Stunning two bedroom condo in Claridge Plaza. The Meridian floor plan is spectacular, with South North and Easterly views. Over 1100 sqft of open living space, granite countertops and panoramic views of the Nations Capital from this corner unit condo. Floor to ceiling windows, walk in closet, and two ensuites.

Unit 1911 is listed on the Multiple Listing Service at $432,900 with condominium fees of $417 per month.

For a private showing please contact Matt Richling, Jeff Mziray and the Ottawas Condos Team at 613-286-9501 or matt@mattrichling.com.

This unit is listed at $254,400 with a condo fee of $190 per month which includes everything except electricity.

For a private showing please contact Matt Richling and the Ottawas Condos team at 613-286-9501 or Matt@MattRichling.com

Trendy Upscale Claridge Plaza Greenwich Model. Stunning and sought after corner unit, accented with pot lighting and ceiling to floor windows.This two bedroom condo offers a balcony, in unit laundry and en-suite bathroom…these are just a few of the added features this remarkable property has to offer. Building offers: over 8000 sq.ft rec. center, terrace,pool,and sauna.

Currently listed on the public Multiple Listing Service at $347,400 with monthly condo fees of $345.00 per month.

For a private showing please contact Matt Richling and the Ottawas Condos Team at 613-286-9501 or matt@mattrichling.com.

Welcome to The Pinnacle. Downtown living at its finest. Walk to everything! Imagine never driving a car again! Walk to work and avoid all of the traffic and crazy drivers. This stunning One bedroom is a “perfect 10″ featuring beautiful dark hardwood, granite, designer paint, and an amazing view of the city! This unit shows pride of ownership throughout.

This unit is listed on the Mutiple Listing Service for $299,900 with condominium fees aproximately $230 per month.

For a private showing please contact Matt Richling of the Ottawas Condos Team at 613-286-9501 or Matt@MattRichling.com.

Downtown living Epitomized. Chic new construction. Executive Galleria condo with stunning hardwood, tile and granite countertops throughout. Thomson model, featuring two bedroom plus den, two full bath and European style designer kitchen with breakfast bar for extra eating area. Bright corner unit plus balcony that overlook the Gatineau Hills. Located steps away from the dynamic Byward Market, Parliament Hill, DND and the University of Ottawa.

This unit is listed on the Multiple Listing Service for $409,900 and available with immediate occupancy.

For private showings please contact Matt Richling and the Ottawas Condos Team at 613-286-9501 or Matt@OttawasCondos.com

RE/MAX Mainstreet is the homepage for over 93,338 agents in over 78 countries around the world. This month I am featured as the headline news story about my video marketing and its use in real estate. I don’t intended to post this as a “hey look at me” type deal, but rather to understand how being featured above all agents not only helps you, my client, but connects me with agents around the world who have clients looking for property.

As a seller, you never know where the next offer could come from. Having an agent who is networked with other agents gives you an unmeasurable difference that could be the difference between selling and not selling your property. EXAMPLE - If I have a client who is looking at moving to Vancouver, I am going to ensure that my friend Ian Watt, takes care of there purchase in Vancouver. Now Ian is going to show the clients his listings and hopefully match everybody together. Without the relationship that Ian and myself have, that sale might never of happened.

Every time I am featured on an International level, my network grows. Which means your network grows. Meaning more money in your pocket.

- Matt Richling

Downtown living at its finest. Claridge plaza offers recreation facilities, a salt water pool, sauna, 24 hour concierge services and much more. The prime Downtown location allows you to walk to the cities top restaurants, rapid transit seconds away, one block to groceries and seconds to Parliament hill. Storage locker included. Call Claridge Plaza home.

This One bedroom One Bathroom unit is available with immediate occupancy for $262,500 with monthly condo fees of $232.

For a private showing please contact Matt Richling and the Ottawas Condos Team at 613-286-9501 or Info@OttawasCondos.com .

Take a look at the new website to showcase the new Besserer street condominium building. GalleriaCondosOttawa.com is to serve anyone looking to get into the building, those currently in the building, and assist with anyone who is looking to rent out their unit.

The site features all units that are currently for sale in the building, which gives you a one-stop-shop for condos in that building. It features a Community Rental Board, which allows anyone (including other real estate agents) to post their for rent ads. As well for those who are already in the building, they can find contact information for condo board staff as well as store and restaurant locations in the area!

Powered by Matt Richling, GalleriaCondosOttawa.com is another website that is added to his already impressive online marketing arsenal. Each website is built and designed in order to funnel buyers who are looking to purchase, in front of your listing.

For more information visit GalleriaCondosOttawa.com or MattRichling.com. If you would like to post your rental information visit the message board or email Matt@Mattrichling.com.

If you would like Matt Richling to sell your downtown Ottawa condo or if you are looking for a unit for sale in Ottawa please contact Matt Richling at 613-286-9501 or by email Matt@MattRichling.com.
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Wellington Village will be getting another cool condominium project added to its roster. The Wellington at Island Park will be a 6 floor mixed use condominium development with some smaller commercial spaces on the ground floor. Being built by Theberge Homes and designed by Barry J. Hobin & Associates, the building will certainly add some nice character to the area. Take a look below to see the first rendering of the building, and below the current corner of Wellington st. and Carleton st. where the building will be built.

From the website:

“Intimate in size, contemporary in design, revered in location, The Wellington at Island Park projects refinement, sophistication and creativity unequaled in boutique-inspired luxury condo living.

Sleek lines and harmonious proportions exude confidence in every facet of the Wellington’s bold and chic interior designs. Reminiscent of a boutique luxury hotel, the Wellington at Island Park offers upscale amenities, rich finishes and exceptional comforts that leave nothing to the imagination.

Located in Ottawa’s thriving Wellington Village, The Wellington at Island Park rests mere steps away from upscale shops, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment. Architecturally inspired and designed by award wining architect, Barry Hobin, The Wellington at Island Park defines a new standard for Ottawa’s elite urban condominium residences.”

What do you think about The Wellington at Island Park condominium building? Please feel free to email me Matt@MattRichling.com or call me 613-286-9501 if you have any questions! I love getting your emails and comments!

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Take a look at the new website to showcase Mondrian condominium building. MondrianOttawaCondos.com is to serve anyone looking to get into the building, those currently in the building, and assist with anyone who is looking to rent out their unit.

The site features all units that are currently for sale in the building, which gives you a one-stop-shop for condos in that building. It features a Community Message Board, which allows anyone (including other real estate agents) to post their for rent ads. As well for those who are already in the building, they can find contact information for condo board staff (when the condo board is released) as well as store and restaurant locations in the area!

Powered by Matt Richling,  MondrianOttawaCondos.com is another website that helps him sell your condo for more, and faster.

For more information visit  MondrianOttawaCondos.com or MattRichling.com. If you would like to post your rental information visit the message board or email Matt@Mattrichling.com.

If you are looking for a unit for sale in the building please contact Matt Richling at 613-286-9501 or by email Matt@MattRichling.com.
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This morning a great article was published in the Globe and Mail that touches on a couple important subjects that every first time condo buyer should think about before purchasing your first condo.

The writer speaks about how condo buyers are allowing emotions to get the best and are not fully prepared for condo ownership. They see short commutes, no maintenance, and the lifestyle that developers are selling, before fully doing the math.

The buyers ‘ass’u'me’ that it is cheaper to live in a condo since you only pay one fee per month and wont have to pay for a furnace, roof or any of the other costs that can suddenly pop-up. But the writer explains that you might still have unexpected expenses that the reserve fund cannot cover and will have to reach out to the unit owners for additional funds. The writer gives some pretty extreme examples, but still very important.

Good little article that might take the wind out of your sail, but rightly so, you should be financially ready to own a home. The last thing I would want to do is help you sell because you cannot afford to live in your dream home.

Do you agree with me/the writer? Do you disagree? Tell me in the comments below or call me 613-286-9501 or email Matt@MattRichling.com.

Click below for the full article!

Is a condo a good investment?

Roma Luciw

Globe and Mail Update Published on Monday, Nov. 02, 2009 6:29AM EST

Condominiums seem like an attractive real estate option, but buyers who don’t do their homework could quickly find themselves stuck with a volatile investment and buried under mounting maintenance and unexpected costs.

“Too many Canadians are being seduced by the pretty pictures and stories of easy lifestyle and they end up buying into a building that is a time bomb of costs …,” says Kurt Rosentreter, a senior financial adviser at Manulife Securities Inc.

In a controversial newsletter, Mr. Rosentreter lays out his position on how, from a financial perspective, condos often don’t make good sense. He argues that far from being less expensive than a regular house, urban condos with high property taxes and steep monthly maintenance costs, not to mention unforeseen expenses such as fixing a broken pool valve, can carve a surprisingly big chunk from a person’s budget.

Condo shoppers generally fall into three categories: young professionals looking for a cheaper entry-point into the red-hot Canadian housing market; retirees aiming to downsize from a big family home; and established investors who want to buy a unit and rent it out for profit.

Although first-time, urbon condo buyers are lured by short work commutes, minimal upkeep and amenities such as pools and exercise rooms, many still see a condo as a stepping stone to owning a house later in life, when they have a family, says Mr. Rosentreter.

The problem is that most young people don’t have enough of a down payment – they should have saved at least 10 per cent – and haven’t left themselves enough wiggle room in their cash flow to cover bills and unanticipated costs and to also live the life they desire, he said.

In addition, condo owners should not assume they will be able to sell their unit at a profit. Mr. Rosentreter believes that the “sheer number of new condos being built almost guarantees that in the event of a market correction, the condos will fall faster and deeper” than a townhome or a bricks-and-mortar house.

“I tell all my young professional clients that they should not buy a condo unless they plan to own it for 10 years and have solid, sustainable cash flow,” he said.

John Pasalis, the broker owner of Toronto-based Realosophy Realty Inc., says it depends on location. “Condos do appreciate and, depending on which neighbourhood you buy, it can be a great investment.”

Adrian Mastracci, portfolio manager with KCM Wealth Management Inc. in Vancouver, says real estate is always a risky venture when taken with a short-term view. “You might not be able to sell it when you want to for what you want.”

However, in big cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, skyrocketing housing prices have left people with little choice but to enter the real estate market through the condo segment, he says.

The allure of condo living is another major driver in the decision-making process. “Generally people buy a condo because of a lifestyle it gives them but you can not buy it on emotion alone –you need the numbers to work too,” Mr. Mastracci said.

For retirees on a fixed income, the numbers often don’t add up for condo life, Mr. Rosentreter says. While the idea of moving into a smaller space where you don’t have to shovel the driveway or clean the eaves troughs is appealing, retirees should think twice about committing their limited pension dollars to a rising array of maintenance and other costs that are needed to operate a multimillion-dollar building.

He cites an example of one client whose maintenance fees rose 15 per cent over the last five years to $900 a month – as much as it could be rented for. Another client was hit with a special one-time assessment bill of $12,500 as her share of fixing a crack in the underground parking garage.

Making a rental income from condos is also getting tougher, since Canada Revenue Agency is cracking down on landlords who repeatedly claim rental losses and deduct them against their regular income to trim their income tax bill, Mr. Rosentreter said. So unless you are putting down a large deposit and getting a small mortgage, a rental condo should not be claimed as a tax loss.

Condo buyers who rent out their unit and are not making 10 per cent or more might be better off with other forms of real estate investments, he added.

Before buying a condo unit, make sure that you, your lawyer and your accountant carefully review the building’s status certificate to ensure it is being run well and is in good financial health. Find out how much is in the building’s reserve fund; managed properly, the fund should have the money to cover major expenses such as cracked parking garages.

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