We all want to be standing on a solid financial foundation, but that isn’t always the case for most

of us. Millions of people live from paycheck to paycheck; many households have $1,000 or less

in savings; and countless individuals don’t pay their credit card balances each month. It’s time to

face your financial fears - trust that it can absolutely pay off. We’re all aware of the simple tasks

such as tracking monthly expenses and balancing your checkbook in an allowance for you to

decide where you want your money to go. Currently, there is the possibility of a bigger option -

Experts say low home prices combined with low interest rates make this the best time in years

to become a real-estate investor. Now is a great time to invest in a rental property!

If this is a direction in which you are thinking of heading, keep these points in mind:

Know your options Not all investment properties are the same, so it’s important to determine

what type of property fits your strategy. First-time real-estate investors may want to start with

residential housing, since commercial real estate and land development still face challenging

market conditions.

Real estate is less complex than other investments A great advantage of real estate is its

simplicity. Market factors that shape the performance of real estate values are pretty basic;

space is limited; and, population is growing. As more people are competing to find living space

in a finite supple of property, values will rise.

Partner with experience First-time investors should find a real-estate agent experienced in

investment property deals who can aid in the location of promising properties.

Equity The great thing about real estate holdings in the equity it provides investors. As the

equity grows, you will qualify for large low interest rate loans. Therefore, as your original

property continues to appreciate in value, you have access to more capital to invest in other

wealth generating instruments.

Look for the right location If you buy a property with hopes of renting it out, location is key.

Homes in high-rent or highly populated areas are ideal; stay away from rural areas where

there are fewer people and a small pool of potential renters. Also, look for homes with multiple

bedrooms and bathrooms that have a low crime rate. The more you have to offer, the more

likely you are to please potential renters.

For more information on Investing in the Ottawa Real Estate Market visit our web site at www.WeKnowOttawa.com or Call the Hamre Team at RE/MAX metro city realty. Ask for Greg Hamre or Steve Hamre (613) 841-2111. 

Beautiful 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Single Family Home in Cumberland.Inviting Front Entrance,Formal Living/Dining Rm,Main Floor Family Rm,Open Kitchen w/Upgraded Cabinetry & Centre Island, Hrdwd Throughout,Pot Lights,Balcony on 2nd Level,Large Master w/Luxury Ensuite & Walkin Closet.RESORT Style Back Yard w/Heated Salt Water Inground Pool,Water falls,Fire Pit,Hottub,Outdoor Kitchen w/Granite Counter Tops, Endless Patio.Awesome for Entertaining.

Beautiful "Richcraft" End Unit w/ 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms w/2nd Level Laundry, Hardwood Floors, Ceramic Tile, Curved Staircase & Accent Windows on Garage, Bright Eat-In Kitchen w/Pantry Cabinets & Ceramic Back Splash, Separate Living Room & Dining Room, Rear Facing Master w/Walk-in Closet, Ensuite Bathroom w/Soaker Tub & Stand-Up Shower, Fully Finished Basement Rec. Room Plus Storage, Fully Fenced Yard

There’s a big wide world outside your door - it’s time to get out and enjoy life!

Mark your calendars! The 4th Annual Hopewell “Love Your Life” Valentine’s Gala will take placeon Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn (Ottawa Airport).

This fun filled evening is all about loving your life, celebrating every body, dancing the nightaway, and raising funds for Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre. The evening includes a delicious four-course meal, musicfrom the Showtime Party Band and outstanding raffle and silent auction prizes. With tickets at$100, this exciting event is one not to be missed!

You’ll discover that the simple act of engaging in new activities, enjoying others’ company, orjust getting a little change of scenery every now and again has the power to reinvigorate yourlife.

Check out the Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre of Ottawa website to purchase tickets.

 Friday – NHL Fan Fair at the Ottawa Congress Centre 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and the Night Skate on the Rideau Canal at 7:00 pm.

Saturday – NHL Junior Skills competition on the Rideau Canal 9:00 am to Noon, NHL Fan Fair at the Ottawa Congress Centre 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, NHL All-Stars Skill Competition 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Scotia Bank.

Sunday – All-Star Game 4:00 pm at Scotia Bank.

For a full list of details visit the Ottawa Senator’s All-Star web site at; http://senators.nhl.com/club/index.htm

Beautiful 4 Bedroom + Den/Nanny Suite, 2 Ensuite Monarch Appleton w/Builder Upgraded Rear Extension, 61' Wide Lot, Dormer Roof Peaks, Front Veranda, Hardwood Floors, Spacious Center Island Kitchen w/Wall of Pantry & Pot Drawers, Great Room w/Vaulted Ceiling & Fireplace, Living/Dining Room w/French Doors, Master Retreat w/His & Her Walk-Ins, Luxury 5pc Ensuite w/Soaker Jet Tub & Separate Shower, Private Yard w/Deck

Beautiful 3 Bedroom Carriage Home on Pie Shaped Lot, Front Foyer w/French Doors, Bright Eat-in Kitchen including all Major Appliances, Living Room & Dining Room, Generous Size Bedroom, Partially Finished Basement w/Rec, Room, Den, Storage & Laundry Room, Double Length Driveway w/Oversized Garage, Fenced Yard w/Deck Gazebo, Shed & Heated Saltwater Above Ground Pool, Newer Roof, Exterior Doors & Vinyl Front Bay Windows

Modern Luxury Urban 2 Bedroom 2 Full Bath Suite, Built by Domicile in 2010, High Ceilings, Hardwood Floors, Ceramic Tile, Exquisite Island Kitchen w/Granit Counter Tops, Accent Mouldings & Deep Pantry Cabinets, Open Concept Design Living Room & Dining Room w/Gas Fireplace, Master Bedroom w/Full Ensuite, Bedroom w/Twin Closets, Main Bathroom, In-Unit Laundry, Fenced Court Yard, Underground Parking, Secure Building, Steps to Rideau River

Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Designed Home on a Wide Lot w/Western Rear Exposure. Hardwood Flrs, Ceramic Tile, Arched Doorways,Cathedral Ceilings, Pot Lights. High-End Eat-in Kitchen Open to Main Floor Family Rm. Separate Liv/Din Rm. Master Bdrm, 4 Piece Ensuite w/Stand-up Shower & Soaker Tub. French Doors to 2nd Level Den. Professionally Finished Basement. Fenced Yard, Heated Above Ground Salt Water Pool, Inground Sprinkler System.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Single Family Home for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 613-841-2111 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Greg-Shirley-Steve Hamre
RE/MAX Metro-City Realty ltd, Brokerage

How is the current real estate market?

Considering that the Ottawa Housing Market just came through a record level of re-sales house sales in the final quarter in 2011. The average price of a home in Ottawa ($343,701) is below the national average. Top that with the current life time record low interest rates. This makes the prediction that the Ottawa real estate market pricing will increase in 2012 if the demand remains consistent.

So the demand characteristics are in place.

How about the supply of houses for sale in Ottawa?

There are currently 1539 free hold single family homes in Ottawa on the market according to MLS in Ottawa. Only 24% of those listings are at and/or below $343,701 the Average Selling price of a home in Ottawa. There are 34.8% above the average price point to $500,000, 33% between $500,000 - million and 7% over a million.

The condominiums in Ottawa are showing 678 units currently available. 34% of the condo inventory in Ottawa is priced at and/or below $250,000. 51% is priced between $250,000 and half a million. 14% is priced over half a million.

The pressure on sales volume in Ottawa will be felt below the $400,000 price level because of low inventory levels while the mix in condominiums is very balanced.

This makes Ottawa a very attractive city to invest for real estate in 2012. Steady growth and a balance of inventory will lead to another healthy real estate market.

Spring is around the corner, the time to meet with one of the Hamre Team sales associates at RE/MAX metro city is fast approaching.  Of our overall real estate business, a large percentage is relocation in and out of Ottawa. If you are considering listing your current home and/or buying, please call Greg Hamre or Steve Hamre today at 613-841-2111 or visit our web site at www.WeKnowOttawa.com

Our team realigned its client care systems to better service our Buyers/Sellers. We also added a Marketing & Design team member to support our volume of listing sales. Our level of “Customer Service” increased and our “Clients Feedback” supported our efforts. Our “Listing Image” and “Marketing Strategy” continued to improve with an increase in volume as well as an above average Selling Price for our Sellers.

As per the market, despite the ongoing global economic problems and a Federal Election this past year, 2011 marked the second best year for resale home sales in the past five years

 The market started off the year quietly, but gained momentum as we headed into spring and summer, losing very little steam during the fall and posting the best November and December on record. In many ways, it emphasized the nature of real estate in Ottawa: no dizzying highs, no dramatic lows, just slow and steady growth.”

The selling price of a home in Ottawa in 2011 was $343,701, an increase of 5.2 per cent over 2010.

Please visit our web site at http://www.WeKnowOttawa.com

There are a couple of months left to make a difference. For More Information http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca

View this recently sold LOT or see all my home sales

8 2082 Valin Street, Ottawa, ON
 

http://www.WeKnowOttawa.com 2 Bedroom End Unit 2 Bath Condo in East Village. Tile Entrance, 9 ft Ceilings Throughout, Large Windows in Living Room, Entertainment Size Dining Room. Crown Moulding, Eatin Kitchen with Lots of Counter Space and Cupboards,Balcony to Enjoy Views and Morning Coffee, Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bath including Double Shower and Separate Tub, In-Unit Laundry, Freshly Painted, 2 Parking Spots,Close to Shopping, Recreation and Transit.

View this recently sold Condominium or see all my home sales