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THE COST OF LIVING IN OTTAWA, ONTARIO

Categories: Real Estate In 2024

The Price You’ll Pay To Live In The Capital of Canada

Are you considering moving to our beautiful city of Ottawa? Do you need to be reminded why you have chosen to live here? If so, you may want to know more about the living expenses in this picturesque city of Ontario.

Its somewhat a matter of perspective, but different provinces can vary significantly when it comes to the cost of living. Lifestyle and expectations vary between people and depend so there are a variety of factors such as income and personal preferences that affect an individuals cost of living.

Canada is the 25th most expensive country to live in across the globe. British Columbia and Ontario have the highest costs of all the provinces which is largely driven by rent or housing costs.

Ottawa ranks at #8 for the most expensive cities within Canada. This can still be considered an affordable city to live in. Of course estimates of costs based on data may have some inconsistencies, but they do provide some basic understanding. There are several reasons why it might be more expensive to live in Ottawa, Ontario than in other parts of Canada.

  • High demand for housing as Ottawa is a popular city to live in being the Capital of Canada.
  • High cost of construction. The cost of building new homes and apartments in Ottawa is higher than in some other parts of Canada due to the high cost of labor, materials and permits.
  • Provincial taxes are higher than some other provinces within Canada.
  • Tourism is a major industry in Ottawa and the influx of visitors during peak seasons can drive up the cost of goods and services.

Expenses such as transportation, groceries, entertainment are all similar to other cities in Canada. Take a closer look at what the average costs are for the basic living expenses below.

WHETHER YOU’RE RENTING OR BUYING, THE FOLLOWING EXPENSES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED:

Housing:

The average cost for a one bedroom apartment in the city centre of Ottawa is $2,069 per month.

The benchmark price for purchasing a condo apartment is $429,000.

The composite benchmark price for purchasing a home including apartments, townhouses and single family homes is $628,500. The median price often gives a more accurate sense of the market representing the midpoint which is $617,000.

The lowest mortgage rates average 4.54% in a 5 year fixed.

Utilities:

The cost of utilities varies depending on the size of the home, the number of people living in the house and usage.

Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Garbage, Sewer and Water costs for a Single Occupant in an apartment average a monthly cost of $264.

Heating is dependant on what source you are using and personal preferences.  In Ottawa, most homes are heated by natural gas or electricity.

Electricity bills vary widely based on factors such as size of home, number of people, appliances used, energy efficient upgrades etc. Hydro Ottawa offers various programs and rebates to help the consumers reduce their electricity bills. They also offer a breakdown of their rate charges on their website. 

Click on the image below to view

Internet:

Bell and Rogers are the most common internet providers in Ottawa.  They both have basic plans that start at approximately $80 monthly. 

Transportation:

Ottawa has an excellent public transportation system with multiple options available. Monthly public transport cost using the basic bus service is $129, where as vehicle and gas prices vary dramatically.

The average monthly cost for a driver is $624. 

You can learn more about the current fares for OC Transpo at the link below.

Click on the image below to view


Monthly Grocery Costs:

There are a wide range of food resources within the city. The cost of groceries in Ottawa is similar to other Canadian cities. The monthly grocery costs vary depending on the size of your family. 

The estimated monthly grocery costs for a single person is $300 per month while a family of four is $1,200 per month. This may seem low to many people currently but these are the statistics available.

Insurance:

Home insurance is another cost to consider whether you are renting and just paying for content coverage or you own and are covering replacement value. The city has one of the highest median insurance premiums in the country.

Income:

The average salary is approximately $72K annually. The median household income in Ottawa is $100K annually after tax. Minimum wage in Ontario is currently $16.55 per hour.

Salaries depend on industry and position. Some of the top-paying sectors in Ottawa are; healthcare, technology and professional services.

Costs to Consider when Purchasing A Home in Ottawa:

Moving Expenses:

Moving to Ottawa can be an expensive endeavor. Here is an itemized list of some of the moving expenses you can expect.

Moving Company:  Depending on the distance and size of your move, a moving company can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

Rental Truck:  Renting a moving truck can cost around $50-$100 per day, depending on the size of the truck.

Packing Supplies:  Boxes, tape, and other packing supplies can cost anywhere from $50-$200.
Insurance: If you are moving valuable items, you may want to consider purchasing insurance, which can cost around $200-$500.

Lawyer Fees:

The average ballpark figure for a ‘Purchase’ with a mortgage including taxes and disbursements (land title fees, bank fees, courier charges, trust charges, search fees, software user costs) would be approximately $2,000. Title insurance is an additional fee which typically ranges from $200-$600.

For a ‘Sale’ with on mortgage discharge including all disbursements and fees, the cost is approximately $1,500.

Applicable Taxes:

 Land transfer tax applies to all taxable transactions upon closing. It is normally based on the price paid for the property.

Speculation Tax is a 25% tax on the purchase of properties by non citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

You can find out further details by clicking on the Ontario Government logo below. 


Still interested in moving to Ottawa? Here are some handy ‘local’ links to help you with your move…

WE HAVE CREATED A LIST OF LOCAL ‘SERVICE PROVIDERS’ IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS OF YOUR MOVE.  FEEL FREE TO GIVE US SOME SUGGESTIONS OF OTHER SERVICES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO THIS LIST!  
Click on the image below to view

 

Sources: Statistics Canada, City of Ottawa, Numbeo

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YOUR PROPERTY ASSESSMENT & TAXES

Categories: Real Estate In 2024

The Property Tax Process In Ottawa

The Ontario Government establishes the provinces assessment and taxation laws and from there, determines the education tax rates.
Your property assessment and property taxes are not the same.

MPAC determines the value of properties each year and sends an assessment notice with this info to the property owners in . Tax authorities then apply a tax rate to the value accordingly and send the owners a tax notice in the Spring. An increase/decrease in your assessment doesn’t necessarily mean an increase/decrease in your property taxes.

The valuation of a property is subject to checks and balances in the form of legislated review and appeal procedures. If you should disagree with your assessment, you can visit the link About My Property and if need be, file a Request for Reconsideration.

Property owners will receive two bills each year, an interim bill which represents 50% of the previous year’s tax bill and a final bill which represents the balance of the year’s taxes. Interim property tax bills are mailed out mid February. The bills are available online at ‘My Service Ottawa’. Payment is due mid March. Final property tax bills are mailed out in May with payments due mid June. To make a payment online, you can login to your account at the link below.

Click on the logo below

Assessed Values:

MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) is responsible for assessing and classifying more than five million properties in Ontario. The property assessments they provide are what municipalities use to base the property taxes needed to pay for community services. Municipalities determine revenue requirements, set municipal rates and collect property taxes to pay for municipal services. Property owners pay property taxes that pay for services in the community and pay education taxes that help fund elementary and secondary schools in Ontario.

You can find a wealth of knowledge pertaining to your property assessement by visiting the MPAC website. There is an informative YouTube video at the top of the page explaining How Your Property Tax Is Calculated.

Click on the logo below

Valuation Date:
The Ontario Government sets a new valuation every four years. MPAC then reassesses every property based on the new date. In 2020, the government postponed the 2020 reassessment because of the pandemic, so the last province wide reassessment happened in 2016.

How Does Your Assessment Determine Your Value?

  • location of the home
  • size of the home
  • size of the lot
  • age of the home
  • miscellaneous features
  • comparable sales prices

Information is collected through a comprehensive approach from a variety of sources for accuracy such as: building permits, land titles office, real estate transactions, property owner initiated updates, request sent to property owners, visits to properties, aerial and street front imagery.

The value of your property may have changed if you have:

  • renovated recently
  • added any new out-buildings to your property
  • completed any additions to your home
  • finished the basement and/or a secondary suite

Market Values:

Assessed value should be the same as market value, but it seldom is.  Tax assessors are basing their values on previous years so it may not align with a rapidly changing market.

Market Value is always changing based on supply and demand. Its important to remember that market value isn’t based on what you will pay or what you value but rather what the buying population is willing to pay.

There are a combination of factors that can determine market value

Comparable Sales (Comps): One of the primary methods used to determine market value is by looking at recent sales of similar properties in the same area. These comparable sales help to establish a baseline value for similar properties.
Location: The location of a property plays a significant role in determining its market value. Factors such as proximity to schools, amenities, transportation hubs, and neighborhood desirability can all affect the value of a property.
Property Characteristics: The size, condition, age, and features of a property also influence its market value. Properties with more bedrooms, bathrooms, and upgrades tend to command higher prices.
Current Market Conditions: Supply and demand dynamics, economic conditions, interest rates, and other market factors can impact the market value of real estate. In a seller’s market where demand exceeds supply, prices tend to be higher, while in a buyer’s market, prices may be lower.
Appraisal: Lenders often require an appraisal to determine the market value of a property before approving a mortgage loan. Appraisers consider factors such as comparable sales, property condition, and market conditions to determine the appraised value.
Investor Perception: Market value can also be influenced by investor perception and market sentiment. Investors may be willing to pay more for a property if they believe it has the potential for future appreciation or if they perceive it to be undervalued.
Zoning and Regulations: Zoning laws, building regulations, and other legal restrictions can impact the value of a property by affecting its potential use and development.


Overall, market value in real estate is a fluid concept influenced by a variety of factors and is often determined through a combination of objective analysis and subjective judgment.

As a seasoned Realtor® I combine personal first hand knowledge of properties in your area, with the market analysis data from the MLS® to compare your property with similar properties that have recently sold. I have years of experience and expertise sided with a solid understanding of the current market conditions and trends which I use to establish the current market value of your home.

If you are thinking of selling, please reach out to me directly to determine the market value of your property at the contact info below.

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Selling With Shauna

Categories: Real Estate In 2024

THE PROCESS OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY

In the dynamic realm of real estate, successfully selling a property demands a strategic and thorough approach. As a committed professional in my field, my aim is to deliver unparalleled services to my clients, ensuring a smooth and prosperous selling journey. Here’s a glimpse into the exceptional real estate services I provide to those interested in listing their property with me.


Strategic Pricing Evaluation:

Every property is unique and setting the correct price is essential for attracting potential buyers and optimizing returns. Numerous factors influence the listing price, including the current condition and age of the property, its location’s topography and access to amenities. Given this diversity, I conduct a comprehensive analysis of the market taking into consideration the comparable properties, recent sales and current market trends. This ensures that your property is competitively and fairly priced for a timely and profitable sale.

Professional Staging and Presentation:

First impressions are crucial! Staging a home to sell is an essential strategy in the real estate industry and offers a myriad of benefits. Staging helps transform a property into an appealing and inviting space by strategically arranging furniture, decor and accessories to showcase the home while emphasizing its best features.

Staged homes photograph beautifully, resulting in eye-catching listing photos and virtual tours. This attracts more attention from prospective buyers browsing online listings and increases the likelihood of scheduling viewings. Staged homes typically sell faster.

As an seasoned Realtor that goes the extra mile in the presentation of my listings, I have a personal storage unit equipped to furnish a four bedroom home. 
This service is included with no additional fees!

Thorough Marketing Approach:

Utilizing a blend of traditional and digital marketing platforms, I develop customized campaigns to amplify the visibility of your property. Each listing is enhanced with a dedicated web page featuring a professional photography & virtual tour, floorplans (if required), digital/printable brochures, strategic online & social media presence and quality signage.Your home will garner the attention it merits reaching a broad spectrum of potential buyers.

Guidance & Negotiation:

Dealing with the intricacies of real estate transactions can be daunting. I offer continuous support and direction throughout the selling process, starting from the initial listing phase to negotiations and eventual closure. My objective is to streamline the experience, ensuring you remain well-informed and empowered throughout.

Negotiation is a skillful endeavor and I bring a wealth of experience to the table. Advocating on your behalf, I strive to secure the most favorable terms and conditions for the sale of your property. Whether it’s negotiating price or contingencies, my focus remains on maximizing your return on investment.

Open House Events:

Today, many buyers independently browse homes and attend Open House events. These occasions serve as a platform to showcase your property, providing potential buyers with an immersive experience to envision themselves within the space. This often translates into faster and more advantageous offers.

The decision to host Open Houses is entirely at the discretion of my sellers.

Efficient Administration:

For a seamless closing process, I harness the power of cutting-edge transaction management tools. This involves orchestrating communication among all stakeholders, managing paperwork, and swiftly resolving any arising issues.

Additionally, I have the backing of a Licensed Assistant with more than two decades of real estate sales experience. Your confidence and piece of mind is my foremost concern.


FINAL THOUGHTS

Selling your property is a substantial endeavor and selecting the appropriate real estate professional can be pivotal. With a dedication to excellence, I provide an extensive range of services crafted to enhance your listing experience and attain the best possible outcomes.

Ready to list your home for sale? Lets embark on this journey together to transform your real estate aspirations into tangible achievements.


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ALL WRAPPED UP – 2023

Categories: HOMES SOLD-2023

SELLERS SOLDs

176 Grenfell Crescent, MLS#1324180  $999,000
Grenfell Glen-7504

125 Diamond Park Springs, MLS#1352281  $1,450,000
Arnprior-918

72 Gladecrest Court, MLS#1328642  $524,900
Leslie Park-7601

60 Burbank Street, MLS#1322089  $699,900
Grenfell Glen-7504

47 Gladecrest Court, MLS#1326192  $599,900
Leslie Park-7601

29 Brodeour Crescent, MLS#1327753 $878,000
Kanata-9002

19 Kimini Drive, MLS#1357650  $1,600,000
Stittsville-8207

16 Wendell Avenue, MLS#1341831  $1,249,900
Stittsville, Crossing Bridge-8202

10 Bradley Green Court, MLS#1362058 $164,900
Fringewood North -8211

2 John Sidney Crescent, MLS#1363131 $849,900
Stittsville South-6001

1661 Nightshade Place, MLS#1330684  $1,390,000
Greely-1601

7618 Settlers Way, MLS#1362387  $649,900
Rideau Country Estates-8008

332 Amiens Street, MLS#1339131 $549,900
Queenswood Heights-1102


BUYERS SOLDs

49 Brightside Avenue, MLS#1336437  $1,098,000
Stittsville South-8203

484 Athlone Ave.

927 Whippoorwill Lane, MLS#1335500  $775,000
Lanark Highlands-913

47 Claridge Drive, MLS#1357922  $699,900
Longfields-7706

95 Ida Street, MLS#1352527  $799,000
Jed Creek, Arnprior-550

47 Lemaistre Street, MLS#1333286 $549,900
Carleton Place-909

19 Ernie Godin Way, MLS#1353425  $784,900
Arnprior-550

73 Lillico Drive, MLS#1322995  $899,900
Hunt Club-4804

218 Herrick Drive, MLS#1335307 $424,900
Kinburn-9402

49 McGregor Scobie Crescent, MLS#1333149 $540,000
Arnprior-550

2177 Dublin Avenue, MLS#1358433 $689,900
Bel Air Park-5401

11 Brads Court, MLS#235052 $1,399,900
Stittsville South-8203

2511-1081 Ambleside Drive, MLS#1369537 $489,900
Ottawa Parkway – 6001

318-320 Miwate Private, MLS#1352108 $789,900
Mechanicsville-4201

Thank you again for another fantastic year!

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Don’t forget to change your address

Categories: Tips & Tricks

So you are moving… don’t forget to change your address! Here’s a handy list to help!

Have a great move!

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Moving Tips

Categories: Tips & Tricks

Preparing to move can be one of the most stressful things you can do. Here are some easy steps to help you get through your next move.

Prepare and plan

Planning and preparing is key to a smooth move. Creating a plan can help you keep on track to that move. Remember to add a little buffer time as packing can take a little longer than expected.

Tip: Don’t forget things like changing address on drivers licences, health cards and switching the utilities.

Declutter

This is a perfect time to declutter. Donate those things you haven’t used in years. Cleanse your wardrobe of clothes that don’t fit any longer.

Create some boxes for recycle, donate and trash. Doing this room by room will mean you wont be moving things you no longer need.

Hire a mover

You’ve got great friends right? Right! Moving is long and heavy work. At the very least hire movers to move the large heavy objects like appliances. Your friends will thank you.

Create a timeline

Create a timeline and stick to it. I know the sun is shining and the beach is calling, but moving day will come up fast. Having a timeline will help you stay on track to an easy move.

Set a budget

Moving boxes and supplies can add up and be an unforecasted cost. Take a moment to look at what you need and how much it will cost. Check kijiji for moving boxes, as often others moving will give them away. It will save you on your budget.

Start packing early

Start packing early. If you are moving in the summer, pack all your winter things. Anything you don’t need immediately, pack them up ahead of time..

The first night box.

As well as you prepare, a first night box will be helpful. Your first night box will have items such as toilet paper, paper plates, coffee maker, sheets and pillows. It’s enough to get you through the first night and the next morning.

Last but not least…Enjoy your new home! Your new memories await!

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Dinner party tips and tricks

Categories: Tips & Tricks

Hosting dinner parties are so much fun, but they can seem stressful, so preparation is key! Here are some tips when planning your next soiree.

Preparation is key.

As soon as you know you are going to host a party, start thinking about the guest list, the style of food and the overall atmosphere. If you are not used to hosting events, keep your first event small and then grow your events as you gain more confidence.

Send out any invitations well ahead of time so that you can get an accurate headcount of how many guests will be coming.

Simplify your menu.

When thinking about what food you will serve, keep it simple. Platters of food that can be prepared ahead of time making it simple to host. Try making ahead of time appetizers, salads, antipasto platters or small proportioned food. This way you spend most of your time with your guests and not in the kitchen.

Trying something new?

This is probably not the time to test out that new recipe you found on Pinterest, especially if this is your first time hosting. Go with a simple menu that you have made before and you know tastes great. This is less likely to result in a “pinterest fail”.

Enlist an extra set of hands.

Invite a friend over early to help with the setup and greet guests. Have a glass of wine while you set up and have some fun. It also takes the pressure off if you are nervous about your event.

Set the mood.

Lighting and music can make the party. Take some time to create a great playlist and get the lighting right. It will set the tone for your guests as they arrive.

Mingle and have fun!

The hard work is done and your guests are here. Now is the time to chat and enjoy your guest’s company.

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Moving with Moore

Categories: Tips & Tricks

My good friend Keith Moore suffers from MS. It is a life-changing disease and when we found out we were heartbroken for him and his young family. 

Keith is an inspiration and has such a positive attitude towards life. Although he has good and bad days, he focuses on the good and makes you realize when you have a bad day, it’s not so bad!  I am so proud to call this great man, my friend.

One thing he said to me that I will never forget is: “everyone has something and this is my something”.  He continues to work as an amazing Chiropractor and support his family while living with MS.  He doesn’t let this disease stop him from the good things in life and has a passion to help others.

Last year our team was top fundraiser because of Keith passion and drive, this year we would love to be top again!  We walk every year and we are walking again this year!

Support our team, MOVING WITH MOORE team and we can help beat this together. Any donation is greatly appreciated. 

Support Our Team
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What’s on in Ottawa this Spring

Categories: Tips & Tricks

Ottawa is a great city with lots of activities and events.

During a usual year, there is still so much to enjoy from museums, sporting events, skiing, tobogganing, sailing, hiking and so much more. Spring is especially a great time of year for festivals and other fun adventures.

Whether you are a foodie, sports enthusiast or lover of the arts. This city has something for everyone.

What’s on this Spring in Ottawa

Until April 2 – Experience a day at an authentic Canadian sugar bush

April 26 to May 1, 2018 – Ottawa International Writers Festival, Spring Edition

May 11 to 13, 2018 – Ottawa ComicCon

May 11 to 15, 2018 – Ottawa Children’s Festival

May 11 to 21, 2018 – Canadian Tulip Festival

May 26, 2018 – Great Glebe Garage sale

Throughout the year there are other great things to do…
Keep your eye out for these fun events in our great city.

Festivals
● Bluesfest – with ten days in July of blues bands from around the world
● Canadian Tulip Festival – two weeks in May – the largest tulip festival in the world
● Ottawa International Jazz Festival – 10 days in June of jazz performers from around the world
● Fringe Festival – 10 days in June of plays and theatre
● Folk Music Festival – Four days of folk music acts in September every year
● Dragon Boat Festival – Four days of dragon boat racing in June every year
● Canada Day – July 1 every year

Cultural Centres and events
The Museum of Civilization (Gatineau)
The National Arts Centre
The Canadian War Museum
The Canadian Museum of Nature
The Agriculture Museum
The Aviation and Space Museum 
The Science and Technology Museum

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House hunting… Military style

Categories: Tips & Tricks

You may be a military family or know someone in the military. Military house hunting is like no other experience. Stress level run high when buying a house in a short amount of time, AND waiting for THAT posting message can seem like forever.

Let’s cover the basics… 5 days to find a house… yes, I know it’s 7 for an HHT (House Hunting Trip), but those last two days are buffer days in case all else fails. Finding a house in that length of time looks like the end scene from a Benny Hill movie. It’s fast, intense and can be filled with emotion.

Here are some tips that will help during your next military move.

Be Prepared
Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved for financing BEFORE your house hunting trip. Knowing what you can afford will make houses shopping a lot easier. The new stress test is in, so now more than ever, your pre-approval is important. Pre-approval will also give you a little more flexibility for your housing conditions and this can make or break a sale in a competitive market.

Make a list
Make a list of first day, second day and all else fail houses. Your agent can help you get this list down to the must-see houses. Take the time to talk to them about the type of house and area you want to live in. They can suggest areas to look at.

Read the Brookfield policy
I know reading policy can be really dry, buy rules change and what was covered last time, may not be covered this time.

Technology Rocks!
Did you find a great house, but you are too far away? Ask your agent to take you on a FaceTime tour. It may not be the one and you can then keep or on the list or take it off the must-see list.

Book a babysitter
Find a drop-in centre for the kids, book the MFRC childcare, hire a happy or ask your agent what options are available in your area. House hunting will be a lot easier when you can focus on finding the perfect house.

Pre-book your building inspector
I know it’s crazy to book an inspector for a house that you haven’t bought, but if you want to get everything done in time, it’s essential. Your agent can suggest building inspectors and lawyers that are Brookfield approved that you help you along the way.

Take pictures
“What did that kitchen look like?” Take some pictures of some of the houses you like. You can then go back and look at them when you are making a decision on “the one”.

Don’t see TOO many houses
Make your must-have list and get your list down to a reasonable level. Seeing too many houses will become confusing and overwhelming. Researching the neighbourhoods where you are moving will help you find the right area for you.

Resale
This is a big one… When you get posted in a few years can you resell that house? Ask your agent about how easy it will be to resell the house when it becomes time to move again.

Happy HHT season military friends!