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kovarroofingottawa · 2 months

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Why Barrhaven Homeowners Should Consider Regular Roof Maintenance

Owning a home in Barrhaven comes with its share of responsibilities, and one of the most crucial is ensuring your roof remains in top condition year-round. Regular roof maintenance isn't just about aesthetics; it's about protecting your investment and ensuring the safety and comfort of your family. Here’s why Barrhaven homeowners should prioritize regular roof maintenance and the benefits it offers.

Protect Your Investment with Reliable Roofing Maintenance in Barrhaven

Your home is likely one of the largest investments you'll ever make. Protecting this investment starts from the top down – with your roof. Barrhaven's climate can be challenging, with varying temperatures and seasonal changes that can impact your roof's integrity. Regular maintenance by experienced professionals ensures that minor issues are caught early before they turn into costly repairs.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

A well-maintained roof lasts longer. Simple inspections and timely repairs can prevent small problems, such as loose shingles or minor leaks, from escalating into major structural issues. This proactive approach not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures that your roof serves its purpose effectively for years to come.

Ensure Safety and Comfort

Your roof provides more than just shelter; it ensures the safety and comfort of everyone inside your home. A neglected roof can lead to water infiltration, which can cause mold, mildew, and even compromise the structural integrity of your home. Regular maintenance checks for signs of wear and tear, making sure your roof remains a reliable barrier against the elements.

Increase Energy Efficiency with Barrhaven Metal Roofing

Energy efficiency is a growing concern for homeowners in Barrhaven. Investing in Barrhaven metal roofing can significantly enhance your home's energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs during hot summers. They are also durable and resistant to fire, insects, rot, and mildew, making them a long-term, low-maintenance roofing option.

Preserve Curb Appeal and Property Value

A well-maintained roof enhances your home's curb appeal and boosts its overall property value. Whether you're planning to stay in your home for years or considering selling in the future, a roof in good condition makes a positive impression. Potential buyers appreciate knowing they won't have to worry about immediate roofing repairs, making your home more attractive in the competitive Barrhaven real estate market.

The Importance of Hiring Professionals for Roof Maintenance

While DIY projects can be tempting, roof maintenance is best left to experienced professionals. Certified roofing contractors in Barrhaven have the knowledge, skills, and tools to safely inspect and maintain your roof. They can identify potential problems early, recommend appropriate repairs, and provide you with peace of mind knowing your roof is in expert hands.

Conclusion

Regular roof maintenance is not just a task; it's an investment in the long-term health and durability of your home. Barrhaven homeowners benefit from reliable roofing maintenance, ensuring their roofs withstand the elements and provide comfort and safety for years to come. Consider investing in Barrhaven metal roofing for enhanced energy efficiency and durability. Protect your investment, preserve your home's curb appeal, and increase its value with proactive roof maintenance today.

This draft incorporates the keywords Reliable roofing maintenance in Barrhaven and "Barrhaven metal roofing" naturally throughout the content. Let me know if you need any adjustments or further additions!

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novumtimes · 3 months

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Ottawa realtor scam: Person breaks into home for fake showing

An Ottawa family is out thousands of dollars after a townhouse they were set to move into turned out to have already been rented. Jordan Zaid was supposed to get the keys for his in-laws new house this weekend, but the rental fell through after the person who he thought was the Realtor told him it was a scam. “It was just a complete shock to me and the first thing I thought of was, ‘how can we get our deposit back?'” he said. It started when he responded to a listing on Facebook Marketplace for a four bedroom, four bathroom townhouse in Barrhaven listed by Bsv Liberty. His mother-in-law went to view the property on June 12. “The real estate agent looked exactly like they did on the sign outside the home, already had the door open for us and when we went into tour the house, they gave us a tour. Everything seemed fine,” said Zaid. A neighbour down the street says she wasn’t the only one to tour the property that day. “We did see a lot of traffic,” said Kristin Delahunty, who lives nearby. “There were probably about ten families in and out through the whole course of the day.” As it turns out, the person who was showing the home wasn’t the legitimate real estate agent on the listing and it was a fake showing. Zaid says when he spoke to a neighbour, he was told they saw a locksmith truck earlier that day. Jordan Zaid was supposed to get the keys for his in-law’s new house this weekend, but the rental fell through after the person who he thought was a Realtor told him it was a scam. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa) “They assumed the locksmith that was called was the one who ended up opening the door for them and they showed the house as if they had the key,” said Zaid. The property was originally listed on Realtor.ca by an agent with Details Realty in Stittsville, but the brokerage says that agent only showed the property once. The agent who Zaid believed he was speaking with also used the same name. “Our brokerage has been running for 19 years. We have close to 100 salespeople. We’ve never had anything like this, so this was totally foreign and an absolute shock,” said Richard Keirans, broker-of-record with Details Realty Inc. CTV News reached out to three other realtors with properties listed by Bsv Liberty, including one in the Greater Toronto Area. The properties have since been deleted and all three say they’ve never heard of that name. “It’s really hard to find a rental property and competition is very stiff, so that does make people more vulnerable,” said Debra Wright, owner of Details Realty Inc. Zaid says his in-laws are out $5,300 after the alleged agent requested an e-transfer to the landlord for the first and last months of rent. Details Realty confirms the home is already legitimately rented. “Her mom is a single mom. She works three jobs on her own and she supports her whole family and we just feel really bad because it’s a lot of money to put away for her,” said Zaid. The family has since started a GoFundMe in order to recoup the money to find a new place by July 1. CTV News reached out to Bsv Liberty and the landlord listed on the fake lease agreement, but did not hear back. CTV also reached out to police, who did not respond before deadline. Keirans says when it comes to protecting yourself, always ask for identification when you’re working with a Realtor. He says an agent will never ask you to send money directly to a landlord or property manager. The money goes directly to the brokerage. “You need to proceed with caution. We are warning our salespeople and our friends to be careful and never provide a deposit before viewing the property,” Keirans said. Source link via The Novum Times

#The Novum Times

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kanatarenovations · 1 year

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Options for home improvements: advantages and disadvantages

We're glad you're here in vivacious Ottawa, where the real estate market is always humming with activity. It seems sense that Ottawa homeowners would want to improve their living areas given the city's blend of historic charm and contemporary comforts. One preferred choice? Adding a room to your house.

An extension can be a game-changer, whether you need more space for a growing family or just want more room to relax and entertain. However, it's crucial to balance the benefits and drawbacks before making any judgments. We'll examine various possibilities for home expansions in Ottawa in this blog post while taking into account the potential effects on cost, procedure, and resale value.

So grab a seat as we guide you through all the options for home renovations in Ottawa, from little drywall updates to significant extensions.

The housing market in Ottawa

The property market in Ottawa is vibrant and constantly changing. It is understandable why people are drawn to this city given its different neighborhoods, fascinating history, and close closeness to nature. Ottawa provides a variety of possibilities, whether you're trying to upgrade your present living situation or are a first-time home buyer.

Every taste and budget can be satisfied, with options ranging from chic modern condos in the downtown area to exquisite heritage homes in well-established areas like Sandy Hill and The Glebe. Additionally, because of the recent increase in demand for suburban housing, places like Barrhaven and Kanata have become popular choices for families looking for large homes with convenient access to amenities.

Compared to other significant Canadian cities, the real estate market in Ottawa has remained largely stable. While costs have steadily increased over time, they haven't increased at the same exorbitant rates as cities like Toronto or Vancouver. This implies that homeowners can continue to discover chances for affordable housing while taking use of all the advantages of residing in Canada's capital.

In addition, the Ottawa housing market has shown resilient even in challenging economic times. Government employment offers stability and contributes to the real estate sector's ability to operate at a constant level of activity. The value of real estate has increased in some regions as a result of ongoing infrastructure initiatives like LRT extensions.

For both homebuyers and homeowners, Ottawa's housing market offers a variety of possibilities. This city has plenty to offer everyone, whether you're looking for a charming urban home or prefer the peace of suburbia. So why not research your alternatives right now? Ottawa is a stunning city, so don't miss out on finding your ideal piece of paradise!

The price of constructing an extension to a property in Ottawa

The price is one of the most crucial variables to think about when building an extension on your Ottawa house. Several variables, including the size of the addition, the materials chosen, and any extra features or customizations you desire, might affect the cost.

A respectable remodeling company's hiring is one of the major expenses related to a house expansion. It's critical to select a capable and trustworthy contractor who can manage your project successfully. Remember that not all businesses offer high-quality services at competitive prices, despite the fact that there are numerous possibilities available.

Construction supplies and any licenses necessary for your particular project must also be taken into account. Depending on your tastes and spending limit, materials can cost a lot of different things. Renovations of drywall, which offer a crisp and contemporary look, are among the most popular choices.

Another factor to take into account is whether you want a straightforward extension or if you have more complex ideas that need for unique features like plumbing or electrical work. The cost will inevitably rise as a result of these additions.

It is recommended to speak with many contractors and collect thorough quotations for comparison in order to get an accurate estimate of the cost of your home addition. You can make sure quality and price meet your expectations in this way.

Remember that while adding an extension may first seem expensive, when done well, it may also greatly enhance the value of your property, making it well worth considering as an investment in both comfort and potential future returns.

The procedure for constructing an addition to your Ottawa house

It can be an exciting and rewarding project to add an addition to your Ottawa home. Before getting started, it's crucial to comprehend the procedure. Here are some important considerations to take into account while building an extension to your home.

The type of expansion you desire and your budget must be decided. Anything from an additional bedroom or bathroom to a larger living area or even a second storey could be included in this. You must secure the required city permissions once you've decided on the style of addition.

The next step is to locate a reliable Ottawa remodeling business that specializes in house expansions. Make careful study and ask friends or relatives who have recently finished tasks of a like nature for ideas.

Once you've chosen a contractor, you'll collaborate with them to design the addition and secure all necessary permits. Drawings of the architecture, engineering evaluations, and conversations with local officials might all be a part of this process.

Construction can start following completion of the design plans and consent from the city. The size of the extension and any unforeseen difficulties encountered during construction will both have an impact on the completion date.

It's essential to stay in constant contact with your contractor while work is being done. To keep all parties informed of the status of the project and any potential problems that need to be resolved, regular site visits should be planned.

Finishing touches like painting and flooring installation are frequently needed before moving into your new place once construction is finished.

Keep in mind that building an addition not only increases your living space but also increases the value and functionality of your house. You may create a seamless transition between the old structure and the new extension without sacrificing the quality of workmanship with careful planning and the engagement of specialists experienced in Ottawa house renovations like drywall remodeling or extensions specifically adapted for this region's distinct needs.

These procedures should be incorporated into your approach to ensure the success of your Ottawa house addition project.

Ottawa homeowners' homes' resale value after an addition

The impact of adding an extension to your Ottawa house might affect its resale value in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, a properly planned and built addition can greatly raise the value of your property overall. Additional living space is provided, which is quite appealing to prospective purchasers.

Your property can appeal to families or people seeking more space if you add a second bedroom or bathroom. Additionally, it can improve the utility of your house, making it more appealing to purchasers who are prepared to pay extra for additional convenience.

Before making any significant additions, however, there are a few things that must be taken into account. The addition must, first and foremost, be completed in conformity with all applicable local construction laws and regulations. If you don't, you can later face expensive fines or even legal troubles.

It's also crucial to think about if the addition's price will be more than its potential ROI. Although increasing your home's square footage could raise its value, this doesn't definitely mean you'll get a good profit when you sell.

It's important to carefully consider the financial consequences and practicalities before starting such a project, even though adding an extension might improve your home's appeal and marketability in Ottawa's housing sale.

Conclusion

We have looked at the different alternatives and factors in this post when it comes to building an addition on your Ottawa house. Many homeowners are choosing home renovations over buying a new home due to the booming housing market and rising prices.

We talked about the costs involved in building an addition to your Ottawa house, which can vary based on things like project complexity, size, and materials chosen. It's crucial to carefully analyze your spending plan and speak with experts like Ottawa Renovation Company that can give you precise quotes depending on your unique requirements.

We also discussed how to add an addition to your Ottawa house in detail. There are various processes required in finishing a successful renovation project, from getting permits to making sure compliance with building rules. Using seasoned contractors, like Ottawa Home Renovations, may speed up the procedure and guarantee that everything is done correctly.

We investigated the effect of an addition on your Ottawa home's market value. It is important to strike a balance between spending enough money on excellent construction without over-improving for the area. While additions can undoubtedly raise the value of your house if done effectively and in line with local market needs, it is crucial to do so.

When thinking about a home addition project in Ottawa, or any other city for that matter, balancing the benefits and drawbacks is essential to helping you decide how to improve your living space while staying within your budget.

Every homeowner's circumstance is different, so what may be appropriate for one individual may not be as successful for another. In order to suit your needs without sacrificing quality or usefulness, consulting professionals like Ottaw Drywall Renovation Company will give you invaluable ideas.

Therefore, a well-planned addition has enormous potential advantages whether you're looking to increase living space, add more bedrooms, give family members more room, or just make your home more comfortable overall. You'll be better prepared to choose wisely when it comes to renovation tasks if you comprehend all of the points mentioned here!

An investment that can pay off is building an addition to your Ottawa house.

#Ottawa Renovation Company

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real-estate-marketing · 2 years

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Professional Real Estate Broker in Manotick Near Ottawa, Ontario

Home buying and selling is a very important process and can be very stressful. Chris Lacharity will prove to you that by working with him he can help alleviate that stress and create a pleasurable real estate experience. I am dedicated to selling your home or finding you that dream home you have been searching for.

Contact Chris Lacharity - Real Estate Agent near Ottawa, Ontario for all of your home or property buying and selling needs.

We provide our real estate services in the areas including Crystal Bay, Stittsville, Kanata, Dunrobin, Cedar Hill, Manotick, Greely, Barrhaven, Rothwell Heights, Rockcliffe Park, Westboro, The Glebe and Cumberland.

#best real estate agent in Manotick #Residential Real Estate Services in Manotick #real estate broker in Manotick #real estate agency in Manotick #Experienced Realtor in Manotick #Luxury Real Estate Agent in Manotick #Luxury real estate broker in Manotick #Luxury real estate in Manotick

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salespersonottawa · 2 years

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Right at Home is the Best Real Estate Agent in Ottawa

Marina Karshuli is the Best Realtor in Ottawa. If you are looking to buy residential properties in Ottawa and the regions of Stittsville, Kanata Lakes, Beaverbrook, Katimavik, Morgans Grant, or in the south end such as Barrhaven, Monatic and Greely, then contact Marina for end-to-end assistance. On the Ottawa MLS search, you can find the listings of houses for sale or rent as well as sold and rented information. In case of any query regarding your dream home in Ottawa, contact MARINA KARSHULI, your trusted real estate agent.

#realestateagent #bestrealestateagentottawa

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ottawarealtor · 8 months

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No We are not at Gatineau Park, No we are not in the Forest , But we are in the center of Hearts Desire Barrhaven with these HUGE Estate Lots that are fully serviced and ready to build!

A great opportunity for those looking to build a dream home inside the city and with no rear neighbors, steps away from multiple parks, Shopping , recreational activities and not far from water while having privacy and space for all your backyard dreams you want.

We have 3 different options 2 choose from.

Lot 1 : Listed at $749,880 - Lot size is 73.1 ' x 170 Feet

Lot 2 : Listed at $749,880 - Lot size is 65.7 ' x 170 Feet

Lot 3: Listed at $899,880 - Lot size is 102.2 ' x 200 Feet ( this one fronts on Howard Court )

Indulge in luxury living with the unveiling of extraordinary estate-size lot in the heart of Barrhaven. This Lot 3 is the biggest and fronts onto the popular Cul De Sac of Howard Court ( 17,803 SQFT of space) These rare and fully serviced lots are ready for construction, providing the ideal canvas for your dream home. Nestled in a tranquil community of Hearts Desire next to other large residences, relish the privacy with no rear neighbors, creating an oasis of seclusion. Craft your legacy in this sought-after locale, where convenience meets elegance, and amenities are just a stone's throw away such as parks, schools, shopping and plenty of recreational activities nearby. This is a unique opportunity to secure a piece of Barrhaven's charm and tailor your dream home to perfection. Contact us today to explore these exceptional lots . Survey available and sale is subject to severance

If you have any questions about building your dream home and looking for information and referrals please let me know .

#ottawa#land#estatelots#heartsdesire#forsale#sorinvaduva#barrhaven#barrhavenland#barrhavenrealtor#barrhavenrealestate#soldbysorin#howardcourt#woodroffeave#heartsdesirebarrhaven#dreamhome#customhome#build

#ottawa #land #estate lots #hearts desire #sorin vaduva #barrhaven #barrhaven realtor #barrhaven real estate #barrhavent land for sale #hearts desire barrhaven #custom home #build a home #sorin baduva #keller williams integrity

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agentinottawa · 1 year

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Barrhaven Real Estate Market in April 2023. The average price for a Freehold House in Barrhaven in April was $723,453, down by 13.4%. This includes detached houses, townhomes and semi-detached homes. The average price for a condo in Barrhaven in April was $436,904, down by 11%. This includes all types of condos, apartments, townhomes and stacked style.

#barrhaven real estate #barrhaven real estate market

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robertaconroyca-blog · 4 years

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janayresottawarealestate-blog · 4 years

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Military Relocation Ottawa

Browse listings for hundreds of houses for sale in Barrhaven At https://jan-ayres-ottawa-real-estate.business.site/

Our Website: https://janayres.com/

If you are going to purchase a house that is located in a more desirable area, you will have to pay more, mainly if the house is situated in an area that has high costs of living. You may be better off if you purchase a cheaper home in an area with a low cost of living so that you can save money on mortgage payments by choosing houses for sale in Barrhaven.

Find us on google map: https://goo.gl/maps/v2qATp6p6P1SGzgm9

Contact us: Jan Ayres Ottawa Real Estate Address: 3101 Strandherd Drive, Suite 4, Nepean, Ontario K2J 4R9, Canada Phone Number: (613) 327-5915

My Profile: https://janayresottawarealestate.tumblr.com/

Watch more Videos: https://janayresottawarealestate.tumblr.com/post/617611002726547456/houses-for-sale-in-stonebridge-barrhaven https://janayresottawarealestate.tumblr.com/post/617611257038651392/houses-for-sale-in-ottawa-ontario https://janayresottawarealestate.tumblr.com/post/617611407201026048/houses-for-sale-in-old-ottawa-east https://janayresottawarealestate.tumblr.com/post/617611545031180288/houses-for-sale-in-hunt-club-ottawa https://janayresottawarealestate.tumblr.com/post/617611679116689408/houses-for-sale-in-barrhaven

#Houses For Sale In Barrhaven #Houses For Sale In Stonebridge Barrhaven #Houses For Sale In Barrhaven Ottawa Canada

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kanatarenovations · 1 year

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Options For Home Improvements: Advantages And Disadvantages

So grab a seat as we guide you through all the options for home renovations in Ottawa, from little drywall updates to significant extensions.

The housing market in Ottawa

The price of constructing an extension to a property in Ottawa

The procedure for constructing an addition to your Ottawa house

Finishing touches like painting and flooring installation are frequently needed before moving into your new place once construction is finished.

These procedures should be incorporated into your approach to ensure the success of your Ottawa house addition project.

Ottawa homeowners' homes' resale value after an addition

Conclusion

An investment that can pay off is building an addition to your Ottawa house.

#Ottawa Home Renovations

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ottawapropertylisting-blog · 5 years

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Are you going to be selling your home shortly? If so, you’ve come to the right place then visit Ottawa Realtors and get a perfect value of your home. Also, check the Barrhaven homes for sale

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soldbyahmad · 2 years

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Buy a Home in Ottawa

Source Are you planning to buy a home in Ottawa? If yes! This article is specially for you.

You’ve probably heard the Ottawa property is very hot. Many people are currently in the process of buying a home in Ottawa. From bidding wars to demanding a quick mortgage blessing, and more, there’s so much to know when you plan to buy a home in Ottawa.

Searching for Houses To Buy A Home In Ottawa

The housing request in Ottawa is super competitive and people are mostly willing to pay an amount more than the asking price to beat out the other offers. A good real estate agent can be of great help in this process. A good real estate agent can make lots of recommendations on houses and neighbourhoods.

Where To Live in Ottawa

This is largely determined by budget. Neighbourhoods like Hintonburg, Glebe, or Westboro would be amazing but they come with a high price label. Kanata, Orleans and Barrhaven are popular cities but the house prices are rising as well. You can explore different neighbourhoods here.

There are lots of ultramodern houses that look amazing and don’t need any work to be done but you are going to pay further for them. If you can do some work on the house like decorations, paint, furniture etc, you can get the house at a lower rate and later on, you can renovate the house according to your choice.

Getting Mortgage Approved

Before you get too far in the queue, get pre-approved! By getting pre-approval you ’ll know the maximum amount the lender is willing to give. Although you may be eligible but if it takes too long to get approved you may lose the offer. Working with a mortgage broker is always a good idea as they can get you a competitive rate.

What’s Your Budget?

While you may get approved for a high mortgage, I recommend deciding what your hard budget is, besides that. Calculate the figures on your own and see what figures you’re comfortable with. What kind of life do you want while being a homeowner? Some people want to put a lot of budget into their house and there’s nothing wrong with that but its better to make sure you are still saving beyond your house and could still go on a trip and enjoy life.

Closing Costs for Buying A House in Ottawa This is another important factor to consider i.e the costs involved along with the particular property cost. These costs include the transfer fee, taxation, disbursement fee, insurance, inspection costs etc. So, plan properly and create a proper budget before you plan to buy a home in Ottawa.

Lastly, make a list of your requirements like the no. of bedrooms, bathrooms, size of the house etc and the other preferences like lawn, extra space, living rooms, lounges, kitchen style etc.

Moharam Real Estate Group

Moharam Real Estate Group is famous for persistent and relentless work. What differentiates it from the other options is the loyalty, professionalism, integrity, and passion. It provides both buyers and sellers the perfect experience by combining the extensive reach and support of eXp Realty with its broad network and skills in marketing, flipping & investing, & home renovations.

Get In Touch

+1 613 883 7060

[email protected]

Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Sat-Sun 10:00AM – 6:00PM

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kayla1993-world · 2 years

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An Ottawa family is packing up their belongings and moving to what they hope will be their "forever home," but they might not be bringing nearly as much cash with them as they'd hoped to get from the sale of their first house.

"We figure we lost about $150,000," said Robert Hawkins. To make ends meet, the family will rent out an upstairs bedroom in their new home.

"And it is something … we have never considered," said Natalie Hawkins. As home prices drop across the country, sellers must come to grips with the reality that sky high sale prices are not guaranteed.

The couple bought the four-bedroom, three-bath detached home in Barrhaven in 2015 for $350,000. They've since finished the basement, landscaped the backyard, put in a fence, a deck, a patio, and stainless steel appliances.

Recently, they spotted a slightly larger home being built just up the street that had a two-car garage and a bigger yard—perfect for the couple and their two young children.

"It looked like our forever home," said Natalie Hawkins. They put down a $100,000 deposit and prepared to sell their first house. They had watched their next-door neighbor sell a mirror-image model of the same house for 890K and hoped to fetch a similar price for their own home.

But then market conditions changed abruptly. They considered keeping their first house as a rental, but securing an additional mortgage proved difficult. They hired a realtor as the value of their home continued to plunge.

A buyer was found, and the sale closed. The price: $740,000. While the family did lock in a sizeable profit from their first home, they are now facing what they expect will be nearly a decade of extra mortgage payments to make up the difference in value between that house and their new one.

For those who have been keeping a close eye on the housing market, a correction was always in the cards. "Things went up too far. They went up too fast," explained Garth Turner, a financial adviser, author and a former member of Parliament.

Statistics published by the Canadian Real Estate Association for June 2022 show the seasonally adjusted national Home Price Index dropped by 1.9 percent.

A look at the national average house price excluding the country's two priciest markets — Vancouver and the GTA — shows the average house price in Canada came down by $114,500 relative to June 2021.

The ratio of sales to new listings came in at 51.7 percent, its lowest level since January 2015, meaning a fairly equal balance between supply and demand.

Turner explains that a unique set of circumstances led to a temporary spike in home prices. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted people to cocoon at home and spurred interest in having larger houses on bigger lots in the suburbs.

Combined with exceptionally low mortgage rates—some could briefly be had for under two percent—an influx of government money through pandemic relief programs, this perfect storm caused prices to soar by 30 to 40 percent, said Turner.

He expects it will take several years for the housing market to rebound. He recalls the major housing crash of the early 1990s. "It took 14 years to recover," he said. "Three years to go down; 11 years to come back up to the same level."

Real estate agents who have spent the past few years managing rapid sales and submitting bids over the asking price now must explain to prospective sellers that things have changed.

"For the average person who was expecting to get $700,000 a townhouse in the suburbs, it is just not the case anymore," said Nicholas Crouch, a broker at ReMax Hallmark Realty Group.

Crouch pointed to the number of days spent on the market as a key indicator of cooling conditions. That number has risen from just five days at the peak of the market to nearly 20 days now.

He adds that buyers now have time to shop around and submit offers with conditions, something they "haven't seen in years." Robert Hawkins expected a market correction, but said that it came at a uniquely bad time for the family.

Even after the setbacks they've endured, he is keeping things in perspective. "We're very lucky to be in the position we're in," he said, adding that they would not have been able to afford their new home without the accumulated equity from their first house.

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