“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” — Unknown 
Tips for Buying Rural in Ottawa
While buying rural has its advantages, if you have never purchased rural property or lived in remote areas, knowing what to look for may make you feel a little lost. To make sure this process goes smoothly, we have compiled a list of tips to consider when making your purchase so that you can fully enjoy life in your new home.
Leaving behind city life to buy rural property is a rising trend in Ottawa. Buyers are now seeking homes where they can live, work, and play. As a result, our town and country offices and agents are busier than ever with buyers looking to find a home “Beyond the City”. Today, buyers are more ready than ever before to trade in their busy lives for a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy life each day, no matter what the world looks like around them. People want simple and sustainable living, with large lots or water access, and a small town charm that makes life feel safer and more fulfilled than ever before. While many Ottawans have already taken the plunge and relocated over the past year, there are a few considerations to make before making your move. To help you, here are a few tips to make sure you are prepared to buy rural in Ottawa:
Tip #1: Get Comfortable With Septic Systems
If you have lived in the city your entire life, septic systems have likely never crossed your mind. When you reside in rural or remote communities however, septic systems will be your new reality for waste and water removal. Caring for these systems requires routine pumping (every 3-5 years), and mindful care inside of the home, such as spreading out usage of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines and not treating your toilet like a trash can.
Tip 2: Get a Proper Well Assessment Done
Well water is typically safe for consumption, bathing, cooking and cleaning, but there will always be a risk of contamination if it is not cared for properly. Ask for any documentation of maintenance or inspections done on the well in recent years; these inspections should typically occur three times a year, so the sellers should have some record of this. For good measure, you may want to also send a sample of the water away to a lab for a full workup to ensure there is no risk of contamination.
Tip #3: Check Your Connections
With many people now both living and working from home, having a high speed internet connection and reliable phone service is essential. Limited internet access has been a barrier keeping people away from buying rural in the past, but as a response to the growing need brought on by COVID-19, the Government of Canada is taking action to get more reliable internet access for people living in rural and remote communities immediately. If your cell phone provider does not cover your area or if the connection isn’t reliable, you may also want to consider re-introduce a landline into your home.
Tip #4: Take Into Account New Expenses
While you may be happy to say goodbye to condo fees when buying your home in the rural Ottawa Valley, there may be other payments associated with maintaining your property in a rural community. This could include fees for snow removal, garbage pickup, road work, or other services that ensure the community is safe and accessible.
Tip #5: Consider Transportation
If you are working from home, transportation might not be your number one concern. However, if you travel daily you may need access to one or two vehicles; This may increase your monthly expenses by adding on car payments, gas, car maintenance and insurance costs. Those who rely on public transportation may be in for a long commute, as access to city bus routes is limited in rural or remote areas.
Tip #6: Work With An Agent
At The Agent DK Team, we have agents dispersed throughout the Ottawa Valley who specialize in servicing rural communities. The advantage that comes with working with our agents is that you can truly benefit from our knowledge and experience. With our guidance, you can enjoy your new home knowing that you have the best team in Ottawa working together to ensure your transition from city to country is seamless, and that you have all the information you need to maintain your home properly for years to come.
Eid Mubarak
Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones! May this day bring you peace, prosperity, and blessings. 
Water Safety this Summer
We are seeing a huge trend of people camping, hanging out at local beaches and spending time at cottages this summer, making it important to bring awareness to the subject of drowning. Despite a downward trend, drowning is still the third leading cause of death in Canada. Drowning can be prevented! Join the Lifesaving Society Canada in bringing awareness to the drowning problem during National Drowning Prevention Week from July 18–24, 2021.
Over 400 people fatally drown annually in Canada, making it the second leading cause of unintentional death for children and the third leading cause of unintentional death for adults. Statistics show that almost 70% of drowning fatalities never intended to go into the water and were often within 15 metres of safety. Nearly every Canadian has known someone who has drowned or had a non-fatal drowning experience, whether personally or from his or her community.
To help reduce drowning, all Canadians are encouraged to:
• Learn the Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive standard (teaches how to survive an unexpected fall into the water) and participate in a learn-to-swim program.
• Wear a properly fitted lifejacket when out on a boat.
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while participating in aquatic activities.
• Ensure that children are under the direct supervision of an adult when around barrier-free bodies of water.
Click here to learn more ways to stay safe this Summer!
Community Highlight: Almonte
Almonte is a beautiful town that is host to schools, recreational facilities, social and cultural activities, medical facilities and shops and restaurants of all kinds. It is a charming, historical town where people know their neighbours and kids make friends and play outside. Those who live in Almonte know that it is a picture perfect area to call home.
Lifestyle: Could moving to Almonte be right for you?
Just a twenty-minute drive to Kanata, and forty-five minutes to downtown Ottawa, Almonte is an area that is an easy commute for those who work in the city, and many do! There is a local bus service that will take you to and from Ottawa from Monday to Friday. The hub of this historic town starts on Mill Street. Filled with plentiful shopping and boutiques, Almonte has an array of locally-owned niche stores, along with historical sites featuring the town’s transformation and notable persons, such as Canadian inventor Dr. James Naismith. With the Mississippi River providing beautiful scenery, the Victoria Woollen Mill is a must-see, showing off the incredible force of the river crashing over the falls. In addition to the beautiful small-town ambiance, Almonte is home to many commercial stores and shopping areas that have all your needs covered; with chain shops locally available for pharmacy, grocery, pets, and home repair needs, you are sure to be pleased with the selection available right in town, ensuring you won’t have to make many trips to the big cities for the every-day essentials.
Reasons to move to Almonte
- Beautiful town along the Mississippi River featuring a rich culture and heritage
- Growing community
- Exciting business opportunities
- Local schools, medical facilities, and other amenities
- Variety of homes available
- More home for your money compared with many areas in Ottawa
Almonte residents and small-town lifestyle
The residents of Almonte are an integral part of what makes this community feel so welcoming. It is a vibrant and exciting place to live, with activities targeted for the entire family. While Over 30 % of families in town have children, there is also an active adult and singles community, along with a strong segment of people approaching retirement who look forward to staying and settling in the town. Whether you are looking for a heritage home on the water or have a lifestyle more suitable for condominium living, the small-town feel and walkability are features that everyone can fall in love with. Almonte is a cultural centre and “arts-hub” that speaks to millennials, families, and retirees alike. If you enjoy an array of cultures and arts, there will be groups and spaces in Almonte that cater deeply to your interests.
Events and attractions
Aside from the culture of the town, Almonte features many annual activities. Home to the Almonte Celtfest, Almonte provides a great weekend of Ottawa Valley and Celtic entertainment. Additionally, Almonte’s Annual Fair is a classic country event held in Gemmill Park that has been taking place since 1858. Another great show is The Almonte in Concert, which provides a series of chamber music concerts held at the Almonte Old Town Hall. While there are many more events and cultural activities in Almonte and the surrounding area, one true favourite is the North Lanark Highland Games featuring pipe bands, highland games, specialty shops, and food booths. The world-famous Mill of Kintail is in close proximity to Almonte. The Mill and Conservation Area is beautiful to visit and walk or ski on the trails year-round. Also visit the R. Tait McKenzie Museum, featuring a world-class collection of Canadian paintings and enjoy the serenity of this special place just as Canadian painter A.Y. Jackson did. Don’t miss out on what Almonte has to offer, be sure to take in all that these special activities, museums, and historical sites bring to this small-town.
Favorite restaurants
Stop and have lunch at one of the many restaurants in town. With many amazing restaurants in Almonte, it is hard to feature just a few. Steps away from our office is the Heirloom Cafe & Bistro, Café Postino, The Mill Street Crepe Company, Joe’s Italian Kitchen, and The Barley Mow. Almonte also features Equator Coffee, which is known for its locally roasted coffee and simply delicious menu. Home to one of Ontario’s craft breweries, the Crooked Mile brewery located on Ottawa Street offers quality ales and snacks, as well as a helpful roster of staff. Lastly, Hummingbird Chocolate ranks among the world’s chocolate elite. Additionally, they have recently been working with Canopy Growth and Tweed of Smith Falls and have developed a line of adult-only candies.
Full-service Almonte
Almonte has everything you will need in your new community. There are excellent Public and Catholic Elementary Schools as well as the Almonte District High School and T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education. The schools have very active programs for all age groups. The town is also home to recreational facilities open for all to use, which is great for encouraging healthy, active lifestyles. With shops and restaurants in close proximity, the community is home to many groups of people that take advantage of these amenities for socialization. Additionally, being the cultural and artistic “hot-spot” that it is, like-minded people take advantage of this to organize creative projects either individually or in small group settings. Lastly, Almonte is host to an array of other services such as hospitals, pharmacies, hardware stores, and museums, filled with friendly staff that make your time there feel welcomed and leave you feeling taken care of.
Where to live in Almonte?
Almonte is a growing and exciting community with a population on the rise. There are a variety of different types of homes, ranging from single-family, farms, rural houses with acreage, subdivisions with large lots, new custom builds, and even a few heritage homes, the needs of you and your family are sure to be met. There are also outstanding newer subdivisions located close to the town’s core. An added bonus that should not be overlooked, home prices are typically lower in Almonte than they are in Ottawa, making living in this beautiful historic town more affordable!
Business opportunities in Almonte
There are great commercial opportunities in this growing town for businesses looking to find a new home. With a Royal LePage Team Realty office in Almonte right on the main street, we know the area well…it is where we live and work too! The Agent DK Team can help you to find a commercial property to rent or buy in Almonte. Like residential real estate in Almonte, the costs are typically much lower costs than the big-city spaces.
“We love living in Almonte because it is a beautiful small town, with all the amenities within walking distance! It is also only a short drive to Kanata or Carleton Place, should you have shopping needs elsewhere. It also is safe; I can go for a run at 9:30 pm, and not be afraid of anything untoward happening. There are also so many events year round; farmers markets, shopping evenings, craft shows, etc. And there are lots of wonderful parks for kids and families to enjoy.”
OTTAWA REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAPSHOT: JUNE 2021
The June 2021 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out!
Market Snapshot: The last two weeks of June showed a slow down in volume of activity compared to May. This is typical for the time of year as people shift their focus to enjoying the nice weather. A sign that we are leveling out is the average sale price as we are not seeing a drastic month to month increase as previously experienced.
If you’re considering a move we’re here to help answer any questions you have, in this market you’ll want a qualified, professional real estate company to protect your interests. Message us anytime!
Mortgage Stress Test – Is This Important to Us?
Canada’s booming real estate market has pushed the Government regulator to increase the Stress Test. First introduced in Canada in 2018, the mortgage Stress Test for insured mortgages requires lenders to check that mortgage applicants could still make payments based on the higher of the Bank of Canada’s qualifying rate.
The Dynamic Ottawa Real Estate Market
COVID-19 tragically swept across Canada last year. It sadly changed many aspects of our lives. One of the areas that we did not anticipate was the impact on the residential real estate market. We have witnessed an unprecedented roller-coaster in-home sale in Ottawa.
The Federal Government has been concerned about the rising prices of homes across Canada. The fear has been that as debt levels have increased, homeowners may be more vulnerable when mortgage rates eventually increase. In addition, as inflation is rising, the costs of food, fuel and household expense are increasing. This will leave families with less money available to pay their mortgages.
Updated Stress Test
Canada’s booming real estate market has pushed the Government regulator to increase the Stress Test. First introduced in Canada in 2018, the mortgage Stress Test for mortgages requires lenders to check that mortgage applicants could still make payments based on the higher of the Bank of Canada’s qualifying rate.
To complete a Stress Test, mortgage lenders calculate the Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to determine if applicants have an income high enough and debt low enough to make mortgage payments based on the higher should rates increase. When your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, you will need an insured mortgage. That is when the mortgage stress test comes into play.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) revised the Mortgage Stress Test, which became effective on July 1, 2021. The OSFI stated that the new qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages “ensures that the financial system is adequately prepared for the possibility of a return to pre-pandemic economic conditions.” They want to ensure that borrowers can make their payments if the market returns to normal. To pass the Test, mortgage owners need to prove that they can qualify at either their contracted mortgage rate plus 2% or at the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate of 5.25%, whichever is higher. Check out the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Mortgage Qualifier Tool to calculate your amounts https://itools-ioutils.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/MQ-HQ/MQ-EAPH-eng.aspx
What Does This Mean to Us?
The new Stress Test rules will make purchasing homes slightly more of a challenge for some first-time homebuyers. Most home buyers will not see a significant impact. When you are considering your mortgage options, always discuss your situation with your Royal Lepage Agent. Depending on your circumstances, you will want to review your household budget. Reducing discretionary spending or paying off debt may be a good idea. In addition, you may need to reduce your budget and pay off other debt to prove to your lender that you can afford the new mortgage.
Talk to your financial institution about lowering your monthly debt payments through debt consolidation to improve your TDS ratio, and always check your credit score. Also, consider looking at lower-priced homes with a smaller mortgage and therefore reducing your GDS ratio. Asking family members for financial help may be an option for some purchasers. By taking steps now to strengthen your mortgage application, you will improve your chances of getting a mortgage approved and improve your overall financial health. The good news is that many experts believe that mortgage rates will remain low well into 2022.
Consider Your Options
The impact of the Stress Test will primarily affect first-time homeowners. Purchasing a home for the first time can be challenging at best. Learn as much as you can about the new provisions of the Stress Test. Then consult with your Royal Lepage Team Agent and your lender. Always consider paying off current debt or discussing options with family members and check your credit score. With careful planning, the changes to the Stress Test should not significantly reduce your opportunity of homeownership and making your dream come true.
Canada Day 2021
This year, as we mark Canada Day, we reflect on the challenges that our country is facing as well as the ability and desire of Canadians from coast to coast to combat injustice and inequality across our great nation. The response to COVID-19 has resulted in countless everyday heroes showing that our compassion and commitment to each other is our strength.
We also recognize the urgent work and healing that must still take place to address atrocities experienced by Indigenous Peoples. There is a crucial call to action for this country to unite in pursuit of rebuilding a more inclusive and diverse Canada where the words “glorious and free” are a reality for all. We can do this together.
In the gracious words of Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation Chief, “In 2021, we all inherited this. Nobody today created residential schools. Nobody today created the Indian Act. Nobody today created the Sixties Scoop. But we all inherited this. And if we want to say we’re proud Canadians, then we will accept the beautiful country we have today, and we will accept what we all inherited. And what I would challenge is: Everybody on Canada Day in this country, if you say you’re a proud Canadian, read the Truth and Reconciliation ‘Calls to Action.’ Over 100,000 residential school survivors told their story – including my parents – and they created the Truth and Reconciliation ‘Calls to Action.’ Bring that into your personal life, your social life, your business life. And read the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ‘Calls to Action.’ There’s 231 Calls to Action. If we can all own those a little bit in this country, in one generation we would overcome so many challenges today, that our next generation won’t inherit this. We will make them more as Dreamers.” The Truth and Reconciliation ‘Calls to Action’: http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ‘Calls to Action’: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/