PROFESSIONAL PROFILE for July 2010

Adrian Delorey
Adventure Bootcamp and 180FITNESS

In September of last year I stumbled upon the Orleans Adventure Bootcamp while searching for an Ottawa fitness studio. After having done NOTHING (physical activity I mean) in a little over 10 yrs I decided to jump in!!! Some said I was crazy for working out 5 days a week but I wanted to give myself a good kick in the BUTT! To make a long story short, 11 months later I am now 34 lbs lighter and few dress sizes smaller. I have continued the Bootcamp for 3 days a week and have completely changed my nutrition habits (minus my occasional cheat LOL).

I'm so glad that I was introduced to Adrian Delorey and his amazing workouts! I have to admit that BOOTCAMP sounds much worse than it is. I'm not going to lie... I feel like I'm dying some days; but I go at my own pace... excel in certain areas and still need much improvement in others. A few months ago Adrian opened a new Ottawa fitness studio on Canotek Rd called 180FITNESS. Recently I've attended a Butt N' Gut class that I REALLY enjoyed. I can't wait to check it out further. If you're thinking it's time for a change.. this may be the right place for you :)

180o DEGREE FITNESS - Taking fitness in a new direction

For those serious about gaining strength, working hard to achieve a fantastic new body and adopting a healthier lifestyle, 180o FITNESS, a brand new Ottawa fitness studio, is dedicated to making better men and women and can help you reach those goals. At 180o FITNESS, the emphasis is placed on what the body is naturally made to do as well as to introduce people to a new level of training and conditioning: one they've never experienced before. Pain is gain as owner Adrian Delorey reverse engineers the way the world's top strongest athletes move and then with the help of his trainers, works it into a fitness program designed for maximum results.

Creator of Orleans and Kanata Adventure Bootcamp, a successful workout program with the most exciting exercise routines the fitness world has to offer, Delorey is dedicated to making an impact on people's lives. His camps were so positively received that he won two Peoples Choice Awards, and now has expanded these same winning workout philosophies to create 180o FITNESS training centre.

Clients can lose weight and get toned in the shortest time possible with 180o FITNESS classes which incorporate kettlebell, tabata and cardio kickboxing. At this Ottawa fitness studio, training methods match any and every skill set and fintess level. Personal and small group training is offered as well as corporate bootcamps and the popular Butt & Gutt classes throughout the week. In order to suit the schedules and needs of every client, 180o FITNESS has a variety of packages and memberships. Throw away your boring treadmill, get a killer workout and make a positive lifelong change at 180o FITNESS, where quality over quantity reigns supreme and fantastic results are within reach.

Live well!

This morning the Bank of Canada raised the Prime lending rate... a great colleague of mine who is a Mortage Advisor in Ottawa, Jacquie Bushell, sent out a great little email with some helpful info and frequently asked questions that I would love to share with you... here's what you can expect from the rate increase:

     - What does this mean to you?

     - What will my payment increase look like?

     - Should you lock in?

I hope you all enjoyed this read as much as I did and a great big THANK YOU to Jacquie for her mortgage advice. If you ever have ANY questions about your mortgage terms, penalty, interest rate, options, etc... you should never hesitate to contact your bank or your mortgage advisor. Also, never underestimate the power of a 2nd opinion... it could save you thousands!

Ottawa real estate has experienced quite a strong sellers market in the first half of 2010.

If you were a Seller - sit back, relax and your property will sell above asking in a matter of days! (even hours in some cases!!)

If you were a Buyer - strap on your seatbelt because this is going to be a bumpy and expensive ride!!

Multiple offers almost became the norm in some parts of the city and buyers were willing to pay enormous (you could almost say crazy) amounts above asking to purchase their new homes. 5k... 12k... 45k... As a Realtor you have to advise your client and guide them through a process that you really can't explain... You obviously make them aware of the market value and what it means to pay so much above the asking... how will it affect them on resale?

Now we fastforward to the end of June 2010... Summer is officially here and the Ottawa real estate market, while still very strong and active, has seen a very nice (and I think well received) shift. We have hit a nice balance (for now). Properties that would usually "fly off the shelves" two months earlier were now having DOM's of 3... 7... 15... and their sale prices were reasonable and at Market Value. Phewww!!! We're back to normal! Every now and then I come accross a client who is "very knowledgeable about the Ottawa real estate market" and feels he/she should get a certain price on a newly listed home - because the "market has shifted". After all my guidance and expertise had done their talking.... he/she had made their decision... my job now was to get them what they wanted. (even though I knew it wasn't reasonable).  

My question to you is: Are you looking for a deal on Ottawa real estate?
When you KNOWINGLY ask for less when buying a home, how do you think the Seller will feel? Will your offer be well received? Do you think they will want to "work" with you? How would you feel on the reverse side? Deals are nice but they are also few and far between. This sometimes creates tension during the negotiations... in the process someone (either buyer or seller) usually comes out unhappy. For BUYERS: Aim to purchase your home at Market Value and be happy! Deals do pop up so keep your eyes open - but don't go looking to create a deal where there isn't one to be made. Trust your Realtor! And if you don't you're not with the right one ;)

ORLEANS STUDIO TOUR 2010 this Weekend!

The Orleans Studio Tour is an annual showcase of Ottawa East End artists. Founded in 2007 by Marielle Dubois, a local Orleans artist they began with 19 artists and 9 studios. Now in their fourth year, the 2010 Orleans Studio Tour will be held on June 12th and 13th and will feature 24 artists and 12 studios! Visit http://www.orleansstudiotour.org/ for more information and a tour map!

Angela Verlaeckt Clark is one of the local artists taking part in the tour and she specializes in Contemporary stone sculptures and fused glass jewellery.  Her abstract sculptures are very Zen, reflecting a personal interpretation of earth's rhythms. Her fused glass jewellery is the colorful,
exuberant side of her personality. In 2003 Angela was admitted to the Library and Archives of the National Gallery of Canada.  You can find Angela in Studio 8 (731 Cezanne Cr) on June 12-13 from 10:00-4:00pm.  http://www.verlaecktclark.com/

May 2010 Schedule

For all of you DIY homeowners the list below is for you! Did you know your local Home Depot store offers great Do it Yourself Workshops in Ottawa every month on seasonal projects or even every day around the home renovations?!

Stay tuned next month for an updated list of Do it yourself Workshops in Ottawa. Also, next month you can find a list of Kids workshops for ages 6-12 years old!

The above workshops are available at the following Home Depot location: 2121 Tenth Line Rd, Orleans, ON K4A 4C5 (613) 590-2030!

Professional Profile for May 2010

Lucie Halle
Mortgage Agent
Dominion Lending Centre - Mortgage Excellence

I was lucky enough to have met Lucie a few years ago since I was searching for a new mortgage agent in Ottawa. I have always tried to align myself with like-minded professionals that I feel comfortable referring my clients too. I have to be honest when saying I never have a worry in my mind when I send a potential or current client to Lucie. Her professionalism, kindness, knowledge and expertise allow her to find you the best mortgage package for you. She is there to help you and represent your best intererests at all times.

Lucie's passion is all about educating her clients and taking the fear out of mortgage financing. Many first-time buyers are overwhelmed by the financing process and lost with the endless amount of information available. With over 25 years experience in the finance industry, Lucie can provide you with free professional advice on your mortgage needs to ensure you have the best possible buying experience. As a mortgage specialist Lucie works for you, ensuring you get unbiased advice and understand the pros and cons of every mortgage product available on the market. Let Lucie handle the stress of finding the right combination of mortgage features, options and rates to meet your personal financial needs. Check out her website to learn more:

www.luciehalle.ca

How's the housing market in Ottawa? Hottest April on record for resale housing market. As we approach the summer we're seeing a little more inventory on the market however multiple offers are still very popular. Interest rates have risen a little and buyers are strongly recommended to visit their mortgage advisors to lock in their rates. Both Sellers and Buyers also have to be aware of the impending HST effective July 1st 2010. FYI - If 90% of your transaction (purchase or sale) is complete prior to the deadline - even if the closing is after July 1st - you will only be subject to GST. Be informed & prepared!

According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board president Pierre de Varennes the total number of home sales in April was 1,841 compared with 1,591 in April 2009, an increase of 15.7 per cent.

"Last month's sales blew away the record for April, which is always one of the busiest months of the year for our market," said Board President Pierre de Varennes. "The increased sales activity may be partially due to buyers trying to avoid the impending HST and the mortgage changes that came into effect on April 19th, but also demonstrates that consumers feel confident about our local economy," he added.

Below you'll find a breakdown of our average prices; in February we saw double digit increases again in prices accross the board:

The average sale prices are as follows:
   - Average residential/condo sale $332,979 increase of 11.6% over April of last year
   - Average condo sale $254,220 increase of 17.4% over April of last year
   - Average residential sale $356,617 increase of 11.7% over April of last year

Check back in a month to see How's the housing market in Ottawa for the month of April. Visit http://www.christianelafleur.com/ for helpful tips on buying or selling as well as HOT new listings for sale!

Do you think that the interests rates creeping up and recent mortgage changes will have an affect on local real estate buyers in Ottawa? Will the summer market bring more inventory and less competition? 

With only a little over a month left until the HST hits us it's important to be informed and prepared to help ease the transition for you and your family. HST is coming...

What is the HST?
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is the harmonized value-added tax that will replace the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Taxes in Ontario on July 1, 2010.

The HST will apply at a rate of 13% in Ontario to taxable property (includes goods, intangible personal property such as licensed software, and real property) and services.

In other words, the PST will be eliminated and an 8% provincial rate will be added to the 5% GST.

What will I have to pay tax on as of July 1, 2010?
In general, the HST rate of 13% will apply to all goods and services that are currently subject to GST.

The HST will not be charged on the following items:
   - Basic groceries
   - Prescription drugs
   - Some medical devices
   - Municipal public transit
   - Health and education services
   - Legal aid
   - Most financial services
   - Child care
   - Tutoring
   - Music lessons
   - Residential rents

Consumers will not have to pay the provincial portion (8%) of the HST for:
   - Qualified prepared food & beverages of $4 and under
   - Print newspapers
   - Children's clothing & footwear
   - Children's car seats & booster seats
   - Diapers
   - Feminine hygiene products
   - Books (including audio books)

How do you think the HST will affect the average family in Ottawa? Are you prepared for the hike of your everyday living costs? HST is coming...

The Princess and the Tulip - the History of The Canadian Tulip Festival

When the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940, the Dutch royal family fled to the safety of England. Unfortunately, England was not much safer; Queen Wilhelmina decided to send her daughter and heir Princess Juliana to Canada. The Dutch royals were given refuge in the capital of Canada, Ottawa. The family lived like all others during the war.

In 1943, Princess Juliana would give birth to the only royal child ever born in Canada; Princess Margriet who became fourth in line to inherit the throne. The birth of the little princess provided a big boost to the Dutch people in their struggle and the Canadian troops who had orders to liberate the Netherlands; and they did!

In 1946, as a sign of gratitude to the Canadian people, the Netherlands gave Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs. Queen Juliana sent another 20,000 bulbs; she made an annual gift of 10,000 bulbs every year thereafter. In 1951, Ottawa hosted the first Tulip Festival. It has since grown into a three week international event featuring over 1 million bulbs, including those originally donated by the people of the Netherlands and Queen Juliana.

Bring your family & friends May 7th 2010 to May 24th 2010 to The Canadian Tulip Festival.

Over three million tulips bloom in May in the National Capital Region, creating a spectacular mosaic of colors along the Tulip Route that winds its way from Major's Hill Park in downtown Ottawa, along the celebrated Rideau Canal, to Commissioner's Park at Dow's Lake.

The stunning beauty of spring is truly at its best in Ottawa during the Tulip Festival.

The Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest in the world, will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Holland and the Canadian Naval Centennial Anniversary from May 7 to 24, 2010. As part of the celebrations, on May 7th, the Canadian Tulip Festival kicks off with a Liberation "Street Party" on historic Sparks Street.

Take in all the great sights & smells. Enjoy! 

I would like to share with you a question that a client asked me last week regarding home inspections in Ottawa. Below you'll find her email to me which is actually quite a commonly asked question - I thought I'd share since many of you may be asking yourself the same thing!?

Hi Christiane, I was talking to a friend about the process of buying a house and she mentioned that a house inspection is ALWAYS done after an offer is presented. Is this ALWAYS the case or can a buyer request an inspection before putting in an offer? Is this something you have seen before? And, is it NOT OK to go that route? Just thought I'd ask someone who may know the answer! Your help is much appreciated!

To be completely honest, in my opinion, it is best to do a home inspection in Ottawa BEFORE you put in an offer - many buyers get emotionally attached to their new potential home once the offer is negotiated and may pay less attention to issues if they arise during the inspection due to their emotional attachment.  Now having said that it is not very common for Buyers to proceed that way - the majority negotiate their terms, secure the home and THEN perform their home inspection. 

In today's Sellers market many buyers are choosing to bring an inspector with them during their showing to avoid that condition alltogether when presenting their offer to the Seller. Since many offers are now in competition; bringing forward an offer with the least amount of conditions possible works in your best interest.  Overall it really depends on the Buyer, their motivation and the process they wish to take when Purchasing a home.

In my opinion if you are aware of issues with a certain home before putting in the offer it would be in your best interest to it BEFORE. You could save yourself a lot of time - yes it's 400$ out of your pocket before you even know if you have the house; but at least you'd know what you were getting yourself into.

I'm always pleased to answer any questions in regards to home inspections in Ottawa or any other real estate related matters. For more detailed information about the Selling and Buying process feel free to visit my website anytime www.christianelafleur.com