The Blog
Santa Clause Parades Around Ottawa
Our Ultimate Guide to Ottawa's 2024 Santa Claus Parades: A Holiday Celebration You Won't Want to Miss! The holiday season is finally here, and Ottawa is sparkling with festive joy as the city gears up for a variety of Santa Claus parades! Whether you're looking to...
Ottawa’s Trees in Trust Program: A Green Initiative for Sustainable Living
Sustainable Living Ottawa’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being is exemplified by the “Trees in Trust” program. This unique initiative allows residents to contribute to the city’s greenery by planting trees on their property with the...
Real Estate Market Trends in Ottawa: A Comprehensive Overview for Buyers and Sellers
Ottawa's real estate market is continuously evolving, presenting unique opportunities and challenges for both home buyers and sellers. Understanding the prevailing market conditions, trends, and opportunities is essential for making informed and strategic real estate...
Ottawa Neighbourhood Guide: Choosing the Right Community for Your Lifestyle
One of the most critical decisions when purchasing a new home in Ottawa is selecting the right neighbourhood to suit your unique preferences and lifestyle. With the help of MacDonald Property Group's experienced real estate agents, who possess an in-depth...
Embracing a Pet-Friendly Lifestyle in Ottawa: Finding the Perfect Home for You and Your Fur Family
In Ottawa, a charming city where urban life harmonises with natural beauty, a growing community of pet lovers embraces a pet-friendly lifestyle. Finding the perfect home for you and your fur family is an exciting journey in this pet-friendly paradise. Ottawa offers a...
Embrace Sustainable Living in Ottawa’s 2024 Eco-Friendly Real Estate Market
Over the past few years, Ottawa has been increasingly embracing sustainability and eco-friendly living, with a growing focus on green infrastructure and sustainable real estate development. As a result, sustainable living has never been more accessible in our city. In...
Embracing Virtual Real Estate Services in Ottawa
The real estate landscape in Ottawa, like the rest of the world, has evolved significantly in recent years due to the increasing reliance on digital platforms and the need for safety measures amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to these changes is not...
Maximizing Your Investment Property Potential in Ottawa: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
In the realm of real estate investment, the city of Ottawa shines with untapped potential. A bustling metropolis with a steadily growing population, Ottawa presents a unique landscape for property investment that is ripe with opportunity. From its diverse...
Master the 2024 Ottawa Rental Market: Valuable Tips and Tried-and-True Strategies
As Ottawa continues to grow and flourish in 2024, the city's rental market has become increasingly competitive and fast-paced. Given this reality, it has never been more important for prospective renters to stay informed and develop effective strategies for securing...
Navigate Ottawa’s 2024 Real Estate Market with Our Top Neighbourhood Picks
As Ottawa's real estate market continues to evolve and grow in 2024, prospective homebuyers may find it challenging to navigate the array of neighbourhood options available. At the same time, emerging trends in homeownership preferences make it essential to stay...
Stay Informed: Uncover Key 2024 Ottawa Real Estate Market Trends for Success
As we navigate through the rapidly evolving real estate landscape of 2024, staying informed about current market trends has become increasingly important for both homebuyers and sellers in Ottawa. Keeping a close eye on emerging trends in homeownership preferences,...
Investing in Ottawa Real Estate: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Property Investors
The real estate market in Ottawa presents a plethora of opportunities for the savvy investor. With the city's strong economy, diverse population, and expanding infrastructure, property investments offer an attractive and potentially lucrative venture. Whether you're...
Embracing Virtual Real Estate Services in Ottawa
The real estate landscape in Ottawa, like the rest of the world, has evolved significantly in recent years due to the increasing reliance on digital platforms and the need for safety measures amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to these changes is not...
Downsizing in Ottawa: Tips and Strategies for a Seamless Transition
Downsizing your home can be a life-changing decision driven by various factors, such as simplifying your lifestyle, reducing expenses, or entering retirement. While the process can seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity for a fresh start and embracing a more...
The Home Inspection Process for Ottawa Home Buyers
Buying a home in Ottawa is an exciting and enriching milestone. As an informed buyer, it is crucial to understand the importance of a thorough home inspection before finalizing any real estate transaction. A well-executed home inspection can offer invaluable insights...
Discover Ottawa’s Vibrant Neighbourhoods with MacDonald Property Group
Ottawa, Canada's captivating capital city, offers a rich tapestry of vibrant neighbourhoods, each with its unique blend of character, amenities, and charm. As a prospective homebuyer, finding the ideal community that aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and budget is a...
Effective Strategies to Boost Home Value Before Selling in Ottawa
Selling your Ottawa home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you can capitalize on the thriving real estate market in the capital city. As a homeowner, understanding how to maximize the value of your property before listing it for sale is...
Sustainable Living in Ottawa: Eco-Friendly Home Features and Initiatives
As environmental concerns become increasingly significant worldwide, many Ottawa residents are embracing sustainable living practices to reduce their ecological impact and contribute to a greener future. Incorporating eco-friendly features in your home and...
Navigating the Ottawa Real Estate Market: A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
Taking the plunge into homeownership is an exciting and life-changing milestone, but it can also seem daunting, particularly in Ottawa's dynamic real estate market. As a first-time homebuyer, you may feel overwhelmed by the numerous factors to consider, including...
Investing in Ottawa’s Real Estate Market: Essential Tips for Success
Real estate investment offers numerous opportunities for long-term financial growth and security, particularly in Ottawa's thriving property market. The city's strong economy, diverse housing options, stable government employment, and renowned institutions make it an...
Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Ottawa Neighbourhood
Ottawa, Canada's dynamic capital city, offers a myriad of neighbourhoods, each with distinct characteristics, amenities, and lifestyles that cater to diverse homebuyer preferences and needs. Finding the perfect community that resonates with your personal and family...
Guide to Investment Properties in Ottawa
Real estate investing is an incredibly popular wealth-building strategy attracting both seasoned investors and novices alike. In Canada, Ottawa's thriving real estate market presents a wealth of opportunities for those seeking to enter the realm of investment...
Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approval Process for Home Buyers in Ottawa
Are you planning to buy a home in Ottawa? Congratulations! You have chosen one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities to settle down in. Ottawa boasts a healthy real estate market, with diverse housing options that accommodate various budgets and preferences....
Ottawa’s Most Desirable Neighbourhoods for Homebuyers
As a thriving, culturally rich, and picturesque city, Ottawa holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. This Canadian gem offers a unique blend of history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant lifestyle that caters to young professionals, families, and...
Maximizing Your Home’s Resale Value in Ottawa: Top Tips for Sellers
When the time comes to sell your Ottawa home, maximizing its resale value is essential to secure a successful and profitable sale. By implementing practical improvements, staging your property effectively, and understanding what prospective buyers seek, you can...
Preparing for a Home Inspection in Ottawa: Key Insights for Home Sellers and Buyers
Navigating the home inspection process is integral to buying or selling a property in Ottawa's dynamic real estate market. For sellers, a thorough home inspection helps ensure transparency and can enhance buyer confidence, while for buyers, a comprehensive inspection...
Ottawa & Surrounding Area Santa Claus Parades!
Attention Ottawa and surrounding neighbourhoods! Get ready for a sleigh-load of festive fun as Christmas parades roll into town! Here's a summary of some of the parades happening in the Ottawa area! Experience the enchantment as the capital comes alive with lights,...
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR OTTAWA’S RESALE MARKET
Ottawa's resale market may have normalized during the holidays, however as a whole, 2021 was a record-breaking year in real estate. The total sales value in 2021 was approximately $13.1B compared to $10B in 2020. Real estate...
OTTAWA’S NOVEMBER RESALE MARKET REMAINS ACTIVE AND BRISK
Ottawa's November resale transactions may have been down compared to a year ago, but in reality, Ottawa's real estate market remains strong this month. November's unit sales tracked 14% higher than 2019 and we also see an 8% increase in year-to-date sales over 2020....
ALTA VISTA: OTTAWA NEIGHBOURHOOD SPOTLIGHT
It’s named for its high altitude, but don’t let that fool you. Alta Vista is a thriving residential neighbourhood with a population of approximately 20,000. Often described as a safe, calm but friendly suburb, Alta Vista has a mix of retirees and young, new families. ...
MORTGAGE 101: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Variable? Fixed? Open? Closed? There's so much to consider when choosing your first mortgage, and all that pressure can be stressful. It's a huge commitment, and choosing the right mortgage can help save your thousands - even tens of thousands. Knowing your options...
OTTAWA’S RESALES LOOK TYPICAL ENTERING THE FALL SEASON
October's resale market in Ottawa was a little more normal than it has been lately. The recent decline of 21% reflects the typical fall season during the pre-pandemic days. At MacDonald Property Group we realize that these market conditions are very challenging for...
CLOSING COSTS 101 | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A HOME
There are many costs that come with the purchase of a home in Ottawa. Closing costs, however, are often overlooked by first-time homebuyers and can be an additional $10-30 thousand dollars on top of your down and mortgage payments. Wouldn’t it be nice to know about...
STITTSVILLE NEIGHBOURHOOD SPOTLIGHT
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retirement or an opportunity to buy your first home, Stittsville could be the place to do it. For this month’s neighbourhood spotlight we’re heading west of the capital to visit the popular growing community of Stittsville. With...
HOME BUYING TIPS: NEW BUILD VERSUS RESALE
Many homeowners are faced with the decision of whether to buy a new build or a resale home. There are many factors to consider, like the current real estate market, the type of home you’re looking for, and your budget. We’ll guide you through some of the pros and cons...
NEIGHBOURHOOD SPOTLIGHT: RIVERSIDE SOUTH AND FINDLAY CREEK
East of the Rideau River in the south end of Ottawa are two rapidly-growing, family-friendly neighbourhoods, Riverside South and Findlay Creek. With a mix of detached, semi-detached row houses, new elementary schools, and future access to Ottawa’s light rail transit...
RESALE MARKET IN AUGUST CONTINUES TO DECLINE IN OTTAWA
It was another quiet month in Ottawa, as home sales decreased by 22% compared to August 2020. This follows a pattern in Ottawa where there’s been a considerable decline in transactions compared to the spring and 8% fewer sales than in July. At MacDonald Property Group...
Ottawa West End Spotlight: Westboro, Wellington, Hintonburg & Mechanicsville
They say young people are the tastemakers of the trendiest neighbourhoods, which is why you’ll find most of them in Ottawa west end. Where yuppies meet hippies we are heading to Ottawa west end to immerse ourselves in the neighbourhoods of Westboro, Wellington,...
5 Home Security Tips to Protect Your Home While You’re On Vacation
You’ve bought a new home, and now it’s time for your first vacation! You might have questions about what to do to secure and safeguard your home while you’re away. We’ve put together a few tips for you below so you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Home Security Tips...
Ottawa Residential Sales Decline in July
Ottawa's real estate market has slowed down this month. With a decrease of 21% in home sales and sellers turning their attention to summer vacations, the market is finally beginning to stabilize. At MacDonald Property Group we realize that these market conditions are...
Neighbourhood Spotlight: Grenfell Glen, Pineglen, Merivale Gardens & Country Place
It’s time for another neighbourhood spotlight, and this time we’re moving north from Barrhaven to the communities of Grenfell Glen, Pineglen, Merivale Gardens & Country Place. If you see a real estate listing for one of these neighbourhoods, it more likely than...
Packing List For The First Night in Your New Home
You're moving! Do you have the right packing list? Picture this. You’ve finally arrived in your new home, with your packed, sealed and labelled moving boxes. You pull out the box of kitchen essentials, congratulating yourself on your organizational skills. Now, if you...
Ottawa’s Real Estate Market May Be Normalizing According to June’s Home Sales
Could Ottawa's real estate market be cooling down? According to June's 2021 residential resale market, home sales were up only 2% compared to a year ago and there was a lower volume of activity compared to last month (May). For details on June's activity, we are...
Northeast Barrhaven Spotlight: Barrhaven East & Longfields
Interested in what Ottawa neighbourhood has the best value for your money? It’s time for another neighbourhood spotlight. We’re heading to Northeast Barrhaven to explore the two neighbourhoods of Barrhaven East and Longfields. Our goal is to help make your home search...
What You Need to Know Before You Renovate Your Kitchen
If you’re selling your Ottawa-area home and wondering whether to renovate the kitchen before putting it on the market, we have some good news: Kitchen renovations typically offer one of the highest returns on investment. But not all improvements are created equal - so...
71% Increase in Homes Sold in May 2021 vs May 2020 Despite Lockdown
Even with a lockdown in both May 2020 and 2021, Ottawa's current real estate market looks quite different. Compared to May 2020, there was a 71% increase in homes sold in May 2021. For details on May's activity, we are sharing the OREB’s May report (see below). At...
Central Barrhaven Spotlight: Strandherd, Heart’s Desire, Barrhaven on the Green & Heritage Park
In the past few decades, Barrhaven has transformed from a bedroom community of Ottawa to an independent hub full of thriving new developments. In our Ottawa Neighbourhood Spotlight series, we’re now visiting Central Barrhaven. This includes...
Backyard Tips to Increase Your Home’s Value
You’ve heard of curb appeal, but what about backyard appeal? Your backyard is an extension of your home and can add or detract from its value. Although most improvements will increase your property value, they don’t all provide the same return on your investment when...
Stonebridge & Half Moon Bay Spotlight
What do you look for in a neighbourhood? A friendly local coffee shop? Access to great schools? A grocery store nearby? Buying a new home also means buying a new neighbourhood. Need help picking the right one? In our Ottawa Neighbourhood...
How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Even though homes in Ottawa are selling like hotcakes, first impressions matter. Improving your home's curb appeal will achieve that stop-and-stare look from buyers so you can get it off the market in no time. TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL A home’s curb...
Ottawa Property Values Continue to Escalate, With Almost 80% Sold for More Than Asking
Pent-up demand for homes in the Ottawa area continued to drive up average resale prices by 35% in March, compared to last year, to $758,802 for a residential-class property. A number of new listings came onto the market resulting in 2285 properties being sold,...
Old Barrhaven West Spotlight
When looking for the right home, you’re not just buying the property. You’re also buying into the neighbourhood. Ottawa has dozens of unique neighbourhoods, but how do you know which one is right for you and your family? In our Ottawa Neighbourhood...
Questions to Ask An Ottawa Seller’s Agent
Selling your home can be stressful, and it can be made more or less stressful depending on the seller’s agent you choose. All realtors are not created equal. If you speak to different agents, you’ll quickly learn that we don’t all use the same strategies to sell your...
Expert Guidance Required to Sell or Buy a Home in These Ottawa Market Conditions
The red hot Ottawa resale market continued throughout February. Even with low inventory levels it was record month for sales due to properties coming on the market selling very quickly. For details on February's activity, we are sharing the OREB's February report (see...
Tips for Preparing Your Ottawa Home for Sale
Ready to sell your Ottawa-Barrhaven home? First, ask yourself this question: "Will my home impress?". In real estate, first impressions matter, so when you put in the extra work to prepare your home for sale, you'll sell faster and for more. How to prepare your home...
Pros and Cons of Downsizing to a Townhome or Condo in the Ottawa Market
Have your kids left the nest? Are you looking for some extra cash as you head into your golden years? Downsizing your current Ottawa home and buying a townhome or condo may be the answer. If you are a downtown dweller, you may even consider moving to a less...
Experience Matters When Buying Or Selling Your Home In This Market
Another month of low resale inventory has pushed home prices to new record levels. The strong year-over-year trend that we have been experiencing in the Ottawa area market the past 18-months doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. For details on January's...
Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Barrhaven Home
Are you looking to sell your Barrhaven home? Did you know home sellers tend to make the same mistakes, time and time again, costing them money, time, and unnecessary energy? The good news is that you can avoid this. As experienced real estate agents,...
What Is My Barrhaven Home Worth?
With the Ottawa real estate market continuing to explode as we enter 2021, you may be asking yourself how much your Barrhaven home is worth. While you can use a home value calculator to get a broad understanding of...
Barrhaven Home Buying Tips for Millennials
Ottawa has become the #1 home buying destination for Millennials moving within Canada. A recent study found that Millennials are leaving cities like Montreal and Toronto to search for more affordable options. Ottawa (especially the neighbourhoods of Barrhaven and...
5 Reasons to Use A Buyer’s Agent
Most people don’t think twice about hiring an agent when they’re trying to sell their home but are reluctant to sign up for a buyer's agent when looking to buy a home. With so much information now available online, it’s understandable that people looking to buy a home...
Moving to Barrhaven? Here’s Your Change of Address Checklist
Congratulations on your new home in Barrhaven. Whether you’re moving from the Ottawa area or somewhere else in Ontario, there are quite a few things that need to get done before you settle into your new home. Between meeting...
Buying a Condo in Ottawa? Here’s What You Need to Know
Thinking about buying a condo? In October, Ottawa’s condominium supply was up 15% over last year, while residential housing supply was down 46% (Ottawa Real Estate Board). This trend may indicate a buying opportunity for those interested in the condo...
Home Buying Tips in A Competitive Market
Buying a home can be a stressful experience, especially if you're buying in a competitive market. Here are our tips for getting through it. We once considered Toronto and Vancouver to have Canada's hottest real estate market, but now, Ottawa's record-breaking housing...
How To Spot An Up-And-Coming Neighbourhood
Isn’t it great to know something before anyone else does? That’s the feeling when you spot an up-and-coming neighbourhood. You get to move in while it’s affordable and then enjoy its growth. You’ll never be late to the party if you look for...
COVID-19 Impact On Ottawa Housing Market
While many industries have slowed down their operations due to COVID-19, the housing market has done the opposite. The Ottawa housing market is booming, but the needs of consumers are evolving. Here are some of the ways...
Reasons To Make Barrhaven Your Home
“Borehaven”? Not anymore. Barrhaven, a region that used to be the punch line of a joke, has quickly become one of the most sought-after areas for real estate in Ottawa. If you’re looking for the perfect place to buy a home and raise a family, Barrhaven may be the...
Top 5 Things To Look For In A Realtor
Buying or selling a home is a big decision and so is picking the right realtor. A little bit of homework on your part can go a long way in making sure you partner with a realtor that you trust completely and that has the expertise you are looking for. Here are the top...
There is so much talk about Mental Health and “Bell let’s talk” this past week. It’s so important that we open up the lines of communication for everyone that is suffering in silence. Sometimes though, the person that is the listening ear just doesn’t know what...
Announcing The New MacDonald Property Group, Ottawa, ON
Welcome to the new website for The MacDonald Property Group. We are a team of dedicated real estate agents in Ottawa under Re/Max Hallmark Realty Group. Over the years, we have become one of the most trusted real estate agencies in Ottawa and with Re/Max. In fact, we...
