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!
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.
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.
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!
Spring is approaching, and the real estate market, after a unique start in 2024 with hesitant buyers and sellers, is showing signs of optimism. Check out why we expect a pickup in activity as confidence grows, anticipating a dynamic and bustling season ahead. If you have questions about what’s happening in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My team and I would love to have a chat with you.
Why settle for just any realtor when you can choose a team that truly understands your unique needs? Our focus is crystal clear – we specialize in serving the military community, making us the top choice for your real estate journey in Ottawa.
Navigating the intricacies of military relocations is our forte. Our team members bring invaluable experience from countless house-hunting trips and seamless transactions involving military purchases or sales. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a realtor; you’re gaining access to a network of BGRS-approved vendors, ensuring a smooth journey from the beginning to well after your deal is closed. With an impressive track record of dozens of military deals under our belt, we proudly stand as Ottawa’s leading military real estate experts.
What sets us apart is not just our focus but the people we bring to the table. We have carefully curated a list of top-tier professionals, from specialized BGRS lawyers to inspectors well-versed in the intricacies of the military process. Having the right people at every step ensures a seamless and stress-free transaction for you.
But we don’t stop there. We proactively search for the perfect home on your behalf. Annually, we dispatch over twenty thousand letters to the most coveted neighborhoods, giving our military clients exclusive access to homes in Ottawa that aren’t available to the general public. Our proactive approach has proven successful, creating matches that go beyond what’s readily available, making your real estate experience truly exceptional.
In a sea of realtors, choose the team that not only knows the military but also has the expertise, connections, and dedication to make your real estate journey in Ottawa a resounding success.
House hunting in Ottawa can be an intimidating endeavor, particularly due to the city’s extensive spread. Many buyers now seek better value by exploring the outskirts of the town. Recently, we had some wonderful clients who preferred locations such as Rockland, Limoges, Embrun, and Russell. These neighborhoods offered approximately $100,000 in savings when compared to a similar house in Ottawa’s closest suburban area, Orleans.
While going through a list of around 30 properties to consider, I made an executive decision to prioritize the property that I believed provided the best value and fulfilled most of my client’s requirements. This property became our top choice for the first day of house viewings. This strategy worked remarkably well, as my clients instantly fell in love with the home. After leaving the first house, they were convinced that it was an excellent option for them. Over the course of three days of showings, no other property came close to matching their needs. It’s rare to find a home that aligns so closely with one’s requirements during a house-hunting trip. Comparing every subsequent house to the first one greatly benefited us and provided clarity to my clients. Knowing that finding a second alternative was not desirable, it became crucial to secure this house.
Fortunately, we successfully acquired this property at a great price. I believe that adopting the tactic of starting the house-hunting trip with the top property can be an effective approach. My philosophy has always been to showcase the best properties on the first day, as there’s a high chance that if you like something, someone else might too. Additionally, this strategy allows you to respond promptly if one of the top properties receives an offer while you’re exploring secondary options.
3 Biggest Challenges Facing CAF Members on their HHT’s
Our team has specialized in helping military families buy & sell their Ottawa homes for over 15 years. It has always been the most enjoyable part of what we do. The current market conditions in Ottawa have created some real challenges for our military clients relocating the capital. It is a seller’s market and the absorption rate is at an all-time high. Here are the 3 biggest challenges facing our HHT clients in Ottawa:
1: Available properties to buy
In many neighbourhoods within the city there is not much inventory available. It is even more prevalent in the areas our military clients like to purchase. Kanata, Stittsville, and Nepean are all grappling with a shortage of available listings. These are historically low levels. The graph below illustrates this well. When supply is down and demand is strong it puts upward pressure on prices. It also tends to make house-hunting trips a bit more stressful!
2: Speed of Sales
Homes in Ottawa are selling at record speed. Before you arrive on your HHT the properties you may hope to see are sometimes sold. It is challenging when we have a full list of houses to look at, only to discover that many have been put under contract. It also means that when you are on the ground here the houses can sell quickly. Decisions on properties need to be made quicker than usual.
3: Multiple Offer Dates
This was the biggest hurdle for my military clients in 2019. Many sellers in Ottawa are not entertaining offers until a certain date and time. For instance, a house may come for sale on a Wednesday. Showings will begin but there will be no offers until the following Monday. Then on offer day, you may be competing against 3-5 other buyers for the house. I don’t have to explain the logistical concerns involved for clients coming in for a few days on their house-hunting trip. It is something that we had to overcome in 2019 for sure. All our HHT’s were successful last year.
Ok, so I have given you a few of the challenges that one might face. It is also important to know the solutions. Here are some of the solutions to tackle this challenging house hunting trip environment:
How to have a successful Ottawa HHT in a tough market
First let me say that 2019 was the most challenging posting season ever in Ottawa. In these extreme market conditions, we managed to secure over a dozen houses for our clients and nobody left empty-handed or even settling for a house. I think a reality show on my client’s HHT experiences this year would win an Emmy for best reality show!! We had some adventures for sure and it wasn’t always easy but we got the job done. Here are a few keys to success in this market:
Adaptability to Conditions:
We need to act fast in this market. Whether it is reorganizing a day of showings to get into a new listing first or having an offer prepared and ready the instant our clients need it. We had one client purchase only 3 hours after they landed because that is when the offers were being presented. Clients need to be adaptable too. In that particular case, our clients beat out 5 other offers and secured the house. They love the house and neighbourhood to this day! Trust was important for them. They needed to trust us that the house was a good value and a good fit. They got a perfect house because they were adaptable to the conditions and our team was prepared to act fast with them.
Exclusive off-market opportunities:
We plan our whole year around the HHT season. We are determined to find off-market properties for our incoming military families. Here is an example of a letter we sent out to over 20,000 households.
We do targeted Facebook ads and postcards for Kanata and Stittsville. Both areas have been very popular for our military clients. Each year we have many clients who buy our off-market opportunities. In many cases, they are outgoing military clients who love selling to incoming CAF members. It works out great! Our team is proactive in creating the best experience possible.
Experience:
Simply put, there is no team better equipped to handle house-hunting trips. We work together on our HHT’s and are extremely organized to make sure every detail is taken care of. There is no team that knows BGRS policies or can get quick information on them faster than us.
Adaptability to market:
Every HHT is different and requires the ability to adapt to different situations. Let me give you a quick example of this: In 2019 posting season Andrew and Liv were about to put an offer on a house they didn’t really love in multiple bids. On the morning of the offer date, we are getting a pre-inspection done to give us the best chance. We are sitting there and this perfect house comes to the market (send to us via email). We booked the appointment for the inspection. We raced to the house and we were in there 30 mins after it hit the market. The clients loved it!! I knew the other agent really well and we had an offer in the seller’s hand within an hour (we have Steph in the office coordinating things). It was accepted an hour later (we had a tight timeline). Interestingly, another offer came in just after ours was already accepted. We dodged a bullet for sure. The moral of this story is that we do what it takes to get our clients the best house possible. If it means switching gears completely then that is what we will do. Andrew/Liv got their dream house! We need to adapt to the market conditions that are presented to us.
Communication before you arrive in the city is also very important. If you want to connect with our team and talk about your real estate needs or have any general questions please feel free to reach out.
