For details about the current Ottawa real estate market and how you can sell you home faster and for top dollar, call Ray at 613-288-2455 or visit our Ottawa real estate website for tons of up to date market information and details on how we market your home until it sells!

Ottawa is a very affordable place to live, compared to other major cities in Canada. The average home in Ottawa will cost you just over half of the average home in Vancouver!

Housing Costs

In Vancouver, the average home costs $536,000.
In Calgary, the average home costs $362,000.
In Toronto, the average home costs $344,000.
In Ottawa, the average home costs $291,000.

Since housing prices are so much lower in Ottawa, the income needed to support the average home in Ottawa is also much lower than in other areas of Canada.

Interest rates

The low prime rate and mortgage interest rates make home-ownership even more affordable.

Since 2005, the average prime rate has been 5.12%. March of 2009 saw prime drop to less than half of this – just 2.5%!

Mortgage interest rates are also at record lows. The 5-year closed rate is currently 5.45%, with special 5-year rates as low as 4.15%. 1-year posted rates are as low as 3%.

Unemployment Rates

Canada’s unemployment rate for March 2009 was 8.8%. Ottawa’s unemployment rate for the same period, however, was one of the lowest in the country at 5.1%!

To summarize, with our strong employment, low interest rates, and affordability, Ottawa is a great city to live, work, and play!

For more information, visit our Ottawa real estate website.

Want to see the hottest new home in the Kanata real estate market? Come to our open house on Sunday, April 5, 2009 from 2-4 p.m.

72 Shearer Crescent, Kanata

If you would like to see more of this property, visit our website for photos or our awesome virtual tour!

See you on Sunday!

Are you considering buying a condominium in the Ottawa area? Condo ownership offers a different lifestyle from that of a freehold residential home buyer. Here are just a few of the many benefits of owning an Ottawa condo:

Ottawa Condo Ownership Benefits

1. Enhanced security
2. Many condos offer a security guard or security system
3. Outdoor maintenance – From lawn care and gardening in the spring, summer, and fall to snow removal in the winter, your common expense fees (condo fees) are used in part to pay for this service
4. Building amenities – Depending on the building, you may enjoy the use of a pool, sauna, whirlpool, rooftop terrace, party room, exercise room, children’s area, or convenience store
5. Storage and parking units – Depending on the building, your ownership may include the exclusive use or ownership of a storage locker and parking unit(s)
6. Location – If you prefer a particular area of the city, you can choose to buy a condo within walking distance to the Rideau Canal, shopping area, schools, public transit, recreational facilities, parks, etc.

If you like the idea of living in a beautiful condo with a view of the cityscape, having a full-time gardener and snow removal staff, community living, and having the use of exercise and pool facilities every day, then condo living would be perfect for you. Contact one of our Buyer Sales Representatives at 613-288-2455 or 1-800-341-1590 to see which Ottawa area condo meets all of your specifications.

Want more condo ownership information?

Or, visit our Ottawa real estate website for more information.