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Mental Health Week May 3-9

Mental Health Week is a Canadian tradition where schools, communities, and workplaces come together to celebrate, protect, and promote mental health. This year’s theme is #GetReal about you how you feel.

The pandemic has resulted in a high degree of uncertainty and disruption to our lives, and it is not unusual to feel a heightened degree of anxiety and worry about the potential impact on your mental health.

This week, let’s name, express and deal with our emotions— even the uncomfortable ones. Because heavy feelings lighten when you put them into words. Embrace all of your emotions—whether they feel good or challenging or difficult. It’s all part of being human. This week—and every week after—don’t go uncomfortably numb. #GetReal about how you feel. And name it, don’t numb it.

There are some great articles to read so that you help yourself #GetRealhttps://mentalhealthweek.ca/info-articles/

Also the Government of Canada has put together some webinars, social media live broadcasts and resources to help you or someone you know who is having a hard time https://www.canada.ca/…/mental-health-week-2021.html

Need to Sell Quickly?

Need to Sell Quickly? Here’s What to Do

There are many reasons why you might suddenly need to sell your home. It could be an unexpected work relocation, a change in family circumstances, or simply a desire to move.

Whatever the reason, selling quickly requires some fast action on your part. But that doesn’t mean you need to get into panic mode. You can list and sell your property, quickly while still enjoying the process!

The first thing you need to do is figure out how to make your home show its best. In addition to cleaning and decluttering, that might include getting any needed repairs done, sprucing up the place by painting and perhaps even doing some minor improvements.

How much you need to “stage” your property depends on many factors, including what conditions are like in the local real estate market. For example, you may not need to make each room look like a page from a decorating magazine if you’re in a seller’s market.

So, before you start any work, talk to The Agent DK Team about what needs to be done to make your home ready to be seen by buyers.

The next thing you’ll need to consider is the list price. Your list price is especially important if you want to sell soon. There are many different strategies to get you the most money for your home, and together we will pick the option best for you and your family!

In addition, it’s smart to line up the resources you’ll need, especially if you’re also buying a new home. For example: get recommendations for a real estate lawyer, contractor, mortgage advisor, cleaning service, pet daycare, etc.

The Agent DK Team has year of experience in the local Ottawa home industry, so we can recommend you to reputable professionals we know and trust.

A final tip: If you want to sell quickly, you need to start the process now. Give the Agent DK Team a call at 613-883-5555 to get the ball rolling.

Fire Safety Checks You Should Do At Least Once a Year

Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good.

But that isn’t the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe.

  1. Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible.
  2. Check your cupboard for cleaning products, paints and other liquids that are flammable. Read each label carefully. Use and store each product only as recommended.
  3. If you keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen — and you should — confirm that it is still good. Extinguishers are like food. They have expiry dates!
  4. Go over your fire escape plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do if a smoke detector goes off or if there’s a fire. (Don’t have a fire escape plan? Make one!)
  5. Check that all windows open easily, especially upper floor windows.
  6. Check appliances you use often, such as hair dryers, for worn or frayed cords.
  7. Regularly clear away lint build-up in the clothes dryer. Check the outside dryer vent annually to make sure it’s clear and working correctly.
  8. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, get it cleaned and inspected by a licensed technician once a year.

Many local fire departments offer homeowners free tips and even in-home advice and inspections at no cost. Contact your fire department and ask about programs available to you.

Importance of Spring Maintenance

“There’s no better way to preserve the value of your home than with regular, consistent maintenance. So every time the seasons change, make sure you do a thorough check of your house – inside and out – to make sure you’re keeping it in tiptop shape,” says Scott McGillivray. As homeowners, we all want low-maintenance homes but we want to protect our investment. As the seasons change we need to be diligent with knocking these things off our to-do list.

April is a perfect time to get these things done especially on those rainy days when you are stuck inside!

Here is why seasonal maintenance is important :

🏡Identify Issues: It allows you to identify issues before they become major repairs.

🏡Value : It helps you maintain and add to the value of your home.

🏡 Appearance: It improves the appearance of your property.

🏡 Protection: It protects your home against weather and other threats.

🏡Minimize Long Term Costs: Maintenance costs are less when you do it regularly.

🏡 Fewer Surprises: Fewer unforeseen issues will arise.

🏡 Save Time: The more frequently you do it, the less time it will take each season.

Here are the Top 10 Spring Maintenance Items to Consider:

  1. Inspect The Roof.
  2. Clean the Gutters and Downspouts.
  3. Check the foundation from the outside.
  4. Inspect the Windows and Doors.
  5. Check the Garage Doors
  6. Check the Outdoor Lights.
  7. Fence & Deck Maintenance.
  8. Prepare the Lawn, Trees & Greenery.
  9. Bring Out the Outdoor Furniture & Clean BBQ.
  10. Outdoor General Spring Cleaning.

Settling Into Your New Home

6 Things To Do Before Settling Into Your New Home

Buying a home is an exciting time for both new home buyers and experienced buyers alike. It is a fresh start, with new walls to build your life within. However, once the move begins, things can feel stressful, frantic, and exhausting, especially if there’s extra work to be done while boxes are being piled one on top of another. To make your transition go smoothly, we have compiled a list of 6 things to do before settling into your home. This will undoubtedly save you time and energy that could be put to better use come moving day.

Update Your Information
Before officially moving into your new home, you should begin updating your address on your driver’s license, OHIP card, banking information, and any other services that require your place of residence on file. Additionally, you will want to inform your insurance providers to ensure that your home insurance is transferred and appropriate for your new home coverage. You will also want to touch base with utility companies before you move so that your home has electricity and gas set up under your accounts. Lastly, have any internet, phone, or television service providers in to get your systems up and running, primarily if you rely on a good connection to work from home. See here for a change of address checklist, to ensure you don’t miss informing anyone.

Make Your New Home Shine
Before the big day comes, set aside some time or hire a company to complete a deep clean of the home. Ensure high-touch surfaces are disinfected, carpets are steam-cleaned, appliances are cleaned out, and that every nook and cranny is spotless and ready for a new life. If the home’s colours aren’t in line with your decor or aesthetic, or you want to rid the home of any lingering smells from pets or smoke, take this time to add a fresh coat of paint to the walls. By the time you move in, it will feel like you were the first family ever to own the home, and the hustle of moving-day will be a breeze. 

Make a home maintenance schedule
Home maintenance should never be something you skip on when it comes to homeownership. Keeping a regular schedule will ultimately help you protect your investment, and hopefully, minimize any high-cost repairs you may have to do. You can begin the work for this as early as your home inspection report comes in, as it might contain suggestions for work or repairs that should be completed.

Create and organize a filing system for any manuals or instructions, with clear outlines on how frequently you should have large items or appliances serviced or replaced and when to conduct seasonal maintenance. This is also an excellent opportunity to do your research and find a list of local plumbers, electricians, exterminators, landscapers, or snow removal companies that you may need to use in the future. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is good practice for every homeowner to frequently check both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Before moving into your home, checking or replacing existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or their batteries should be one of the first items to check off your list. Home Safety experts recommend changing the batteries every 6 months, so make sure to mark it on your calendar for semi-annual maintenance to be completed. If you are unsure how to test your systems, your local fire department may have some tips or offer free inspections.

Change Your Locks

Getting keys in hand for your new home on closing day is easily one of the best feelings when buying a new house. Everything is real, and a new adventure is about to begin. But for safety reasons, the passing on of keys should stay ceremonial. You never know how many copies of your house keys have been made and how many people may still have them in hand. This can be an easy fix by installing new deadbolts yourself or by calling a locksmith in to do it for you. Make sure if you get copies made that you only give them to necessary persons, and write them down, so you don’t lose track. 

Get Familiar With Your Home

Once you become a homeowner, it is essential to get familiar with the systems in your home. Take the time to understand how everything works. Locate the furnace, air conditioning system, circuit breaker, and the home’s main water shut-off valve. Take note of these things during your walkthrough with your REALTOR ® or home inspector, and once in your home, inspect them yourself or hire someone to do a secondary inspection with you so that you know how best to care for your home and protect your investment. 

Happy Easter!

Wishing you a lovely and safe Easter weekend from The Agent DK family to yours! We hope the Easter Bunny leaves you lots of chocolate! 🐰✨🌸

Looking to Buy a Cottage?

8 Things To Consider Before Making Your Purchase

Dock chairs and canoe on the lake

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; Speak with your THE AGENT DK TEAM for tips on where to look, what to steer clear of, or for help in finding you that dream getaway. 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 Contact The Agent DK Team for help with obtaining information on how to be approved for your second mortgage.

HELLO SPRING!

What a beautiful day in Ottawa! In the next few weeks, flowers will be sprouting up, and we’ll hear countless birds chirping and see them flying overhead on a regular basis. We’ll watch the rain fall poetically to renew the Earth surrounding us, and maybe we’ll take the kids and their laughter outside to jump in puddles afterward. Our walks throughout the neighborhood will require less layers with each passing week, and hopefully our fears will shed as well as we see hope continuing on all around us. We all need this shift in season and we hope that we see more positive changes ahead.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This year looks a little different but it doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun and support a good cause.St. Patrick’s Day – Online Zoom Party put on by Rock da’ Houze! Saturday March 20, 2021 starting at 10PM (EST) until 2AM (EST) with a live DJ Performance from 10PM (EST) until 2AM (EST).

Rock da’ Houze is a proud supporter of Mental Health with 10% of all proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association.Get your tickets today and don’t forget to invite your friends to join with you! On the day of the party cast your device to your TV and crank up the volume – you’ll be dancing all night.Get Ready to Rock da’ Houze buy getting your tickets here!

Featured Community: Stittsville

Stittsville Residents and Life in the Village

Stittsville is an extraordinary place to call home. One of the many advantages is that everyone is very friendly. As so many families are “new,” there is a real sense of building the neighbourhoods. The entire community pitches in to support local causes and charities, such as the Stittsville Lions Bottle drive for Childhood Cancer/Ronald McDonald House.  New families are welcomed to the many clubs, activities and sports teams. The residents of Stittsville are an integral part of what makes this community feel so inviting and friendly. Small communities are unique because it is very easy to make new friends and have you feel at home.

Residents of Stittsville

Stittsville has a full range of residents from families with children, retirees, business professionals, couples without children, and singles. This diverse population is due to the many business opportunities coupled with attractive neighbourhoods and green space, schools, and public transportation.  One reason for such a diverse group is the short distance to Canada’s largest technology park, located in Kanata North. 

Many military families have also found the area a great place to call home while working at the National Defence Headquarters on Carling Ave and the Shirley’s Bay facilities. Many also work in other areas of Ottawa.  Stittsville has many new neighbourhoods that have been specifically developed to cater to seniors. Other neighbourhoods are perfect for single people and families of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you are looking for a bungalow to downsize or a home for your growing family, Stittsville has everything needed to live a healthy and happy life.

Where To Live In Stittsville?

Stittsville has several wonderful neighbourhoods that have just the right home for all types of families; these include:

Old Stittsville, Main Street./Crossing Bridge

  • Fernbank Crossing
  • Edenwylde
  • Fringewood
  • Granite Ridge
  • Jackson Trails
  • Poole Creek
  • Timbermere
  • Fairwinds
  • Deer Run
  • Crossing Bridge
  • Bryanston Gate
  • Amberwood
  • Potter’s Key
  • Westridge

Events And Attractions

There are many events and activities in Stittsville. The Stittsville Village Association helps to organize many of the well-attended events such as the annual Parade of Lights (November/December), Canada Day (July 1), and Arts in the Park (June), Cinema under the stars as well as other activities such as the Weekly Walking Group throughout the year. Stittsville’s Carp Road Flea Market is a fantastic place to find just about anything. The Stittsville Public library has many excellent services and activities such as Virtual Genealogy Drop-In assistance and Online Tutoring and Homework Help for Children.

Stittsville is very fortunate to be just minutes away from The Canadian Tire Centre. It is the home of the Ottawa Senators. It also hosts many world-class musicians and entertainers and unique children’s shows like Disney On Ice and Paw Patrol Live. Located only minutes from this community is Ottawa’s largest outdoor shopping mall, Tanger,. There are several excellent golf courses in the area. However, the Amberwood Village Golf & Country Club has a special place in the life of Stittsville.

Stittsville’s Favourite Restaurants

There is a restaurant for every palette in Stittsville. No matter the restaurant, you will usually run into someone you know. There is an astonishing number of excellent restaurants offering everything from fine dining to pizza and subs. The ALE – the Amberwood Lounge & Eatery offers fine dining overlooking the beautiful golf course. Cabotto’s, located in a beautiful historic building, serves traditional Italian pasta dishes. 

The Vietnamese Pho House offers very fresh and tasty meals. There are even several very friendly pubs in the area. The Barley Mow, on Main Street, has a great atmosphere and food. The Brew Revolution has British pasties and beer. At the same time, the Glen Scottish Pub and Restaurant is famous for its Scottish food. Looking for the Mediterranean taste, check out Classic Shawarma: It has donair sandwiches, various platters, combo options and family platters. If you are looking for a sweet treat, try the Red Gables Creperie. Napoli’s, NeXT, Quitters, Maverick’s are also great dining options.

Historic Centre

Stittsville has a long and fascinating history. It was a British Military garrison in the 19th century. The Village started as a small collection of houses and shops located at what is now the intersection of the Carp and Hazeldean Roads. The Village grew as it added a blacksmith, store and an inn. When the Village got its first post office in 1854, Jackson Stitt was the postmaster, so the Village was named Stittsville. After a devastating fire in 1870 that destroyed many farms, the few remaining buildings became known as Old Stittsville.  The Village then became a railway centre, and the population increased. The connection of water and sewer systems in the early 1980s caused the rapid expansion of the area. The population has grown very quickly, and Stittsville remains one of the fastest-growing communities in the Ottawa Region. Many areas of natural beauty still surround Stittsville. One way to enjoy the area is to take a walk or bike ride along the Trans Canada Trail.

Full-Service Stittsville

Stittsville is one of the fastest-growing and exciting communities in Ottawa. It has everything you will ever need or want. Additionally, there is beautiful green space and the fantastic Trans Canada Trail. Stittsville has many employment opportunities in the area and nearby in Kanata. And a short drive to the Canadian Tire Centre. The transportation connections are outstanding with OC Transpo, and you are always close to the highway. Stittsville is a great place to call home. There are all the stores, large and small, you will ever need, there are community activities and excellent restaurants to enjoy with family and friends.

You will be proud to call Stittsville home

Call The Agent DK Team Today to find your Stittsville Home!

Staycation Winter Fun!

The cold weather has arrived and many of us are looking for new things to do that are safe and local. When planning for Family day or other special occasions or outings, Ottawa is host to many events and traditions each winter, including a variety of light shows, displays, as well as some excellent crafts and food markets. While COVID-19 and a stay-at-home order may have put a dent in our plans this winter, there is still much to do outdoors, or virtually. Here is just some of the special programming for you and your family to check out in Ottawa this winter! Be safe, and have fun!

Hello February!

Can you believe we have already made it to the second chapter of 2021? As we welcome February, the beautiful month of romance, we wish you a wonderful 28 days filled with hope, resilience, and love.

Featured Community – Kemptville

What a wonderful community to raise a family and a great place to call home. This Town is extremely community minded and they truly look after each other. The town boasts an abundance of nature trails, waterfront parks, fabulous sports facilities, restaurants, shopping, excellent schools, a local hospital, churches, golf courses, Long-Term Care and retirement residences, hardware stores, a number of grocery stores and pharmacies, doctors’ offices and clinics, with ample room for many new business owners to set up shop and the big box stores usually found in major cities are also located in the town. A short 30 minute drive to the Ottawa International Airport or via Rail has this Town connected with the world.

In recent years Ottawans have been flocking to this bedroom community which started out as a small piece of land with a sawmill. Lyman Clothier purchased his 100 acres and built his mill, and the town’s development took flight.

Home to roughly 4,000 residents, Kemptville is located in the Municipality of North Grenville with a population of 17,000, on the south branch of the Rideau River about 50 kilometres south of Ottawa and 30 minutes from the US Border. Kemptville can be accessed from Highway 416, exiting at Leeds and Grenville Road 43. The rural features combined with its various amenities has made Kempville the best-kept secret – but the word is out now, making it a very popular destination for families.

If you’re looking to buy or sell in Kemptville, call The Agent DK Team at 613-883-5555. Ranked Top Real Estate Agents in Ottawa – we are always ready to help you with all your Ottawa Real Estate Needs!