Taking the “scary” out of real estate

Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular.

First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as:

• Is “now” a good time to list?
• How much can you expect to get for your property?
• How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn’t?

Then there’s the buying and selling process:

• How do you prepare your home for sale?
• How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your price range?
• How do you prepare your home for viewings?

Yes, there’s a lot to think about. That’s why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important.

A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list.

A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly.

So if you’re considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today.

Another positive result! http://ow.ly/w5

Another positive result! http://ow.ly/w5PvB

Getting the most from an Open House

Have you ever attended an “Open House” advertised in your area or in a community you like? Most people have. Even if you’re not serious about moving, viewing a few properties in a neighbourhood you like is a great way to get a sense of the market.

 Who knows? You might stumble upon your next dream home! 

To get the most out of an open house, follow these guidelines: 

• Most open houses will have a handout available containing the list price and other property information. Be sure to keep a copy.
•  Don’t just view the rooms. Explore the entire property, including the backyard.
•  Don’t be shy about asking the listing agent (or whoever is hosting the open house) questions about the property.
•  Ask about the area. Are there schools nearby? Where is the nearest park or playground located?
•  Ask about potential required repairs and renovations. For example, if the furnace is more than 15 years old, it may need to be replaced soon.
•  Walk around the neighbourhood. Try to get a sense of what it’s like to live there. If possible, chat with a neighbour.

 Finally, if you become interested in the home, be sure to advise the listing agent that your own REALTOR® will be following up. Otherwise, the listing agent might assume that he or she will be representing you.

 Looking for a good REALTOR® to have by your side? Call today. 613-853-5807  steve@stevesicard.ca  http://www.stevesicard.ca

 

 

Making sense of a crazy market

Unless you’re a real estate expert, you probably look at the market and think things are pretty confusing. Even a bit crazy! You hear news about “bubbles bursting”, “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home starts” that are up or down, and on and on it goes.

 It’s a lot of news and a lot of jargon.

 If you’re thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will want to understand what’s happening in the market so you can make the right decisions and get a clear sense of what to expect. So, how do you make sense of it all?

 That’s where a good REALTOR® can help.

 Even if you don’t have any definite plans to move in the near future, a REALTOR® who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.

 Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to talk to from time to time, when you have real estate-related questions.

 You’ll have someone you can think of as “Your REALTOR®”.

 Plus, when the time comes to sell your property, you won’t have to deal with a stranger. Instead, you’ll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know well — and who knows YOU. Overall, that will make the buying and selling process go more smoothly and more successfully.

 Looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you? Call today!

 

For Sale, 903 Admiral Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario

Freshly painted well situated detached home with two full baths, one on main level. Perennial garden beds in the front. Ramp access to front door. #14 bus on street, goes to the Rideau Centre and St Laurent shopping Centre. 30 minute walk to the Civic Hospital on Carling and Parkdale. Metal roof. The oil tank replaced approx. 2003. The furnace has been maintained yearly. The other room is part of, and forms L-shaped family room.

 

NOW SOLD!!

Now is a great time to get out and buy a

Now is a great time to get out and buy a home. Interest rates are down as are house prices. http://ow.ly/tCRND

Another Great Summer!

There is never a shortage of things to do in and around Ottawa. Here are a few events you may want to attend.

Gloucester Fair, May 24- 27, http://www.gloucesterfair.ca/

Bicentenial Heritage Fair, Spencerville, June 1 – 3  http://www.spencervillemill.ca/bicentennial-heritage-fair.html

Ottawa International Children’s Festival, May 30 – June 3rd,  http://ottawachildrensfestival.ca/

Dickinson Days, Manotick, June 1 -2, http://www.manotick.net/dickinsondays/

Orleans Festival, June 1 -3, http://www.orleansfestival.ca/en/index.php

Medievel Festival, Upper Canada Village, June 9 -10, http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/index.cfm/en/activities/special-events/medieval-festival/

Russell Celtic fest, June 16, http://www.celticfest.ca/

Bluesfest, July 4  – 15,  http://ottawabluesfest.ca/

Osgoode Medievel Festival, July 6 -8, http://www.osgoodemedievalfestival.com/

Hope Volleyball Beachfest, July 14, http://www.hopehelps.com/

Glenngary Highland Games, Maxville, Aug 3, http://www.glengarryhighlandgames.com/

Navan Fair, Aug 9 – 12, http://navanfair.com/

Almonte Highland Games, Aug. 25, http://www.almontehighlandgames.com/

Russell Fair, Sept. 6 – 9, http://www.russellfair.com/

 

For a more complete list of festivals, please follow this link!  http://ottawastart.com/festivals.php

For a more complete list of fairs, please follow this link!  http://www.ottawakiosk.com/fairs.html

I hope you all find something that piques your interest. Enjoy the summer!!