remax-core-logo

Direct Line 613-739-9999

Thinking of Buying?

Click here to get the newest listings in your area.

Thinking of Selling?

Click here for free home evaluation and market analysis.

Fresh Year, Fresh Start: Cleaning Out Your Home for 2021

Posts Tagged ‘Ottawa’

|

Fresh Year, Fresh Start: Cleaning Out Your Home for 2021

Thursday, January 21st, 2021

 

Another year, another lockdown . . . but before you go stir crazy, here are some helpful ways to give you that new year inspiration you were hoping that 2021 would bring!

 

Many of us could not wait to close the door on 2020 and forward to the new year. Let’s face it, 2020 was stressful, and while many people look to each new year to freshen up their lives, this year more than ever people are looking inward to reexamine what is important to them and seek ways to remain positive amidst all of this uncertainty. It is important to set intentions for your behaviours and habits, but what needs to come first is creating a peaceful and joyful place in which to practice your intentions.

We all spent a record amount of time inside our homes last year due to the pandemic, and because of this you may have accumulated more stuff than you have in previous years. Living in mess and disorganization can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. It also deters you away from your ability to focus and be creative. People with too much clutter in their environment also tend to suffer from relationship issues, sleep problems, and chronic allergies or asthma.

The best way to “Keep Calm and Carry On” would be to take some time during this winter lockdown to clean out your home. Now is the time and trust me you will feel so much better once you do!

 

Here are a few strategies recommended by professional organizers:

1. One category at a time – This method is used by Marie Kondo, author of the bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and TV show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. She advocates for decluttering items by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items, in that order.

Take a look at her Youtube channel for more inspiration: Marie Kondo Youtube

2. One room at a time – Another method is to focus on one area at a time. It could be a room, the garage, or the attic. If that amount of space is still overwhelming to you, break it down to one closet, one cabinet, or one drawer at a time.

3. Arrange keep, sell, and donate spaces – As you progress through your decluttering, it will save time and energy if you have already designated areas to accumulate items that are to be kept, sold, or donated. Then you can deal with each group of items once you have everything separated.

 

 

Once you have cleaned out your home, you might adopt some of these habits for preventing clutter from piling up again:

1. Set a rule where you don’t purchase a new piece of clothing, toy, book, or gadget without getting rid of something you are no longer using.

2. Get into the habit of always putting everything back in its place. This will keep you from purchasing items you already have but can’t find or forgot about.

3. To prevent clothes from piling up, try choosing your outfits for the coming week every Sunday, and don’t let clean laundry sit unfolded.

4. Look through your refrigerator and pantry before shopping and shop with a list of needed items.

5. Live by the rule that if you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it.

 

If you have other tips on home organization and how to live clutter-free drop a comment below.

Stay safe & remain positive; We are all in this together!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Why December is a Great Month to Buy a Home

Thursday, December 10th, 2020

 

 

 

The snow has began to fall and so have the amount of buyers looking for homes, as many people cringe at the thought of buying a home in December during the Holiday season.

But hold on Cindy Lou Hoo, we have six reasons why December can be a great time to buy!

 

6 Reasons Why December is a Great Month to Buy a Home

 

1. Highly Motivated Sellers

People who are listing their homes in December are usually on a timeline. They may be relocating for work, wanting to move over the school break, or need to sell their home before the end of the year.

 

2. Less Competition

 Listings do go down in December, but many buyers also take a break during the holiday season. So while the overall number of homes available might be lower, you also have less competition looking.

 

3. Better Price

Motivated sellers and fewer lookers means you can make a better deal. If your seller needs to make a move before the end of the year, they will be willing to work with you on all other terms besides closing date.

 

4. Low Rates

Mortgage rates are forecast to remain low through the end of this year, and into 2021, so it’s a good time to buy.

 

5. Tax Benefits

If you close on your home purchase by December 31st, you can take tax deductions for mortgage interest, loan points, and property taxes.

 

6. Flexible Schedules

You might think December is too busy a month for moving, but most people tend to have more flexible schedules in December. Children’s activities are suspended, work schedules are more lax, for both you, your sellers, as well as your lender, home inspector, and moving companies, so scheduling all the parts of your transaction and move may actually become easier.

 

We would love to help you find your next home. Let’s make your holiday wishes come true!

Give us a call and give yourself an added reason to celebrate in 2021!

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR FALL & WINTER

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

The cold season has already arrived in many parts of the country. Although, here in Ottawa, we’ve been experiencing some abnormally warm temperatures for this time of year. It has been so nice to be able to enjoy Summer like weather for just a little longer before the snow falls and Winter is upon us. Unfortunately, the reality of the season will be setting in later this week as temperatures decrease again.

It’s important to prepare your home for the colder weather coming. Taking a little bit of time to winterize your home can save you a lot of time, and money, later on. Check out these tips for preparing your home for the fall and winter months:

1. Check window and door weather stripping for damage.

2. Disconnect water hoses and turn off outdoor water supply lines and irrigation system.

3. Wrap exterior water pipes or hose bibs with heating tape.

4. Clean your gutters.

5. Check your roof for damage or leaks.

6. Fill cracks in your driveway and foundation.

7. Check attic insulation for pest damage.

8. Have your furnace serviced.

9. Check your chimney for obstructions.

10. Clean and store your lawnmower.

11. Aerate and fertilize your lawn.

12. Change the air filters in your HVAC system.

13. Change smoke detector batteries.

14. Clean and store outdoor furniture.

15. Have landscaping pruned and put fresh mulch down.

16. Bring potted plants inside.

17. Change your ceiling fan direction.

18. Clean humidifiers before using.

19. Check the condition of your pool cover.

20. Make sure snow equipment is working.

21. Cover your Air Conditioning unit if it is outside.

 

Hopefully these tips will help you with the transition into the colder months!

If you have any questions or anything to add, please feel free to drop it in the comments.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

WAYS TO CELEBRATE QUARANTINE-O-WEEN!

Wednesday, October 21st, 2020

 

 

HALLOWEEN ISN’T CANCELLED THIS YEAR JUST BECAUSE TRICK OR TREATING IS!

 

This year is the first-ever, highly anticipated: Quarantine-O-Ween!

 

 

We are all disappointed to hear the recent news that Trick or Treating has been advised against by Ontario Health Officials due to COVID safety. But before you break the news to your kids and cancel Halloween altogether, we have some great ideas to save you some tears that will allow you to enjoy the festivities safely!!

 

 

SCAVENGER HUNT

 

Plan a “Trick on Treat Scavenger Hunt” for your kids with treats and tricks hidden around your home. Set up the Halloween ambience; Dim the lights, put on some eerie music, and add some extra decor/special effects around the home to spice up the event for an unforgettable Halloween!

 

 

SOCIALLY DISTANCED COSTUME PARADE

 

 

Organize with your neighbourhood a safe and Covid-friendly parade. In pairs or small groups from your own residence, 6 feet apart from others, agree on a start time/point and end time/point in your neighbourhood to show off your costumes. At the end of the parade there can be sanitized bins or baskets filled with wrapped treats which the groups can collect one at a time. Groups can also decorate bikes, wagons, or golf carts to show off their looks!

 

HALLOWEEN PINATA

 

 

If you are looking for an easy and fun way to give your kids some candy; Let them take turns whacking a Halloween piñata until the treats spill out! There are so many boo-tiful piñatas that you can buy or even make yourself: Pumpkin, ghost, bat, etc. Find them at: Walmart, Michaels, Party City, Amazon.ca, and more places!

 

VIRTUAL COSTUME PARTY

 

 

Let’s face it, half of what is loved most by kids on Halloween is choosing a costume, dressing up, and showing it off to their friends. We all have pretty much become Zoom experts these days due to Quarantine, so why not set up a Zoom or Facetime party call with their classmates, relatives, and best friends. Set up some drool-worthy treats and spooky decor that they can show off  – – or DANCE OFF to their friends! Maybe even throw in some prizes that all of the adults can pitch on to really make the party a HIT!

 

RING AND RUN

 

 

This fun family activity is a new take on the old doorbell dash prank. Head to nearby friends’ or relatives’ home and leave a gift basket of treats on their porch, then ring the doorbell and run!

 

CANDY GRAVEYARD

 

 

Share some SPOOKTACULAR and Quarantine-friendly fun on this newly trending spin on “Trick or treating”. Deck out your front yard with scary Halloween decor and set up fake tombstones with candy piled up next to each tombstone. You could organize with your neighbours/friends/family time slots for kids to walk through the candy graveyard to collect goodies one at a time.

 

ADULT QUARANTINE-O-WEEN

 

 

Who says Halloween is just for the kids?! . . . Adults like to have fun too! Dress up and host a Zoom or Facetime Event with friends, co-workers, and/or relatives. Here are some ideas:

  • Pumpking Carving Contest
  • Pumpkin Beer Tasting
  • Halloween Happy Hour Cocktails
  • Virtual Costume Contest
  • Halloween Charades
  • Halloween Lip Sync Battle
  • Wine and Candy Pairing

 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

 

We hope you enjoyed our list!

If you have more ideas to add please drop them in the comments for everyone to see and let us know what you try!

Everyone have a safe and fun QUARANTINE-O-WEEN!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

ZONING CHANGES TO OTTAWA’S CORE IS GREAT NEWS FOR INVESTORS!

Wednesday, October 7th, 2020

OTTAWA INVESTORS

NEW ZONING CHANGES TO OTTAWA’S CORE CAN BRING MORE MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

 

 

After 50 years the City has finally decided to update its zoning rules to what are currently known as the R4 zones. These zones were put in place due to previous issues with illegal rooming houses in particular downtown neighbourhoods. This lead the City to recognize that despite illegal rooming house issues there is a greater need for more affordable rental housing; Councillor Jan Harder calls it, a “really important policy piece”.

These new zoning changes affect Westboro in the west to Blair in the east and south to the Rideau River. They will allow an eight-unit building on a 12 metre wide lot, a 12-unit building on a 15 metre wide lot, and larger lots (up to 38 metres in width) will not have a cap on the number of units that can be built.

This speaks volumes for developers and investors who are now able to build new walk-up apartments or vamp up older low-rise buildings in established neighbourhoods to create more rental units.

Most Community associations agree on the new zoning’s purpose of creating more affordable housing, adding density to existing areas to cut down on traffic emissions, and having more people living in areas where they can walk to neighbourhood amenities.

Committee members gave their approval on Thursday, where we will now wait for City Council to give the final OK. City staff are also preparing maps for this fall that could increase the density allowed in areas all over the city.

 

 

This update has us really excited about the future of Ottawa and even more excited for our investors who have been waiting for a change like this for ample more investment opportunities!

At Skaff Real Estate Group we have worked with many investors and developers over the years; helping them buy and/or sell the perfect multi-unit for their real estate portfolio. We can’t wait to help you with yours!

 

Contact us today to book a consultation so we can look at the best options for whatever type of investment you are looking for!

 

Give us a Call: 613-739-9999

 

 

Source: CBC News

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND IN OTTAWA!

Friday, September 4th, 2020

 

 

Summer weather is beginning to cool down while our schedules are starting to heat back up! Before the kids head back to school and we begin our fall to-do’s, let’s have one last summer holiday hoorah before this new school year begins!

. . . . . . . . . . .

Whether you are looking for something quiet and family-oriented or new and exhilarating . . . Here are some Unique and Inexpensive Ways to Celebrate Labour Day in Ottawa this Weekend:

 

OTTAWA CITY  TUBING

 

 

BRAND NEW to Ottawa! Take your friends and family on an exciting 2 hour guided tubing adventure down the Ottawa River. Float and paddle 3 km from mid-town to the Canadian War Museum through small rapids, a lazy river, and more while you take in new sights of our beautiful city.

Ages 12+ 

Afternoon Adventure: 12 pm – 2 pm (Monday – Sunday)

Sunset Adventure: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Friday & Saturday)

Cost: $44 Per Person + HST (Groups of 10 + Receive 10% OFF)

Check Ottawa City Rafting for more details.

 

THE DRIVE IN EXPERIENCE

 

 

There’s something different about going to a drive-in movie theatre versus going to a regular theatre that makes the experience feel retro, cool, and classic. It’s great for all ages, PLUS paying $36.45 (Incl. Tax) PER VEHICLE definitely beats paying $20 or so per person at the movie theatre!

You can also add a Pizza Package to your Vehicle Ticket for a Total of $66.81 (Incl. Tax) for a Large Pizza from Jo Jo’s … What’s not to love about pizza and a movie, am I right?!

MOVIE TIMES:

JOHN WICK – Fri, Sep 4th: 8 pm – 11 pm

WRECK-IT-RALPH – Sat, Sept 5th: 5 pm – 7:40 pm

CAPTAIN MARVEL- Sat, Sept 5th: 8 pm – 11:30 pm

INSIDIOUS – Sun, Sept 6th: 8:30 pm – 11 pm

Please buy tickets on the website at The Drive-In Experience and check any restrictions/guidelines for safety measures before going.

Wesley Clover Parks,401 Corkstown Rd, Ottawa

 

PIRATE LIFE OTTAWA

 

 

It’s a Pirate’s Life for EVERYONE in Ottawa this weekend where you can join the crew and search for hidden treasure!

Pirate Life: Adventure, Theatre and Cruise is an interactive boat cruise that immerses its guests on a live theatrical pirate experience where everyone involved gets to dress up and go on a 1 hour boat tour around Ottawa.

Price: $25 Per Person

Address: 588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa

Go to Pirate Life for more information and to book. COVID-19 safety measures in effect.

 

TOUR THE GARDEN PROMENADE

 

 

Ottawa has a number of incredible art displays and museums to offer, but one of Ottawa’s most beautiful displays is in its own backyard – Nature.

Take a self-guided tour through the Garden Promenade which features 75+ different garden experiences that include the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage site and bicycle and pedestrian pathways. There are prestigious historical landmark, special garden attractions, artistic installations and themed events with optional tour choices.

Go to Garden Promenade for more information and to view the tour maps.

 

APPLE PICKING

 

 

September is known to be one of the best seasons for apple picking. Not only is apple picking a fun family activity, perfect for Instagram-able pictures, but also when you have loads of apples you get to make all kinds of yummy treats! There’s Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, Apple Sauce, Apple Cobbler, Candy Apples, Fried Cinnamon Apples, Apple Cake, Apple French Toast … and the delicious list goes on!

Here are some of our top choices in Ottawa to Pick Apples:

 

Mountain Orchards:

Apple picking, a corn maze, picnic areas, tractor tire playground, hay jump, forest trails, wagon rides and their famous cider doughnuts (weekends only).

Weekdays: 10am to 5pm, Weekends: 9am to 5pm

Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Address: 10175 Clark Rd, Mountain

 

Log Cabin Orchard and Pumpkin Patch:

33 acre orchard with many varietals of apples as well as a shop that has country decor and apple products for purchase.

Weekdays: 10am to 5pm, Weekends: 9am to 6pm

Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Address: 6121 Cabin Rd, Osgoode

 

Pine Hill Orchards:

If you are looking for an apple orchard in the East End, this farm has 20 varieties of apples, and homemade wine and apple cider.

 Every Day 9am to 5pm

Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Address: 818 Saint Félix Road, Clarence/Rockland

 

Cannamore Orchards:

There is so much to do at this fun-filled farm where you can pick your own apples, go on a covered wagon ride, the famous cow-train, pedal cars, walk through giant hedge mazes, visit and pet animals, indulge at their canteen and chip trick, and check out their store to taste the fresh fudge!

Weekdays: 10am to 5pm, Weekends: 10am to 5pm

Family Activity Weekend: 11am to 4pm

Cost: $12 All Inclusive Activity Day Bracelet

Address: 1480 County Road 32, Crysler (West End)

Visit Cannamore Orchard for more information.

 

We hope you enjoyed our Labour Day Weekend in Ottawa List!

We hope you have a Safe & Enjoyable Holiday Weekend in Our Nation’s Gorgeous Capital!

 

 

COMMENT BELOW

And let us know what you did this Labour Day Weekend!

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

|