HN Ottawa East OCT14

ISSUE 10 • 2014

HomeNews the

.ca

Ottawa East

This Month’s Cover Home Provided By:

Sue Fox Sales Representative

613.558.6822

METRO CITY REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

ChooseFox.com

See Page 5 for details on this and other great properties.

MAN CAVE MUSTS PG.06 • REAL ESTATE TIPS TO HELP BUYERS & SELLERS PG.08

$549,900

$499,900

$484,900

$479,900

Casselman

Casselman

embrun

embrun

Gorgeous stone 2 storey 3+2 bed on 4.13 acre treed lot. Gourmet designer kitchen with granite counters, 3 spa-like baths, 4 season solarium, master retreat, backyard oasis with 3 decks, heated pool and path.

Beautiful spacious 3 bedroom home located on large lot is sure to impress!

Main level features include open concept kitchen/dining room - great for entertaining, double sided gas fireplace. MUST BE SEEN!

Custom built home with approximately 2,800 sq ft! Large chef’s delight kitchen/ eating area offers cherry stained maple cabinetry. 3-car garage! Manicured yard with wrap around veranda, deck and pool!

Breathtaking and immaculate 4 bedroom family home featuring many rooms! The main offers beautiful living room and family room with 2 sided fireplace and vaulted ceilings. You’ll fall in love!

$399,900

$399,900

$399,900

$384,900

embrun

Ottawa

embrun

embrun

Simply stunning 3+1 bedroom home with gourmet kitchen with granite tops, hardwood floors throughout main. Family room with cathedral ceiling and stone fireplace! Fenced yard backs onto ravine!

Great 3+1 bedroom home in desirable neighbourhood! Spacious main level offers bright living room that is open to formal dining room! DON’T MISS IT!

Immaculate 3 bedroom family home with loads of upgrades! Gourmet designer kitchen has loads of cabinetry and stainless steel appliances included! Dine in the eating area or formal dining room. TRULY A GEM!

Wonderful, 4 bedroom family home with approximately 2,540 square feet! The main floor of this amazing home features a large gourmet eat-in kitchen with loads of cabinetry space.

$379,900

$320,000

$359,900

$359,900

Limoges

ottawa

Limoges

Limoges

Immaculate 3 bedroom family home on premium lot backing onto ravine! Gourmet kitchen with elegant dining area has patio doors onto 2-tier balcony!

Stunning condo in Centretown boast high ceilings, hardwood and ceramic! Gourmet kitchen with backsplash, living room with floor-to-ceilings windows and balcony!

Immaculate 2+1 bed family home boasts loads of upgrades! 9’ ceilings, hardwood and ceramic on main level! Gourmet eat-in kitchen offers plenty cabinetry.

Stunning 3+1 bed, 4 bath Falcon ‘Calypso’ model home is situated on a large corner lot! Gourmet kitchen has a wall of pantries, island and appliances! Move in and enjoy!

Looking for a great Realtor ?

Check your mailbox and online. 速

contents ISSUE 10 / 2014

PRESIDENT James Baker james@thehomenews.ca

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Stacey jason@homenewscreative.com

REAL ESTATE TIPS

CREATIVE PRODUCTION Dana Sedlak Tim Frankiw

FOR BUYERS & SELLERS

ADVERTISING SALES James Baker james@thehomenews.ca

Everyone wants to win in the real estate market, but not all do. Fortunately, some simple steps can help ensure both buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcomes.

ADMINISTRATION Terry Johnson Diana Lynas PRINTING Best Choice Printing

F E A T U R E D R E A LT O R S

02

Tessier Team

05

Irene Bilinski*

05

Sue Fox*

BC

The Home News Magazine is published monthly and delivered to homes in Ottawa East and surrounding areas by Canada Post, agreement #41362062.

Exit Realty Matrix, Brokerage

THN Publications Inc. 2902 South Sheridan Way Suite 203 Oakville, ON L6J 7L6 Phone 905-278-1111 Fax 905-829-2885 www.thehomenews.ca

Keller Williams Real Estate System, Brokerage

Re/Max Metro City Realty Ltd.

Steve Brunet***

Realty Executives Advantage Plus Inc., Brokerage

06

MODERN MAN CAVE MUSTS

If you’re ready to create a man cave in your home, or take your existing guy-centric space to the next level, here are a handful of upgrades sure to make your cave feel like a castle.

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thehomenews.ca

*Sales Representative

**Broker

***Broker of Record

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. THN Publications Inc., their employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made. In such cases THN Publications Inc. shall have limited liability only to the charge for such advertising or editorials.

1149 AMBERCREST STREET

414 FAIRLAKES WAY

CARSON MEADOWS - OTTAWA

ORLEANS

2623 PIERRETTE DRIVE

CUMBERLAND

Custom home with 9’ ceilings, maple hardwood floors on both levels and stairs, extensive upgrades including custom kitchen with cupboards to the ceiling, stainless appliances and gas stove, clothes chute to the laundry room, wainscoting, pot lights, crown moulding, large private deck, and so much more. Close to schools, CSIS, CMHC,CSEC, Montfort Hospital, Cite Collegiate, shopping and movie theatres.

Beautiful 4 + 1 bedrooms, 5 bathroom Minto Rockliffe “B” model (approximately 3,171 square feet) of gracious living. Main level has a gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. Family room with large windows, den with built in shelving, hardwood flooring and neutral colours. This home offers 2 stone gas fireplaces, 2 en-suite bathrooms, cedar closet, double garage and no back neighbours.

Contemporary chic 4 bedroom, 3 full bathroom bungalow on pie-shaped lot with an oversized double garage. Kitchen features quartz countertops, large island, huge PVC windows and a walk-in pantry. The living room ceiling to floor ledge stone tiled fireplace with surround sound is great to enjoy while entertaining or just relaxing, pot lights, birch oiled hardwood and ceramic flooring on the main and finished lower level.

$647,000

$649,000

$599,900

C H A PEL H I L L

C H A PEL H I L L

Lovely 3 bedroom with ensuite.

Eat-in kitchen, wood fireplace, and hardwood flooring.

Beautiful 4 bedroom with hardwood on both levels. Heated inground saltwater pool.

$339,900

$519,900

C H A PEL H I L L S OU T H

S PR I NGR I D GE

Spotless upgraded 4 bedroom, hardwood and ceramic flooring, granite kitchen, fenced yard.

$447,000

Spacious 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom bungalow with private yard. Over 1,500 sf plus finished lower level.

$432,000

thehomenews.ca

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home dĂŠcor

M O D E R N

MAN CAVE

W

musts

hether in a workshop, basement or garage, men have always enjoyed their personal spaces. With the rise of flatscreen technology, having a "man cave" became an official home improvement trend. In fact, a 2013 survey by online retailer Newegg found that more than half of homes now have a man cave. After more than a decade of partying, the old man cave is out and the modern man cave is in.

Modern man caves go far beyond pricey audio-visual components, a refrigerator and a couple of worn-out recliners. Today, luxury and entertainment features share space with practical ones, and when perfectly balanced, create a room to meet a variety of needs - relaxation, fun, family time and even work.

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If you're ready to create a man cave in your home, or take your existing guy-centric space to the next level, here are a handful of upgrades sure to make your cave feel like a castle:

TECH HEAVEN A TV is a must for any man cave, but it's no longer enough to simply have a huge flat screen and a remote control. To really be worthy of your man cave, whether plasma, LED or LCD, a flat screen should have all the latest bells and whistles, including Internet access, 3-D, high definition and a fullmotion wall mount. Surround sound and satellite signal (for visual and audio content) are also musts.

Tech needs don't stop with A/V requirements, however.

ABOVE: Samsung Curved HD Smart LED TV RIGHT: Stainless Steel Beer Kegerator Refrigerator

Creating a computer centre, complete with Wi-Fi, laptop and multiple screens, not only enhances gaming opportunities, it can allow your man cave to double as an office. A refrigerator is a man cave staple, and plenty of high-tech versions are available for smaller spaces like a converted basement or garage. Add a wine or beer cooler, or even a humidor to round out your tech needs.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE CAVE WALLS The very concept of a man cave is about going your own way, but early iterations seemed to follow the same basic, frat-style formula of sports-themed decor, cheap seating and highpriced tech toys. Today, man caves are as individual as the men inhabiting them. Look for ways to personalize the space for your interests and needs.

Have a passion for working out but don't always feel like having an audience or trekking to the gym? Include some fitness equipment in your man cave. Prefer to get some work done late at night and don't want to keep the family up? Park a desk and PC in a convenient corner. Love golf but can't stand pool? Ditch that man-cave staple - a billiard table - and put in a mini putting green.

Finally, don't overlook the fact that the king of the castle (or man cave) might want to invite his queen into the space. In fact, 89 percent of the men surveyed by Newegg said they would welcome a member of the opposite sex into their man cave. So be sure your man cave includes comfortable seating, dimmable lighting and a film collection that goes beyond sports and action flicks. THN Courtesy of BPC

thehomenews.ca

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real estate

REAL ESTATE TIPS 4 to help

Buyers & Sellers

both WIN this fall

T

he real estate market is heating up and spring and fall are traditionally the most active seasons for home sales. This year, industry experts predict that home prices will continue to rise and, with mortgage rates remaining low, the spring and fall real estate season will be competitive for both buyers and sellers.

Buying the right house, especially under pressure, isn’t always a sure thing. A quarter of North American homeowners who bought the home they currently live in said they would not buy their same home again, according to a nationwide survey conducted online of more than 2,000 adults.

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STEP ONE

Don't go it alone.

Everyone wants to win

in the real estate market, but not all do.

Fortunately, some simple steps can help ensure both buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcomes.

Use a Real Estate Agent. Real Estate Agents bring value to both sides of a home sale, ensuring that sellers get top dollar and spend less time waiting for their homes to sell, and that buyers get the best home at the best price. To find a good agent, search this Real Estate Magazine and search online. Interview several agents, read online reviews, get recommendations from family and friends and take your time. Look for an agent who makes you feel comfortable.

An agent should never pressure buyers to bid on any house, and sellers should never feel pressured to list their home for a price they're not comfortable with. If selling, look for an Agent that has a comprehensive marketing plan, including printed Real Estate publications and an online strategy to sell your home.

Historically, Real Estate Agent have asked for commissions up to a total of 6% of the sell price of the home. Today, Real Estate Agents will negotiate their commissions. Typically the Agent that brings in the buyer will receive 2.5% and the listing Agent (the one that sells the home) will also receive 2.5%. The listing Agents commission is usually negotiable. However, don't be fooled by a low commission that may not offer full service or a marketing plan. Âť

thehomenews.ca

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real estate

STEP TWO

Know what's going on in your market.

When it's a hot market Agents get competing in multiple offer situations. In order to maximize their chance of success, both buyers and sellers should thoroughly research home prices in their area.

Knowing what other homes are selling for will help sellers competitively price their homes, and buyers who do their research will be less likely to overpay.

Buyers may also be able to avoid unproductive bidding wars if they're armed with price information and know ahead of time how much they are willing to stretch their budget for any given home.

Most agents will be happy to provide buyers and sellers with a comparative market analysis of home values and prices in their area.

STEP THREE

be creative.

Sellers don't want to set prices too low and buyers don't want to pay too much. Creativity can help close the deal for both groups.

Rather than listing a home for a lower price, sellers can enhance their listing's attractiveness in a number of ways, such as offering to help buyers with closing costs or including a home warranty in the sale. Buyers - especially those in multiple offer situations - can make their offers more attractive by getting mortgage pre-approval, waiving contingencies or offering to rent the home back to sellers for a short period of time to help them with their transition.

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STEP FOUR

know when to walk away.

Sometimes a deal just isn't right. Perhaps the other party's agent makes you uncomfortable, a buyer is adamant about a lowball offer or a seller refuses to make necessary repairs. Flash sales, bidding wars, price jumps and inventory crunches can also make you feel uncomfortable.

When a bad scenario occurs, the best course of action may just be to walk away. With 25 percent of current homeowners feeling buyer's remorse over the home they're currently in, it pays to do everything you can to make sure the deal you're considering is right for you.

To learn more about buying and selling homes, contact any Real Estate Agent advertising in this Magazine. THN Courtesy of BPC

thehomenews.ca

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$6 14 ,9 0

$4

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Immaculate Home - Rockland

Custom Built Waterfront - Treadwell

Oasis In Your Backyard - Plantagenet

Luxury Condo - Rockland

Immaculate 3 bed, 2 bath open concept 2 storey home close to school and many amenities featuring hardwood and tile on main floor, main floor laundry/ powder room, spacious kitchen, dining area with patio door leading to the fully fenced backyard with pool and patio area, spacious and bright master with walk-in closet and cheater door to 5-pc bath, 2 other good size bedrooms, finished basement with rec room and storage area and more. Call today!

Pride of ownership/move in condition quality construction Walkout bungalow open concept, Tremendous views of the Ottawa River year round, Dream kitchen/island/granite/large pantry/ desk/antique styled stove and fridge. 4 season solarium overlooking river access to large deck, Great master with walk in closet/ensuite/2 sinks/ stand up shower/antique type soaker tub, Large family room with great gas fireplace, Separate

This is a fantastic entertaining home featuring an open concept plan w/ cathedral ceiling. Hardwood throughout. Main floor laundry 2nd storey loft, gorgeous floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Master with ensuite. The backyard oasis is extensively landscaped and includes an above ground pool, spacious deck, hot tub under a tiki-like gazebo, covered porch and more! Fantastic workshop in lower level with access to double insulated garage.

Centrally located 1,265 square foot luxury condo featuring heated underground parking, elevator service, highly energy efficient and sound proof, upgraded hardwood, cabinets, granite, baseboard and trims, HD-TV wiring and more!

$2

39 ,0

$3 00

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$2

$4

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To Be Built - St-Pascal

Park Like Setting - Clarence Point

Sure To Impress - Rockland

Backing Onto Park - Rockland

1,120 square foot, 3 bedroom bungalow to be built on 0.60 acre lot with municipal water, hardwood and ceramic floor, single car garage, choice of finishes. Call today!

Beautifully renovated 2+1 bedroom home featuring hardwood and ceramic, formal living room with gas fireplace, fantastic main floor sun room with 2nd gas fireplace and beautiful views of private yard backing onto the woods. 2 master sized bedrooms on main floor. Fully finished basement with family room, 3rd bedroom, 3-pc bath and tons of storage.

Extensively landscaped yard with spacious deck/ pergola for entertaining. Double attached garage.

Gorgeous 3+1 bedroom open concept 2 storey home on executive lot featuring solid birch kitchen cabinets w/granite, large living area with fireplace, main floor office, mud room, covered porch leading to large deck with pool, master with 4-piece ensuite, finished lower level with 4th bedroom, 3-piece bathroom and family room, oversized heated attached double garage, interlock, shed, sprinkler system and more!

Spacious 3+1 bed hi-ranch home backing on to park featuring a functional kitchen w/gorgeous backsplash and tons of counter space, formal dining room with patio door leading to 2-tier deck, great size living room w/tons of natural light, finished basement with family room w/wood fireplace, 4th bed, den, laundry/storage room w/door leading to outside & powder room, det garage, fully fenced yard, nat gas, a/c, roof and driveway (2013) and more!

$4

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$2 00

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$2 0

32

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$7 4, 90

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Impressive Home - Orleans

Great Location - Rockland

Open Concept Townhome - Rockland

4 Season Mobile Home - Alfred

Stunning home! Freshly painted 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 3,200+ sq ft home! The main floor features spacious formal living and dining rooms w/hardwood, large office, open concept kitchen/family room/eating area, hardwood and fireplace in family room, laundry room and powder room. 2nd storey has an impressive master with sitting area, w/i and 5-pc ensuite, 3 good size bed and full bath. HWT, furnace and AC (2010), roof (2008). Well maintained!

Great location! This 3 bed, 3 bath, with walk-out basement and close to schools, YMCA and many amenities. Main floor hardwood and tile, nice size living room, kitchen w/ss appliances, laundry with door to garage, powder room & tons of natural light. The 2nd floor has a large master with w/i and door to full bath and 2 good size beds with large closets. Finished basement w/family room, full bath, storage & patio doors leading to fully fenced yard.

Cozy & very clean open concept townhome close to public transit featuring 3 good size beds, 1.5 baths, master with cheater door to full bath and wall of closet, fully fenced extra deep backyard w/20’x20’ deck w/privacy fence to relax w/family and friends, partly finished basement w/family room and utility/ laundry room and a garage w/lots of built in storage.

Roof (2007). Equal monthly billing for Electricity $266/month includes Heat, A/C and home use.

Bright and clean 4 season mobile home located in adult community of Evergreen Park and Resort.

This home features a master with door to deck, recently updated bathroom, laundry area, tons of natural light throughout, patio doors leading to spacious 12’ x 18’ covered deck, 1-car carport and large lot with shed. $210 monthly fee includes land lease and access to all park’s amenities including salt-water pool.