Presented by Robert R. Hof, Broker 2020 Volume 1, Edition #17

News and Information for Condo Owners, Buyers & Sellers

Condominium LINK

he market goes up and the market goes down and sometimes it’s stable. However right now we are in a more than sticky position! is a sticky position. Condominium owners have been ready to sell which is great if they want to buy another condo. However, if they are going to buy a home, they are going Tto have a more challenging prospect ahead. We are experiencing a real shortage of listings as home owners wanting to upgrade worry that they may be unable to find a home that will meet their needs as prices are rising! Prices were still accessible and attractive compared with the usual cities. Comparing ROBERT R. HOF January/February 2020 to the same time period in 2019 the costs of a home went up . Broker While it’s true to say that January 2019 showed the best sales over the last 10 years, Member Canadian Condominium January 2020 was a solid second. 2020 condo apartment sales however, beat the Institute: Chapter previous January by 16.9% and the volume of sales was up 26.8%. I’m pleased to say Lifetime Achievement Award that February showed that the residential sector of the market was in back in overdrive! Excellent news which continued into the first weeks of March. Off: 613.238.2801 Cell: 613.294.9746 Then we learned of COVID-19 and everything changed. “Our Members are evolving and [email protected] adapting their business practices by leveraging the use of technology. Virtual tours, live www.roberthof.ca streaming, social media, and using more creativity to facilitate the needs of their clients who may need to buy or sell right now because of circumstances. However, for those buyers and sellers who are not in an urgent position, our Members recognize the health Royal LePage and safety of our community is paramount. They are consulting with these clients on a The Voice Of Canadian Real case by case basis and may advise that they should delay the listing of their home or a Estate purchase. They are doing what’s best for their clients in the context of government Since 1913, Canadians have advisories,” affirms Ottawa Real Estate President Deborah Burgoyne. turned to Royal LePage to keep them informed about Asked about the impact of COVID-19 on the number of new listings on the market, the latest real estate market news. That’s why we are the Burgoyne speculates “The shortage of inventory has driven down the number of new single most-quoted real listings for the past several years, so we cannot accurately state that the decrease in estate company in the March was due to COVID-19 where we saw 1,579 new residential listings and 469 for country and a trusted source condos. The 5-year average is 2,217 and 665, respectively. I believe that April’s number of information and advice. will provide a more legitimate reflection of the impact of COVID-19 on our real estate From real estate pricing market. trends to innovative ways to Number of one-level condominium apartments sold quarterly 2016—2019 market your property, we deliver timely news and 1-3 bedrooms. Areas studied are within the Greenbelt. valuable information to help January—March April—June July—September Oct.—December you make smart real estate decisions. The agents and 2019 371 659 562 387 staff at Royal LePage Performance Realty are truly 2018 292 536 438 299 proud to be part of this great company. 2017 240 380 357 274

2016 239 377 295 209 2 Condominium Culture Shock

ondominiums are marketed to the public as a “worry- at a non-condominium property. free lifestyle” – no need to mow the lawn in the summer, no need to shovel snow in the winter, access RULE CHANGES to amenities, and a property manager to take care of Ceverything in between. In our practice, we also often hear from condominium owners People are understandably drawn to the features of who find themselves dissatisfied with changes to their condominium living that increase convenience and shorten condominium’s rules. We frequently hear clients say things like their to-do lists in today’s busy world. “I have lived here for 14 years, how is it fair for the Board to The reality is, however that there are many aspects of change the rules after all this time?” or “the only reason I condominium living that are not immediately apparent to both purchased this unit is because of the ‘no smoking’ rule, can the first-time and long-time condominium owners. In our Board actually change something so important to me?” experience , most people have grown accustomed to the legal Often, condominium owners do not understand that the very rights and privileges that come along with owning traditional same rule that may have induced them to purchase their unit, detached or semi-detached homes. Many of these people have is, and always has been, subject to change. The mere fact that a difficulty coming to terms with the fact that their property particular rule was a valued part of the status quo for an rights are not absolute and are instead subject to the discretion individual owner will not impact its implementation as long as and preferences of other, unrelated parties. the rule is reasonable, complies with the Condominium Act, This article will provide a snapshot of the aspects of 1998, as amended is consistent with the by-laws and condominium culture that may give rise to what may be declaration, and its passage follows the correct process. In dubbed as “condominium culture shock”. cases where an owner, or group of owners, is vehemently opposed to a proposed rule change, there is an opportunity to AESTHETICS requisition a meeting within 30 days of the circulation of the proposed rule by the Board. This provides those in opposition For many people, the decoration of their home is an important to the rule with an opportunity to either defeat the rule or form of self-expression. When living in a traditional detached or preserve the status quo, or to propose a rule that aligns better semi-detached home installing planters, patio stones, outdoor with their preferences. That said, if quorum is not reached at furniture, holiday decorations, door wreaths, flagpoles, light the meeting meeting, or a majority of the owners in attendance fixtures and the like, is as simple as choosing the product you do not vote to defeat the proposed rule, then the rule will like and making it happen. Many condominium owners are of come into force, and those in opposition will have to live with the view that they can make whatever aesthetic they want to that result. This scenario emphasizes the important and unique their unit and their exclusive use common elements because function that democratic processes play in condominium these areas are “their property”. communities. This is a stark contrast to the “my house, my However the reality is that certain aesthetic changes are not rules” standard that typically applies in a traditional home. permissible at a condominium property. The governing documents of most condominiums impose restrictions on the COMBATTING THE CULTURE SHOCK type, size and placement of many of the above-noted items. Sometimes there are outright prohibitions, whereas, in other This article has described just two of the situations that may cases, it may be necessary to seek the Board’s prior written catch an owner or prospective purchaser off guard with respect approval for certain aesthetic changes or installations – even if to their rights and responsibilities in the world of condominium they are temporary. ownership. Instead of highlighting the restrictions that are Many owners are therefore surprised to learn that they do not imposed on individual owners’ freedom of choice, and the have free rein to decorate freely and become displeased when flexible nature of the status quo, the narrative surrounding the Board tries to execute its control over decisions that condominium culture continues to focus more on the notion of owners regard as either personal or innocuous in nature. convenience and easy living. However, even from the two It is important to note that just as convenience and worry-free above examples, it is clear that there are many aspects of living are a central part of condominium culture, so is aesthetic condominium culture that many would regard as inconvenient uniformity. This is achieved through the various restrictions or difficult to deal with. For this reason, it is very important that imposed by the condominium’s governing documents. Owners potential purchasers look beyond this narrative to determine are expected to familiarize themselves with these documents exactly what they are “getting themselves into”. Similarly, as a condition of their ownership and cannot expect to have existing owners are encouraged to take the necessary steps to same degree of freedom with aesthetic choices that they would understand where their rights and obligations begin and end.

Kelli-Anne Day is a litigation lawyer at Merovitz Potechin LLP. Kelli-Anne works alongside Chuck Merovitz to provide advice and dispute resolution services to condominium owners, boards, and property managers. Merovitz Potechin LLP has offices in both Ottawa and Manotick. Please visit www.merovitzpotechin.com to learn more. 3 Windows: The Consequences of Owner Modifications

They are commonly installed on the interior surface of window t first glance, windows seem simple. They provide a glazing that do not have low-emissivity coatings1 to control solar visual connection between the indoors and outdoors, heat gain. Owners who have south facing windows sometimes they promise natural daylight and can provide natural experience solar related discomfort (warm interior conditions) ventilation. So it’s understandable that some during the spring and fall, as the building mechanical systems Acondominium owners take it upon themselves to make ‘minor transition from heating to cooling. This can affect particularly window improvements’ or ‘harmless window modifications’ to those who live in older buildings. Solar control films can be used suit their needs. Reasoning varies and is often valid: too much to address those issues. sunlight, not enough ventilation or pesky condensation that However, the question is often asked if owners can install these seems to reappear on those very cold winter days. And the films to compensate for their unique exposure and comfort temptation to modify isn’t limited to a special window vintage – requirements. The answer is: it should be avoided. Today’s it also arises with newly installed windows. windows typically already have low-emissivity. Adding solar Unfortunately, these well-intended attempts to improve or control films can result in ‘long wave trapping’ causing over- modify can be counterproductive, create new problems, and heating and premature seal failure. This can lead to diminished may violate the condominium declaration if your windows are thermal performance, ‘fogging’ of the glass, and will void the part of the common elements. Here are some examples of glazing manufacturer’s warranty. owner window modifications and their unintended consequences. Window Curtains & Condensation Ever noticed how heat registers are typically installed below or Fastening into Window Frames above windows? There’s a good reason for this. In the winter It can be tempting to secure blinds directly to your window that heat flows or radiates across the interior surface of the frames, especially if you have inconsistent drywall returns or window, raising its surface temperature above the dew point casings that are difficult to secure too, but it should be avoided. during the heating season. This is one of many mechanisms that Windows form part of your building envelope, separating can help manage surface condensation and frost build-up on interior spaces from the exterior environment. To do this, the interior surface of windows. windows like wall and roofs, must also act as control layers for While the condensation resistance of windows continues to rain, air, vapour, thermal, etc.. The continuity and integrity of improve, condensation can still form on very cold winter days. these layers are provided by seals, thermal breaks, drainage Contrary to what some owners believe, leaving your curtains cavities, hardware, and are designed and tested to meet the closed can exacerbate condensation by impeding that flow over building code requirements of the day. the window’s surface. The interior surface becomes colder and By fastening into your windows, you may be inadvertedly will be more likely to experience condensation. puncturing one or more of these control layers. This can Curtains serve an important service – no argument there – but diminish the window’s performance and increase the risk for air it’s best to leave them open in the winter when they aren’t leakage, rainwater leakage and condensation. You may also void needed. the window manufacturer’s standard warranties. So remember – before endeavouring on a DIY Removing Limiting Restrictors window improvement or modification project, Limiting restrictors are used on operable windows to restrict speak to your Board of Directors! their opening distance to 100 mm. The window limiter type will vary depending on the type of operable window, and some can Article by Bruce Fournier be disengaged to facilitate window cleaning. Manager with the WSP Ottawa Building Sciences team. WSP These devices serve an important purpose and should not be is one of the world’s leading engineering consulting firms and removed or permanently disengaged. They are installed to has one of Canada’s largest building sciences teams with protect occupants, particularly children or pets, from a Eastern office in Ottawa, Kingston, and Cornwall. dangerous fall. If you have a limiting restrictor on your window, it is likely that it has been provided in accordance with the building code or because a professional has deemed it necessary to maintain public safety. It is understood that limiting restrictors will limit natural window ventilation. is a common and reasonable complaint. But public safety should take priority.

Solar Control Films on New Windows Solar control films are available as an after-market addition. 4 Pre-construction contracts don’t leave wiggle-room for market drops

This article is by Bob Aaron, a much respected Toronto the builder to extend as late as Jan. 18, 2019. The house lawyer who writes very interesting columns in the Toronto was ready for closing on Oct. 22, 2018; there was no Star and is also a frequent speaker to groups of home undue delay. buyers and real estate agents.

In today’s real estate market, it’s not unusual for new Claiming misrepresentation, the buyers alleged that the home buyers to find themselves in a dilemma. sales agent described the deal to them as “the opportunity of a lifetime.” One situation can be that the value of the pre- construction house drops below the contract purchase Justice Morgan pointed out the offer’s standard “entire price, and the buyers cannot get enough mortgage agreement” clause, which means that the buyers could financing to close on the deal. At the same time, they are not rely on the statement. unable to sell their existing house for enough money to provide the down payment on the new home. Finally, A and B claimed they paid the sales agent a bribe to jump the queue and sign the purchase agreement I have several clients stuck in this situation. Some of my quickly. colleagues have clients with the same problem. In his decision, Justice Morgan wrote that there is no Sometimes the builder will negotiate a resolution with the authority for the proposition that a person who pays a buyer. This may involve a delayed closing, a price bribe can have the contract rescinded. adjustment or a mutual release in exchange for giving up the deposit and making a significant cash payment to the The court ruled in favour of the builder and awarded it builder. damages of $544,308 plus interest and $9,000 in court costs. The damages were calculated to place the builder in Occasionally the parties wind up in court. the same financial position that it would have been had the purchasers not breached the contract. Last month, Forest Hill Homes (Cornell Rouge) Ltd. was the builder and plaintiff in a court case against the would- Buyers who sign pre-construction contracts with a long be purchasers, Mr A and Ms B. In November 2016, Mr A closing should be sure, considering that real estate values and Ms B agreed with Forest Hill Homes to buy a house to can both rise and fall, that they will have sufficient funds be built. With extras, the purchase price was

$1,729,820.99. Mr. Aaron’s articles are often of interest to my

readers. and his wisdom is also to be found from time On the closing date, the builder was ready to close but the buyers did not have the necessary funds. The builder sued to time on my website www.roberthof .ca and last month brought a motion for summary judgment. He can be reached by email at [email protected], phone 416-364-9366 or fax 416-364-3818. A summary judgment is when a court makes a decision without a trial, based on undisputed facts.

A and B resisted the builder’s claim on four grounds:

1. the contract was incapable of completion due to a “drastic and unforeseeable drop in the market; 2. excessive delay by the builder; 3. misrepresentation by the builder’s agent; 4. a bribe was demanded by the builder’s agent.

In his decision, Justice Morgan noted there was nothing in law or in the contract that made it impossible to perform the contract, as agreed. As to delay, the contract allowed This is NOT the house in question! 5 Condo Facts and Figures for 2019

Average sale prices, derived from the MLS system, for 1-level 2-bedroom apartments in several Ottawa condominium buildings in 2019

Address No. Sales Average Address No. Sales Average 225 Alvin Road 9 $262,000 309 Cumberland Street 2 $291,000 1081 Ambleside Drive 19 $262,053 383 Cumberland Street 2 $377,500 1100 Ambleside Drive 6 $213,000 136 Darlington 3 $488,667 1171 Ambleside Drive 13 $240,555 370 Dominion Avenue 8 $480,750 1465 12 $228,846 62 Donald Street 0 $0 1485 Baseline Road 5 $209,980 123 Echo Drive 0 $0 1505 Baseline Road 11 $228,475 44 Emmerson Avenue 1 $401,900 151 Bay Street 8 $338,000 50 Emmerson Avenue 3 $385,000 200 Bay Street 1 $275,000 110 Forward Avenue 3 $258,500 905 Beauparc Private 1 $322,500 90 George Street 4 $580,250 612 0 $0 160 George Street 6 $475,417 95 Beech Street 0 $0 179 George Street 9 $395,944 222 Beechwood Avenue 0 $0 295 Gilmour Street 0 $0 420 Berkley Avenue 2 $564,000 130 Glebe Avenue 0 $0 130 Besserer Street 0 $0 401 Golden Avenue 2 $615,000 200 Besserer Street 6 $456,500 100 Grant Carman 12 $373,358 238 Besserer Street 5 $445,000 120 Grant Carman 1 $375,000 260 Besserer Street 4 $485,100 415 Greenview Avenue 0 $0 205 Bolton Street 4 $457,025 1025 Grenon Avenue 7 $264,700 40 Boteler Street 3 $1,100,000 35 Holland Avenue 1 $326,000 327 Breezehill 5 $529,200 45 Holland Avenue 1 $279,900 85 4 $578,425 99 Holland Avenue 1 $385,000 95 Bronson Avenue 4 $623,475 131 Holland Avenue 5 $527,980 808 Bronson Avenue 4 $414,350 199 5 $299,420 50 Burnside Avenue 0 $0 235 Kent Street 4 $526,250 575 Byron Avenue 4 $532,954 245 Kent Street 6 $619,733 540—550 Cambridge 3 $334,333 429 Kent Street 5 $394,720 2019 4 $285,700 200 Lafontaine Avenue 11 $240,500 3099 Carling Avenue 2 $422,450 40 Landry Street 5 $271,203 150 Caroline Avenue 0 $0 70 Landry Street 9 $387,556 100 Champagne 4 $530,500 90 Landry Street 6 $391,717 111 Champagne 3 $482,967 201 E. 3 $315,666 333 Chapel Street 2 $328,250 373 Laurier Avenue E. 5 $335,600 20 Charlevoix 1 $415,000 400 Laurier Avenue E. 0 $0 75 Cleary Avenue 5 $567,400 405 Laurier Avenue E. 1 $391,000 364 Cooper Street 3 $598,333 445 Laurier Avenue W. 4 $419,375 374 Cooper Street 0 $0 324 Laurier Avenue W. 3 $460,833 310—320 Crichton Street 0 $0 470 Laurier Avenue W. 20 $313,970

Properties represented here are all within the Greenbelt 6 Condo Facts and Figures for 2019

If your building is not listed or you require more up-to-date information, please call me at 613-238-2801 and I will be happy to provide it

Address No. Sales Average Address No. Sales Average 500 Laurier Avenue W. 7 $329,643 300 Queen Elizabeth Drive 4 $1,085,000 530 Laurier Avenue W. 15 $275,167 2625 Regina Street 10 $197,702 556 Laurier Avenue W. 7 $322,786 101 2 $455,000 570 Laurier Avenue W. 1 $455,500 485 Richmond Road 5 $647,900 200 Lett 2 $555,500 727 Richmond Road 1 $480,000 250 Lett 2 $446,550 1025 Richmond Road 9 $283,822 108 Lisgar Street 2 $1,456,250 1195 Richmond Road 9 $281,111 300 Lisgar Street 2 $457,500 2871 Richmond Road 0 $0 375 Lisgar Street 6 $517,000 88—98 Richmond Road 7 $635,950 330 Loretta 3 $529,000 200 25 $497,480 287 Maclaren Street 0 $0 234 Rideau Street 9 $475,122 29 Main Street 0 $0 589 Rideau Street 0 $0 60 McLeod Street 1 $439,000 3580 Rivergate Way 3 $776,633 320 McLeod Street 1 $575,000 3590 Rivergate Way 5 $736,000 340 McLeod Street 0 $0 1480 5 $700,400 349 McLeod Street 3 $452,333 1500 Riverside Drive 12 $411,958 400 McLeod Street 0 $0 1510 Riverside Drive 5 $409,400 457 McLeod Street 3 $487,782 1785 Riverside Drive 2 $227,450 1356 6 $222,833 2951 Riverside Drive 10 $250,000 179 8 $525,188 80 Sandcastle Drive 9 $216,444 260 Metcalfe Street 1 $692,000 211 Second Avenue 0 $0 317 Metcalfe Street 1 $432,000 199 Slater Street 5 $470,500 38 Metropole Private 4 $744,750 71 6 $436,667 15—35 Murray Street 0 $0 141 Somerset Street 3 $340,000 369 North River Road 0 $0 205—215 Somerset Street 1 $437,000 959 North River Road 0 $0 429 Somerset Street 8 $354,138 969 North River Road 0 $0 45 Spencer Street 1 $425,000 997 North River Road 0 $0 135 Springfield Road 0 $0 191 3 $241,667 545 St Laurent Boulevard 15 $394,400 201 Parkdale Avenue 4 $410,625 499 Sunnyside Avenue 2 $478,444 320 Parkdale Avenue 4 $457,688 700 4 $735,225 360 Patricia Avenue 0 $0 20 The Driveway 4 $573,250 235 Patterson Avenue 1 $590,000 344 Waverley Street 1 $317,500 1705 Playfair Avenue 13 $266,531 1227 Wellington Street 0 $0 265 Poulin Avenue 4 $255,957 1422 Wellington Street 1 $548,000 290 Powell Avenue 1 $495,000 1433 Wellington Street 2 $383,500 300 Powell Avenue 0 $0 134 York Street 7 $352,500 130 Queen Elizabeth Drive 0 $0 180 York Street 2 $365,750 Areas represented here are all within the Greenbelt 7 Before you retire, start planning—NOW!

Judy Robinson of Senior Moves here in Ottawa has some wisdom to pass along to people not yet retired but getting closer to the big day. “Recently I’ve had the opportunity to listen to several folk tell me that they were retiring in a year or two and were quite “frightened at the thought of it.” As I’ve heard many say how they were looking forward to retiring, this caught me off guard. As I listened they individually shared how they had been busy with their careers and really had no other activities and wondered how they would fill each day. My reply to them was, “Fortunately you have time to put some things in place” There are many things people can do to fill and enrich their lives and the lives of others in retirement.

Personally my husband Doug found that after a career of thirty four and a half years in education time was needed to just wind down. We travelled and took some time to sleep in and do nothing. Doug and I knew we were still quite young and really wanted to do something else. We tried several unsuccessful things. Then one day we did a favour to help a realtor and emptied a basement so he could list the house. While at landfill Doug realized that seniors needed help when moving and we started our business called “Discreetly At Your Service.” We loved the name but calls at two in the morning for “GIRLS” encouraged us to change it to Senior Moves. We knew nothing about business, seniors or moving and our learning curve became quite high.

Our advice for shortly to become retirees is to start something while you are still working. It might be volunteering once a month with a museum, school, homeless shelter, theatre, meals on wheels, seniors’ centre…Find out what gives you enjoyment. My dad was a business man and in retirement he worked with a group called SCORE to help new businesses. One man asked dad about adding a new line of sports shoes to his store. Dad took his pen and paper and sat in the mall for several hours and kept track of the people who entered the store, what they did and the time they spent in each area. At the end of the day his advice was to carry certain shirts. He noted that many people looked at shoes yet few people bought them. Numerous people looked at t- shirts and within a few minutes chose and purchased one. Needless to say both the young man and dad were pleased with his research.

Are there things you have wanted to do but never had the time? Perhaps you wanted to join a gym or learn to play a musical instrument? Has genealogy, writing a book, taking a trip, spending more time with family or friends been a desire?

Doug taught history and geography and now we live in a historical community. I went to the library and started reading about the early settlers and am learning new things each day. With computers it’s amazing the information that is readily available on most topics. Many universities provide degree courses free for seniors and people in their 80s are earning degrees.

As a retired teacher I often give homework…..so “Make a list of what you might like to do. Start preparing now,” and let’s talk. You may already be retired and feel stuck. Or, if you’re reading this and know someone who is having a hard time, help them out.

Doug and Judy have developed a series of ebooks which Robert Hof’s Monthly Overview expand on the topics covered in their first book The Best of The Rest. They are available on Amazon.ca for a modest In order to keep you, my clients, in touch with the price. To see what is being offered just visit Doug and Judy’s Ottawa real estate market, I send out a monthly email website and click on any of the books to be taken to the directly to your mailbox. Amazon site. http://seniormoves.ca/books. The overview provides a summary of the President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s regular monthly Call Doug and Judy at 613-832-0053 newsletter and compares the figures for condo They will be happy to hear from you ! apartments, two storey homes and bungalows for the current year with the same month the previous year It has always been my pleasure to work with Doug and Judy and their clients and I whole-heartedly recommend their and notes the percentage change in each case. services to anyone thinking about their retirement plans. If you would like to receive the Monthly Overview, Robert. please contact me at [email protected] 8 Condominium apartment sales - 2019, 2018 and 2017

This table compares single level apartments, 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms inclusive, by sales in different price ranges and sorts them according to volume. All properties examined are with the Greenbelt area. 2019 2018 2017 Rank Price Range $ # Units Rank Price Range $ # Units Rank Price Range $ #Units

1. 250-275 178 1 150—175 109 1 200 - 225 137 2. 300-325 174 2 275—300 104 2 150 - 175 109 3. 325-350 165 3 200—225 101 3 275 – 300 98 4. 175-200 157 4 250—275 98 4 250 – 275 98 5. 250-250 150 5 300—325 98 5 300 – 325 98 6. 275-300 150 6 175—200 96 6 225 – 250 97 7. 350-375 135 7 325—350 84 7 175 - 200 96 8. 200—225 132 8 225—250 70 8 325 - 350 84 9. 375-400 127 9 125—150 53 9 350 - 375 54 10. 400—425 103 10 350—375 49 10 375 – 400 38

11. 150—175 82 11 375—400 35 11 400 - 425 34 12. 425—450 63 12 400—425 33 12 125 - 150 32 13. 475—500 58 13 450-475 26 13 425 - 450 23 14. 450—475 53 14 425—450 22 14 450 - 475 20 15. 750—1M 34 15 500—525 15 15 475 - 500 19 16. 525-550 32 16 100—125 14 16 525 – 550 10 17. 125—150 29 17 475—500 13 17 750 - $1M 10 18. 500-525 25 18 550 –575 11 18 625- 650 10 19. 550—575 17 19 525—550 11 19 500 - 525 9 20. 550-575 17 20 650—675 8 20 100 – 125 9 21.. 575-600 17 21 575—600 7 21 575 – 600 7 22. 600-625 16 22 600—625 7 22 600 – 625 6 23. 675-700 16 23 675—700 5 23 550 – 575 5 24. 650-675 15 24 625—650 3 24 650 – 675 5 25. 1.5M—2M 14 25 700—725 3 25 700 – 725 4 26. 1M -1.5M 13 26 725—750 3 26 675 – 700 2 27. 700-725 5 27 750—1M 1 27 725 - 750 2 28. 725-750 3 28 1M—1.5M 1 28 1M—1.5M 5

29. Over 2M 0 29 Over 1.5M 0 29 Over 1.5M 2 Total 1,980 Total 1,092 Total 970

Although numbers are shown in increments of $25,000, the actual numbers used for the calculation were, for example, 201—225, to avoid counting any sales twice. 9 Testimonials - what the clients have to say...

“We recently listed a property for sale “I contacted Robert Hof to handle the with Robert Hof. Robert’s reputation sale of my mother's condominium in had preceded him, so we had high Ottawa. I live out of town and was able My name is expectations from the start. We found to meet with him only briefly . His Robert to be especially knowledgeable knowledge of the condominium market Robert Hof... about the local market, particularly the in the area. He priced the unit accurately condo sector. His key contacts within and we had a full-price offer in a week My business depends on the that community are invaluable. And or so after the listing appeared. Over the satisfaction of my clients and your Robert’s recommendations throughout course of the negotiations, I found him referrals are my bread and butter. the listing, negotiating and closing to be responsive, communicating via stages were on the mark. email or the phone, and easy to work If your friends, colleagues or with. family are considering a move, To say we are satisfied with Robert’s I recommend him highly.” whether it be a residential single services is an understatement. His family home, an investment guidance was bang on. And to top it off, - Victoria T. property or a condo, either new or Robert was so easy to deal with, a real resale, I am here to help. delight. With Robert’s expertise to “We want to thank you for your work guide us, selling our condo was not only and obviously the result. You acted Meeting my clients’ needs gives profitable but it was a pleasure . So it is quickly and made all the necessary me the greatest satisfaction. with confidence that we will refer our moves. You kept us advised all the time friends to Robert Hof. Robert’s value to and were very professional. We regret Buying or selling, I welcome your us was even more than we expected. I that due to the present situation, we referrals and I guarantee they will strongly recommend anyone buying or cannot meet you in person to shake your receive the best possible service! selling a property in Ottawa, hands but we hope to see you again at a particularly a condo, to use Robert Hof.” later date. We appreciate what you did and will recommend your services if the I promise! - Catharine Y. occasion arises.”

- Isabelle C.

Behind the scenes… Each year, when the New Year rolls along, my assistant rolls up her sleeves and primes her computer for some heavy work. My marketing assistant Valerie Winsor is the person who sources the articles, prepares the statistical tables and designs the lay-out. Her years as a sub-editor and journalist are put to good use, as is her knowledge of the world of real estate. It’s her job to make this newsletter interesting, informative and pleasant to view.

It’s been a while! I have been in the real estate business for a long time. Years and services with the Canadian military. My principal focus now is years! And it’s those years that have provided me with the resale homes – both residential and condominium with the experience to become a highly recognized real estate emphasis on the latter. My approach is direct and straight- professional in Ottawa. From the early days as a keen young forward. I will do everything possible to make your real estate agent, eager to establish a reputation, through the turbulent experience smooth and trouble-free . My clients’ needs have years in between, it has always been my primary focus to serve always been my top priority and always will be. my clients honestly, decently and respectfully, keeping their When it comes to listing your property for sale or the purchase requirements first and foremost on my agenda. of a new home, you will no doubt wish to select an agent with Over the years I have worked in new home sales and been an established reputation, unsurpassed market knowledge and Marketing Director of two new home construction companies. a strong client base. It takes time to build those qualities – years I also have experience in property management and relocation and years, in fact!

THE SECURITY OF MY EXPERIENCE IS WORKING FOR YOU! 10 Introducing… the professionals

A busy real estate agent must have the backup of a strong team. These professionals offer services that are invaluable to me. Gemma, Mary Lou, Ted and Janis are complete professionals. Dealing with all of them is always a pleasure.

MORTGAGES HOME INSPECTION Gemma Riley-Laurin Ted Cates, P.Eng Mortgage Broker Dominion Lending Centres Ted’s inspections focus on Family Mortgage Group assessing the structure as a Personal Touch specializes 184 Lisgar Street whole system, roofing, chimneys, in assisting homeowners to Ottawa ON K2P 0C4 prepare their property for Ashbury Property Manage- electrical and mechanical 613.845.0786 or 613.290.0196 the market so it sells ment is a multi-faceted com- systems, insulation, www.thelaurinteam.com faster and for more money. pany that takes away the exterior/interior finishes, and the “With more than 18 years of They offer pre and post stress of owning rental general building envelope. experience in the financial move cleaning to take the premises. Ashbury helps to Elements also considered are industry my goal is to offer make your experience more stress and overwhelm out radon gas, indoor air quality, mortgage solutions that best pleasurable. of moving, as well as energy efficiency and suit my clients' individual Your tenants are very providing seasonal and electromagnetic fields. financing needs. My focus is to important and we treat them routine maintenance

ensure that my clients gain the with respect, communicate cleaning services. knowledge necessary to make your concerns or preferences [email protected] sound financial decisions. and offer help. Our aim is to Phone: 613.234.3000 When it comes to cleaning, keep good tenants and reduce call the experts! the costs of occupant turnover. Janis Weaver 613.816.3669

Mary Lou Eberley www.PersonalTouchHomeCleaning. 613.741.4533 or com 613.266.2668

In need of information?

As a real estate agent I am constantly accessing the internet to research all manner of real estate-related topics. Here are links to some of my sources of information. I thought you might find them useful too.

The City of Ottawa https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall

Canadian Real Estate Association http://www.crea.ca

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. http://www.cmhc.ca/housingmarketinformation

The National Capital Commission http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca

Ottawa Information Guide http://www.ottawa-information-guide.com

Ottawa Real Estate Board http://www.oreb.ca

The Condominium Act https://davidsoncondolaw.ca

www.roberthof.ca