Are you sending your children to Ottawa to study at the Ottawa University? Have you considered buying a small home, condominium or even a multi-family property near the Ottawa University?The University of Ottawa is located in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighbourhood which neighbours the popular Byward Market - Lower Town neighbourhoods as well as plenty of nature including Sandy Hill's beautiful Strathcona Park on Range Road.During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, the neighbourhood of Sandy Hill near the Ottawa University was one of Ottawa's wealthiest. Today, the neighbourhood is home to a mix of people including students living in close proximity to the Campus of the University of Ottawa.Sandy Hill has a wide range of property types available for purchase including condos. The ave... 01/06/2019

Ottawa's real estate market has had a good year. The City has seen some great growth in the job sector as well as an influx of immigration. In turn, this has caused the Ottawa rental market to also see some increase. Rental units in the City of Ottawa has seen lower than usual inventory which has made rentals more sought after and more expensive.The arrival of new companies to Ottawa such as Amazon in the East end or Shopify in Ottawa's downtown core has brought in more labour force that is looking for a place to live, work and play.Shopify's two downtown offices in Ottawa are located in the Centre Town neighbourhood which has many modern and recently built condo towers. Employees of Shopify often prefer to be in close proximity to work as well as the downtown core to experience all tha... 01/02/2019

Rental rates in Ottawa have seen a significant increase in 2018. The vacancy rate for Ottawa according to CMHC's Rental Market Report released for 2018 had Ottawa at a 1.6% vacancy rate. The average rent for Ottawa was $1,174 up 5.6% over the previous year.Vacancy rates across the City have been similar across different types of rental types. The lowest vacancy rate being for bachelors units which has a 1.3% vacancy rate while two bedrooms have a vacancy rate of 1.8%.Rental demand continues to be strong with condominium rentals offerings declining slightly while the demand for such units held steady. Ottawa's employment and population growth is supporting the overall housing demand we've been seeing lately.Ontario has seen an increase of approximately 35,000 people in Q1 of 2018 largely... 01/01/2019

The Ottawa Real Estate market enjoyed a spectacular month for re-sales, with June of 2016 setting a new record in properties sold, not just for June but for any single month, the Ottawa Real Estate Board has announced.It’s not clear yet what led to the record numbers, but members of the Board sold 1,985 properties through the Multiple Listing Service system. That’s compared to the 1,691 properties that sold in June of 2015, representing an increase of 17.4 %.It’s also well above the five-year average for the month of June, which is 1,717 properties, the Board says.Those numbers are not just high for June. They represent “the highest sales in any month ever in the history of the Ottawa market,” says Shane Silva, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board.“The closest comparable sales figu... 07/06/2016

The frigid February that Ottawa residents just endured was one of the coldest on record, with many people doing their best to stay inside, keep warm and count down the days to spring. It was not exactly the kind of weather that’s ideal for shopping for a new home, but in good news, the Ottawa Real Estate Board reports that resales for the month were actually only slightly lower than February of last year and the five-year average numbers for February sales. A news release on the board’s website reports that members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 853 residential units in February of 2015 through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service. That was down only 1.7 per cent from February of 2014, which saw 868 units sold. The five-year average for February sales is 914. There is other intere... 03/08/2015

Spectacular Penthouse with great views1102-383 Cumberland  $619,000 MLS # 940727  View Virtual Tour Spectacular Penthouse with great views of Parliament, Gatineau Hills & river. Two bedroom with plus den, 2 full baths with beautiful cherry hardwood floors, granite counters, 9 ft  "industrial look" concrete ceilings & columns, floor to ceiling windows makes this unit light and bright. Private oversized terrace (35' x 11'). Amenities include a gym, party room with kitchen, meeting room and patio with BBQs. Two indoor parking spaces included. 11/04/2014

    There is good news to report from the Ottawa real estate market’s sales in September, with sales and average prices year-to-date right on par with five-year averages. In a press release posted on the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s website (ottawarealestate.org), Board President Randy Oickle says the Ottawa area “is fortunate to enjoy one of the most stable real estate markets in Canada. This is evidenced by the fact that the units sold and the average sale price in August and September has stayed within a few percentage points from the year before.” As you can see in the accompanying charts, members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,133 residential properties in September through the board’s Multiple Listing Service system. That’s an increase of 1.3 per cent over the figures from ... 10/15/2014

 McKellar Heights/Glabar Park; Carlington; Riverview; When you’re new to a city and looking to buy a home, it can feel daunting to know where to begin in your search for your new neighbourhood. Where to start? Which areas will appeal to you and which can you afford? In my 30 years in real estate, I’ve found that even longtime Ottawa-area residents who are looking to move don’t always know all of their city’s communities, the amenities that those neighbourhoods offer or why those areas might be a perfect fit for what they’re looking for. Of course, one of the things that my team and I do is to help clients focus their search. Once we’ve chatted about the kind of neighbourhood that appeals to you and your price range, I can suggest areas that we think would be a good fit. We can also trav... 10/01/2014

  Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see?    One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious.   Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.    One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated.   In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a ... 09/14/2014

Looking for a new home and trying to narrow your search to a particular neighbourhood?   To help you get a feel for the city’s different neighbourhoods, I thought it would be helpful, particularly for those who are new to Ottawa, to write a series of occasional columns offering snapshots of various city neighbourhoods, with latest price information for the areas and links to any properties I am selling in these neighbourhoods. Of course, these are just brief overviews of the neighbourhoods. I can tell you more about the neighbourhoods that interest you when we chat. Feel free to contact me through my office at 613-788-2556 or through www.nancybenson.com.   This week, I look at the Glebe, Centretown and the wonderfully revitalized neighbourhood of Hintonburg.    The Glebe   This establis... 09/05/2014

There was good news on Ottawa’s Real Estate Market in July, with the second-highest July sales figures on record.   In a news release posted on its website, the Ottawa Real Estate Board reports that its members sold 1,445 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system. That is up by more than 100 properties compared with the numbers for July of 2013, when 1,336 properties were sold. The results represent an increase of 8.2 per cent over July of last year. The board says the five-year average for July is 1,317.   The numbers for July 2014 were the area’s second-highest sales levels for July, the board reports.   Randy Oickle, president of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, says in the release that the only July that saw higher figures was July of 2009... 08/19/2014

Stylish and sophisticated Charlesfort executive apartment  MLS # 923792 View Virtual Tour     Stylish and sophisticated Charlesfort executive apartment is inspired by the bold and urban elegance of New York’s Art Deco architecture. This oasis in the sky with an open concept floor plan of approximately 892 sq. ft. features two spacious bedrooms + two bathrooms, an exquisite kitchen, open concept dining & living room. The space is light and bright with gleaming hardwood and imported ceramic tile flooring adding a true richness to the quality of this unit. The huge roof top terrace is second to none… with wonderful views of the Gatineau Hills, the Cathedral and city scapes. Live in a place of harmony for your new urban lifestyle.                                                             ... 08/14/2014

If you have never owned a condo, here are some things you may want to consider. The attached article explains some of what you should be aware of. Please note, this is written for the Ontario Canada market and there may be some differences in your area. http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/07/30/how-are-condominiums-run   I have also attached a link to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation ( CMHC ), they provide Canadians with information covering all areas of home ownership and more. http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/buho/cobugu/   There is so much to know when buying a home or condominium. For instance. If you buy a home or rent in Ontario, landlords cannot restrict you from having a dog or cat. There may be some restrictions set out by the government regarding number of pets you may have, or... 08/09/2014

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for checkups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health.   Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!   The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a REALTOR® regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health.  For example, you can:  • Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.   • Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)   • Fin... 08/08/2014

In the heart of New Edinburgh  A MUST SEE HOME! This home is located in the heart of New Edinburgh within walking distance of Foreign Affairs, Stanley Park, the Governor General’s Residence and eclectic shops, boutiques and restaurants on Beachwood Avenue. Situated lovely landscaped lot, this home offers 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms, gleaming hardwood flooring in the living & dining room, period style architectural details on main level, open concept kitchen overlooking the sun filled family room addition featuring a Vermont casting gas fireplace. The rear garden is fully fenced and features an over-sized deck, flag stone walkway and perennial flower beds. The lower level offers loads of storage space. Rear parking accessed off Avon Lane provides 2 side-by-side parking spaces. A great place... 05/27/2014

INVESTMENT RESIDENTIAL TRIPLEX MLS #911625 In the Glebe... Attractive 3 storey brick triplex with sizable & well maintained units offering hardwood flooring, a private rear garden, parking & detached garage. SUITE 1(MAIN)with 2 bedrooms, large front porch entry. SUITE 2(2ND) with 2 bedrooms + enclosed balcony. SUITE 3 (3RD) with 1 bedroom open balcony. Side stairwell entry for 2nd & 3rd units. Updates include: upgraded wiring on individual meters, fire retrofit (2010), interior rear staircase, bathrooms & kitchen. Read about the history of the Glebe here  View Virtual Tour       05/19/2014

Determining Asking PriceIt’s no surprise that when I first meet with clients who want to sell their home, there are two main questions that come up early in the conversation: “How much will my house sell for in the current market? And how exactly do realtors come up with those numbers, anyway?” In fact, I often hear the price question even before I’ve finished walking through a home to make notes about the property’s size and condition. After 29 years in real estate, I usually have some idea of the probable price range for your property when I first visit, but as I explain to clients, I cannot answer the price question accurately until I look carefully at your home and then research  the market. It’s part of the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that I do for all seller clients before w... 05/15/2014

SOLID AND SPACIOUS UNSEVERED DOUBLE! Great investment property Attractive classic brick un-severed double with 3 spacious bedroom units on either side, separate living/dining room with cove ceilings, and an eat-in kitchen with access to rear garden.  Features in both included hardwood floors throughout and ceramic tile in bathrooms. Nice high basements that lend themselves to being finished by future owner. Forced air heating allow for central air conditioning to be installed. Driveway parking on both sides and full rear gardens with recently installed over-sized deck and convenient storage sheds. Flexible possession available. Offers a great investment opportunity! This location provides easy access to public transit and is close to nature parks, community centres, schools, the Scienc... 04/17/2014

The winter that felt like it would never end finally appears to be ending. As temperatures start to climb, many homeowners who’ve been thinking about selling decide to finally go ahead, in order to take advantage of the prime spring and summer moving seasons, when many buyers are looking for new homes. As usual at this time of year, I receive numerous phone calls from both Sellers and Buyers. If you’re considering a move in 2014, it’s helpful to know what’s involved in the process. If you're hoping to sell in the coming months, one of my main pieces of advice is to contact me and start preparing as soon as possible. I’ve found that many sellers, especially first-timers, are surprised by the length of time it can take to get a property into selling shape before we can finally put that “... 04/17/2014

SOLD Beautiful over sized wrap around terrace perfect for Summer dining and entertaining. Penthouse – 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, with floor to ceiling windows (south & west) allowing plenty of natural light. Constructed NEW (on top of the renovated building) in 1999 with exposed metal ductwork, gleaming hardwood floors, ceramic tile in both bathrooms and dramatic studio style lighting, plus a gas fireplace. A complete restoration and renovation by Domicile Developments. “Studio Argyle” is a stunning transformation from an office building to a stylish and sophisticated Loft! This boutique style building offers individually designed units (40 in total) located just steps from the Rideau Canal, YM/YWCA, National Arts Centre, Parliament Hill, churches and museums. A truly convenient loc... 04/16/2014