10 Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Home Being eco-friendly doesn’t need to be hard or even expensive. There are little things that we can all do around the house that can have a significant impact on the environment. It doesn’t need to happen overnight but every step counts in the journey towards preserving our planet. Here are 10 simple things that you can do around your home to make a difference: Turn the thermostat down a degree or two in the winter, and up a degree or two in the summer; your energy consumption will go down as will your
Read More

What would an eco-friendly dream home of the future look like? Here’s what we imagine! While it is great to dream, check back next week for great ideas of things that you can do in your home to make a difference. Welcome home to the eco-friendly home of your dreams! Upon first glance, this home may not seem all that different from the rest of the neighbourhood but the green details promise to impress. This home will save you money on utilities, provide great resale opportunities as eco-friendly upgrades add value, and will leave you feeling good as you reduce
Read More

In the last few weeks, parts of the Ottawa area have seen record flooding and with the water slowly receding, it’s now time to think about the next steps. Whether you are a homeowner affected directly or just want to lend a helping hand, there is still a lot that will need to be done. Here is what you need to know, but for the most up to date information on everything flood related, it is important to check www.ottawa.ca regularly for updates. Homeowners Affected by Flooding:   Keep Sandbag Walls Up for the Time Being – with heavy rain
Read More

It may seem tempting, to try and save money on commission, to sell your home yourself but it’s important to consider all the factors. In a lot of cases, sellers who choose to go this route do not come out ahead so let’s look at why.   What are You Really Saving? Let’s use as an example a 5% commission of the sale price of your home that you may pay to a full service real estate company for their services. When you list your home for sale with a Real Estate Professional, what you may not know is that
Read More

Earlier this year, Netflix launched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, a wildly popular series based on Marie Kondo’s bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The series outlines, in a step by step guide, the Konmari method of cleaning and organizing and it has had everyone talking (and purging!) Second-hand stores have seen a surge of donations unlike they have ever experienced before and people are saying goodbye to many of their possessions with hopes of finding joy living in a more minimalist lifestyle. Whether you are preparing your home to list or just want to de-clutter, purging can
Read More

How do you know if you’re ready to move? Besides deciding that it’s something you want to do in the new year, and planning for the big transition, how can you be sure it’s the right call? Has your family grown too big for the house? Perhaps it’s not by choice but due to work. Are you interested in downsizing? Here is a checklist you might want to review before you go looking for a new home. Looking For More Space? Homeowners often change properties because they outgrow it, this comes with starting a family, or expanding it. Whether this
Read More

If your home is currently on the market, or you plan on listing in the next few weeks, here are some things to consider when it comes to showings. The Ottawa real estate market is still quite active this year so you want to ensure that you put your best foot forward for potential buyers. Embrace the season and work closely with your Realtor to get your home sold! Holiday buyers tend to be serious buyers The holidays are a chaotic time of year for everyone so keep in mind that people who are booking showings at this time are
Read More

How to minimize your heating costs this winter As frosty temperatures fill the air, and snow begins to cover the ground, there is a lot to think about when it comes to your heating bill. As the cost of heating your home rises in the colder months, it’s time to think about what you can do within your home to reduce some of these costs. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you to reduce the cost of keeping you and your home warm this winter: Take advantage of the solar heat – During the day, use the
Read More

It has been just over a month since cannabis was legalized in Canada. Now that the hype and excitement surrounding the ability to buy recreational marijuana legally has settled, many of us are still left with questions surrounding these new laws and what this means for home owners, buyers, and sellers alike. Here is what you need to know about cannabis legalization and real estate in Ottawa:  Home Buyers and Sellers While it may now be legal carry, smoke, and grow marijuana plants, there are many things to consider when you are in the market of buying or selling your
Read More