Stop renting and get your home when you need it. This may be for you!

Do you really want to buy a home? Are you tired of renting? Sometimes life can throw us some pretty nasty curve balls and we need some help to get to where we want to be!

There are alternatives to renting that would let you move into your “own” home now, and allow you to become the owner
down the road.

Rent to own, when done through an ethical and reputable company can be the answer to get you into your home sooner rather than later. There is a company here in Ottawa than can help you! You will still need to follow some of the same processes you would if you were to buy on your own. You will need to speak with the mortgage specialist, and they will help you with a plan and to qualify you, to get you into the home. You get to “shop” with a Realtor and choose the house you want!

Contact Scott or Robyn for a no obligation consultation. They will explain the whole program to you!

http://whyrentcanada.com/

4 Home Hazards You May Not Know About

You have smoke detectors. Your doors have good locks. The bathtub has a slip-free pad. By all accounts, your home is a safe and secure place for your family to live.

However, there are some hazards that many homeowners don’t consider or even know about. For instance:

1. Blocked eavestroughs. Eavestroughs clogged with leaves and other debris can cause rainwater to overflow next to your foundation and create a basement leak.
2. Clogged dryer vents. High temperature air combined with lint is a near ideal condition for a fire. Check and clear the dryer vent at least once a year.
3. Dirty faucet heads. Kitchen and bath faucets often have built-in screens to spray the water evenly. Unfortunately, dirt and other contaminates can build up on these and, possibly, affect the quality of the water. Clean faucet heads regularly.
4. Tripping hazards. You could step around a loose section of carpet for years and then one day, in a moment of distraction, trip over it and fall. When you see a potential tripping hazard in your home, don’t ignore it. Fix it.

Being diligent about home safety takes a little more time. But, if it prevents one injury or illness, it’s worth the effort.

Bathroom upgrades using overlays

If you’re considering a bathroom update, you’re probably familiar with the typical approaches, such as replacing a countertop or toilet, or removing all the fixtures and finishes to complete a floor-to-ceiling renovation.

However, there is another, far less expensive way to make an older bathroom look brand new: using overlays.

An overlay is simply a new surface applied over an existing one. For example, instead of replacing an old and worn bathtub – which is costly – you can purchase an overlay system (called a tub liner) that fits on top of the existing bathtub. It’s a little like giving your tub a facelift!

You can do the same thing with your bathroom countertops and floors.

Overlays come in a wide variety of styles and finishes – some of which can make your bathroom look significantly more upscale. Compared to a major renovation, the installation of overlays is relatively straightforward. A tub liner installation, for example, can be done in a day.

You can learn more about overlays at your local home improvement centre and at specialty bathroom showrooms.

http://www.stevesicard.ca

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Condo for Sale, 665 Bathgate, unit 1102, Ottawa, Ontario

Freshly painted,laminate floors, updated, bright and spacious condo Close to shopping, Cite Collegial, CSIS, and the National Research Council, Watch the Canada Day fire works from the comfort of your living room, View of Peace Tower. Watch the hot air balloons. Freshly cleaned by Enviropure Cleaning.Many building amenities including a library in the common areas. .

 

Now Sold!!

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!!