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Luxury Condos in Ottawa

What do Luxury Condos in Ottawa look like?

Some buyers have dreams of a white picket fence, others imagine a life of luxury when purchasing a home. Those in pursuit of this lifestyle may be curious to know what to expect in the Ottawa luxury condominium market. Luxury condos in Ottawa are typically found in the downtown core, with good proximity to shops and businesses. They also boost of views or beautiful scenery. Many of them have multiple levels, with lots of space, bedrooms, and bathrooms. You do not have to worry about outdoor maintenance, but these high-end buildings are attractive and boast amenities that make life look like a modern-day fairy tale. Click here to see all the luxury listings on the market by visiting our Luxury Home Listings Page. Developers and condo corporations have created a market that leaves owners wanting for little to nothing. Here are some of the features that make a condo in Ottawa hold luxury status and if you are wondering if Condo living is for you check out Is Condo Living Right for You

White-Glove Service

White glove service in a condominium includes impeccable service that goes above and beyond. This accommodation can entail luxuries such as a doorman, concierge, or a porter. This adds a sense of security in the building and a level of convenience that you may not find elsewhere. Ottawa has several condo buildings that have white-glove service, one that is catching people’s eye is the ReResidences that have views of Parliament Hill.

Exclusivity

Along with your living quarters comes exclusive use of amenities within the building. Although you do not own them like you own your living quarters, you do hold the right to use them while you own your condo. Exclusivities may include parking, an entertainment room, or memberships to clubs associated with the condo or located on the grounds.

Amenities

With luxury, comes convenience. High-end condominiums in Ottawa generally offer a wide range of niceties. Owners can enjoy the use of party rooms, theatre rooms, rooftop terraces, hot tubs, swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms, concierge service, and more all located in or around your building. This makes it easier than ever to entertain and enjoy life to the fullest.

Views

Most luxury condos in Ottawa have breathtaking views. It is easy to enjoy the cities most beautiful features from the comfort of your own home. With the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, Parliament Buildings, and other popular historical sites, it’s easy to see why this skyline can give condos their luxury status.

Outdoor Space

One common way that condominiums aim for extravagancy is with available outdoor space. In some of Ottawa’s most expensive condominiums, you can find beautiful outdoor rooftop terraces with kitchens, barbeques, lounge areas, hot tubs, and sometimes even swimming pools. Penthouse Suites also have larger balconies for private lounging.

When buying a luxury condominium in Ottawa, you can expect exceptional levels of service, convenience, and community. Though the price point may be on par with a single-family home, the advantages of these units are in abundance and leave homeowners with a lifestyle they can truly enjoy each and every day. It is important to find a condo that matches your lifestyle, check out our blog on Picking a Condo that matches your lifestyle. For questions about luxury condos available in Ottawa, contact The Agent DK Team today.

Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot: July 2021

The July 2021 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out!

Market Snapshot: The slow down in the Ottawa resale market is typical for July as Buyers and Sellers turn their attention to their vacations and other outdoor recreational activities. We are seeing housing stock increase and prices begin to stabilize which may indicate that Ottawa’s resale market is moving towards a more balanced state.

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 Team to protect your interests.

Call or Message us anytime!

Backyard Blunders

Avoiding Backyard Blunders: 5 Things to Know About A Property Before You Buy

When looking at homes as a buyer, don’t forget to check out the backyard landscape! A backyard can serve as your haven, or your headache, so evaluating it properly before you buy is essential. See here for 5 things to evaluate in your backyard to ensure your new home is exactly what you signed up for.

Purchasing a home can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process, especially if you are a first time home buyer. Evaluating your wants and needs to make your move in such a dynamic market can be a lot of work. This is why we encourage buyers to do their research well before the search for the perfect home ensues. With the changes we have seen over the last year in what buyers are looking for, it’s more relevant now than ever to pay good attention to the landscape. Backyards, acreage and gardens are a feature that has for many, moved from the want list, to the top of the need list. However, how can you know that your new backyard is up to snuff?

While accumulating a backyard or sizable land along with your house seems like a prize on its own, there are a few areas in which buyers should pay special attention to when inspecting the property. If left unchecked, some red flags may end up costing you a pretty penny and a headache down the road. Here are some things to consider in the backyard of a home before you buy.

Hire an Arborist

Big trees can be lovely to have in a backyard; they add character, provide shade, and the foliage is something people really appreciate. Be careful if these trees are looming over your house in an awkward or potentially threatening manner though. Hiring an arborist to inspect the tree’s can help determine if they pose a danger to your home, and what it would cost to dig up the root system and remove the tree if needed. An arborist can also determine if there are any invasive or poisonous plants on the property. It is better to know sooner rather than later if something can be a danger or risk to you and your family, and finding out the hard way isn’t recommended.

Check For Climbing Plants

Climbing plants, while whimsical, can cause damage to your home. Climbing plants can harm all types of homes, including brick, stucco, and wood shingle. The plants are often invasive, and move wherever they can latch on to. The problem is that under certain conditions, the plants can move up and under the wood and eventually damage the façade, obviously resulting in costly repairs.

Know Your Property Lines

Simply put, property lines define the boundaries of the property from where it begins to where it ends. It is imperative to have a good understanding of where the home’s property lines are for reasons such as building fences, pools, home additions, and for recreational activities. Having this information can help you to respect your neighbours, and avoid any unpleasantries during future developments.

Assess The Swimming Pool

While swimming pools feel like a luxury most would love when buying a home, especially with waiting times of up to a year to have new ones installed, they do come at a cost. Not only do they occupy ample yard space, they require ongoing upkeep during the season, and if the previous owners did not maintain it well, you could be putting in money right away just to make it usable. Because of this, it is good to understand if these costs will fall within your budget, or if the pool will end up being an eye-sore down the road.

Drainage Pains and Flooding

If the land slopes inward toward the home’s foundation, you may worry that any heavy storms could cause water to leak into the house and potentially flood your basement. While your inspector is likely to point this out, it is something you will want to pay extra attention to. If there is anything alarming, you may want to hire an expert to find out where the water drains to, and if you can expect to run into any problems down the road.

Knowing the outside of your home is just as important as knowing the inside to prevent future mishaps, and enjoy your property to the fullest. If you have any questions about the property, discuss them with your inspector and your Agent DK Team REALTOR ® . With years of specialized knowledge and experience, we are confident that we can help you get the answers you are looking for when buying your new home.

Hello August

Happy first day of August, Canada!

Wishing you a beautiful month full of hope, laughter, and treasured memories.

Happy Friendship Day!

“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!

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/

Looking to Buy A Cottage?

As we make plans for the long weekend hopefully that includes heading to a cottage or take some time to sit back and relax surrounded by nature in some way. We are definitely seeing a trend this past year that more and more people are either buying cottages as a getaway or as their primary residence because they are working from home.

Buying a home is a great accomplishment for many, but buying a cottage can feel like a dream come true. With aspirations of kicking back next to the lake and enjoying the solitude that comes with cottage life, residents in Ontario are now more than ever eager to find their own slice of paradise. While the luxury of this second property may offer an excellent way to break from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some solitude, it is also an ample opportunity to earn income or to begin investing in Real Estate. But before you begin hours of globetrotting in search of the getaway home of your dreams, be sure to consider everything that owning a cottage entails; These are all big decisions to be made, and you should wait until you have the knowledge and information needed to get the most out of your property so that you can enjoy it for years to come. In the meantime, here are some considerations that should be made when looking to purchase your first cottage.

What is your Goal?
Prior to your search, ensure that you understand your goal in owning a cottage: Are you looking for a summer getaway spot, or a 4 season cottage to visit year round; Do you desire solitude or is a community with neighbouring properties something that peaks your interest; Is water access a need, or does swimming and other water activities rank low on your list of must haves; and finally, is this property for personal enjoyment, retirement plans, an investment opportunity, or as a means to earn steady income. Once you know exactly what you want, you have a better idea of what it is that you should be looking for.

Costs
It is important to understand that the costs of operating a cottage differ from that of your primary residence. For instance, insurance alone can have higher rates due to the fact you are not there as often to check up on the home, and often have additional stipulations such as checking the property regularly in order to maintain the validity of the insurance policy. Other costs to consider when purchasing a cottage include hydro rates which may be delivered at a higher rate in rural areas, seasonal maintenance, property taxes, garbage disposal and recycling services, and the cost or availability of internet.

Access
Some cottages are very remote, making for unique factors in terms of accessibility. Before purchasing your cottage, it would be important to evaluate how you access the property throughout different seasons or any obstacles that may prevent you from enjoying your experience as a cottage owner to the fullest. Some potential hindrances include whether or not the property is accessible by land, the proximity in which you can park your car, the landscape surrounding the cottage, and whether or not you will have to climb stairs for water access.

Water and Septic Systems
As most cottages are located in rural areas, water systems and septic tanks usually coincide with ownership. Before purchasing your piece of paradise, be sure to understand whether or not the water available is safe for drinking, or if you need to bring your own supply each time you visit; If your cottage water supply runs from a well, you will need to incorporate in your expenses the cost to have the water tested regularly. If there is a septic system that the cottage uses, you should ensure that it is in good working condition and consider the costs that come alongside any regular maintenance; In addition, it would be good to receive proof of previous maintenance, inspections and approval reports obtained by the previous owners.

Amenities
Amenities are usually a big check on every homeowners list of requirements, but can often be prematurely dismissed when on the hunt for a cottage. Cross reference the importance of amenities alongside your list of goals in cottage ownership. If you are looking for a place to retire, you may want to have the essentials within a short drive; If you plan to rent your cottage out for vacations, certain amenities may increase the demand of your property allowing you to charge a higher rate than cottages without.

Rentability
If you are looking to rent out your cottage to others as a means of income through websites such as AirBnB, ensuring your space meets the needs of cottage goers is essential to your success. What would you be looking for when renting out a cottage for your vacation? Things like waterfront access, availability of clean drinking water, accessibility, direction, amenities, and internet access are commonly sought out by renters when planning their vacation. Be sure to take these into consideration when searching for your rural getaway attraction.

Local Laws and Property Restrictions
Once you have purchased your cottage, you may have big dreams to build docks, workshops, or expand and upgrade the dwelling to meet more modern demands. Unfortunately, with building restrictions, by-laws, crown patent and waterfront issues this is not always the easiest process to initiate. In some cases, despite having waterfront access right off of your property, you may not have exclusive rights to the shoreline. Look to your Real Estate professional or Lawyer for help navigating and understanding your rights as an owner in respect to cottage and lake associations, local legislations, and any other official plans or restrictions.

Mortgage requirements
Typically, those who are looking to invest in a cottage already own a primary residence. If this is the case, it is good to understand that you will need a minimum payment of 20% as your down payment on a second property. If your cottage does not have year round access, a larger down payment may be requested among other requirements in order to obtain financing from a lender. Securing a mortgage for a second property will depend largely on the type of property you are looking for, and your income to debt ratio. Be sure to speak with your bank or lender, or call us at The Agent DK Team for help with obtaining information on how to be approved for your second mortgage.

Thank You Teachers!

If there is any year we should all be making sure we send an extra thank you to our favorite teachers, it’s this one.

We need to recognize our teachers for the superheroes that are shaping and moulding the children in our lives in a world that was flipped upside down. They rose to the challenge and we appreciate everything you did for our children.

Thank you!

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures, heritage, achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Remember. Learn. Celebrate

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to every dad out there. 👔✨

May you feel loved, treasured, and celebrated today and every day.

We thank you for all that you do. 💕