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Ottawa Real Estate News from Ron DeCaen |
May 2013 |
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Ron DeCaen
Sale Representative
Action Power Team Ltd. Brokerage
15-1420 Youville Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
613.797.9366 (cellular)
613.837.3800 (office/24/7 pager)
www.OttawaListings.com
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 Preparing your home for showings can be a lot of work, especially if you have kids running around. This month's article discusses strategies to help you prepare your home for show with kids in tow.
We also share a few valuable debt management strategies as well as some tips on how to seasonally transform your home with a fresh spring theme.
Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter. Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments regarding the articles, or real estate in general -- it'd be great to hear from you!
Ron
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An Upswing In Sales for the April Ottawa Market |
 Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,573 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,568 in April 2012, an increase of 0.3 per cent.
“The Ottawa market is doing well, and gaining ground back since the “cool-down” of the market for the past five months,” says Tim Lee, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “We are on par with the strong sales of last April, and the resale market is up 34.9 per cent since last month. With the late onset of warmer weather, the traditional “spring market” saw its upswing a little later this year. With interest rates continuing to be low, Ottawa remains a healthy, stable market.”
April’s sales included 302 in the condominium property class, and 1,271 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.
The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in April in the Ottawa area was $371,565, an increase of 2.1 per cent over April 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $266,596, a decrease of 2.3 per cent over April 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $396,507, an increase of 2.9 per cent over April 2012.
The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.
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Preparing a Home for Show with Kids in Tow |
 Getting your home ready for showings can be a real challenge but it's even harder when you share your home with little ones.
The trick to selling a house with kids is to make it appeal to buyers who don't have any children. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for show with kids in tow:
- Depersonalize - It's important that buyers are able to imagine themselves living in your home so clear the artwork off the fridge and take down photos, awards and mementoes.
- Play Time's Over - Keep just one box of toys on hand and pack up the rest as they not only look unappealing but they also make rooms appear smaller.
- Go Clean Your Room! - Pack up stuffed animals, books and trophies. Any remaining items should be placed on shelves instead of the floor.
- Behind Closed Doors - Buyers can never get enough closet space so get rid of any clothes that your kids have outgrown or that are out-of-season.
- It's Time to Grow Up - Buyers should be able to visualize your playroom as their rec room so get rid of excess toys so that it will appear larger enough for their pool table.
- Curb Appeal - Don't leave toys, sidewalk chalk or bikes strewn outside your home as drive by viewings can occur at any time.
Selling your home is a great opportunity to de-clutter plus if you do it now, you won't have to worry about it when it comes time to move. Showings can happen in an instant so make sure you have a system in place that enables you to have everything ready to go in a matter of minutes. Although keeping everything perfectly staged with kids can be a challenge, it'll be well worth the effort in the end!
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Paying Off Debt Pays Off |
 Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point in their life but with a little planning, it can almost always be overcome.
Debt management isn't a very popular family topic but talking about it with your kids and loved ones can pro-actively help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes. Here are a few of the basics:
- Open Book - Examine all debt at once so the focus can be directed towards paying off high interest, non-deductible debt first.
- Budget Crunch - List all income and fixed expenses such as house and car payments. Next, list variable expenses to see what can be cut back on.
- Consolidate - Monthly payments can likely be lowered by consolidating debt through a home equity loan as the interest rate will be much lower.
- Reach Out - Creditors will often reduce monthly payments if a debt repayment plan is entered into with a reputable organization.
Managing debt may seem like a daunting task but it can help avoid a financial crisis that could devastate a person's credit rating and ability to borrow money at attractive rates. Deciding which options work best depends on the individual's level of debt, level of discipline and their future prospects.
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Spring Your Home Decor Into Action |
 Spring is a time of renewal so why not bring the season's vitality into your home by making some simple decorating changes. Here are a few ideas that'll help you create a fresh spring feel:
- Change your window coverings to light sheers or blinds.
- Bring nature inside with indoor plants, flowering bulbs and fresh cut flowers.
- Switch your cushion covers to lighter spring shades such as yellows and purples.
Celebrate spring's arrival by bringing a breath of fresh air into your home. Just a few simple changes can reflect the season’s sunny, fresh energy!
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