A Great Evening for a Great Cause

RAISING HOPES & DREAMS

A SoHo inspired evening in support of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre

Every year, more and more Ottawa youth from all walks of life fall victim to serious substance abuse.  Add these issues to the already challenging teenage years and you have some complex problems.  Left untreated, these issues can tear families apart, swallow potential and lead to a lifetime of addiction.  That’s where the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre comes into the picture. And the Centre has been supporting at risk youth and their families for over 20 years.

 

The evening was a great success! Patrons and sponsors had the opportunity to view the elegance of Soho Champagne one of Ottawa's hottest developments sold by the Bennett Property Shop Realty, whilst meeting and mingling with celebrities such as Dragon Dens' Mike Wekerle, designer Brian Gluckstein and the co-founder of Wahlburgers, Paul Wahlberg.

The DaveSmith Youth Treatment Centre is in the middle of the Dave’s Dream campaign.  Dave’s Dream is a fundraising campaign to support the construction of a new 30-bed youth residential treatment facility in rural west Ottawa. The new Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre will merge 3 temporary and aging campuses into a centralized location, resulting in substantial operational savings while simultaneously permitting the expansion of much-needed addiction treatment supports and services.

In Ottawa over the last five years, the Bennett Property Shop Realty has sold the Soho Parkway, Soho Lisgar and Soho Champagne condominiums.  A shovel goes in the ground in December for Soho Italia on Preston Street.

The Bennett Property Shop Realty is very proud to have supported Raising Hopes and Dreams.  All proceeds from the evening were donated to Dave’s Dream. Here are a few pictures from the evening. The Bennett Property Shop Realty truly believes that investing and support today's youth will shape an amazing future for Ottawa. 

 Don't forget visit bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs!

Congratulations Kate!! Our COMMFEST Winner!

Here is our lovely winner of our Riverside South COMMFEST Redblacks Ticket Giveaway!!

Congratulations Kate you'll have soo much fun!

Keep an eye out for the Bennett Pros in your community! Visit bennettpros.com for more information on some of our other community involvements! Maybe you'll be our next winner!

Strong summer performance for Ottawa's resale market

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,279 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,200 in August 2014, an increase of 6.6 per cent. The five-year average for August sales is 1,234.

 

“Ottawa Real Estate Board members had a busy August, with units sold coming in higher than the five-year average and a healthy increase from last year’s sales,” says David Oikle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “In addition to an increase in units sold, inventory levels of residential and condominium properties dropped by 5.3 per cent since last month, and cumulative days on the market was an average of 89 days.”

August’s sales included 259 in the condominium property class, and 1,020 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in August in the Ottawa area was $379,946, a decrease of 0.1 per cent over August 2014. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $244,801, a decrease of 7.3 per cent over August 2014. The Board cautions that average sale price information 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 average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

“It is important to note that the increase in units sold is for both residential and condominium properties,” says Oikle. “Also, we continue to see an increase in the number of condominium units sold in comparison to 2014, and the year-to-date condominium sales are now close to on par with last year.”

To continue reading visit: 
http://www2.ottawarealestate.org/home/NewsInformation/LatestNewsRelease.aspx

Don't forget visit www.bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs!

July Ottawa Real Estate Update: July Stats Just Released

Typical summer resale market in Ottawa

Ottawa, August 6, 2015 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,436 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,440 in July 2014, a decrease of 0.3 per cent. The five-year average for July sales is 1,380.

“Last July was the second best on record, and this July was only four units short of that record, coming in well above the five-year average,” says David Oikle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Overall, the Ottawa resale market has been performing quite well with no major fluctuations in units sold and average sale price.”

July’s sales included 271 in the condominium property class, and 1,165 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“We are seeing a slight increase in condominium sales this month – a positive change,” says Oikle. “The average cumulative days on market increased slightly to 78 days, compared to 74 last month. Inventory levels remain high, meaning we continue to be in a Buyer’s market.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in July in the Ottawa area was $394,889, an increase of 4.5 per cent over July 2014. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $255,102, a decrease of 2.6 per cent over July 2014. The Board cautions that average sale price information 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 average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

To continue reading visit:  http://www2.ottawarealestate.org/home/NewsInformation/LatestNewsRelease.aspx

Don't forget visit www.bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs!

June Ottawa Real Estate Stats Released

Busy spring market continues in June

Ottawa, July 6, 2015 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,694 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,657 in June 2014, an increase of 2.2 per cent. The five-year average for June sales is 1,664.

“The Ottawa market is performing very well month-over-month and year-to-date compared to last year,” says David Oikle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Year-to-date sales for the first half of 2015 are up 4.9 per cent over the first half of 2014, and average sale price continues to be steady for the first half of the year.”

 

June’s sales included 274 in the condominium property class, and 1,420 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

 

To continue reading visit:  http://www2.ottawarealestate.org/home/NewsInformation/LatestNewsRelease.aspx

Don't forget visit www.bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs!

Lynsey Bennett in: He Shed, She Shed

AMAZING ARTICLE!! Our very own Lynsey Bennett's backyard oasis was featured in the Ottawa Citizen today. Kiki Interiors and Lynsey made a great team designing this unique retreat. To find your dream backyard oasis team up with the best CALL TODAY Bennett Pros 613-233-8606 or visit bennettpros.com.

WE MUST ADD - no photoshoot would be complete
without our famous office dog Maddy.

Call it a classic he shed, she shed moment.

It’s that instant when you decide it’s time for your own backyard hideaway — when you buy into the fact that sheds aren’t just for storing junk and hosting cobwebs anymore.
Backyard sheds are being reimagined as elaborate outdoor living spaces. The trend has laid a foundation in Ottawa and Canada just as it explodes south of the border. Just last month, U.S. cable network FYI ordered production on a new series called He Shed, She Shed. To continue reading click on the following link: http://ottawacitizen.com/life/homes/he-shed-she-shed-reimagining-your-outdoor-living-space

The Ottawa resale market remains steady and strong in May

June 3, 2015 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,926 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,789 in May 2014, an increase of 7.7 per cent. The five-year average for May sales is 1,812.

“The Ottawa housing market continued its strong performance in May, making it the best May for unit sales on record since 2009,” says David Oikle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Units sold are up 357 since April, increasing in both the residential and condominium property class.”
May’s sales included 342 in the condominium property class, and 1,584 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“The average cumulative days on market remains consistent at 72 days, compared to 74 last month,” says Oikle. “Properties are moving consistently and inventory remains plentiful; labelling the Ottawa market as a Buyers’ market and allowing for average sale prices to remain very stable.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in May in the Ottawa area was $411,791, an increase of 2.6 per cent over May 2014. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $266,940, a decrease of 4.9 per cent over May 2014. The Board cautions that average sale price information 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 average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

“The hottest segments of our market for May were sales between $300,000 to $400,000, followed by the $200,000 to $300,000 range and then the $400,000 to $500,000 range,” says Oikle. “Two -storey residential properties sold surpassed 1,000 units this month, continuing to have the highest concentration of buyers in Ottawa. In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB members assisted clients with renting 279 properties in May, and 1,155 since the beginning of the year.”

Visit bennettpros.com for all your real estate.

The April resale market in full bloom

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,570 residential properties in April through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,419 in April 2014, an increase of 10.6 per cent. The five-year average for April sales is 1,531.

"Despite the late departure of the cold weather this April, buyers were out in full swing, propelling the Ottawa resale market into a busy spring selling season," says David Oikle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "Sales continued their steady pace upwards since the beginning of the year, with 362 more properties sold this April over March."

April's sales included 258 in the condominium property class, and 1,312 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"The average cumulative days on market has improved even more in April, coming in at 74 days, compared to 83 in March," says Oikle. "Properties are moving faster and inventory is plentiful, with just under 9,000 residential properties, including condos, available for sale going into May."

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in April in the Ottawa area was $403,239, an increase of 0.9 per cent over April 2014. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $265,371, an increase of 2.7 per cent over April 2014. The Board cautions that average sale price information 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 average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

"Several price ranges this month saw significant increases in units sold; a possible explanation for the residential average sale price entering the $400,000 range," explains Oikle. "The $400,000 to $450,000 range saw an increase of 37.3 per cent; while the $500,000 to $750,000 range saw a 25.4 per cent increase. Two-storey and bungalow residential properties remain as the top selling property-types in Ottawa. In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB members assisted clients with renting 283 properties in April, and 876 since the beginning of the year."

This information is provided from the Ottawa Real Estate Board 

Visit www.bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs.

 

Water Loss Prevention: Top 10 Tips for Homeowners to Prevent Flooding

Guest Blogger - Alex Byrne, The Co-operators Insurance - Water-related loss is the most common home insurance claim in Canada. It is also among the most expensive types of loss. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Canadian insurers pay an average of 1.7 billion each year due to water-related home insurance claims.
 

Every home is at risk of basement flooding, even if you have never experienced flooding in the past. Water in your basement is most likely to occur when there has been heavy rainfall, snow melting, or during a spring thaw. No one can control the weather but there are some steps that you can take to prevent, or at least reduce the chance of water damage.

To help you start thinking about steps as a homeowner that you can take to help prevent water damage in your home, check out the list below: 

10 tips for homeowners to help prevent basement flooding

1. Contact your local government to get information on any available programs on reducing basement flooding.
2. Have a plumbing inspection done on your home to determine best options based on the plumbing and sewer connections of your home. These can include:
1. Installing a backwater valve.
2. Installing an automatic back-up pump to your existing sump pump if you have one. Batteries or a generator can be used to power the back-up pump.
3. Improve the drainage outside of your home by:
1. Keeping weeping tiles clear and in good repair.
2. Making sure your downspouts drain water away from your house.
3. Disconnecting downspouts from sewers.
4. Making sure your grading allows for correct drainage.
5. Install window wells at basement windows to create an extra barrier to keep water out.
6. Keeping outside drains clear.
4. Use a rain barrel to catch water run-off from downspouts.
5. Avoid storing items directly on the basement floor. Always store on shelves and in watertight plastic containers, whenever possible.
6. Make sure you have at least one floor drain in the same room as your washing machine.
7. Avoid pouring all fats, oils and grease down your drains. You would be surprised how quickly the deposits add up, and can cause a blocked drain or pipe.
8. Check that hoses on dishwashers and washing machines are made of braided stainless steel.
9. If you have a water dispenser and/or ice maker in your refrigerator, make sure the water line uses either copper or braided stainless steel.
10. Seal any cracks in foundation walls and basement floors.

Benefits of loss prevention

We all know that accidents and storms happen; but you can play a vital role in preventing water damage to your property. Take action to try and limit potential damage to your property. Some benefits of loss prevention may include:

• Possible discounts
• Access to higher limits of coverage 
• Potential municipal programs available to compensate homeowners who install loss prevention devices (refer to your local municipality for information on programs).

Visit bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs.