Real Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate Market 11 May 2022

Different Type of Townhome Ownership in Orleans Ontario

Orleans Townhomes

What are the common types of townhome ownerships available?

When it comes to townhomes, there are three main types: freehold townhomes, condo townhomes and home association ownership townhouses. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you should be aware of before making a purchase. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at each type and help you decide which is the best option for you!

Freehold Townhomes

Freehold townhomes (no additional fees) are the most popular type of townhome in Orleans. They are also the most expensive (averaging approximately $670,000 so far in 2022), but they offer more privacy and freedom than the other two types. In Orleans there are townhomes in almost every main neighbourhood, from Avalon, Queenswood Heights, Fallingbrook, Mer Bleu, and more. The biggest downside to freehold townhomes is that you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Also, there are typically easements (right of way) in the backyards for your neighbours to go through to get to their yards.  

Condo Townhomes

Condo townhomes are a less expensive option.  They are popular with first-time buyers and downsizers. In Orleans, condo townhomes start in the low $400,000s. The monthly condo fee covers items such as building insurance, common area maintenance, and snow removal.  Condo townhomes also offer more amenities than freehold townhomes, such as a gym, party room, tennis courts and sometimes even a pool. With Condo townhomes sometimes the fees also cover some of the outdoor maintenance of your home, such as the roof and siding repairs. The downsize with condo townhomes is that condo fees can add up, and if the condo reserve fund isn’t managed properly levies and special assessments can be expensive. Pro hack, when buying always include a Status of Certificate review with any purchase. 

Home Association Ownership Townhomes

Home Association Ownership townhomes are different than condo townhomes. In Orleans, Home Association Ownership townhomes start in the mid to high $400,000s. With Home Association Ownership townhomes there is a monthly fee that covers items such as building insurance, common area maintenance and snow removal, and visitor parking. These are similar to condo fees but without any fees covering the home maintenance itself. HOAs are typically way less expensive than condo fees and are typically found on private streets. The main reason for HOA townhome fees is that the builder built the homes on a private road, which the City of Ottawa does not maintain, therefore a private snow clearing company has to complete the work.

If you’re looking for more information about these types of townhomes please contact Marc-Andre Perrier, Orleans, Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Action Power Team.  I would be happy to discuss with you further and help you find the perfect home for your needs!

https://marcandre-perrier.c21.ca/

8 May 2022

Different Types of Townhomes in Orleans, Ontario: What You Need to Know

Townhomes Orleans

If you’re looking for a new place to call home, Orleans is worth considering. With its many different neighbourhoods and variety of housing options, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of townhomes available in Orleans. Whether you’re interested in freehold townhomes, condo townhomes or something else entirely, we’ve got you covered!

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a townhome is whether you want a freehold townhome, condo townhome, or home association ownership townhome, all contingent on your preference and budget.

If you’re looking for a townhome in Orleans, Ontario will it be a single bungalow, double or three-story townhome which are all great options. Townhomes come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to figure out what your must-haves are before beginning your search. Do you need a garage? A driveway? A basement? Once you’ve got a better understanding of what you are looking for we can best help you in finding exactly what you’re looking for.

Orleans has many different types of townhomes to offer its residents, so take your time in deciding which one is right for you. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Give us a call today and let’s get started.

https://marcandre-perrier.c21.ca/townhomes-for-sale-in-orleans

5 May 2022

The Ultimate Orleans Real Estate Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Orleans

Greater Ottawa

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario

Welcome to Real Estate in Orleans, Ontario

Orleans is one of Ottawa’s most popular neighbourhoods for a reason. From its beautiful, mature neighbourhoods to its convenient location and abundance of amenities, it’s easy to see why people love calling Orleans home. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Orleans, or are just curious about what it’s like, this guide is for you!

Welcome to Orleans, Ontario, an East End Suburb of Ottawa, the Nation’s Capital! Orleans, is located just 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown Ottawa. It is continuing to grow well past 125,000 in population. Orleans is known for it’s bilingualism, English and French, and great community. It offers all sorts of businesses and amenities. Orleans is still a little bit more affordable than the West end suburbs such as Kanata, Barrhaven and Stittsville. There’s a mix of older neighbourhoods such as Queenswood Heights, Convent Glen and also upcoming such as Mer Bleu and Chapel Hill South.

Orleans has many different types of homes, from townhouses to condo buildings to single detached homes. There’s something for everyone! If you’re thinking of buying a home in Orleans, here are some things to consider:

-The type of home you want: Single detached, townhouse, terrace home or condo?

-Your budget? Ranges from approximately $400,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on the home and neighbourhood

-The Neighbourhood? (Older Queenswood Heights, Convent Glen, Fallingbrook or newer such as Avalon, Mer Bleu, Chapel Hill South)

-Transportation? Drive is approximately 15-20 minutes to downtown Ottawa, without any traffic, world transit system with the new train which will make its way to Orleans in 2024.

-Schools? Which school board will your children attend?

-Places of Worship? Where can we congregate to worship our faith?

-Sports Team? What sport will my children play?

-Restaurants in Orleans, can I find my favourite type of cuisine?

-Unique Outings in Orleans, what can I do for fun?

-Parks and Recreation, is there a place to take my dog for a walk or go skating in the winter?

All these topics will be covered throughout this blog campaign about Real Estate in Orleans, Ontario.  There’s something for everyone! If you’re thinking of buying a home or have any additional questions please reach out to me.

https://marcandre-perrier.c21.ca/search/#!/defaultsearch:true

Real Estate Market 23 February 2022

Orleans Real Estate Market Early Projections 2022

Orleans

Orleans Real Estate

 

As we begin another year of uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic, I wanted to take this time to provide some insight on what we can expect from the Orleans Real Estate market for the upcoming year. Whether you are buying a home, wanting to see what homes are for sale, or want to stay connected to real estate in Orleans, you will want to read on to learn more.

Being a suburb of Ottawa, Orleans has always been an affordable alternative to living downtown. Throughout the pandemic, we have seen housing prices rise to an all-time high throughout the city. Orleans is no exception.

Even with the rise in prices, we saw a surge in homes being purchased throughout 2020. In 2021, the prices continued to rise; however, the number of homes being sold started to decline by the end of the year.

We can expect to see a little bit more of the same for 2022.

In January in Orleans, a freehold house (including detached, semi-detached, and townhomes) sold at an average price of $757,373. A condo unit (including apartments, townhomes, and stacked units) sold at an average price of $441,623. And the costs of these homes are expected to continue to rise; however, the number of homes going on the market may not. Analysts predict that Ottawa home prices are expected to increase by 9% in 2022. 

There are multiple factors that are driving these prices and the number of homes being sold. Here are a few of them. 

Inventory continues to be at record lows.

With the many changes that Covid-19 brought with it, supply and demand have been one of our biggest challenges in the Ottawa and Orleans real estate market. Ottawa and Orleans have seen a boost in people relocating to our city in search of affordability. And the fact that many can now work from home, they are taking advantage of the opportunity to have larger properties for a fraction of the cost compared to cities around the Greater Toronto Area.  

With the increase of people moving to our city, this created a demand for more housing that was simply not there. With not enough houses on the market, this created major competition between buyers.

In addition, supply chain disruption due to the pandemic has also slowed down the construction of new homes in the area.  

It is likely that we will continue to see this trend in the Ottawa and Orleans real estate market as we move through 2022.

Immigration continues to increase.

Canada’s population is forecasted to increase by millions within the next 20 years. In addition, Canada continues to be a popular country for people to migrate to. They presumably need housing to live in, which will continue to put pressure on the current shortage of homes, equalling the continued rise in prices. International immigration as well as GTA immigration continue to put pressure on the Ottawa real estate market, as these Buyers, do not add any properties to the supply Ottawa inventory.  Instead they take up a home, which could have been purchased by somebody who already lives here. 

Interest rates are set to rise.

One detail that might be a factor to help ease the upswing in housing prices is the mortgage interest rates. The banks are hinting at an increase in the interest rate come Spring 2022. This could slow down the number of buyers, and consequently, the demand for homes should go down therefore, so should the prices. But this could also mean we see the real estate market skyrocket between now and the Spring, as buyers currently locked into mortgage rates will want to ensure they purchase a home before their lender’s rate lock expires (typically 90-120 days). 

Given all the above information, one thing we can say with certainty is that 2022 will continue to be extremely competitive for Buyers. 

If you are looking for more information or want to start your buying/selling journey, contact Marc-Andre Perrier, Real Estate Agent in Orleans for more information about the housing market in Ottawa and surrounding areas. He will help you navigate the Orleans real estate market and find your dream home.

 

14 February 2022

What Amenities Are in Orleans?

Orleans is a popular suburb in Ottawa that has a wide variety of neighbourhoods with plentiful housing options. It’s known for having a large French-speaking population with high-quality schools in both French and English. If you’re working with realtors in Orleans to find your dream home, you might want to consider the amenities and lifestyle of the community.  

Plenty of Outdoor Recreational Activities in Orleans  

Canada is known for outdoor sports and activities, and Orleans has plenty of adventures in its parks and green spaces. You’ll find soccer fields, baseball fields, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, and swimming pools for summer play. Rent canoes or kayaks near Petrie Island to explore lakes and rivers. The fun doesn’t stop when the snow flies. With indoor sports facilities, you can continue training through the colder months. Or you can take it outside by skiing, sledding, or ice skating. When you’re looking for real estate in Orleans, consider your interests.  

Cultural Activities in Orleans  

As part of the greater Ottawa metro, there are plenty of venues close by where you can enjoy live theatre and music, museums, and gardens. Orleans itself has many centers and programs for arts and culture. There is plenty to explore right in your own backyard. Place d’Orleans is a huge shopping mall with over 175 stores if shopping is your game. There’s no shortage of restaurants, pubs, breweries, and coffee shops. Orleans also has a wide variety of religious centers, so you can join a congregation close to home.  

Contact a real estate agent in Orleans for more information about the housing market in Orleans. We’ll help you find your dream home where you can set down roots and help you get answers for what you need to know about real estate in Orleans. 

17 January 2022

How Is the Traffic from Orleans to Downtown?

Ottawa does not have a good reputation for traffic. According to a 2020 report, residents in Ottawa spend up to 29% longer in traffic than it should take to get around. When you’re buying a new home, one of the most important concerns is your commute. Although Orleans isn’t located too far from downtown Ottawa or the airport, traffic can make the trip longer than planned. If you’re discussing buying a house with a real estate agent in Orleans, here’s what to know about traffic.  

Getting Downtown by Car from Orleans   

Ottawa motorists spend almost 140 extra hours each year sitting in rush hour traffic. Unfortunately, in Orleans, if you want to get downtown during rush hour, it is going to take extra time if you are taking Highway 417. Under normal traffic conditions, it can only take 10 to 15 minutes to get downtown. The Ottawa International Airport is only 16 km from Orleans, but the time it takes depends on what time you’re traveling.  

Solutions to Dealing with the Traffic in Orleans and Ottawa 

Although traffic can be a hassle when driving by car, Ottawa has a strong infrastructure of other options to get around the community. OC Transpo connects you to buses and the light rail system. You can even transfer to the STO system which operates on the Quebec side of the river. Taxis and ride share companies operate extensively throughout the city. Many residents ride bicycles or use electric scooters to avoid traffic.  

Traffic is just part of the urban atmosphere, so you can expect to deal with some traffic in Orleans. It doesn’t have to impact your day too much when you learn the patterns and plan accordingly. Realtors in Orleans are available to help you find your dream home. Contact the Action Power Team to discuss real estate in Orleans 

10 December 2021

What Are the Main Neighbourhoods in Orleans, Ontario?

Orleans, Ontario is a popular suburban community that only became part of Ottawa in 2001. It has a diverse range of neighborhoods, with something for everyone, whether you’re a growing family with children, retiring from the workforce, or investing in real estate as a single person. Talk to a real estate agent in Orleans to find the home of your dreams that fits your lifestyle. Think of Orleans in terms of three different districts, each with its own neighbourhoods and ambience.  

Orleans North  

Convent Glen / Chatelaine Village / Hiawatha Park / Orleans Wood 

Orleans North is closer to the Ottawa River. Hiawatha Park is an older neighborhood, as many of these communities were some of the first developments in the area. You’ll find detached, semi-detached, and row homes in these neighbourhoods. Although home prices do vary based on the size and location of the home, about two-thirds of the recent sales were under $700,000 for detached homes. Row houses typically sell for about $600,000 or less.  

Orleans South  

Chapel Hill / Queenswood Heights / Convent Glen South / Chateauneuf / Sunridge / Mer Bleue 

Orleans South’s oldest home was built in 1914, but you’ll find many modern homes, both detached and row homes in these neighbourhoods. House prices range from $350,000 up to $1,000,000 or more, depending on amenities, size, and location.  

Orleans East  

Fallingbrook / Ridgemont / Pineridge / Gardenway / Avalon / Nottingate / Sringridge 

Orleans East probably has the newest homes, as most of the developments were not started until the 1980s. Home sales vary from $250,000 up to $1,000,000 or more. As with other sections of Orleans, you’ll find detached and row homes to fit your family. Orleans tends to be more affordable than other parts of the city, so you can often find what you like while staying in your budget.  

Realtors in Orleans help you find homes for sale that you will love to call home and can answer all your questions about what you need to know about real estate in Orleans 

11 November 2021

Why Should We Buy a House in Orleans?

Orleans is a fast-growing community in Ottawa that has many different neighbourhoods for families of all types. The suburb was only amalgamated to Ottawa in 2001, but its history goes back to the 1830s. If your real estate agent suggests Orleans as a wonderful place to live, you may be wondering if that is true. Here are some reasons why you may agree that Orleans is a good community to set down roots.

A Diverse Population in Orleans

Orleans has a large francophone population, giving you an opportunity to live bilingually. It has many schools in both French and English, parochial and public schools. Businesses and restaurants offer services in both languages, making it easy for single-language speakers to navigate.

Orleans Has Easy Access to Downtown Ottawa

Orleans is a short commute to other suburbs around the city, but it does have a slower pace of life compared to other communities. The downtown core is not far away, but the commute by car can be trying during rush hour traffic. Orleans does have an extensive transit system, which alleviates the burden of getting to other suburbs or downtown. Ottawa’s light-rail transit station is currently undergoing an expansion, adding LRT stations as far as Trim Road at the east end of Orleans.

Recreational Opportunities in Orleans

There’s no shortage of sporting activities in Orleans, whether you want recreational play or organized sports. The community has indoor and outdoor opportunities year-round, splash pads, parks, and sledding hills to keep children occupied. Adults will find a wide range of churches, events, restaurants and bars to meet others and enjoy life at any stage.

Tell your realtors in Orleans what you want in a home and neighbourhood. Orleans may fit your needs and budget. We can help make sure you know everything you need to know about real estate in Orleans.

Real Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate MarketReal Estate Market 12 August 2021

What You Need to Know about Real Estate in Orleans

The Action Power Team is here to answer all your questions about buying and selling real estate in Orleans.

What’s the difference between a condo townhouse and freehold townhouse in the Orleans area?

A freehold townhouse gives you exclusive ownership of both the interior and exterior of the land and the home, much like a single-family home. A condo township means that you own everything inside of the unit, but the exterior is maintained by a condo corporation. Each type of ownership has benefits and disadvantages. Discuss your goals with your real estate agent in Orleans to decide what is right for you.

Are there easements when buying a townhouse in Orleans?

An easement gives another person or entity permission to access your property for a limited or specific purpose. A common type of easement is for utility companies. Easements are common for townhouses. When a property in Orleans is changing hands, the title company will search for easements on the property, but you could also have a real estate lawyer conduct a search and explain any easements for you.

What are the types of townhouses in Orleans?

A townhouse is a housing unit with two or three homes that share walls. In the Orleans area, you can find:

types of townhouses in Orleans

 

  • Condo w/o garage – a traditional townhouse without a garage. The homeowner owns the interior, while the exterior is managed by a condo corporation.
  • Condo w/garage—similar to a traditional townhouse but with a garage.
  • Freehold w/garage – a traditional townhouse with a garage. The homeowner owns the interior and exterior and is responsible for all property maintenance.
  • Two-storey – a two story townhouse that maximizes the space in a home.
  • Three-storey – three-storey townhouses are built with three levels, but typically won’t have a basement.
  • Bungalow townhouse – a bungalow townhouse is a one-storey home, but it may utilize loft space to increase square footage.

What is a terrace home? What’s the difference between the lower and upper units?

A terrace home is similar to a townhouse, but the levels may be divided into individual apartments. The lower units are usually easier to access than upper units, but the upper units have better views, less noise and traffic, and are more secure. Realtors in Orleans can help you find a terrace home that suits your needs.

What are the main neighbourhoods in Orleans, Ontario?

  • Orleans South includes Chapel Hill, Mer Bleue, Convent Glen South, and Queenswood Heights. The oldest house in this area was built in 1914, but most of the houses were built in the 1960s.
  • Orleans North includes Convent Glen, Hiawatha Park, and Chatelaine Village. The oldest home in these parts was built in 1950, but most homes were built from 1965 to 1985.
  • Orleans East includes Avalon, Gardenway, Ridgemont, and Fallingbrook. Although the oldest homes were built in the mid-1940s, most of the homes in this area are much newer as building construction boomed in the 1980s.

Which neighbourhoods in Orleans are older/newer?

Avalon, south of Innes Road, is one of the newer neighbourhoods, as it began in the 1990s. Orleans Village, located along St-Joseph Blvd between Orléans Blvd and Duford Dr., is the oldest neighbourhood in Orleans. Hiawatha Park, located on the river north of Convent Glen, is another older neighbourhood. Fallingbrook, know for Princess Louise Falls, began in the late 1980s, so it’s not too old. Let your real estate agent in Orleans help you find the perfect house in the right community for you.

Why buy in an older neighbourhood in Orleans?

Buying an older home has its advantages and disadvantages. Older neighbourhoods often have larger yards with mature trees that provide canopies. Preservation of the neighbourhood is often a priority. Older residential communities tend to be more centrally located around city centres, because residents needed to walk to stores and businesses. Although homes may not be modern and will need repairs, they’re typically built well and have stood the test of time.

Why should we buy a house in Orleans?

Orleans has a lot of character as a suburb of Ottawa. It’s a slower paced atmosphere, without a lot of street noise or nightlife, but there are plenty of amenities close enough for people who want entertainment, sports, and education opportunities. An important fact is that Orleans is a safe community. Almost 90% of the population owns their home, which speaks to the stability of Orleans. It’s more affordable than some other parts of Ottawa, and it’s very family-friendly. Orleans is also known for its French-speaking population. Many people in Orleans are bilingual.

How is the traffic from Orleans to downtown?

Orleans is just 16 km from Ottawa’s downtown core. When traffic is good, it can take only 10 minutes to get downtown. It does take longer during morning and afternoon rush hours. While there is an extensive bus service to get around the rest of the city, most Orleans residents own a car to get around Orleans. Orleans does have a good infrastructure for biking. It is possible to commute on your cycle.

What amenities are in Orleans?

The Orleans community features many opportunities for shopping, recreation, and healthcare. You’ll find museums, gardens, theatres, live performances and more in Orleans. Place d’Orleans is the local mall with more than 175 stores. There’s no shortage of restaurants, from fine dining to fast food, both local specialties and nationwide chains. You are also close to downtown Ottawa, which lets you take advantage of those amenities.

What religion centres, schools, parks are in Orleans?

Orleans is a diverse centre, with many Christian churches and Jewish synagogues in the community. In Ottawa, you’ll find even more religious centres, for Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, and more. Orleans features public, Catholic, and private schools in both French and English for school-age children. The city has several nature trails and parks in the community, as well as multiple recreational and sports complexes. The greater Ottawa area has even more opportunities, if you’re willing to drive.

Is Orleans a safe neighbourhood?

Information from Rentals.ca lists Orleans as being one of the top 10 safest neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Crimes against the person were listed as 32.1/10,000 in 2018. Areavibes reports crime rates in Orleans are 9% lower than the national average, with Orleans being safer than 26% of the other cities in Ontario. Most residents are homeowners, which translates into safe communities, because they want to invest in the area.

Is there public transit readily accessible in Orleans?

Driving is the preferred method to get around in Orleans, although many people do commute by bicycle, too. Ottawa has a fairly extensive public transit system, OC Transpo, to get around the city. There are around 30 bus lines that pass through Orleans, and you’re never very far from a bus stop, but it’s difficult to use public transportation to get around Orleans itself. Over the next few years, the Stage 2 expansion of the city’s light-rail transit system will see LRT stations going as far east as Trim Road, making a commute to downtown even faster and easier. The cycling infrastructure in Orleans is well-built. If you can’t drive, a bicycle is a good option.

Will my home increase in value if I buy in Orleans?

Housing prices in Canada have been on the rise over the past year. Ottawa recorded a house price increase of almost 20% in 2020. Traditionally, homes increase in value over time, even if the market has a slight dip occasionally. Home values tend to fluctuate based on supply and demand, the economy, and location. Orleans is a prime location in the greater Ottawa area, so you should expect your home value to appreciate. *Resource: https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/North-America/Canada/Price-History

3 June 2021

How to Remodel to Optimize Your Everything-at-Home Lifestyle

In recent months, working from home has become the new normal. Whether you are working from home on a full-time or part-time basis, having a comfortable space is now more important than ever. Today, buyers are more interested in features and space design that optimize the everything-at-home lifestyle. Fortunately, there are a few simple upgrades you can make to significantly increase your productivity, enhance your work-from-home experience and get a return on your investment if or when you decide to sell.

3 Simple Ways to Cultivate a Work-From-Home Atmosphere

While working from home offers many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you don’t currently have a dedicated home office space. If you’re thinking of selling in the future, it’s a good time to remodel your home and consider making it more work-from-home friendly. Keep the following tips in mind to help you attract the right buyers and the right price for your home:

  • Create a Dedicated Working Space: As working from home becomes more common, and in some cases, permanent, a dedicated home office or work space is essential. While you may be able to get by working from the kitchen counter or table, if you live with others or have children, this method may be unsustainable in the long-term. An office should give you privacy and reduce the noise from the rest of your home. If creating an office is not an option, you may want to design a quiet corner in a bedroom or non-busy room with a lot of natural light.
  • Update Your Kitchen for Mid-Day Work Breaks: Just like a shared kitchen in an office, your kitchen should be a place where you can unplug for the moment, relax and enjoy your lunch. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home and is a major selling point for potential buyers. Consider upgrading old appliances with energy-efficient ones, change out the backsplash or apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls.
  • Design a Relaxing Living Room: Everyone needs to recharge after work and a living room is the perfect place to do that. As an extremely versatile room, your living room can be adapted to your specific hobbies and taste. Consider installing custom built-in bookshelves that can showcase personal items and lay down a soft area rug to encourage a feeling of calm and cozy.

Contact Us for Quality Home Buying and Selling Services

If you are ready to buy or sell your home in the Orleans or Ottawa area, real estate expert, Marc-Andre Perrier, is here to help. As an experienced real estate agent, I can help buyers uncover a variety of things to consider, to ensure we find you the perfect home that best suits your needs. I can also help sellers learn more about certain market factors that may influence the sale of your property, so you can make critical decisions that work to your advantage.

Making home renovations that work for you and prospective buyers is the name of the game. Contact us to learn more about how we help you buy or sell your home and get the best deal possible.