The Guy With The Dog

A fantastic opportunity to claim a piece of the city!  One of Ottawa’s A plus addresses and everything “Ottawa” is within reach. A choice 1 bed with den finished in a modern palette and complete with quality finishes and materials throughout. Great views, a roof top terrace and a short walk to Elgin St and the Canal. Think of the lifestyle!

Pride of ownership and thoughtful improvements make this a stand out amongst its
peers. A three bedroom layout with sunken living room separate dining, eat in
kitchen and a finished basement with den and rec room. Fabulous renos to the
kitchen, powder room, ensuite bath, updates to the main bath, windows, doors,
roof, hvac systems and more. Curb appeal and an ideal setting with extensive
landscaping. Buy with confidence and enjoy!

A fantastic opportunity to make home ownership a reality. No compromises here.
Curb appeal, a nice lot and an updated home make for a compelling package.
Hardwood throughout the main, updated kitchen and fixtures, a brand new bath,
tasteful decor, a useable garage, and a finished lower level. Master is over
sized, lower has two finished rooms for beds, hobby or your fancy plus a rec
room. New doors, newer windows. Turn key and enjoy!

This is a fantastic layout with a real emphasis on a modern lifestyle. The main gives priority to the kitchen  with island, a wall of windows and open to the sunken family room with fireplace. Main also boasts a den and combined living and dining space. The theme of modern luxury continues with 9 foot ceilings, hardwood, a master retreat with beautiful  ensuite and more. Finished lower level, fenced, landscaped and the complete package.

Well proportioned, designed for modern living and immaculately cared for, this is a gem! Quality finishings with an open concept layout. Four beds, four baths, 2 generous living spaces on the main level and a professionally finished basement create a perfect blend of size and quality. Backing onto nature in a family friendly neighborhood, this is a fabulous package.

My neighbour was kind enough to donate her son’s trampoline to my two boys late last fall. Her son has replaced his trampoline with girls, music and such other things that interest 18 year old boys.

The early spring saw me lugging the apparatus into the backyard while my boys looked on with cheers and squeels. For a split second, I think I might have been cool in their eyes. And, after a small debrief on trampoline etiquette, the boys were happily experiencing a new version of gravity. Hardly any time had passed when my older fella, Aidan, insisted that I come see what he was up to. Sure enough he was landing front flips on his feet! It was a proud daddy moment to say the least. Here is where it gets interesting… not 15 more minutes passed before Emmett, the little guy was also landing front flips!! Monkey see monkey do. It was not even an hour from the time that Emmett looked reluctant to even get a little air borne to the point where he was full of the confidence and forward motion that only a case of “me too” can create. The trick with a case of the me toos is that it can go either way. Can you imagine if Aidan had gotten on and was nervous or had a little mishap, etc.?

It makes me think about the market and how a case of the “me toos” can really have an impact on people’s behaviour. We are fielding questions about where things are going like ‘Is this a good time to buy?’ and ‘Isn’t the market due for a correction?’ and ‘What do all these federal government lay-offs mean to my home value?’ and on and on it goes. The reality of the situation is that we are in a fantastic, stable market. Interests rates are at historical lows and you could lock a payment in for a decade if it suits your scenario. The credit crisis that has plagued so much of the world has largely missed Canada thanks to our relatively conservative lending policies and sales volume in Ottawa is up year over year to the tune of 7%. I certainly don’t espouse burying your head and avoiding all of this macro economic stuff but I do encourage you to quiet the nay sayers long enough to look at your position. What’s happening out there might have little consequence on your position and prospect. In times of adversity one finds great opportunity and great opportunities abound in Ottawa’s real estate market for first timers, investors and downsizers alike. It might just be time for you to take a leap of faith and have the confidence to know that you too will land on your feet and we are he to spot you!

An inspired residence and a real standout amongst its peers. The layout has Marilyn Monroe curves yet retains functional, usable spaces. The decor has a warmth and depth that are so often missing in new homes. Grand in scale, finished in top quality materials throughout, nearly new but none of the headaches. Four beds, two with walk-ins and ensuite baths, a second floor loft, main floor den, gourmet kitchen and so much more to see.

An impeccable home, nearly new and beautifully finished. This is a three bed three bath with smart proportions, an unspoiled basement and a single garage. Lots of upgrades here with hardwood on the main and the staircase, a spa like master ensuite, beautiful cabinetry and tiling in the kitchen and more.  A premium lot that leaves the congestion to others and a handsome exterior with a welcoming porch and curb appeal. A “turn key 10″.

Designed by Barry Hobin and crafted by Uniform Urban developments.  A superior home including site finished hardwood throughout main and staircase, granite in kitchen and baths, smooth ceilings with potlights, built-ins in the great room, built in speakers, his and hers closets in the master, fenced and beautifully landscaped yard. A decidedly modern take on a family home with well scaled open spaces, main floor den, spa like master ensuite. Worthy of your short list!

We learned this week that our team was a TOP 1% DONOR last year for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. The foundation is Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention and education programs. We were happy to be amongst the 31 people/teams that make up the top 1% and we look forward to helping the foundation support abuse victims in our community in the coming years.

Here is how the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation describes their work on their webpage:

Because we believe in the importance of giving back to the community, Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have our own charitable foundation. All of the administrative costs of the Shelter Foundation are underwritten so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping our cause.

Royal LePage real estate agents and their clients are working to create safer homes and safer communities by contributing more than $10 million since 1999 to help women and children across Canada. Through donating a portion of their commission on the purchase or sale of your property, our agents are helping bring hope and provide shelter for those who need it most.

Our brokers, agents and staff also provide volunteer time and in-kind goods, and hold special community events to help raise funds and awareness to end family violence for more than 30,000 women and children who take refuge in a shelter each year.

To read brave stories of hope from families whose lives have been touched by abuse or to learn more about domestic violence, please visit us at www.shelterfoundation.ca.

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Country living with all the benefits of the city.  Step out onto the front steps and feel the fresh air and open fields or relax in the huge fenced yard and enjoy the tranquility which comes with privacy.  Split level with an addition making room for an enlarged Kitchen and eating space.  Large windows both front and back allow light to filter in regardless of time of day.  Lovingly
maintained by owner of 20 years, it’s a gem!

A fantastic family home in a desirable, central neighborhood. Nicely situated on a corner lot with privacy and tranquility. Four bedrooms up, master with two piece ensuite. Main floor family room and access to the back deck and gardens. Lower level finished with a fifth bed and three piece bath plus recroom. Oversized lot, two floors of hardwood and countless improvements over the years make this home a “short lister”.

Affordable Waterfront!  A home that lives up to its name – Tranquility Lane. Quiet, peaceful setting  and a nicely updated bungalow that conspire to bring your dream of living on the water to reality. This is a two bedroom home with living, dining and family rooms on the main. New windows, doors and septic system, recent updates to kitchen and baths. Lots of hardwood, a fireplace and picturesque views from every window. Come See!!

A decidedly upscale space for the discerning buyer. Ideal for busy professionals that value quality  and want to feel pride in their home. Fantastic open concept layout. Granite, hardwood, upgraded cabinetry and beautiful windows grace the main. Two beds up, master with walk in and a spa like bath. Main level family room and 3 piece bath plus access to the fenced gardens. Beautiful appliances, fixtures and decor. Turn key!

Best in show! This is a fantastic, modern rendering of Central Park’s “Castlehill” model. Open concept main with hardwood floors,  updated kitchen, primo appliances, improved fixtures and access to the fenced yard and deck. Upstairs boasts three useable beds and a loft space.  Master with walk in and panelled wall that amps up the appeal. Lower is finished with a fourth bed, full bath and family room. All the modern conveniences are here; ac, appliances, alarm, auto door opener and lots more just turn-key!

In November, 2011 Sean and the team were honoured for the 6th year in a row with the Royal Lepage Chairman’s Club Award. This prestigious award distinguishes our team as being among the top 1% in sales for Royal Lepage nation-wide.

Uncover the advantages and disadvantages

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There seems to be a lot of buzz these days about the alternatives to selling your home with a real estate agent or through a broker like myself. This idea of “for sale by owner” – often referred to as a FSBO – seems to have merit on the surface in that there appears to be all kinds of money to be saved in commissions. When one digs a little bit deeper, the reality of the situation is quite different.

People are often very caught up in commissions and they shop agents based on commissions charged and then calculate what they would save if they chose to list their own property. The problem is that there is an assumption that the seller will keep all of this money that is being saved for themselves. The challenge is uncovering all the unknown costs associated with going it alone, which are so often swept under the rug.

In fact, there are two groups of home buyers out there. There are those who choose to enlist the services of an agent so that they have representation, and those who avoid having an agent in hopes of pocketing all of the commissions that would otherwise be charged.

As a FSBO-seller, if you are lucky enough to come upon a buyer in group number one, you will have an agent who is a trainednegotiator and whose mandate is to get their buyer the best deal possible coming to you for his or her compensation in the sale. NOTE: The seller, in most cases of any home sale transaction, is responsible for paying both the listing agent (if there is one) AND the buyer(s)’ agent. Buyers rarely pay real estate fees. In this case you are at least half way into the commissions that you would have paid to have your home listed, but you have no one protecting your interests and you are doing your best to keep close to your list price against a trained professional. Not to mention, you have expenses to pay for marketing your home, lots of hiddencosts in your time, energy and resources, and – if you are smart – a higher degree of involvement from your lawyer so as to avoid numerous pitfalls that only experience and time can uncover.

Behind door number two, we have the buyer who loves the thrill of negotiation so much that they avoid help. They come to you and say, “I don’t have an agent so what is my price?”. Again, they want a big chunk of the savings that are to be had and now you have two opposing parties with no one in the middle to make sure things stay on track and follow a prescribed sequence. You can only imagine the outcome of some of these transactions. I challenge you to contact your lawyer and pose to him or her this question… Do they see more litigation amongst sales without professional representation, or less?

I propose a slightly altered question to all of this commission savings. As a home owner, I propose that you think in terms of net proceeds instead of commissions “saved”. The real question is how much money can I put in my pocket as the seller of this home? What method of selling my home will net me the most money? Commission rates quickly become less interesting. In fact, my team wins our clients more than $5000 dollars per transaction in net proceeds vs the average MLS result thanks to our ability to negotiate with other agents. This little fact alone uncovers the heart of the matter. The sale price of your home is dramatically effected by who is involved.

If you could pocket the commissions and generate the same sale price for your, home then frankly, you should. The reality is that by the time you give the buyer their portion of the savings, negotiate a little bit more off the top of the list price, pay for the marketing expenses of getting your home on the market, divert your attention from your life and living within your “sweet spot” to become a realtor for a period of time, open your door to complete strangers and manage the very real safety issues of doing so and tip toe through the myriad of legal issues that can (and do) arise, you may or may not have your home sold.

The next time you pull out your calculator and plug in a commission percentage on the value of your home, I challenge you to fill out the other side of the ledger and see where you land. The vast majority of property transactions happen through the full service brokerage system because that is where the highest net proceeds come from. As so many exceptionally successful people will tell you, when something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Some other resources to check out:
http://qna.mortgagenewsdaily.com/questions/for-sale-by-owner-advantages-and-disadvantages

http://ezinearticles.com/?Disadvantages-of-For-Sale-by-Owner&id=2499282

An urban space nestled in a private enclave on the doorstep of all that makes Ottawa. Unique end unit with expanded living space. Extensive renos including a beautiful open kitchen with cook top in the island. Maple hardwood floors, new landscaping, two renovated baths, fenced outdoor garden and more. Multi tiered layout with main floor den, eat in kitchen, expansive living, 2 ensuite baths, skylights and more. Lots to discover here!

A funky, urban feel radiates from this choice end unit with a modern, open concept layout. Complete with an ensuite bath, a master with walk in and lower level family room bathed in light. Loads of bells and whistles so that you can unplug and enjoy!! Even better, no rear neighbors.  This is a complete package with hardwood, appliances, central ac, alarm, auto door opener, blinds and more. Walk to your favorite coffee shop or eatery. Don’t blink!!

Original owners!  This is a lovingly maintained home with all the big “stuff” done and ready for a buyer to imprint their own vision.  It started life as a 3 bedroom bungalow and it has had both a carport and a main floor addition added over the years.  The lower level has in – law suite potential with a full bath, a kitchenette and large finished space.  A winning combo, nice piece of property a solid home and a neighborhood re-gentrifying.

A fabulous home, impeccably maintained and truly turn key. You will be delighted by the light, the scale and the flexible layout. Master bed with full ensuite and walk in closet. Main is open concept with a breakfast bar, gas fireplace and more. Lower level is finished with hardwood, a spa quality bath and wired for home theatre. Two car garage fenced yard, custom closets, quality appliances and lots of thoughtful details to discover!

Rarely offered semi detached version of a perennial best seller! Fantastic curb appeal with fresh landscaping and interlock. Main is open concept with beautiful hardwood floors, a classic white kitchen and tasteful decor. Three bedrooms up, master with the ensuite bath option. Fresh paint, fixtures and more grace this level. Lower level is finished, bathed in light, brand new carpeting and a rough in.  A well loved home and turn key!

A fantastic end unit, nearly new and tastefully executed with a modern palette. The main floor is a great room layout with open kitchen, beautiful cabinetry and hardwood, a gas fireplace and stainless steel appliances. Luxury 4 piece with corner tub off the master, second floor laundry and large secondary bedrooms. Lower level is finished and has loads of natural light.  This one is worthy of your “short list”!

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New Year’s Resolutions for Dogs

10) Try to understand that the cat is from Venus and I am from Mars.
9) I will no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener.
PETA and tell them what that surgical-mask-wearing freak does to us when no one is around.
7) Take time from busy schedule to stop and smell the behinds.
6) Always scoot before licking.
5) Grow opposable thumb; break into pantry; decide for MYSELF how much food is *too* much.
4) Get out of the castle more, maybe swim counter-clockwise this year.
3) Jan. 1: Kill the sock!  Must kill the sock!
2) Jan. 2 – Dec. 31: Re-live victory over the sock.

And the NUMBER ONE New Year’s Resolutions Made By Dogs
1) I will NOT chase the darned stick unless I see it LEAVE HIS HAND.

A choice location and a fantastic layout make this home a winner. A two bed, two bath configuration finished on all three levels. Main is open concept with combined living and dining space and an efficient kitchen. Two bedrooms up, both  worthy of the title master. Upgraded bath with roman tub and separate shower. Lower level features a  family room and a three piece bath with stand up shower. Bonus -freshly painted and carpets steamed!

Choice end unit, nicely situated and ready for your possession date. This is a well scaled home, finished on all three levels with a fenced yard. Three beds up – two have walk in closets. Main bath has cheater access to master, a large roman tub and double sinks. Main floor has new hardwood, gas fireplace, separate living and dining rooms and an eat-in kitchen. Lower level is finished with a second gas fireplace, and a bright, inviting family room.

Photos from the 2011 annual Christmas Tree Event

We look forward to celebrating this event with our friends and clients every year. This year, the event fell on December 3rd. Thanks for coming out and thanks to Ian’s Evergreen Plantation for having us year after year.

You know, life has a way of providing perspective in some of the most interesting places. In this case, it was found in the back of an east-end warehouse where the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund operates. For a number of years, I have donated a snowsuit for every closed transaction we do in the year. We donate the suit on behalf of the client that we were fortunate enough to help to buy or sell real estate. This year we made it a little more personal. I am more than a little proud that the whole McCann Team joined me for a morning at the Snowsuit Fund warehouse. Our primary job was to help those that came in to get suits for their kids. It is quite the process. One must qualify for the program and the family pays ten dollars for every suit that they take home so that there is a sense of value attached to the suits. The Snowsuit Fund distributes 15,000 new suits and 5,000 used suits annually. The sheer numbers of those in need, the faces and the gratitude for a simple gesture of a few hours of our time — it makes you stop and think…

A fantastic lifestyle awaits just 30 minutes from the core in this tastefully updated WATERFRONT bungalow. Three bedrooms on the main plus living, dining, eat in kitchen and solarium. Fantastic bit of waterfront boasting some of the widest and longest sections. Fenced yard, inground pool, new decking and patio. Lower level is fully finished with recent renos, a pellet stove, potlights and high quality carpeting. This is turn key!

A standout amongst its peers and worthy of your short list! Three storeys – lower level features a flexible space to suit your needs for a third bed, den or family room. Main is open concept with a deck off the kitchen. New hardwood throughout this level, new Berber and tile elsewhere. Kitchen is enhanced with an island and updates. Well scaled beds up. Main bath completely renovated. Fireplace, fabulous decor, and lots more!

What a time we had at Wickedly Westboro. Thanks so much to all of you (four legged and two) who came out to be photographed in support of Hopeful Hearts Dog Rescue. We raised money for a great cause and captured some fantastic canine moments.

Thanks also goes to Laura Benn, pro photographer and Editor of PAWSH Magazine for spending her morning with us. Her work can be seen as we have posted the gallery of the top five finalists from the day on our Facebook page. Please visit it to vote for your favorite. Voting closes at midnight on Halloween. If you have your own photo of your dog in costume, there is still time to enter by sending your photo (along with your name and your dog’s name) in an email to bark@theyguywiththedog.com

First place takes a one hour pet portrait session with Laura Benn. Second and third place will win gift certificates to Masters ‘n Dogs (formerly Bark & Fitz) so you can spoil your prize-winning pooch. Of course, all three will walk away with the glory.

Winners will be contacted this week with the good news!

Good luck!

Click here to VOTE or to enter if you still haven’t!!!