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Are you thinking about selling your home this spring? If so, one factor that may be holding you back is time. You might be worried that you won’t find the time in your busy schedule to sell your property successfully. If so, here are four strategies that will help: 


1. Understand what needs to be done 

Do you know what you’ll need to do to sell your home? Do you understand the steps involved? Do you have a clear idea of how long it will take to complete various tasks, like getting repairs done and doing some “staging”? The more accurately you can anticipate your tasks and how long it will take to complete them, the better you’ll be able to plan and schedule. 


2. Keep a “moving” calendar 

It’s a known time management fact that using a calendar and blocking out time for tasks will ultimately save you time. So, use your calendar, or create a new one just for moving-related items. With an up-to-date calendar in place, you’ll always have a view of what needs to be done and how those tasks fit into your weekly schedule. Maintaining a moving calendar also reduces stress.


3. Ask for advice

How should you stage your main floor? Should you make any home improvements? How should you prepare for a buyer coming to view your property? You don’t need to guess or Google. Get professional advice. Doing so will expose you to the most current best practices and will save you time. 


4. Hire help

 You don’t need to do everything on your own. Instead, consider hiring professionals to do at least some of the work for you. For example, hire a painter, a lawn mowing service or a dog walker. 


Hiring professionals during the selling period can save you countless hours. And, those costs may be offset by the sale of your home.

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Did you know all residential property owners (rental properties or principal residences) in Ottawa will be required to submit a declaration of their property’s occupancy status for the previous year, even if you live in your home? Failure to do so may result in being subject to additional tax.

In an effort to increase the supply of housing, the City of Ottawa has implemented an annual tax to be levied on vacant Ottawa residences. The Ottawa Vacant Home Tax now requires residential property owners to submit a declaration of their property’s status for the previous year. Homeowners who choose to keep their properties vacant will be subject to this tax.

Though all homeowners are required to submit a declaration of occupancy status, the tax does not apply to:

  • properties that are the principal residence of the owner
  • properties that are the principal residence of a permitted occupant or tenant
  • properties that qualify for an exemption

The deadline to declare a property’s 2022 occupancy status is March 16, 2023. 


Mandatory Declaration of Occupancy Status

All residential property owners in Ottawa  will be required to declare the status of their property(s) annually, even if they live there. Declarations must be made by the homeowner or someone acting on behalf of the owner. The declaration will determine whether the Vacant Home Tax applies and is payable.

Principal residences may be left unoccupied for periods of up to a total of six months throughout the taxation year without being subject to the tax.


Vacant Home Tax Calculation

A Vacant Home Tax of one percent of the Current Value Assessment (CVA) will be imposed on all Ottawa residences that are declared, deemed or determined vacant for more than six months during the previous year. For example, if the CVA of your property is $1,000,000, the tax amount billed would be $10,000 (1% x $1,000,000).

The tax is based on the property’s occupancy status for the previous year. For example, if the home is vacant in 2022 the tax will become payable in 2023.


How to Declare

  • To make a declaration, you will need your 21-digit assessment roll number and customer number from your tax bill or property tax account statement.
  • Declarations of occupancy status should be made through the City’s secure online declaration portal that will open in mid-December 2022. If required, homeowners can receive a paper declaration form by contacting 311. The paper form must be completed in full and received by the City of Ottawa before the deadline to avoid being issued a fine and having your property deemed vacant. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. Please be aware of Canada Post delivery times.
  • For residential properties declared as vacant for six months or more during the taxation year and without an eligible exemption, owners will be required to pay the Vacant Home Tax.
  • Owners of properties subject to the tax will be issued a Vacant Home Tax Notice in March/April and payment will be due on May 1.
  • Residential properties will be deemed vacant if the owner fails to make the annual declaration by the deadline and/or provide supporting documentation.


If there is an error in the declaration you submitted, you can:


  • submit a new declaration prior to the March 16th declaration deadline
  • file a Notice of Complaint if it’s after the declaration deadline


Failure to declare or making a false declaration may result in a fine of $250 to $10,000.


Will the Vacant Unit Tax apply to you?

 Click here to find out!

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Keeping the kids active and entertained during Family Day long weekend can seem like a challenge, but not in the Ottawa area! Family-friendly experiences are endless, including free outdoor activities, sports, dining, museums and even animal attractions.


Many local attractions also offer special programming during this weekend (February 18-20, 2023), which is also a great time to experience the Winterlude festival. Be inspired by the itinerary below to start planning the perfect family getaway or staycation in Canada’s capital region!


Museums and historical treasures

Why not start Family Day weekend with some live creatures and fascinating history?

Head to the castle-esque Canadian Museum of Nature and witness birds of prey like owls and an eagle in a specially-designed habitat. Enjoy artwork from Nunavick artists in the Our Land, Our Art exhibition. And explore the rest of the museum to learn about Canadian fossils, minerals and even dinosaurs!

   


Visit Canada’s most popular museum, the Canadian Museum of History, located just across from downtown Ottawa in Gatineau, Quebec. Admire the breathtaking collection of totem poles in the Grand Hall and walk through history in the Canadian History Hall and enjoy special Spring Break activities. Younger kids love the cultural treasure hunt at the Canadian Children’s Museum, located inside. And no visit is complete without catching an entertaining film in the Ciné+ theatre!

 

When hunger sets in, choose from the many Family-friendly restaurants and places to eat which are within strolling distance of most Ottawa hotels. Between pizza, burritos, burgers and milkshakes, everyone will be happy and full!


Science or art, who can choose?

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is known for interactive learning and fun. Enjoy classic favourites like the real locomotives and the Crazy Kitchen, as well as newer hits like the ZOOOM – Children’s Innovation Zone and the Exploratek maker studio. The museum is full of hands-on opportunities for all ages!

  


Creative kids have lots of options in Ottawa, too!


The National Gallery of Canada’s Artissimo programming offers a range of art activities and games, including the chance to hang your creations in the actual museum. Hands-on artsy fun also awaits at the beautiful Ottawa Art Gallery – where admission is always free!

   

For lunch, shopping or browsing, visit the historic ByWard Market area. There are treats to discover around every corner, cute courtyards and urban art. This is just one of many vibrant neighbourhoods worth exploring in Ottawa.


What kid isn’t crazy about animals?


Spend half a day at Parc Omega where you can take a Canadian safari through the natural habitat of animals like deer, elk, bison, caribou and wolves. You can also walk or snowshoe the First Nations trail. This impressive wildlife park feels a world away, but it’s only a 45-minute drive from downtown Ottawa to Montebello, Quebec!


If you prefer to stay in the city, visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Kids go crazy for the special daily programming, including encounters with farm animals, kitchen demonstrations, maple taffy on snow, children’s story time and creative crafts. It’s all free with the price of museum admission!

  


For some mental stimulation and family bonding, why not get locked up in a room and work together to escape? Ottawa company Escape Manor has various experiences to choose from at locations throughout the city.

  


Slopes and skates

Explore the great outdoors! The Ottawa region is full of cross-country skiing as well as downhill skiing and snowboarding options. Ski within the city or head just 15-minutes to Gatineau Park or the surrounding Greenbelt in the nearby countryside to hit the slopes (or the flats).

  


Experience the last weekend of the annual Winterlude festival. With ice sculptures, interactive art installations, a Chinook slide, and more, it’s never a dull moment. Then, strap on a pair of skates and skate along the Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget to grab a BeaverTail at one of the locations located along the skateway!

 


The winter fun doesn’t stop there. Bring your family on an hour Cobblestone winter tour of the National Capital Region. With a tour guide on board, you’ll learn about all the best places in the area. All the best places in the area.

  


And last but not least, consider one of Ottawa’s must-sees: iconic Parliament Hill. While the Centre Block undergoes a decade-long rehabilitation, you can enjoy two new (free!) guided tours of other historic interior spaces: The House of Commons in Parliament Hill’s West Block, and the Senate in the Senate of Canada Building (Ottawa’s original train station). You can now conveniently reserve tickets online!

 


Source: ottawatourism.ca

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Looking for what is on trend for kitchen cabinet colors in 2023, you are in the right place! Cabinet colors don’t radically change each year, but instead shift and expand. So don’t worry, you can still paint your cabinets white. The colors don’t change all that much from year to year because kitchen and bathroom remodels, renovations, and new home builds are long-lasting. Interior designers keep up with the color trends and it’s fun as a home owner to know what is in and out each year.

The changes as we move into 2023 are subtle at the core, but there are some BRAND NEW COLORS! As a reminder, cabinet colors are far fewer and typically more conservative than the trend options for interior walls. Not to worry, these colors can be used in the bathroom too.

So whether you are planning a total renovation, build or a simple remodel we've got the 2023 colors for you to consider as you plan. 

This year it’s a VERY neutral heavy palette using color as an accent. Let’s dig into the mix and see how these colors all work together.


2023 KITCHEN CABINET PAINT COLOR TRENDS


1. White has all but disappeared and been replaced with new neutrals, greige, beige, mushroom and taupe.

2. Jewel tones are a big trend for cabinets paired with whiskey-colored stained cabinets for warmth.

3. Forest greens reign and are becoming a staple in kitchens from light to dark with yellow and gray undertones.

4. Black is back! But it’s soft and warm, not cool and dark.

5. Deep and moody browns, blues and grays are a new neutral staple for a cozy vibe.

6. Cinnamon and spicy reds plus vibrant blues are the hot new accent colors.


Those honey-colored cabinets that we ditched from the early 2000’s, but it’s been 20 years so they are making a reentry. What is MUCH better now is how honey-stained cabinets are being mixed with beautiful jewel tones and deep dark shades. If you have honey cabinets, just paint PART of the kitchen cabinets a new color to update it instantly.


POPULAR 2023 CABINET PAINT COLOURS


Now let’s look at the 2023 cabinet paint colors by group. Dividing them into 4 sections, to make it a little easy to follow and understand.


1. White and Neutral Cabinet Paint Colors

2. Light and Dark Green Cabinet Paint Color

3. Jewel Toned Cabinet Paint Colors

4. Dark Toned Cabinet Paint Colors


BEST NEUTRAL CABINET COLORS IN 2023


You will never go wrong choosing white as the base for your kitchen cabinets. They never go out of style, just shift in tone. If you want a warmer feel to your kitchen, try one of the newer shades in taupe or mushroom. If you can afford to update your brown toned granite counters, you could instead update your cabinets with a new shade of beige instead!


BEST GREEN CABINET COLORS IN 2023


 

Ah, nature inspired greens from light to dark! There’s something about the pandemic and the stay at home movement that solidified-bringing nature-based colors indoors. Green is an easy color to use in a kitchen paired with ANY wood tone and mixed with white for a fresh new look. Mother nature uses green as a base and you can too. 


BEST JEWEL TONED CABINET COLORS IN 2023


  




































On the opposite end, bringing nature indoors is brightening our mood and living spaces. Bring on the pops of vibrant jewel tones or spicy reds to liven our mood instantly. Level set these dopamine-inducing colors with rich wood stains and black to anchor them.


BEST DARK CABINET COLORS IN 2023


 

This dark palette has very little to no light reflecting value. Our advice for anyone and everyone considering using dark and moody paint colors is to use WHITE as your balancing point to offset the dark colors and bring more light into your kitchen. Add wood tones in furniture, accessories, shelving or with beams to complement these deep colors.


That was a lot to cover and I sure hope you found all of my detailed trend color analysis helpful on your kitchen design journey. Colors have shifted dramatically, so consider your decision carefully.


Our advice? Don’t follow the trends and choose what you love and can LIVE with so you are happy.

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Think of the entryway, or foyer, as a preview of the rest of your home. It gives people an idea of who you are, where you like to travel, what kind of art you like, and your favorite colors. As  it's the first space people see when they enter our home, the entryway design probably deserves more attention than you may think. Here are some great design ideas to make your entryway a bit more inviting.

If you’d like to make your entryway feel more cohesive, try to think of the foyer as a glimpse into your personality.  Start with a color, pattern, or style you love, then add in some art, accents, and furnishings that bring that idea to life. 

 Creating a beautiful and functional entryway that also reflects your style and personality isn’t hard to do.  It just involves paying attention to a few basics, then adding your own unique touch.


If you’re looking for ideas for decorating your entryway, scroll through the entryway inspo photos below, taking note of what you love about each space.


Is it the console table or cabinet? The lighting? The rug or artwork? The color scheme? The entryway decor ideas? The creative storage solutions? Or maybe a little bit of everything?  


Take a look at these 8 simple steps to how to bring your entryway to life.


1. Keep it light

First of all, since the front entrance sets the tone for the rest of your home, try to keep it bright, well-lit and clutter-free so visitors aren’t tripping over things as they come in!  


2. Add a place to hang coats, hats & scarves

One thing to remember to do before we have people over is make sure there’s room in the coat closet for their coats.  We also have a coat rack attached to the wall in our entryway, and I try to keep a few hooks open for guests to hang purses and scarves. 

 


3. Make your foyer functional

Foyers often get completely lost in piles of coats, shoes, and backpacks.  To help keep clutter to a minimum, try to think of everything you want to keep in the entryway and then decide what kind of storage options you’ll need.

The spaces below show more ideas for incorporating storage in a small entryway.

   

Adding a couple of tall baskets to the entryway is a wonderful way to provide hidden storage for shoes, etc.


4. Welcome warmth with a rug

If you have tile or wood flooring in your front entryway, a rug can soften the space, add color and texture, and pick up the dirt that’s tracked in.

The floor in our entryway tends to get very dirty, especially when it rains or snows, so I like to use rugs that can be thrown in the washing machine when they start looking a little dingy.  

Just make sure your rug lays nice and flat so it’s not a tripping hazard.


5. Don’t forget a mirror

Mirrors are a wonderful addition to the foyer.  Not only do they brighten and lighten an often-dark space, they make it easy to take a quick look at your makeup and hair before you head out the door!


6. Provide a spot to sit

Another thing to include in the foyer is some type of seating so guests can sit while they remove their shoes or boots. Folding stools or upholstered cubes provide the perfect seating solution in a small entryway or modern foyer design.


As a bonus, by making it easy for your guests to take off their shoes when they arrive, your floors will stay cleaner!


7. Add some personality

When thinking of foyer decor, add in the colors, patterns, or styles you love and that reflect your personality.  Find modern entryway art, accents, and furniture that speak to you and express the look and feeling you want your home to convey.


8. Include a spot to stash things:

If you have the space, a sideboard or console table offers a spot to set mail and keys.  A decorative dresser can also be a beautiful addition to your foyer decor — and it has the bonus benefit of extra storage space!

A couple of decorative baskets placed under a console table help hide blank wall space and provide a place to stash small items like dog leashes.

Dual purpose foyer decor: a pretty bowl or beautiful boxes are perfect for holding keys and wallets and other small items you need to keep track of.


Whether you have a small entryway or something more grand, the most important thing is to create a welcoming and positive feeling when you and your guests enter your home!


Source: https://jane-athome.com/stylish-entryway-ideas/

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Showing your Home on Short Notice

Unless you’re selling in a strong sellers’ market, you should take advantage of every opportunity to show your home. Say, for example, an interested buyer would like to see your property tomorrow evening. If you say no, they might see another listing in the meantime — and make an offer!

So, being prepared to show your home at the drop of a hat is important. That doesn’t mean you should agree to be inconvenienced constantly. However, if you can put up with some disruptions in your plans now and then, you’ll increase your chances of selling your property.

Consider these tips:

  • Avoid restricting showings to a particular weekday, such as Monday evening and Saturday afternoon. What if an interested buyer isn’t available those days?
  • Try to keep your home clean and tidy. That way, you can accommodate a short-notice request to see your listing more easily. (Consider temporarily hiring a cleaner.)
  • Make a list of places you can take your family (including pets) on short notice. For example, a park or movie.


Want more tips for selling your home quickly and for top dollar? Call today.

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4 Ways to Find the Time to Sell your Home

Are you thinking about selling your home this spring? If so, one factor that may be holding you back is time. You might be worried that you won’t find the time in your busy schedule to sell your property successfully.

If so, here are four strategies that will help:

1. Understand what needs to be done
Do you know what you’ll need to do to sell your home? Do you understand the steps involved? Do you have a clear idea of how long it will take to complete various tasks, like getting repairs done and doing some “staging”? The more accurately you can anticipate your tasks and how long it will take to complete them, the better you’ll be able to plan and schedule.

2. Keep a “moving” calendar
It’s a known time management fact that using a calendar and blocking out time for tasks will ultimately save you time. So, use your calendar, or create a new one just for moving-related items. With an up-to-date calendar in place, you’ll always have a view of what needs to be done and how those tasks fit into your weekly schedule. Maintaining a moving calendar also reduces stress.

3. Ask for advice
How should you stage your main floor? Should you make any home improvements? How should you prepare for a buyer coming to view your property? You don’t need to guess or Google. Get professional advice. Doing so will expose you to the most current best practices and will save you time.

4. Hire help
You don’t need to do everything on your own. Instead, consider hiring professionals to do at least some of the work for you. For example, hire a painter, a lawn mowing service or a dog walker.

Hiring professionals during the selling period can save you countless hours. And, those costs may be offset by the sale of your home.

For more info, contact us today!

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These days, people are more environmentally conscious. When it comes to their homes, that often starts with being more thoughtful about heating and cooling so they’re consuming less energy. With that in mind, here are some tips for making your home more eco-friendly: 


1. Install a smart thermostat. Modern thermostats come with various features that help you manage heating and cooling, so you use less energy. For example, you can program a thermostat to adjust temperature during the workday and then turn on heating or cooling an hour before you get home. 


2. Take advantage of non-peak times. Many utilities (electricity, water, etc.) offer price breaks at non-peak periods. For example, washing your clothes later in the evening might reduce your water bill. Ask your utility providers about available price-saving programs. 


3. Buy energy-saving products. A wide range of products are available to help you lower energy consumption, from shower faucets to kitchen ranges. The next time you’re shopping for an appliance or fixture, ensure it has eco-friendly features. 


4. Improve insulation levels. A one-inch crack in window insulation can cause your home’s HVAC system to work harder. That’s why experts advise that you check the insulation around doors and windows once a year and repair or replace it where necessary. 


5. Manage passive heat. It’s no surprise that a window letting in the sun will make a room warmer. So, take advantage of this free energy source. Let sun into rooms on cool days, so your furnace doesn’t have to come on as often. Do the opposite on hot days. 


We are well-connected to clients and professionals who are capable of providing a plethora of eco-friendly recommendations. Call us today to get you in touch!

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How Buyers Often Find Out about your Listing

There are many ways buyers can find out about your home for sale. Some will see the lawn sign. Others will notice the listing on MLS. Still others might find out via an advertisement or social media post.

But, there is one other way buyers will discover your listing — and it can be pivotal to the success of your sale.

The agent can make sure they know.

In some cases, buyers shopping for a particular type of home, or those who are targeting a specific neighbourhood, will get on an agent’s alert system. The agent will arrange for the buyers to be alerted as soon as an ideal property comes up on the market. That’s why being strategic when creating an MLS profile and other listing materials is so important. You want interested buyers to be notified of your listing!

Agents often also have a network of buyers they are in touch with regularly or who are actively looking to buy a home. They reach out to these contacts as soon as a desired property is listed. Say, for example, you put your property on the market. The agent you work with may already have qualified buyers in mind. If so, that increases the chances of your home selling quickly and for a top price.

Good agents also have a robust network of professional contacts — such as real estate lawyers, contractors, and even other agents — that they can potentially tap to find qualified buyers.

Overall, well-connected agents are more likely to be able to leverage their networks to attract ideal buyers to your listing.

Want to discuss how I can attract highinterest, qualified buyers to your listing?

Call us.

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Painting Tips for Getting the Job Done Faster

Unless painting a room is a passion, you probably want to finish the task as soon as possible — while still doing a quality job. Here are some tips for doing just that:

  • One-coat paints. Having to do a second coat is time-consuming. Fortunately, there are several “one coat” paints that can get the job done, well, in one coat! They don’t work for every type of project. But, if your walls are in good condition and you’re not dramatically changing the underlying colour, a one-coat paint is worth considering.
  • Leverage various-sized rollers. Most people use rollers for the main wall surface and switch to brushes for the tight areas. Instead of a brush, try a smaller roller. That can speed up the painting considerably.
  • Use quality brushes and rollers. Cheap brushes tend to not hold paint evenly and can also shed fibres – which you then have to pick off the painted surface. Good quality brushes and rollers may cost a little more, but the paint will be applied more smoothly and evenly — saving you time.
  • Wear your painter’s tape. When running painter’s tape to prep a room, wear the roll on your wrist. That way, you won’t constantly be reaching for it.
  • Wrap rollers and brushes in plastic. For longer painting jobs, wrap rollers and brushes that are not in use in plastic wrap or baggies (the kind you use in the kitchen.) That will keep the brushes and rollers wet while you take a break.
  • Start in the middle. Most people start at the end of a wall and work their way to the center. You’ll paint faster if you do the opposite. In addition, you’ll avoid applying too much paint in the corners (which people are apt to do when they start there).

Want more tips for preparing your home for sale? Call us.

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At some point, every home needs to be upgraded to become more functional for the family members who live there – or for resale. However, a major renovation can be frustrating, unless you’re working with a reliable, knowledgeable general contractor. Here are some suggestions to help make your project go smoothly:


1. First, do your homework in advance. Identify needs and wants, such as design features and style, with an open mind about costs, timing and resale value.


2. Ask reliable sources for recommendations, but don’t make commitments without interviewing at least three qualified contractors.


3. Be sure to ask about;

  • Adherence to budget and timing as well as advice on expectations.
  • Find out about their choices for architectural drawings or plans, subcontractors, suppliers and materials.
  • Confirm the product and labour warranties they provide.
  • Ensure each contractor is registered in good standing with your municipality and can adhere to building codes, secure permits and provide liability protection.


4. Once satisfied, request that these and other details be included in a quotation with costs, completion dates, payment schedules for workers and materials, plus allowances for changes.


5. Meet on-site regularly, keep a journal and get receipts for purchases. Don’t pay cash, or hand over your credit card. If necessary, ask your bank to issue a new card with strict limitations.


When in doubt, reach out to us! We have a well vetted list of general contractors we stand behind who would gladly help you get your home through that next reno.

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When you’re selling your home, you may find buyers who want to see it later in the evening, when it’s dark outside. In that circumstance, effective home lighting becomes more important. 


The best place to start is with exterior lighting. Make sure all pathways are cleared and lit.


Do you have motion-detection lighting? Make sure those are set to continuous lighting. It can be jarring for a buyer to be hit with an unexpected beam of bright light when walking to your door.


Also, check the brightness of exterior lights. If they are bordering on blinding, replace the bulbs with lower-wattage options. Inside the home, keep curtains and other window coverings open. Although it may be dark outside, an unobstructed window will help make the room seem more inviting and spacious.


Turn on your full lighting system in the backyard. Make that outdoor space enticing for buyers to check out. 


If you have dark areas in your home, such as a basement room or walk-in closet, explore ways to light it better. 


Overall, you want the lighting to help buyers see and appreciate the best qualities of your property. 


Want more advice on selling your home? Call us today.

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This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.