will see the politicians respective platforms later this year. My prediction is that some of these platforms will have policies that will make it easier or more affordable for buyers to purchase. It could mean the return of 30-year amortizations. The stress tests might be eased or there could be a new policy altogether. Something to watch for sure.
MILITARY AND TECHNOLOGY
The DND move to the Nortel campus has been a major factor in the recent price appreciation in many of Ottawa’s west neighbourhoods. Interestingly, it is still a few years away from being fully operational as they phase employees into the new headquarters. In 2018 there was a major announcement that another prominent military operation headquarters will be built in close proximity within 10 years. The new building will house over 4500 employees. This will have an impact down the road on our real estate market. The location has not yet been announced but I have heard it will be at Shirley’s Bay just west of the DND. Once operational the mili
GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Ottawa is growing and maturing into a world-class city. We should all be grateful to live in a city with such a high quality of life. By March we will have light rail going right downtown that will make life easier for commuters. This will just be the start of a much broader transportation plan. We have a super hospital that will be coming online in the years to come. Lebreton will eventually get the green light for redevelopment. Lots to be excited about. These will help fuel our economic growth in the years ahead.
2019 FORECAST
I believe it will be another strong resale year for Ottawa homebuyers and sellers in 2019. There is still pent-up demand and lots of buyers looking to purchase. This was reinforced just before Christmas as our team was involved in 2 multiple bid situations in the Fairwinds area. The targets were modern semi-detached townhomes, one that we sold for a record price with 3 offers. This is not the kind of activity you would typically see just before Christmas. It is indicative of the market in the entry level price points. The $350k-450k market will continue to be red hot this year. I have spoken with a few builders who had record years. Next year many homebuyers will be on the move to their newly built homes. This will hopefully create some much-needed inventory in 2019.
I predict we will have another seller’s market that will slowly slide to a balanced market by the time 2019 is complete. Barring an international crisis, it will be another great year for the Ottawa Real Estate market.
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