On January 4, 2024, Ottawa MLS® ended the year on a stable note, showcasing 565 homes sold in December 2023 via the Ottawa Real Estate Board's MLS® System, marking a 7.6% rise from the prior December. However, this fell 16% below the five-year average and 11.9% below the ten-year average for December sales. Overall, 11,978 homes were sold in 2023, indicating an 11.0% decline from 2022.

OREB President Curtis Fillier noted the market's steadiness, suggesting a potential return of consumer confidence, likely influenced by anticipated rate stabilization in the latter half of 2024. While acknowledging the challenges faced, Past-President Ken Dekker expressed optimism, foreseeing Ottawa's market recovery and advising patience to both buyers and sellers.

In terms of prices, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) reflected a modest 2.7% increase in the composite benchmark price to $623,900 in December 2023 compared to the previous year. Single-family homes reached a benchmark price of $704,900 (up 2.7%), townhouse/row units were at $481,100 (up 4.2%), and apartments were $417,200 (up 2.1%) on a year-over-year basis.

The average price of homes sold in December 2023 stood at $632,487, up 1.7% from December 2022, while the year-to-date average price experienced a 5.5% decline from 2022 at $667,794. December's total home sales reached a value of $357.3 million, showing a 9.4% increase from the same period in 2022.

However, caution was advised regarding the use of average sale prices as indicators of specific property values, as these figures can vary significantly by neighborhood.

Regarding inventory and new listings, December 2023 saw a notable 12.4% decrease in new listings (523 in total), with active residential listings increasing by 3.0% to 1,844 units. Despite this rise, active listings were considerably above the five-year average (55.5%) and slightly below the ten-year average (17.2%) for December.

The months of inventory reduced slightly to 3.3 by the end of December 2023, compared to 3.4 in December 2022, indicating the time it would take to sell the current inventory at the existing rate of sales.

In terms of leadership changes, a new Board of Directors was elected in December to represent Ottawa's 4,000 REALTORS® for 2024, with Curtis Fillier as President, Ken Dekker as Past-President, Paul Czan as President-Elect, and Tami Eades as Vice-President, alongside several other directors. Curtis Fillier, OREB's first openly gay President, brings a wealth of experience from the accounting and tax advisory field and corporate sector.

Furthermore, Janice Myers transitioned from her role as OREB's Chief Executive Officer to lead the Canadian Real Estate Association as CEO from January 2, 2024. Cherie Kirkby, OREB's Director of Corporate Services, is stepping in as interim CEO while the search for a permanent replacement is underway.

In the wake of several turbulent years, Canada’s housing market might finally stabilize in the coming year, showing signs of a return to more conventional activity and pricing patterns. Projections suggest that the Bank of Canada will likely reduce its overnight lending rate in the latter part of 2024. This move is expected to reignite interest among sidelined buyers, who are adapting to the current lending landscape. Additionally, the formation of new households and the influx of newcomers to Canada are poised to further push prices upward.

Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage, expressed, “Looking ahead, we see 2024 as a critical turning point for the national economy, with many Canadians acknowledging the end of the ultra-low interest rate era. The adjustment to manageable borrowing costs in the mid-single-digit range will strongly influence our collective mindset, especially with the modest rate cuts anticipated from the Bank of Canada.”

As per the Royal LePage 2024 Market Survey Forecast, the aggregate home price in Canada is projected to rise by 5.5% year over year, reaching $843,684 in the fourth quarter of 2024. The median price for a single-family detached property is expected to climb by 6.0% to $879,164, while condominiums are forecasted to see a 5.0% increase, reaching $616,140.

Royal LePage's forecast hinges on the assumption that the Bank of Canada has completed its interest rate hike cycle and that the key lending rate will remain stable at five percent through the initial half of 2024. The anticipation is for the central bank to initiate modest rate cuts by late summer or fall. Concurrently, several major financial institutions have already begun offering discounts on fixed-rate mortgages.

Soper reflected on the housing market’s recent tumultuous journey, stating, “Canada's real estate market has undergone a roller coaster ride over the past four years. The global pandemic initially halted market activity in early 2020, but a subsequent surge in demand and price appreciation followed as Canadians sought safety and larger living spaces amidst global uncertainty.” He continued, “By spring 2022, home prices had soared to unprecedented levels. However, the swift and steep rise in interest rates to combat inflation triggered an extended market correction.”

The expectation is for a gradual adjustment in markets, with a move toward more typical home sale transaction levels in 2024 and a subsequent trend of appreciating house prices as the year progresses. Nationally, modest quarterly gains in home prices are foreseen for the first two quarters of 2024, with more pronounced increases expected in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the anticipated commencement of interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada.

Nationally, median house price forecast to rise 2.9% in 2024 as interest rates are expected to stabilize or moderate

The winter housing market in Canada's recreational areas has shown a decline in activity compared to the peak seen during the pandemic. Fewer buyers are making purchases, and there's a slight increase in available properties. This slowdown is attributed to concerns about higher interest rates and increased living costs. Despite these factors, property prices in these coveted winter destinations are anticipated to experience a slight rise, with borrowing rates expected to either stabilize or slightly decrease in the coming year.

The Royal LePage 2023 Winter Recreational Property Report forecasts a 2.9% increase in the median price of single-family detached homes in Canada's ski regions over the next 12 months, reaching $1,099,661. This projection is based on the assumption of stable interest rates or a modest decline extending through 2024.

Pauline Aunger, the broker of record at Royal LePage Advantage Real Estate, notes, "Recreational house prices in Canada’s popular ski regions are expected to remain stable in the year ahead. While demand has weakened and supply has increased compared to the pandemic-fueled boom, market activity is trending back to normal historical levels."

Despite a modest decline in home prices in ski regions since the beginning of 2023 due to softened buyer demand, the decrease hasn't been substantial. Factors contributing to this decline include higher interest rates, increased living expenses, and economic uncertainty.

Aunger emphasizes, "Although recreational real estate markets vary greatly from one region to the next, activity on the whole in Canada’s winter recreational communities has noticeably slowed. Annual sales are down in most regions and inventory has climbed modestly as the market continues to regain balance. This has not, however, translated to steep price declines in a majority of markets."

The report highlights that despite a decline in buyer demand due to environmental factors like wildfires, and an increase in available properties caused by rising interest rates, certain regions like Quebec's Mont Sutton and B.C.'s Mount Washington/Comox Valley have seen substantial median price gains in the single-family detached segment.

In addition, Mont Sainte-Anne in Quebec recorded a significant 83.4% increase in year-over-year median condominium prices due to a variety of property styles, price points, and limited inventory.

Highlights from the national release:

24% of Royal LePage recreational property market experts reported a decline in buyer demand this year as a result of climate factors or environmental disasters, following unprecedented wildfire season

41% of experts reported an increase in inventory as a direct result of rising interest rates

Quebec’s Mont Sutton and B.C.’s Mount Washington/Comox Valley regions recorded highest median price gain in single-family detached segment, increasing 27.3% and 26.5% respectively, year over year

Mont Sainte-Anne in Quebec recorded an 83.4% increase in year-over-year median condominium price; sharp gains reflect wide range in property styles and price points, and scarcity of inventory

Read Royal LePage’s 2023 Winter Recreational Property Report for national and regional insights.

Highlights from the national release:

• 24% of Royal LePage recreational property market experts reported a decline in buyer demand this year as a result of climate factors or environmental disasters, following unprecedented wildfire season

• 41% of experts reported an increase in inventory as a direct result of rising interest rates

• Quebec’s Mont Sutton and B.C.’s Mount Washington/Comox Valley regions recorded highest median price gain in single-family detached segment, increasing 27.3% and 26.5% respectively, year over year

• Mont Sainte-Anne in Quebec recorded an 83.4% increase in year-over-year median condominium price; sharp gains reflect wide range in property styles and price points, and scarcity of inventory

In November 2023, the Ottawa Real Estate Board reported 724 homes sold via the MLS® System, showing a slight dip of 1.6% from the same period in 2022. This trend continued with home sales 31.8% under the five-year average and 27.4% below the 10-year average for November.

Throughout the year, a total of 11,421 homes were sold, marking an 11.7% decrease from the previous year's figures.

By the Numbers – Prices:

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures.

• The overall MLS® HPI composite benchmark price was $628,900 in November 2023, nearly unchanged, up only 1.4% from November 2022.

  1. The benchmark price for single-family homes was $708,900, up 1.6% on a year-over-year.

  2. By comparison, the benchmark price for a townhouse was $492,300, nearly unchanged, up 0.8% compared to a year earlier.

  3. The benchmark apartment price was $424,300, up 1.2% from year-ago levels.

• The average price of homes sold in November 2023 was $633,138, decreasing 0.8% from November 2022. The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $669,536, a decline of 5.7% from 11 months of 2022.

• The dollar value of all home sales in November 2023 was $458.4 million, down 2.4% from the same month in 2022.

OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• The number of new listings saw an increase of 2.7% from November 2022. There were 1,428 new residential listings in November 2023. New listings were 8.4% above the five-year average and 10.4% above the 10-year average for the month of November.

• Active residential listings numbered 2,752 units on the market at the end of November, a gain of 15.8% from the end of November 2022.

• Active listings were 53.9% above the five-year average and 6.7% below the 10-year average for the month of November.

• Months of inventory numbered 3.8 at the end of November 2023, up from the 3.2 months recorded at the end of November 2022. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

Outdoor living spaces have become the new heartbeat of homes — even in the winter. They now serve as an extension of the indoors, a place where homeowners can dine, entertain, and relax. So, it’s smart to emphasize the outdoor living potential of your home when you list.

Your garden is the first outdoor element potential buyers see. Well-maintained, colourful plants can make a fantastic first impression, so keep the garden lush and appealing. Include a variety of perennial and annual plants that bloom at different times in the season. Consider planting in containers or raised beds for easy maintenance, and use garden ornaments sparingly to keep the focus on the natural beauty of the space.

Next, your patio or deck can act as an outdoor living room. Consider staging it to make it look that way. Highlight any attractive, weather-resistant furniture you have. String lights or solar lanterns add a touch of warmth and make the space usable even after the sun sets.

And don’t forget about your barbecue or outdoor kitchen. A well-equipped, clean, and functional outdoor cooking area can be a big draw. Ensure grills, burners, and other cooking appliances are in good condition.

Finally, remember that not all outdoor spaces need to be elaborate. Sometimes, simple lawn chairs or a modest patio set can add to the appeal. The key is to make the outdoor space inviting, no matter how small it is.

One last tip: If you plan to list during winter, ensure you have pictures of your outdoor space during good weather, ideally in summer. Those will be a helpful addition to the listing materials. 

Painting your home, especially the main floor, is the most affordable way to make your listing look great to buyers. But what paint colours should you choose?

Here are a few tips.

When it comes to selecting a palette, neutrality reigns supreme. Bright, eccentric colours may reflect your personality, but remember, you're trying to appeal to a wide array of potential buyers. Neutral colours like whites, greys, and beiges are not only safe but also allow buyers to envision their own furniture and decor in the space.

However, don't think of neutral as boring. Many subtle shades can add depth and character to a room. For example, a soft grey with a hint of blue can make a space feel serene and relaxing, and is ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms.

The living room and kitchen are often social hubs of a home, and warmer neutrals can make these spaces feel welcoming. Shades like taupe or a creamy off-white can make these areas inviting yet versatile.

Lastly, remember to take lighting into account. The way a colour appears can dramatically change under different lighting conditions. Always test paint samples under various light conditions before committing.

Check out the 2024 paint colour & decor trends here!

Here are the Top Paint Colour Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2024

It’s official: a fresh assortment of hues have arrived to ring in the year ahead. From warm corals to deep greens and rich yellows, these paint colours will be adorning interior walls everywhere in 2024. So, get out your brushes and rollers and paint the rainbow.

Into the Deep

Meet Behr’s 2024 Colour of The Year — Cracked Pepper. Bold and luxurious, yet warm and inviting, this high-impact hue is surprising versatile. When thoughtfully employed, it can conform to any interior space or design style.

Moody Blues

Calm and clear, this moody blue paint colour pulls its hues from the world around us. Look for a deep, dreamy blue that reminds you of the sky at dusk or the depths of the ocean. (Yep, we’re getting poetic over here.

Meet Sherwin Williams 2024 Colour of The Year — Upward. A breezy, blissful blue. The color found when we slow down, take a breath, and allow the mind to clear. Relaxed + Carefree. A sunny-day shade for spaces brimming with positive energy, creative thinking, and total contentment.

Bet on Brown

Yep, we’re going to say it: brown is the new black. A deep, rich brown paint colour gives a similar sophisticated feel as black paint — but with warmth.

Yep, we’re going to say it: brown is the new black. A deep, rich brown paint colour gives a similar sophisticated feel as black paint — but with warmth.

Organic Textures

In 2024, one painting trend we’re going to see is the rise of organic, textured walls — either by adding plaster and painting or letting the original underneath material shine through. Here, we can still see the grain of the shiplap ceiling and the peaks and troughs of the brick.

Dark(er) Materials

Neutrals are always going to have their place in the pantheon of paint colours, but for 2024, we expect that they’re going dark.

Think Pink

Think pink will be passé next year? Think again. In 2024, this paint colour will be everywhere. Mauve, salmon and coral have long been desirable accent colours, but now they’re taking centre stage as the stars of the show.

Nature’s Pastels

Pulling inspiration from those quiet spots found in nature, this paint-colour trend is all about tranquility. Watery blues, soft sages and warm sunshine, these soft, milky pastels help create a space that prioritizes serenity.

Green Dreams

As an on-trend paint colour, green’s star has been on the rise. But in 2024, we predict it’s going to hit new (vibrant) heights… with an injection of yellow. Green citrine and pear, these bold yellowy greens are fresh and fun — something we’re all craving right now!

Berry Compote

Even if you don’t have your own berry patch, with this rich-raspberry paint trend you can still enjoy the fruits of your labour. Easy to pair with wood tones, creams and browns.

Sunbaked Beauties

With a blend of creamy terracotta, saffron and dried citrus fruits, this on-trend paint palette exudes warmth and wellness. For the ideal base colour for this sunbaked look.

Emerald Empire

Emerald green, with its bold, saturated tones, is right on track to be the latest green to rule the decor scene. Tranquil and luxurious, this gem-inspired green is a great choice for an accent wall or creating depth in a smaller space.

Even More Yellow

We’re all hoping for sunnier days ahead, and no colour is more optimistic than yellow. With bold gold, sunshine yellow and butter beige all being trending paint colour options for our interior walls, the future is bright.

There you have it! As we prepare to embrace the coming year, the canvas of interior design awaits its colourful transformation. With an eclectic palette ranging from bold, daring hues to soothing, nature-inspired tones, 2024 promises an artistic celebration of diversity and expression within our living spaces. Whether you're drawn to the depths of moody blues, the warmth of organic textures, or the vibrant optimism of yellows, this year's paint trends offer a spectrum of possibilities. So, pick up those brushes, let your imagination flow, and paint a vibrant narrative that reflects the essence of the times within the walls of your home. Here's to a year filled with colour, creativity, and the endless possibilities that await in the world of interior design.

Source: SherwinWilliams.ca, HDTV.ca, Behr.ca

What does it mean for the average Canadian?

Canada recently released its 2023 Fall Economic Statement, emphasizing strategies to tackle housing challenges within the country. The initiatives unveiled aim to address housing affordability, support prospective homebuyers, and stimulate the creation of more rental units.

The Canadian Mortgage Charter acknowledges the financial strain faced by variable-rate mortgage holders due to rising interest rates. To assist borrowers, financial institutions will offer relief measures, including temporary mortgage amortization extensions, waived fees, and eliminating the stress test requirement for insured mortgage holders switching lenders at renewal. Homeowners will also receive proactive communication about their financial options in advance of their mortgage renewal.

Funding for Affordable Housing is a significant focus, with billions allocated to create over 7,000 new homes by 2028. Non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and public housing providers will receive additional funds over three years through the Affordable Housing Fund. Nearly $310 million will support the Co-operative Housing Development Program.

Incentives for Apartment Builders aim to boost rental housing construction. Starting in 2025-2026, an additional $15 billion in financing will be available through the Apartment Construction Loan Program. This significant investment targets the creation of over 30,000 new homes across Canada, contributing to the goal of 101,000 new homes by 2031-2032.

Tax Measures for Short-Term Rentals seek to alleviate pressure on long-term housing availability. Stricter regulations will be enforced, including $50 million in funding to support municipal enforcement against short-term rentals. Additionally, income tax deductions for short-term rental-related expenses will be denied in regions where such rentals are banned or for operators not compliant with licensing requirements.

These comprehensive initiatives are designed to reshape the housing landscape in Canada, striving to alleviate affordability concerns and increase housing availability nationwide. For further details, the full 2023 Fall Economic Statement can be accessed here.

Inflation, the economic indicator that measures the rate at which prices for goods and services rise, has been a key focal point for Canada's economic landscape. October's figures brought news of a notable decline in the country's inflation rate, marking a shift from previous months. Let's delve deeper into what these figures mean and how they might shape the economic trajectory moving forward.

Understanding the Numbers

In October, Canada witnessed a dip in its inflation rate, settling at 3.1%, a noticeable decrease from September's 3.8%. This decline was primarily attributed to the plummeting gas prices, showing a significant 7.8% drop compared to the same period last year. However, even with gas price fluctuations factored out, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) still increased by 3.6%, signaling ongoing inflationary pressures.

Factors Driving Inflation

While gas prices were the primary driver for the slowdown in inflation, other sectors continued to contribute to the upward trend. Housing costs, especially mortgage interest and rent, continued their upward trajectory, maintaining a stronghold on year-over-year price growth. In October, rent costs surged by 8.2%, showcasing an acceleration from the previous month's 7.3%. Notably, provinces like Nova Scotia witnessed double-digit rent increases, while Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec recorded yearly rent hikes of just under 10%.

Additionally, grocery prices continued their upward climb, adding to the overall inflationary pressure. Services also experienced a surge, rising by 4.6% in October, primarily attributed to increased charges in travel tours, property taxes, and other special services.

Bank of Canada's Response

The Bank of Canada, in response to the inflation surge seen in 2022, initiated a series of interest rate hikes aimed at curbing annual price growth. In June of that year, inflation soared to an alarming 8.1%, prompting aggressive actions from the central bank. However, recent announcements suggest a pause in further rate hikes, signaling a belief that the economy is slowing down sufficiently to warrant no immediate action.

Claire Fan, an economist at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), noted that the latest inflation figures may indicate a different trajectory. She stated that ongoing signs of weakening consumer spending and labor market conditions support the outlook for inflation to continue moderating in the coming quarters. Fan's prediction aligns with the belief that the Bank of Canada might have concluded its rate-hiking cycle, potentially moving towards rate cuts in the latter half of 2024.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the year-end, all eyes are on the Bank of Canada's final interest rate announcement scheduled for December 6 and the subsequent CPI data release by StatCan on December 19. These upcoming milestones will provide further insights into Canada's economic trajectory and the potential policy moves by the central bank.

Navigating inflationary pressures requires a delicate balance between spurring economic growth and ensuring stable prices. The coming months will be crucial in understanding how Canada's economic policies might evolve to address inflation while maintaining a healthy economy.

Stay tuned for updates on Canada's economic landscape as we continue to monitor these significant developments! 🇨🇦💸 #EconomicInsights #BankofCanada #InflationTrends

5 important terms in your purchase and sale agreement that you should know

Purchasing a home is an exhilarating yet potentially overwhelming experience, as it involves navigating a web of legal documentation, financial intricacies, and administrative procedures. Throughout this process, you're likely to encounter terminology that may seem perplexing. To help ease your journey into homeownership, we've compiled a list of five crucial terms that every prospective buyer should familiarize themselves with. Please bear in mind that the terminology and practices related to purchase and sale agreements may vary depending on your region.

Closing Date (or Completion Date): The closing date marks the official transfer of property ownership to the buyer and signifies the completion of all necessary legal and financial aspects of the transaction. Typically occurring a few days before the closing date, the buyer signs essential documents, such as the mortgage loan and property title papers, and provides the required funds for the remaining down payment and closing costs. Often, the closing date aligns with the possession date, which is when the new owner receives the keys to their new home.

Deposit: When submitting an offer, buyers include a deposit, usually a percentage of the total property purchase price. While the standard deposit amount is approximately 5% in many markets, this can vary depending on local conditions. The deposit demonstrates the buyer's genuine intention to make the purchase and is handed over to the seller's real estate brokerage upon offer acceptance. It is held in trust until the closing date and is applied to the total purchase price.

Irrevocable Date and Time: When making an offer to purchase a property, there is a limited timeframe during which the offer remains valid. This period is referred to as the irrevocable date and time. By this specific date and time, both the buyer and the seller must either accept or decline the offer; otherwise, it becomes null and void. The duration of the irrevocable period can vary depending on the urgency of the transaction and the time needed for the parties to review the offer's contents, ranging from a few hours to 48-72 hours from the time of offer submission.

Chattels and Fixtures: To determine what is included in the sale of a home, including items like curtain rods, kitchen appliances, or garage door openers, refer to the chattels and fixtures section of the purchase and sale agreement. Chattels are removable items, such as curtains, kitchen appliances, and the washer and dryer. Fixtures are permanently attached to the property, such as built-in appliances, cabinets, security systems, or built-in dishwashers. When drafting an offer, it's crucial to specify which items you want included in the sale, as it's assumed that the previous owner will take any chattels unless stated otherwise. Sellers should also clarify what items are not included in their home's listing description to avoid disputes.

Clauses and Conditions: Each purchase and sale agreement includes a set of assurances that the buyer and seller sign off on, known as clauses. These clauses are important but typically not deal-breakers if unfulfilled. For example, a clause may state that the seller must leave the property in a clean condition upon vacating or confirm that the appliances are in working order. In contrast, conditions are optional clauses that must be satisfied within a specified timeframe for the home sale to proceed. For instance, a sale can be contingent upon a professional inspection of the property within five business days of offer acceptance. It's advisable to review any unfamiliar terminology in your purchase agreement with your sales representative to ensure a smooth transaction.

These key terms are your roadmap to a smoother home-buying experience, ensuring you make informed decisions throughout the process. However, the intricacies of real estate transactions can vary from one location to another, so don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted real estate professional in your area for personalized guidance.

Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, it's time to embark on your home-buying journey with confidence. Start by reviewing your local real estate market, connecting with a qualified agent, and exploring potential properties. Remember, your dream home may be just around the corner!

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to get in touch with us to guide you through the specifics of your unique home-buying journey. Happy house hunting!

Many homeowners take great pride in their lush lawns and blooming flower beds, but the harsh Canadian winters can quickly undo the hard work invested in nurturing and maintaining outdoor spaces during the summer months. To ensure your backyard gets off to a good start when spring arrives, a bit of preparation before the snow arrives can make all the difference. This blog will guide you through some essential winterization tips.

Caring for Your Annuals and Perennials

When it comes to winterizing your garden beds, it's time to show some love to your plants and flowers. Start by removing any annuals, which are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season, such as sunflowers, tomatoes, and various types of lettuce. Removing annuals will clear your beds of lingering bacteria and prevent potential pests or diseases from building up over the winter.

For your perennial plants, provide them with a healthy trim back and a final watering before the season's end. Perennials with large, dense roots can be cut and divided into smaller plants to encourage better regrowth in the spring.

Delicate plants, like succulents or potted bulbs, should be brought indoors to safeguard them from frost damage. For shrubs or plants that can't be moved inside, cover them with landscape fabric or burlap to shield them from harsh winter conditions.

Taking Care of Your Soil

Just as your plants need care, your soil also requires attention before winter sets in. Remove any weeds, dead plant debris, and buried root vegetables from your soil before the first hard frost. Spread mulch over your soil and around the base of trees to create a protective layer against frost and maintain consistent moisture and temperature levels for your plants. While cleaning up your soil, consider planting bulbs for the following spring, such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils.

Showing Your Lawn Some Tender Loving Care

Winter compacts the ground and makes it challenging for lawns to recover once the thaw arrives. Help your lawn by aerating it in the fall to loosen the soil and improve drainage. Instead of raking all the tree leaves off your lawn, leave a layer of shredded leaves on top by cutting your grass a bit longer, around two to three inches high. Mowing the leaves into tiny pieces allows your lawn's soil to absorb nutrients from the fallen debris more efficiently while still allowing light and moisture through. In low-traffic areas where your lawn is patchy and damaged, overseed in early fall for the best results in spring.

Adding a Nutrient Boost

As your garden prepares for hibernation, consider giving your outdoor greens some much-needed nourishment. If you have a compost bin, sprinkle this material on your flower beds to help them replenish their nutrients post-winter, and top up your bin with any leaves, grass clippings, or debris from your winterization clean-up. You can also provide your lawn with a final dose of sustenance using a winter grass fertilizer that contains nitrogen and potash.

Don't let all those fallen leaves end up in paper bags. Instead, add mulched leaves to your perennial flower beds and vegetable gardens as an insulating layer and a source of valuable nutrients for the soil. By following these winterization tips, you can ensure your outdoor spaces are well-prepared for the challenges of the Canadian winter, allowing them to thrive when spring arrives.

In October 2023, the Ottawa Real Estate market saw a total of 816 homes sold through the MLS® System, showing a slight 2.7% dip from the same month last year. 📉 Home sales for the month were 36.4% below the five-year average and 30.8% below the 10-year average, painting a picture of a slow decline in sales activity.

Year-to-date figures reveal a substantial 12.3% decline in home sales, totalling 10,700 units over the first 10 months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. 💼

📊 By the Numbers – Prices:

• MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) indicates a benchmark price of $638,600 in October 2023, up 1.8% from the previous year.

• Average home price in October 2023 was $660,836, a 2.9% increase from October 2022.

• The overall HPI composite benchmark price remained nearly unchanged at $638,600, showing a modest 1.8% increase from October 2022.

🏠 Inventory & New Listings:

• New residential listings increased by 6.6% from October 2022, with 1,895 new listings in October 2023.

• Active residential listings surged to 3,062 units at the end of October, a notable 16.7% gain from October 2022.

• Months of inventory slightly increased to 3.8 at the end of October 2023, up from 3.1 recorded in October 2022.

While prices are adjusting and sales are seeing a slow decline, the market remains dynamic. Buyers, take note - now is your prime time! Contact us today! 🏠💼