House Hunting in Orleans, Ottawa: A Guide for Military Families

As a military family, relocation is a constant part of your life. And if you are moving to Orleans, Ottawa, you are in for a treat! This beautiful suburb in the east end of Ottawa is home to many military families, thanks to its proximity to the National Defense Headquarters and other military facilities. However, house hunting in a new city can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the area. In this blog post, we will provide you with a guide to house hunting in Ottawa.

1. Know Your Budget

Before you start looking for a house, it is essential to establish a budget. You need to know how much money you can afford to spend on your new home. Make a list of your income, expenses, and debts to determine your affordability. Don’t forget to include the additional cost of owning a house, such as property taxes, home insurance, and maintenance fees. Get a pre-approval from your lender and find out what costs will be covered with your moving package.

2. Decide on Your Must-Have Features

When house hunting in Ottawa, you will find a variety of homes with different features. Therefore, it is essential to decide on your must-have features before you start looking within your budget. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, the size of the yard, garage or parking, and the location of the house. If you have kids, you may want to look for a home close to schools and parks.

3. Research the Neighborhood

Orleans is a desirable neighborhood in Ottawa thanks to its friendly community, excellent schools, and abundance of outdoor activities. However, it is crucial to research the neighborhood before buying a house. You can check online for crime rates, schools, and nearby amenities such as grocery stores and shopping centers. Also, don’t hesitate to drive around the area to get a sense of the neighborhood culture. Ask Marc-Andre, Orleans Realtor, questions about the neighborhood.

4. Work With a Local Real Estate Agent

House hunting in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Therefore, it may be advantageous to work with a local real estate agent such as Marc-Andre Perrier with Century 21. Marc-Andre knows the Orleans neighborhood and can help you find the perfect house that meets your needs and budget. Also, an agent can negotiate with sellers on your behalf to get you the best deal.

5. Consider the Military Lifestyle

Finally, when house hunting in Orleans, Ottawa, it is essential to keep in mind the military lifestyle. If you are a military family, you may want to consider a home close to your place of work. Ottawa has multiple DND locations, know which one you will be working at, whether it is the Headquarters on Carling, or one of the other ones. You may also want to look for a home that is easy to maintain since you may be away from home for extended periods.

In conclusion, house hunting in Ottawa, can be exciting if you know what you are looking for. To find the perfect home, you need to establish a budget, decide on your must-have features, research the neighborhood, work with a local real estate agent such as Marc-Andre Perrier with Century 21, and consider the military lifestyle. With these tips, you are sure to find the perfect house that meets your needs and budget. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you the best of luck in your house hunting journey! Contact Orleans Real Estate Agent Marc-Andre Perrier today!