September 2020 Real Estate Newsletter

Hello September!!

It has been a short summer! Fall is upon us, kids are going back to school and COVID is still here. The real estate market is strong, prices are continuing upward and inventory is still on the low side. Where will it go from here? Hard to say, however with interest rates at an all time low, and I can’t see home prices dropping anytime soon. As long as there is an inventory shortage vs the amount of active home buyers, prices will continue to increase. 

I often get asked by my clients “What is the difference between a condo and freehold property?” Let me break that down for you… 

What is a Freehold Property? 

The majority of homes will fall into this category. They come in the form of detached, semi-detached, townhouses, and multi-family properties – duplex, triplex, fourplex etc. Freehold ownership means that you own the land and house outright, with no space co-owned or co-managed with other homes. You are responsible for the maintenance of your own home, grass cutting, repairs, snow removal and so on.

Every now and then you will see a property with a small monthly fee, ranging sometimes from $40-$100 on average. This is commonly found with townhouses here in Ottawa. This is not a condo fee but rather a common area maintenance fee that covers snow removal, road maintenance and sometimes grass cutting/landscaping. This is typically attached to homes that are on a private road or community where the local city or town does not service. A property management company is hired, and the monthly funds collected are put into a reserve fund similar to that of a condominium. 

This Month’s Neighbourhood Feature: Carp 

Located West of Kanata, Carp is a small rural town with a population of approximately 2000 people. The town name is derived from the Carp River which runs directly through it. The Village area on the main street features a very popular café called Alice’s Café. A great place to grab a bite, and they also have live music on Thursday nights. The Carp Farmer’s Market, located across the street from Alice’s café, runs from May-October every year. Ridge Rock Brewery is a new gem the Village. It offers a variety of beers on tap and a great menu. The popular Diefenbunker is a site to see. It was a nuclear bunker built in the 50’s but has since become open to the public as a museum. Plan a day trip to Carp and see everything it has to offer! 

4 Easy Home Staging Tips for Sellers from  

Are you thinking of selling your home this fall? Overwhelmed by the thought of staging your home for sale? Here are 4 easy few tips to get your home looking its best and ready to go on the market!

1. CLEAN – If nothing else, make sure your home is immaculate. You only have one chance to make a good first impression for photos and showings, and you want your prospective buyers to be comfortable walking through your home.

2. DECLUTTER – When a buyer comes through your home, its important that they can see what they are buying. IE: the flooring, the layout, the kitchen finishes, windows etc. Having personal items, clothes, toys etc. cluttering up your space will distract them. They are buying your home, not your stuff. Show your home off in its best possible way by having a tidy and decluttered space!

3. OPEN DRAPERY/BLINDS – Most of us love a bright and happy space and will not be drawn to a dark space. In order to prep for your home sale, make a point of opening blinds and drapery throughout your home. Having natural light and fresh air through a home is a major selling feature for many buyers.

4. CURB APPEAL – Before even entering your home, buyers will begin to judge it based on the exterior appearance. Make sure your home shows well from the outside. Make sure the grass is cut, the garden is tidy and weeded, the front door paint is fresh and in good shape, and all your lighting is working well.

As always, it would be my pleasure to assist you, your friends and family with any Real Estate needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!