January 30, 2014 | Comments Closed

What to do in Ottawa – Jan 31 to Feb 6, 2014

1. Snow’Art in the ByWard Market

Snow sculptures are back to Winterlude! Various artists will start their work on Thursday January 30, and anyone can watch these works of art go up all weekend long. Bring the whole family to walk around the ByWard Market and admire these amazing artworks made of ice and snow. The sculptures will be created all over the Market—on patios, in courtyards, and on the street—this first weekend of Winterlude, and then they will be displayed until the end of the festival. This event is free for everyone!

http://www.byward-market.com/en/events/winterludesnowsculpture.htm

2. The 2014 Gatineau Winter BeerFest

The Canadian Museum of History is hosting this year’s event, which promises to be larger than ever. If you love beer, you will love the BeerFest! BeerFest is on January 31 and February 1. Visitors must be 18 or older.

http://www.festibieredhiver.ca/en

3. Skate the Rink at Rideau Hall

Take a step back in time and skate on this historic rink that was originally built in 1872. Of course there is the Rideau Canal, but if you want to keep a close eye on your little ones, or just have a more intimate winter experience, this is the place to go. Public skating is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 5 pm.

http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15335&lan=eng

4. Snowshoe Under the Stars

Snowshoe in the evening in the Gatineau Park with an experienced naturalist and learn how animals and plants face the many challenges of winter. This guided walk is bilingual and snowshoes – and hot chocolate – are included!

night tree - Marcus74id http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/calendar-events/snowshoe-under-stars-1

5. Swan Lake

If staying warm indoors is more your flavour, take in the truly special classical ballet masterpiece that is Swan Lake. In Ottawa for a short time only – January 30 to February 1.

http://nac-cna.ca/en/dance/event/5467

6. The Winterlude Triathlon

This is one of the oldest Winterlude events and it showcases what winter in Ottawa is all about – skating on the Rideau Canal, cross-country skiing and running. Come out on Saturday February 1st to cheer on the hundreds of winter enthusiasts that will be racing in this fun and unique event!

http://www.winterludetriathlon.ca/

7. The Lee Anne Frederickson Quartet

The Lee Anne Frederickson Quartet will perform at The Savoy Brasserie on Friday January 31 from 9 pm – 11 pm. Enjoy a tasty dinner, then listen to unforgettable jazz classics from the Great American Songbook.

http://www.westborovillage.com/content/lee-anne-frederickson-quartet-0

8. Yoga Tune Ups at Back in Balance

Learn easy self-massage techniques using Yoga Tune Up® Therapy balls to relieve tension, stress, reduce pain, and prevent injury. Workshops start on Wednesday February 5.

http://www.westborovillage.com/content/yoga-tune-ups-back-balance

9. Northern Lights Conference and Trade Show

This will be a cultural showcase of Canada’s eastern Arctic and North, which will feature unique works of arts and performances from some of the most talented artists, craftspeople and performers in Canada. At the Ottawa Convention Centre from January 29 to February 1. Admission is free with a voucher you can find on the following website:

http://www.northernlightsottawa.com/

10. Have brunch at Wilf & Ada’s

This new breakfast and brunch spot in Centretown is a gem – but people are finding out about it quick! Food is delicious and prices reasonable. This would explain the line out the door on most weekend mornings. There is no better time than now to stop in for a visit and some “Eggs in Purgatory”…even if you have to wait, it will be worth it! Located at 510 Bank Street.

If you have other suggestions for fun things to do in Ottawa this week, post them in the comments below. See you around town Ottawa!

Images courtesy of Dan and Marcus74id / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ottawa Real Estate News – January 2014 Edition

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board reported 610 transactions through the Board’s MLS® system in December 2013. This result was down by less than one percent from the 615 transactions in December 2012.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in December in the Ottawa area was $340,021, an increase of 0.9 per cent over December 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $245,349, a decrease of 5.1 per cent over December 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $369,543, an increase of three per cent over December 2012.

Although the total number of homes sold in 2013 was down by 3.2 percent versus 2012, the average sale price was up. Residential properties, including condominiums, sold in 2013 for an average price of $357,348 – an increase of 1.6 per cent over 2012.

“Looking back at the 2013 market, home sales in the first part of the year were, for the most part down, in comparison to the year before,” said new President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, Randy Oickle. “The introduction of tighter mortgage rules in July 2012 largely affected the market well into 2013. However, as the year progressed the market began to pick back up, and then levelled out in November and December. Impending mortgage rate increases may have caused the increase in the second half of 2013, as many first-time home buyers jumped into the market in advance of these increases.”

“Although, the government succeeded in its plan to “cool down” the market over the past year and a half, Ottawa remains steady and balanced, devoid of large fluctuations in resale activity. We are truly fortunate to live and work in such a stable market area, and it seems buyers and sellers agree that Ottawa remains a great place to call home,” continued Mr Oickle.

If you are looking to buy a home, or are thinking of selling yours, I would be glad to represent you and help you negotiate the best deal. Please contact me at steve@stevewalsh.ca.

New Rules For Real Estate Fees

On December 13, 2013 The Government of Ontario passed Stronger Protection for Ontario Consumers Act, 2013 (also known as Bill 55). The bill, which became effective as of December 12, 2013, changes the rules and gives consumers and real estate brokerages more options and flexibility regarding how real estate services are paid for. This is an important development that is of particular interest for sellers, since they typically pay the commission that is split between the seller’s and the buyer’s representatives.

What consumers need to know

Previously, real estate brokerages could charge consumers a flat fee, or a percentage of the sale price, but not a combination of the two. Bill 55 removes this restriction, giving brokerages the flexibility to make fee arrangements that could include a blend of a flat fee and a percentage of the sale price.

The greater flexibility in how to charge for their services gives real estate brokerages more options to differentiate their business from competitors. We have yet to see how these changes will play out in the marketplace, but the bottom line is that competition and market forces can now play a greater role in how real estate service fees are structured.

Having more choices and more flexibility is positive for consumers. It is crucial however, that home buyers and sellers educate themselves and understand the services their brokerage will provide and how the cost of those services will be calculated.

Consumers have lots of agents to choose from – they should do it carefully.

Consumers already have a lot of choices when they are selecting a real estate professional to work with. It makes sense to meet with several representatives to make sure the person you choose to represent you will provide the services you need and a commission structure that you can work with. Fees and service levels are negotiable, but make sure that once you come to an agreement, everything is put in writing in order to avoid problems or misunderstandings in the future.

If you are looking to buy a home, or are thinking of selling yours, I would be glad to represent you and help you negotiate the best deal. Please contact me at steve@stevewalsh.ca.

Image courtesy of Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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What to do in Ottawa – Jan 31 to Feb 6, 2014

Ottawa Real Estate News – January 2014 Edition

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