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February 14, 2014 | Comments Closed

What to do in Ottawa – Feb 14 to Feb 20, 2014

1. Winterlude at the Diefenbunker

Take your kids for some Lego bunker building and snow cone making on Family Day at the Deifenbunker – a great place to warm up in after taking in some outdoor Winterlude fun.

http://diefenbunker.ca/2013/10/15/event-number-3/

2. Have Some Handmade Fun With Your Kids and Make Crystal Bead Snowflakes

Bring the winter indoors with your very own snowflake. Inspired by the new exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History, Snow, this activity will jumpstart your imagination and stretch your creative-thinking skills with these drop-in workshops for ages 5 and up. Free with Museum admission.

http://www.historymuseum.ca/event/handmade-fun-crystal-bead-snowflakes-1/?calendar_date=2014-02-01

3. Take your kids to Funganza!

It will be an extra fun day at FunHaven on Sunday February 16th between 11 am and 5 pm.

Kids will enjoy a live show by the “League of Superheroes” and “Capital City Garrison”. Special guest Max Keeping will also be in attendance. Be one of the first 300 participants and receive a “Goodie Bag” at the entrance of the show! Admission to the trade show is free but donations are accepted on behalf of the Children’s Wish Foundation.

http://soalsa.com/events/

4. No kids? Then get to the WinterBrewed Festival!

Come celebrate local and visiting craft breweries in true Ottawa style in the heart of the Glebe! “Sessions” will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission includes access to a session, a keepsake festival glass, and your first sample to get you going. Any craft beer enthusiast will enjoy this very cool event.

http://www.winterbrewed.com/

5. Do the Gatineau Loppet

It is the biggest cross-country ski event in Canada! You can still register on site or just come to cheer on the participants and celebrate their successes later with a pint at the Chelsea Pub. This is an all-weekend event with lots to see and do for everyone in the family.

http://www.gatineauloppet.com/?lang=en

6. Check out the Ottawa Jazz Festival

The festival offers a spectacular line-up of diverse artists. Performing musicians reflect a comprehensive cross-section of jazz’s history and influences. The festival runs all weekend long.

http://ottawajazzfestival.com/

7. Visit Fulton’s Pancake House

Located between Almonte and Pakenham, Fulton’s is one of Lanark County’s best-loved sugar camps. The facility offers self-guided tours, walking and Nordic hiking trails, a Maple Shoppe where you can buy maple inspired spa products and the traditional spring maple syrup making. On Family Day there will be special events for the kids including face painting and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

http://www.fultons.ca/English/aboutus.php

8. Skate on The Rink of Dreams

Enjoy skating on the state of the art refrigerated ice rink and eat a delicious, local favourite treat: Beavertails. Afterwards, take a tour inside City Hall and visit the Barbara Ann Scott Gallery, Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame and the Karsh Masson Gallery. All are free of charge. Bring your own skates – no skate rental services available.

http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/get-know-your-city/use-public-space-ottawa-city-hall/rink-dreams

9. Spend Family Day on the Farm at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Explore the sights and sounds of farm life through animals, exhibitions, treasures from the collection, hands-on demonstrations and delicious foods. It is a unique family learning adventure in the heart of Ottawa!

http://cafmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/whats-on/event-family-day.php

10. Have lunch at The Green Door Restaurant

Ottawa’s oldest and best known vegetarian restaurant has re-opened after an extensive renovation! Come enjoy the high quality foods that are organically and locally grown and produced. You will feel great! Located at 198 Main Street.

http://www.thegreendoor.ca/

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 Simon Howden and zirconicusso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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February 10, 2014 | Comments Closed

Ottawa Real Estate News – February 2014 Edition

Ottawa Realtors reported 589 residential sales through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® in January 2014. This result was flat compared with the 594 sales that occurred in January 2013.

“Residential sales this January were virtually identical to January 2013. Our members sold five more freehold residential properties and 10 fewer residential condos. Statistically, the difference is less than one per cent. The market activity is encouraging for homeowners considering the deep freeze Ottawa experienced this past month – a time when people are more apt to stay in and stay warm instead of venturing out to search for a home.” said Randy Oickle, President, Ottawa Real Estate Board.

The average selling price for a residential property was $368,779 which is a small increase of 0.9 per cent over January 2013. The average selling price of a condominium was $265,775 which is a decrease of 1.1 per cent from January 2013.

“The number of properties listed in January more than doubled the amount from the previous month – a normal occurrence at the beginning of the year as the holidays draw to a close and people begin to plan for the year ahead,” explains Mr. Oickle. “Interest rates continue to be low, with some whisperings of the rates decreasing and not increasing, as had been predicted in the last half of 2013. The Ottawa resale market has remained steady. There have been no major increases or decreases in sales or prices notwithstanding the government’s intervention in mortgage rules over a year ago.”

http://www2.ottawarealestate.org/home/NewsInformation/LatestNewsRelease.aspx

Image courtesy of renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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February 6, 2014 | Comments Closed

What to do in Ottawa – Feb 7 to Feb 13, 2014

1. An Obvious One: Skate the Rideau Canal Skateway!

The conditions are excellent on the rink right now. Go out and enjoy the sites, the people and even the warm-up rest areas that offer hot drinks and our famous Ottawa treat: the Beavertails!

http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/rideau-canal-skateway

2. Take In a Noon Hour Concert at Southminster United Church

These noon hour concerts are open to everyone and are part of the Doors Open For Music at Southminster (DOFMS) series. Each Wednesday from January to June, various artists perform for a duration of 45 minutes. A string quartet is scheduled to play Mozart, Beethoven and Piazzolla on February 12. Voluntary donations are appreciated to help the program continue.

http://www.southminsterunitedchurch.com/#!wednesday-noon-concerts/c1it7

3. Spend Time With Family at Creative Sundays

No registration is required for this free program that is held from 1 to 3 pm at the Ottawa Art Gallery. There are hands-on art activities for kids, teens and even adults! Get your creative juices flowing and take a masterpiece home.

http://www.downtownrideau.com/wp-content/uploads/ChillFactor_Program_low-res.pdf

4. Watch Professional Ice Sculptors at Work

Come to watch the pros from the Canadian Ice Carver’s Society create the winning design that fans have chosen on Facebook. Afterwards, try your hand at carving too with sugar cube sculptures. This event takes place on Saturday February 8 from 11 am to 4 pm and there is a small admission fee.

http://www.downtownrideau.com/wp-content/uploads/ChillFactor_Program_low-res.pdf

5. Go On a Chocolate Lovers Tour

Love chocolate? Who doesn’t? With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this is the perfect occasion for a chocolate treat. A C’est Bon Cooking guide will take you through the Byward Market and help you discover some of the best chocolate you will find in Ottawa. Tour includes samples! Reservations are required.

http://www.cestboncooking.ca/food-tours

6. Beaver Tour 4 on 4 Hockey

Dow’s Lake will once again come alive on February 7 to 9 for Beaver Cup Pond Hockey Championships! This is a great tournament to watch with the whole family and there are still spots available to register a team! A great event for any hockey fan.

http://www.beavercuppondhockey.ca/

7. Visit the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park

The park is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm. Go and see the amazing ice masterpieces at night when they are lit up with colourful lights.

http://pch.gc.ca/eng/1384961537454

8. Introduce Your Kids to Downhill Skiing

Children ages 5 to 8 can receive free lessons with qualified instructors at Jacques Cartier Park from Thursday to Monday between 9 am and 4 pm (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday).

http://pch.gc.ca/eng/1385838876466

9. Check Out “Cracking Up the Capital” Comedy Festival

Celebrating its 10th year, this comedy event features something for everyone — from improv to stand-up to intimate and interactive and multicultural shows. Shows are held at various locations in Ottawa.

http://www.crackingupthecapital.com/

10. Have Lunch at The Flying Banzini

There is no question that you will have a whimsical experience. The staff is knowledgeable, approachable and well, FUN. Enjoy an enormous roast meat sandwich on a freshly baked soft bun or panini, or as a pizza toping. And if you prefer a veggie option, they have you covered also. Located at 1242 Wellington Street West.

http://flyingbanzini.com/

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 maya picture and Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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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

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January 23, 2014 | Comments Closed

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.

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January 16, 2014 | Comments Closed

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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November 28, 2013 | Comments Closed

Should You Consider Real Estate News When Buying A House?

Real estate market news can be confusing and stories from different sources are often conflicting. One day it’s a seller’s market with bidding wars and hot listings selling before they even host their first open house. The next, we read about a housing bubble that is about to crash and rising interest rates.

There are always conflicting news stories about the real estate market.

With all this constantly changing information, how can home buyers be sure they are making a good financial decision? Is this the right time to buy, or should you wait? Should you even consider the latest news at all if there is such disagreement from different sources?

If you don’t know what to do, consider following these 3 tips to ensure you are doing what is best for you and your family:

1. Don’t try to “time the market”

If you are looking to buy a home for yourself or your family, it’s important to keep priorities straight. You don’t want to buy the home you will be living in just because it is a good “deal”. You are not buying stock or a pair of shoes on sale – this is where you will be spending your down time and you want to make sure it is a home you love. Making sure that the property has some critical features is a better way to make the decision to buy. For example, if you have kids, is the home in a good school district? If you don’t own a car, is the home near public transit? If you love exercising and the outdoors, can you get to a bike path or out to the Gatineau hills quickly? Simply looking at the price and wondering if you could buy it cheaper next month will surely lead you to make a decision that you will regret.

2. Decide what is important to you and your family

If you want to avoid buyer’s remorse, don’t buy a home only because the price is right or market “experts” tell you this is the time to jump in. Take your time and figure out what is important to you and your family and then view properties that fit those criteria. The time to buy is not when interest rates or prices are low. The best time to buy is when you have found a great home, you have the necessary down payment saved up, you have secured financing and you are ready to invest in the local community you are joining. If all those things are in order, you are most likely to love your new place and enjoy all the benefits of home ownership.

3. Have your financing in check

Know how much you can afford and stick to your budget. If you need to sell your current home in order to buy, speak with a reputable local real estate agent who will give you a realistic view on the current local market. Also, spend some time shopping for mortgage rates. Find a good mortgage broker who can guide you and provide you the ability to lock in a better rate at a different bank if rates drop while you are looking for a home. Finally, don’t feel pressured to buy just because mortgage rates have risen a little lately. They are still at near historic lows and there is an equal chance that they may go down again in the future. By comparison, don’t wait to jump on that perfect home only because you believe the rates will go down soon – someone else may snap it up!

In the end, the best time to buy a new home is when it is a good time for you. If you know what you want in a home, you have found the right one for you and you have the financing ready to move forward with the deal, Go For It! Remember that no matter what the market analysts say, they are not taking into account your personal situation.

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.

Images courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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October 19, 2013 | Comments Closed

8 Things To Do Before You Move Into Your New Home

Moving is hard work. And if you just sold a house, you know how much work goes into preparing a home for sale. Sorry to tell you that you can’t take a break just yet – even though the sale of your home is complete and you are holding the keys to your new place.

However, with just a few steps, you can ensure that your move will go smoothly and you can quickly start enjoying life in your new home.

1. Set up a change of address.

Send out an email or postcard to all your contacts stating your new address and date of move. Also, go to the post office and pay for the service of having your mail redirected to your new address for at least a few months. This way, even if some people did not update your contact information and used your old address, you will receive their mail. And, it will be easier to contact these persons or companies individually to ensure they send future communications to your new place.

2. Change the locks on all exterior doors.

Changing the locks in your new home will give you peace of mind.

You don’t know who has keys to your new home – and that can be unnerving. Have a locksmith – or if you are handy, do it yourself – install new lock sets on all exterior doors. You shouldn’t forget any other buildings on the property such as a storage shed or garage. This can be a bit costly, but you are getting peace of mind, and making this house yours. It is definitely worth it.

3. Clean the house.

Many sellers these days make an effort to leave a home clean and tidy for the new owners. Whether yours did that or not, you may still want to clean it up yourself. Washing the inside of kitchen cabinets will make you feel good when you start putting your dishes and pantry supplies away. Cleaning the fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen is also a way to make you feel at home and relaxed in these spaces. Mopping, vacuuming and dusting will do wonders for how at home you feel. If you have the budget, you can hire a cleaning service – or enlist the help of friends and family for a day. The promise of a pizza dinner will likely round up a few volunteers!

4. Paint.

It may not be possible for you to paint the home before you move in. And there is no point in doing a quick and shoddy job on the day of the move. The best route is to assess the condition of the walls and ceilings before your belongings get delivered. Take note of the walls that have cracks or holes that need patching and which rooms are going to be a priority. You can then do the painting when you have more time, or hire professionals – and have

A freshly painted house feels clean and new.

solid notes to guide you.

5. Install closet organizers.

Most standard closets come with a pole and a shelf. That is hardly adequate to accommodate everything! If you are taking advantage of a final walk-through with your agent, take measurements of the closets. You will be ready on moving day to assemble them and start unpacking everything from winter boots to laundry detergent. Having a place for it all makes living in a house more enjoyable, and it makes it easier to keep a tidy home.

6. Do minor cosmetic fixes.

“The devil is in the details” – as the saying goes. Take a look around and see if you can improve the look and feel of your place by making small changes which will have a big impact in how you feel in your home. Does the house have mismatched electrical outlets or cover plates? Are the air vents dirty or damaged? Is the hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets to your taste? A quick trip to the harware store and a couple of tools and you can greatly impact how new and clean your new place feels. Just make sure you are not tackling electrical work that should be handled by a professional.

7. Arrange to have the mechanical equipment serviced.

The furnace, the air conditioner, the pool pump, and even some of the big appliances such as the washer and dryer or dishwasher should be inspected. Even though your purchase agreement likely stated that the previous owners should leave all equipment in working order, it’s still a good idea to get to know the working parts of your new home. As well, this will set up a relationship with a servicing company that can be useful should something break down in the future.

8. Install window treatments.

If you are planning custom-made treatments for your home, have the rep come with you on your final walk-through to measure the windows. Hopefully you can have these ready and installed within a couple of days of your move. Otherwise, you can measure the windows yourself so you can buy and have shades or curtains ready to be installed on the day of the move. It will make all the difference in terms of privacy and provide that needed finishing touch to all the rooms.

Yes, moving is definitely hard work. But if you get organized, it can be a wonderful start to living and enjoying your beautiful new home. Good luck!

Do you have other suggestions for new home owners on what to do on, or before, moving day?

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.

Images courtesy of Gualberto107 and Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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September 30, 2013 | Comments Closed

How Landlords Can Screen Potential Tenants

Real estate investors who become landlords must learn to distinguish a good tenant from a bad one. Their success in the rental business depends on it. Bad tenants are the number one reason for landlords leaving the industry and selling their properties. Selecting the right tenants therefore, is the most important step in the real estate rental business.

Screening potential tenants before allowing them to move into your property will protect you against those tenants who can later become big headaches. You have no doubt heard horror stories of tenants not paying their rent, causing damage to properties or disturbing other good tenants. Tenancy laws throughout Canada differ greatly, but they all set out specific protections for both landlords and tenants. However, most landlords will agree that the laws largely favour tenants in almost every situation. Landlords can therefore be forced to endure a problematic tenancy for months, or even years.

Carefully screening tenants can help landlords avoid many problems.

A comprehensive screening of potential tenants is the only way of assessing the kind of tenant they will be. No matter how thorough you are however, there are no guaranteed ways of knowing the future. Screening effectively can only help you choose the best possible applicant for the property. Good documents provide a solid foundation for a successful tenancy, so these documents should clearly spell out everybody’s responsibilities and rights. During times of difficulty, these forms can offer some guidance and clarification.

Here are 3 documents that landlords should use while screening potential tenants:

1. Rental Application Form

This is the most important document in the rental process.

A good rental application will ask potential tenants to provide:
• the applicant’s job title
• their supervisor
• their income
• current address
• references (both former and current landlords as well as personal)
• government identification
• next of kin and extended family members
• other details believed to be relevant to the approval process

All of this information will help a landlord get a sense of the tenant’s quality. It also provides contacts useful in tracking down a tenant if they should disappear. Visit http://www.megadox.com/c/1224 to get instant access to downloadable Rental Property Management Forms for the Province of Ontario.

2. Move-In Inspection Report

This report quantifies and documents the condition of a property upon moving in. If there is any damage discovered when the tenant leaves, it can be substantiated with this form. A landlord can avoid significant disputes over tenant-related damage if there is a clear record of the property’s condition prior to the tenant moving in.

3. Residential Tenancy Agreement

This document establishes the terms of the tenancy agreement between tenant and landlord. Do not use a free online residential tenancy document! It will not be sufficient to cover your interests. For a comprehensive Ontario form, go to http://www.megadox.com/c/1471. Make sure to provide a copy to your tenant as well.

Although not infallible, this 3 step process is a reliable way for landlords to weed out the bad tenants. The best strategy is AVOIDING the problems instead of trying to deal with them after they occur. Getting rid of a trouble tenant can be a long and expensive process. By screening your applicants thoroughly, you can dodge the obvious headaches.

Are you a landlord? What other ways do you use to screen potential renters?

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 Jeroen van Oostrom/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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August 28, 2013 | Comments Closed

Open House Etiquette For Buyers

The real estate market in Ottawa has changed in the past couple of years. Houses and condos take a bit longer to sell and sellers and their agents have to work harder to move a property. Clearly, the sellers’ market of the recent past has now become more balanced.

In this environment, buyers are feeling more confident. But this doesn’t mean they should be disrespectful when touring an open house.

Buyers touring open houses should keep in mind some simple rules.

There is some etiquette to stick to when house hunting and below are a few good rules to keep in mind:

Sign In

Sellers justly want to know who is entering their home. For security reasons, if you refuse to sign in, some agents may refuse to let you in the door. If you are worried about being hassled by the listing agent, just add “Do not call” next to your name or write your agent’s name on the sheet.

Be Respectful To The Host

The real estate agent at an open house is a professional who is there to provide information, offer a guided tour and answer questions – treat him or her with respect.

Even if you dread dealing with agents, don’t be impolite. If the real estate agent is being aggressive at trying to solicit you as a client, tell him or her that you already have an agent.

Be Honest

Most agents expect to see some of the neighbours coming by to take a look during the open house. Being honest about your intentions will avoid the agent neglecting a real potential buyer while they are chatting with you.

Use Common Sense

Take off your shoes. If you don’t want to be barefoot, bring along some clean slippers you can wear while looking around.
Keep your kids in check. Make sure they don’t run around, slam doors, jump on furniture or play with any of the sellers’ belongings – including other children’s toys!
Don’t use the bathroom. If you must, you should at least ask the agent if it is OK.
Don’t sit on the furniture. Chances are, these items are not for sale and therefore should not be touched. In some cases a home can be staged with fake furniture such as air beds. Sitting on one may cause it to collapse!

Do Not Take Photos Or Record Videos

In most cases the home is still someone’s private residence. If there is something specific you are looking to capture, ask permission before you pull out your recording device.

Be Polite When Asking Questions

It’s fine to ask the agent about the motivations of the sellers or whether there are any offers or special assessments in the case of condos. But don’t expect the agent to reveal anything they know about the sellers’ flexibility on price. The agent is after all representing the interests of the sellers and giving you this kind of information would be going against the best interests of their clients. See Agency Relationship In Real Estate Transactions Here.

Hold The Criticism

Again, this is still someone’s home. Don’t bash it during the tour. You don’t know who may be listening – the seller, a neighbour, a friend? If the agent asks for your feedback, you can offer your opinion but do it with some class. Save the harsh critique for the car ride home.

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.

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