Sepehr Safaee YourOttawaRealEstate.com's blog

As the leaves change colour and start to fall from the trees, what used to be the glistening of morning dew is now turning to frost.

The warm weather has come to an end, which means it’s time to prepare your garden for the onset of colder weather..and frost! But what do you really have to do, and when? Here, we highlight the 10 most common mistakes people make when closing down their gardens and what you can do to ensure your garden is ready to thrive come spring.

1. KEEP THOSE FALLEN LEAVES

Mother Nature doesn’t allow leaves to fall from trees each year for no reason....

While most major markets in Canada reported rent increases in September, a potential sign of a slowdown is emerging, particularly in Toronto. 

The latest National Rent Report by Rentals.ca and Urbanation reveals that the Canadian rental market has continued its upward trajectory. Average asking rents across the country have seen a month-over-month increase of 1.5 per cent, reaching an average of $2,149. This marks an 11 per cent year-over-year growth, representing a nine-month high in the annual rate of rent inflation.

Toronto, the country’s largest rental market,...

Navigating the complex landscape of real estate investment can be challenging, but one strategy consistently proves to be a game-changer: investing in pre-construction properties. 

This approach, which involves securing a property before its completion, offers a unique set of benefits that can yield impressive returns. With the potential to purchase properties at today's prices for tomorrow's market, investors can anticipate an average increase of 5% per year in property value.   

When we look at a purchase price of $750,000.00, a 5% annual increase in property value would equal...

Choosing between commercial and residential properties can be a complex decision for real estate investors. Here are the key pros and cons of each:

Commercial Properties:
Pros:

• Higher potential income due to longer lease agreements.
• Stable income stream due to the nature of commercial leases.
• Tenants often bear costs like property taxes and maintenance, reducing the investor's expenses.

Cons:

• Requires a larger initial investment.
• More sensitive to economic conditions, with the potential for higher vacancy rates and income loss during downturns.

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Investment properties can be a lucrative venture, but often require upgrades to maximize returns. While professional services are commonly used, many owners consider do-it-yourself (DIY) upgrades as a cost-effective alternative. However, is DIY always the best choice? 

Pros of DIY Upgrades

• Cost Savings: The primary advantage of DIY upgrades is potential cost savings. By eliminating labor costs, your renovation budget can stretch further, enabling more or higher-quality upgrades.
• Personal Satisfaction: DIY projects can offer a sense of accomplishment. If you enjoy...

If you have ever applied for social housing or a mortgage, or even tried to figure out your budget, you have probably come across this figure: 30 per cent. 

That's the often-touted maximum percentage of your income that you should spend on a home. But in an age where the average one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver rents for $2,787 a month, is that number still realistic? It depends on who you're asking. But generally, the answer is: sort of. 

"The benchmark doesn't apply anymore," said Credit Canada CEO Bruce Sellery by email. "Housing costs have increased dramatically,...

Insulation upgrades can significantly benefit small business owners and real estate investors by reducing energy costs, improving heating and cooling efficiency, and increasing property value. 

In my local market, Calgary, we are experiencing the lowest inventory levels since 2006, with absorption rates well over 100 per cent (less than a single month of inventory) in many segments.

This means every decent property listed at a reasonable price gets snapped up, often well over asking, which can obviously be super frustrating for buyers