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Tag Archives: Top Ottawa Realtor
Happy World Kindness Day
“Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.”
Lao Tzu
Remembrance Day 2021
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”
- – Laurence Binyon, 1914
Mortgage Shopping
When you’re looking at buying a home, there are so many factors that come into play, such as which type of mortgage is best suited for your needs and how much money you’ll need to put down on your house. It can be easy to feel lost in the process.
Mortgage Shopping: What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?
In what has been an unprecedented year in buying and selling, Ottawa Real Estate is remaining hot, and mortgage rates cool. While buying a home and getting a mortgage is a big financial decision, the process of securing a loan leaves even the most experienced buyers with a laundry list of questions. Naturally, you will want a team of trusted professionals on your side to walk you through the options that best suit your unique situation. Allowing yourself some time to properly shop around and do your homework on what mortgage products and features are being offered is essential.
Fortunately, this is where the expertise of a mortgage broker comes to your aid. Instead of spending countless hours researching and setting up multiple appointments, an experienced broker can access their tools to find you great mortgages to compare and choose from, streamlining the process to find what suits you and the needs of your family.
Bank or Broker: What’s Best For You
In the past, inquiries about mortgages were primarily done at the bank. While this remains an option today, big banks can often feel intimidating and may leave you with fewer options when it comes to refinancing your mortgage, getting a new one, or accessing the equity in your home. As a result, many buyers are turning to mortgage brokers for help instead.
Lenders have become increasingly competitive in recent years, creating a surge in demand for mortgage brokers. A broker will be able to provide unbiased options with the goal of finding a lender that offers rates and conditions suitable for you.
As opposed to traveling from bank to bank and undergoing hard credit checks, creating an unwanted dent in your credit score, brokers will only run your check once or twice when shopping for your different mortgage products, having a less detrimental impact. Additionally, the mortgage broker is paid by the lenders themselves and not the clients, which makes this a great option for buyers to find the best rates and products available at any time.
Ask The Right Questions
To make the most of comparison shopping, you need to know what options are most important to you. Come prepared and make sure to know what you can afford and how much of a down payment you have. You should also have a list of questions to ask the broker.
- What type of mortgage is best for my needs?
- a fixed, variable, or adjustable-rate mortgage
- an open, closed, or convertible mortgage
- What mortgage features and options are best for my needs?
- a short or long mortgage term/ amortization period
- frequency of mortgage payments
- regular or accelerated payments
- the ability to make prepayments or lump sum payments
- the option to transfer my mortgage to another home if I sell my home
- What are my options if I cannot make a payment?
- What penalty charges may apply if I want to break my mortgage
contract or renegotiate a new one? - Will I have to pay an additional fee if a payment is late?
- How can I change the size of my mortgage payments?
- What fees are involved in setting up, discharging, or renewing my mortgage?
- How can I save on interest charges?
Ottawa Real Estate Market Snapshot: October 2021
The October 2021 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out!Market Snapshot: It was a common fall October market but if you’re looking to find a balanced market, Ottawa is not the place. With a one-month supply for residential properties the pressure continues to increase prices.
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. The Agent DK Team is ready to help! Message us anytime!
Happy Diwali
Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy, magical, and prosperous Diwali! 
Upsizing Your Home
Unfortunately, our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have initially worked fine for a single person, a young couple’s starter home, or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof.
Remodeling and adding to your home is one option for creating more space, but it can be costly, and the size of your property may be prohibitive. That’s when moving to a bigger home becomes the best solution.
WHERE DO YOU NEED MORE SPACE?
The first thought when upsizing your home is to simply consider square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms. But it’s important to take a more critical approach to how your space will actually be used. If you have younger children (or possibly more on the way), then focusing on bedrooms and bathrooms makes sense. But if your children are closer to heading off to college or starting their own families, it may be better to prioritize group spaces like the kitchen, dining room, living room, and outdoor space—it’ll pay off during the holidays or summer vacations, when everyone is coming to visit for big gatherings.
MOVING OUTWARD
If you need more space, but don’t necessarily want a more expensive home, you can probably get a lot more house for your money if you move a little further from a city center. While the walkability and short commutes of a dense neighborhood or condo are hard to leave beyond, your lifestyle—and preferences for hosting Thanksgiving, barbecues, and birthdays—might mean that a spacious home in the suburbs makes the most sense. It’s your best option for upsizing while avoiding a heftier price tag.
Hello November
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” — Albert Camus 
Wishing you a fantastic month of November full of joy, warmth, and light. 
Wishing 3 of our team members – Andreas, Freda & Xena a Wonderful Birthday Month!
Happy Halloween
Wishing you and your loved ones a spook-tacular and fa-boo-lous Halloween! 
Is That House Haunted?
DEFECT
When selling a home, known physical defects must be disclosed by the listing agent. To give buyers confidence in the property the are purchasing, a home inspection is regularly ordered to ensure that there are no other physical defects unknown to all parties.
DISCLOSURE
There is no requirement for the listing agent to disclose stigmas unless they are expressly made aware of them by the seller. Stigmas are difficult to track and few people want to admit that there may be something negative associated with the property they are trying to sell.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Check out Housecreep.com and search the address. This website is a database that compiles news stories and first hand personal accounts by address. While it largely relies on users to upload information on addresses, you may find the information that you are looking for.
If a death in the home is an absolute deal breaker for you for either cultural or personal reasons, you could also consider adding a clause to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that states that the vendors would have to declare to the best of their knowledge that no death has occurred in the home. The only problem with this is that if the owners are not the original owners, they may not even be aware of the property’s history.
WHY DOES STIGMA MATTER?
For some people, these non-physical and intangible attributes may elicit a psychological or emotional response. Some people believe that if something terrible happened in a space, that the physical objects present in the space may have absorbed some of that negative energy.
Featured Community: Riverside South
Welcome to Riverside South
Riverside South is one of the most welcoming and exciting neighbourhoods anywhere in the Ottawa region. The many young families in the area give it a special positive attitude. The residents celebrate the rich culture and diversity of the community. Riverside South is unique in the Ottawa area. It has the youngest population, a higher percentage of married couples, and a higher number of children per household than the rest of Ottawa and many parts of Ontario. These many factors make the area one of the most welcoming and exciting places to live. Riverside South is an excellent place to call home. It has many playgrounds, parks, and walking trails. There is fantastic shopping, and all the amenities that any family could desire are close at hand. The excellent location of Riverside South allows rapid access to all that Ottawa has to offer.
Neighbourhoods: Riverside South, Gloucester Glen, Rural Riverside South, Honey Gables
Reasons to move to Riverside South
Young and diverse families
Great location
Many parks, walking trails and sports teams
Excellent schools
Access to all significant large retailers
Exciting business opportunities
Excellent medical facilities and other amenities
Variety of homes available
Homes at all price points
Great Location
Riverside South is located south of the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport and east of the Rideau River. The area has rapidly expanded since the early 1990s. The development then started and continues today. Most of the new construction is near River Road and Earl Armstrong Road and just west of Limebank Road. Riverside South will become an even larger and more important community, with south expansions closer to Manotick and the east closer to Leitrim.
The Vimy Memorial Bridge
The Vimy Memorial Bridge is a very iconic landmark in Riverside South. Completed in 2014, the Bridge crosses the Rideau River, connecting Strandherd Drive in Barrhaven and Earl Armstrong Road in Riverside South. The Bridge commemorates one of the most famous battles of the First World War. It honours the sacrifice of the women and men who fought in that war.
Local Markets
There are several excellent markets in the area. One is the Barrhaven Farmers Market which was established in 2017. It is located at 670 Cedarview Road on the grounds of The Log Farm. This beautifully treed location is an ideal setting for a farmers’ market. Every week they have approximately 25 to 30 vendors. All are local, and everything is either grown, baked, or made by them. There is no admission fee to shop at the market, and there is plenty of free parking. The Ottawa Organic Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and is located at the Riverside United Church, 3191 Riverside Drive. The market is a great place to get your local organic food.
Schools
Riverside South is indeed fortunate to have the full range of public and private schools in the area. These include St. Jerome Catholic School, Steve MacLean Public School, École élémentaire catholique Bernard-Grandmaître and École élémentaire publique Michel-Dupuis. High school students in the area are served by Merivale High School – located in Nepean, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School, located at the corner of Spratt and Limebank Road for Catholic middle school and high school students. The area is also very fortunate to have both the Riverside South Chinese School and the Ottawa Christian School.
Riverside South Community Association
Riverside South has a highly active and engaged Community Association. They work extremely hard to develop and foster community spirit, protect and enhance the quality of life in the area and promote organized community activities such as Canada Day, Community Garage Sale, Holiday Light Tour, Spring Clean Up and Toy Mountain Drive. Keep up to date with the many activities https://riversidesouth.org/
Come and Take a Look, You Will Be Back
Riverside South is genuinely unique in the Ottawa area. You will quickly discover that it is an exceptional place to live and raise a family. It has an outstanding location, close to all the amenities, the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and excellent transport links that will dramatically improve in the near future. You also have access to world-class shopping and superb restaurants for all tastes. Come to Riverside South, and you will find a home and lifestyle that meets all your needs and wants.
Royal LePage Team Realty in Riverside South: we live here, we work here.
Our real estate professionals know the community and surrounding area well. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more about real estate in the Riverside South area please reach out to us anytime!
Prepping Pets for the Move
PREP YOUR PETS FOR THE BIG MOVE
Your moving day is set and it’s time to start preparing. As you’re making your lists and checking them twice, don’t forget to factor in your furry friends. Here are some tips for making sure the process goes smoothly.
Medical records. When moving to a different city or province, one of the main things you need to take into consideration is finding a new veterinarian that is the right fit for you and your pet. If you have family or friends in the area ask for recommendations or do your own research by reading reviews and news articles. Once you find one, contact your current vet to initiate a transfer of medical records. Then schedule a “get to know you” appointment shortly after your move.
Transportation. Whether it’s a short drive or a long plane ride, you pet will likely need to be put into a carrier. For most pets, this is a foreign concept and they require time to get comfortable with it. Start acclimating your pet as early as possible and use comfort items like treats and favorite toys and blankets to make the experience a positive one for your pet.
Acclimation. Pad your moving schedule with ample time to get your dog or cat acclimated to their new home. While the movers are still hard at work, keep them safely away from foot traffic to reduce stress. Once they’ve left, make sure to clear anything that could be dangerous and block off areas as necessary then let them free to get a lay of the land on their own.
Top Tips For House Hunting Online
Hunting for a new home online is a great place to start your search, but it should not be your end all be all. Good listing agents are excellent at highlighting the best features of the home, but keep in mind there may be more than meets the eye. To make the most of your time and efforts and gather a well-rounded picture of home listings online, keep the following three things in mind.
- Stay up to date. When you start your search, make sure you find a site that pulls up-to-date listings directly from the multiple listing service (MLS) where real estate agents actively post their most current homes for sale. Many online resources update less often or fail to remove listings that are off the market, making it more difficult to sort through the clutter.
- Pictures can be deceiving. Real estate photographers are experts at showing a home in the best possible light. Many use tools and strategies to boost appeal, such as a fisheye lens to make areas look larger and creative editing to make colors and textures really pop. But, often listings will not contain photos of unappealing parts of the home, like small closets or outdated bathrooms.
- See it to believe it. Once you find what appears to be your dream home online, call The Agent DK Team to schedule a showing. You want to take the opportunity to vet the home in person and explore every part of it before beginning the offer process. The Agent DK Team will help you cover all your bases and will ask questions you may not have thought of.
Community Highlight: Carp
Welcome to Carp
The village of Carp is located in the most western ward of the City of Ottawa, approximately 10 minutes West of Kanata. Carp is the perfect location if you are looking for a small town feel and rural living, but don’t want to be far from the city. This agriculturally rooted town is still home to generations of families and with newly constructed communities, it is quickly becoming a welcoming place for newcomers that are looking for the perfect mix of country and city. Carp is home to many large properties with land that buyers are eager to purchase these days. The town also boasts many tight-knit communities with single or semi-detached homes and townhomes that are perfect for families, singles, or retiree’s. For workers with a commute, Carps neighbouring communities, Stittsville and Kanata offer many Park n Ride locations where transportation can be organized if travelling closer downtown or to the east end of Ottawa. This quiet, quaint community is the ideal place to live if you are looking to escape the busy city life and find something a little more country with amenities by the dozen as a place to call your new home.
Reasons to make Carp Home
The Village of Carp really has something for everyone. It is it’s own town with everything you need; food, restaurants, shops, banks, automobile shops and more. Anything else needed is a quick trip away to neighbouring communities such as Stittsville or Kanata. It is still close to the city of Ottawa for those who want the hustle and bustle, but also crave that small town feeling and the tranquility of country living. It’s wide range of housing can satisfy large families and singles and the many activities and events held by the community will provide you with opportunities to be involved, and the generous, friendly locals will have everyone feeling right at home in no time at all.
Reasons to move to Carp
- Historic village with beautiful views
- Excellent walkability between amenities
- Friendly, welcoming residents and business owners
- Growing population and new developments
- Many local schools, pharmacies, and health and wellness centres.
- Trendy and modern shops, restaurants, and local businesses
- Variety of single homes, duplex homes, and condos for resale along with new builds and developments that meet the unique needs of many homebuyers.
Career Opportunities in Carp
Being an agricultural town, Carp has a large variety of trade occupations. From farming to landscaping, construction and even aviation, Carp offers many differing career opportunities. Just off of Highway 417, Carp Road heading North into the town shows the amount of businesses that call this area home. Some larger companies that provide great hiring opportunities include Tomlinson Waste and Recovery Centre, Waste Management, KOTT Landscaping and Aecon (formerly Karson Group). Also along Carp Road is the town’s very own Airport. Although you won’t be able to catch international flights here, it offers aviation maintenance, training, licensing and rentals.
Communities in Carp
Mattino – Diamondview Estates: A new area of townhomes and single homes with oversized lots just off of Wingover Private in Carp Ridge, just off of March Road and Highway 417. This location is set for occupancy late 2021-early 2022 and is selling fast. With homes ranging from 1,750 to 3,600 square feet, this development is ideal for families, singles and young professionals and retirees wanting to remain close to the city.
Westwood: Located off of March road between Old Carp Road and Huntmar, this area offers areas with larger pieces of land and beautiful neighbourhoods. Most of these homes are landscaped for privacy and frequently have luxurious backyards with pools and large yards.
Village of Carp: In the heart of the town, just off of Donald B. Munro and Carp Road, is where you will find the majority of Carps homes. This area is a series of single homes, townhouses and bungalows in great neighbourhoods where everyone knows their neighbours. These areas are ideal for families of every size, in every stage of life. In the community, there is Huntley Centennial Public School, W. Erskine Johnston Arena, Carp Tennis Club and Carp Agricultural Society (fairgrounds). It is a great area to raise a family with strong community involvement and values.
Carp Commons Retirement Village: A newly built retirement village that offers luxury suites for Independent Seniors and with the option for additional services. There are amenities such as a salon/spa, fitness room, movie theatre/game room and bistro pub and bar. It is a beautiful retirement community that offers nursing staff, meal services and is close to medical centres, pharmacies and all small businesses/shops Carp has to offer.
Attractions in Carp
For having a small population of around 2,000 residents, Carp is full of attractions. It’s main street is jam packed with small and trendy businesses run by friendly locals. A night out at a fancy restaurant in the city will not be needed, as the village of Carp has everything you need at your own backdoor. Things to do include:
Alice’s Cafe: This restaurant is in the heart of downtown Carp. They offer great meals from breakfast through to dinner. They also serve amazing coffee and tea if you’re just in the mood for a quick drink. Their patio overlooking downtown is also a great place to spend a casual evening with the family, or a night out without the kids.
Ridge Rock Brewing Company: This brewery was created in 2018 by 4 locals who do an amazing job representing Carp history. The wood used to make their tables and bar top are made from local trees that were dried in a homemade solar kiln in one of the owner’s backyards, and the railroad track used underneath the bar top is original to the railway that used to pass through the town. This company also offers a large patio overlooking downtown, perfect for those looking to enjoy the warm summer nights.
Carp Custom Creamery: Who doesn’t love ice cream? This spot offers over 40 flavours of ice cream anyone would enjoy, with gluten free and vegan options also available! You can grab a cone to go or take home a 1L tub of their famous flavours.
Kin Vineyards: This vineyard sits on 47 beautiful acres in Carp. They make their wine in house and host many events throughout the summer and fall. A night can be enjoyed here sitting outside with a charcuterie board and a glass of wine, or you can spend the day taking a tour and tasting.
The Diefenbunker Museum: Now a museum, this was first created in 1959 during the Cold War as protection for the Government and Military from possible nuclear attacks. Built on a former farm, this 75 foot bunker now offers tours and exhibitions. It is also a great option for something to do on a hot day as it is all underground.
Carp Farmers Market: This local market is one of the best parts of Carp. Every year from May until October, every Saturday morning is dedicated to the farmers market. It is the best place to get anything and everything local. They offer vegetables, preserves, wine, honey, crafts, candles and more. It was named the largest producer-based Farmers’ Market in Eastern Ontario and has the friendliest vendors and visitors you will meet.
Carp Airport: If you’re interested in flying in the passenger seat, Carp Airport now offers Ottawa Bi-Plane Rides Inc. every Saturday in July and August. It is a great way to see the city from a birds eye view.
Full-Service Carp
While the population of Carp is minimal in comparison to other suburbs or Ottawa, the amenities within the city are here to serve. Carp is home to excellent local public elementary and nursery schools. Additionally, there is beautiful green space with an array of trees blanketing the area, and the Community Centre that hosts many recreational programs for people of all ages encourages the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Carp is also home to many different types of local businesses and specialty stores that cater to most of the needs of its residents and homeowners. Here you can find hairdressers and barber shops, medical clinics, massage therapy, restaurants, yoga, fitness centres, music schools, grocers, a hardware store, and much more. Provided all the excellent benefits of living in the city of Carp, most residents don’t mind venturing into the neighbouring Kanata community for needs that exceed what is provided here, if and when the need presents itself.
If you feel that Carp would be a perfect place to call home, Call the Agent DK Team and we can help get you settled there!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We have a lot to be thankful for this year. We’re grateful for our families, our team members, our clients, their loyalty and trust in us.
We hope that you are enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend.
From all of us at The Agent DK Team.