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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.
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:
- 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
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.
A Guide on Ottawa’s Housing Market Projections in 2021
The current Ottawa housing market is a seller’s paradise, thanks to low inventory and a high demand. These conditions are expected to continue through 2021, with a persistent trend of low inventory across several Ontario housing markets. This puts upward pressure on house prices, as millennials begin to enter their home-buying years and baby boomers, who are looking to downsize, add more buyers to an already saturated market. Not only are houses selling for a higher price, but they are also selling much faster than ever before.
Key Outlooks for Ottawa’s Housing Market in 2021
The areas where the biggest growth occurred is no longer in the central urban areas, but rather in less-dense cities and family-oriented neighborhoods. Many of these suburban markets have been significantly impacted by out-of-town buyers, with Canadians under the age of 35 seeking more space. Here are some other major outlooks for Ottawa’s housing market in 2021:
- Move-Up Buyers are the Driving Force: Move-up buyers, or families, are expected to accelerate the Ottawa housing market in the coming year. These buyers are also driving up the luxury housing market, which has seen a huge spike in demand since the spring.
- Space is a Hot Commodity: The pandemic has drastically shifted buyer’s must-haves. A desire for more space has been the most common trend across the Ottawa housing market, with buyers seeking outdoor living areas, as well as additional square footage. Factors that impact this trend include remote work and lower housing prices in suburban neighborhoods.
- Housing Shortage Continues: With an ongoing and widespread housing shortage continuing into 2021, this may present some challenges for homebuyers. However, if you are looking for a home, there are still many pockets around the city that offer affordable options.
Looking to Buy or Sell in 2021? Contact Marc-Andre Perrier and the Century 21 Action Power Team
If you are looking to buy or sell your home, Marc-Andre Perrier can help you navigate the ever-changing Orleans and Ottawa housing market. Along with Marc-Andre, the team at Century 21 can offer you expert advice in both residential and commercial real estate, getting you the best deal possible. My team and I handle all the critical details, while simplifying the buying and selling process, so you can make the right decisions based on your housing and lifestyle needs.
Based on 2020 sales, Orleans ranks as one of the top 3 most in-demand neighborhoods in Ottawa. Contact us to learn more about how we help you buy or sell your home today.
Examining the Ottawa Housing Bubble and the Outcome in 2021
As the second wave of COVID-19 continues its sweep across Canada, home prices in Ottawa are expected to take an inevitable tumble in 2021. While the housing market was initially able to weather the storm, according to a report by Moody’s Analytics Inc., the momentum will begin to fade in the first half of the year. Unemployment rates will rise, and lower incomes will prevent potential buyers from returning to the market. While the market is expected to fare differently depending on the region, the forecast predicts a general 6.7% decrease for single-family homes and a 6.5% decline in condominiums. Moving forward, the impact is likely to favour smaller, more affordable markets but may bounce back if and when a vaccine becomes available.
3 Reasons Why the Ottawa Housing Bubble May Burst in 2021
Homebuying is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make in your lifetime. As a result, we want to ensure that you are entering the market in the right place at the right time and for sellers to get the most equity out of their home sale. Take a look at some of the possible reasons why the real estate bubble in Ottawa is likely to burst in 2021 and what actions you can take now to get the best deal:
- Future Lockdowns: The ongoing pandemic has tested containment efforts in Ontario and with new cases emerging everyday, there is a potential for localized lockdowns in the future. This could put real estate activity at risk, causing the bubble to burst.
- Financial Benefit Expiration: As the CERB and mortgage payment deferral programs expire, homeowners will once again have to face the impact of the pandemic on housing. Therefore, people are less likely to take on the debt required to buy a new home, creating a seller’s market with a deficit of buyers.
- Job Market Uncertainty: People can no longer guarantee that they will be employed several months from now due to the pandemic. Thus, people are less likely to make the long-term financial commitments required to purchase a home if they cannot count on steady income.
Don’t Wait to Buy Your Next Home – Marc-Andre Perrier is Here to Help
As the housing bubble holds steady, now is the time to let go of any reservations about buying a home. Whether you’re buying or selling, Marc-Andre Perrier has in-depth market knowledge to help you get the most value from your home sale or purchase. My team and I will ensure the process is as seamless as possible, to help you have the most positive experience. Contact us to see why we are the most trusted real estate agents in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
Has COVID-19 Slowed Down Real Estate Sales in Ottawa?
When COVID-19 resulted in a lockdown back in March, the housing market came to a screeching halt. While the pandemic brought a new level of uncertainty, Ottawa home sales and prices have since proven to be remarkably resilient in the wake of these unprecedented times. However, this is due in part to the significant number of higher-income buyers whose employment has remained mostly unaffected by the social and economic impact of the pandemic. These days, the interest in house buying has completely flipped. Now more than ever, buyers are interested in escaping densely populated cities in favour of buying bigger houses with more land, which have been readily available in recent months. In fact, The Canadian Real Estate Association noted record-shattering home sales throughout the months of July and August, in addition to a forecasted rise in housing prices for the remainder of the year.
3 Reasons Why COVID-19 Failed to Slow Down the Ottawa Real Estate Market
With more and more businesses implementing a work-from-home strategy, buyers are more interested in space and different amenities when looking for a new home. Ottawa, in addition to areas outside of the city center have experienced a significant boom in real estate activity this year despite COVID-19 and there are no signs of it slowing down. Below, we take a closer look at some of the reasons why that may be:
- Economic Growth: Ottawa is home to a large number of tech and government workers, two industries that managed to escape the worst of COVID-19 lockdowns. As a result, there is a significant demographic of people whose financial well-being is conducive for home-buying.
- Population Growth: Many people are moving to Ottawa from other, more expensive cities like Toronto and Vancouver. This has contributed to the competitive nature of the current market and buyer demands.
- Low Mortgage Rates: Interest rates are at an all-time low. Historically, this stimulates the housing market, encouraging people who would otherwise not be in a position to buy, make the leap into homeownership. Interest in capitalizing off low mortgage rates has pushed the real estate demand even further.
Let Marc-Andre Perrier Help You Find Your Next Home
Looking for the perfect home can be challenging enough as it is, let alone trying to navigate the market during a pandemic. Fortunately, Marc-Andre Perrier is here to provide you with both residential and commercial real estate expertise, in addition to educating you on the buying process and getting you the best deal possible. Use our property search tool to help you narrow down listings and find the home that best fits your budget and lifestyle. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.
Home Buying and Selling in the Age of a Pandemic
Despite the recent economic uncertainty triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ottawa’s real estate market shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As it stands, the Ottawa market is red hot, with many sellers capitalizing on the current situation and listing their homes for sale. Thanks to conservative housing prices in suburban neighborhoods like Orleans, more home buyers are finding greater value for their money in these areas.
Why is the Ottawa and Orleans Real Estate Market Still Hot?
Some houses in the Ottawa area have been selling for significantly over asking price. With a growing population and historically low interest rates, it may be time to consider investing in a home right now. Here are a few reasons why the housing market remains hot in the midst of a pandemic:
- Homeowners can take advantage of this time at home to make improvements and the market should still reward these efforts later on.
- Ottawa is a government town, meaning jobs are much more stable than they may be in other parts of the province. Stable employment results in a stable economy and a greater demand for housing.
- As a result of the pandemic, more people are willing to pay extra to live in an area outside of the overcrowded city centers, where they can get more value for money.
What is the Projected Outlook for the Ottawa and Orleans Real Estate Market?
With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the pandemic, it can be challenging to predict with confidence, what the real estate market will look like years or even months from now. However, as home prices saw a significant decline at the start of the pandemic, they are expected to become a little more stable by early 2021. If you are considering buying or selling your home in Orleans, contact Marc-Andre Perrier. He is an experienced Century 21 Real Estate Agent who can help you find the right home for you and your family.
Stay or Go – When is the Best Time to Sell Your Home?
When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization in March, home sales across Canada fell sharply as the country entered lockdown. Open houses were no longer feasible and fewer homes were available during the period when social distancing measures were initially instated. Now, after several months into the pandemic, the real estate market is bouncing back, seeing a significant rise in sales and listings despite the lingering uncertainty for both buyers and sellers. So, if you’re asking the question, “Is now a good time to sell my Ottawa or Orleans home, or should I wait?”, the answer is “don’t wait!”
Why You Should Consider Putting Your Home on the Market Now
If you live in Ottawa or the surrounding area and plan on putting your house on the market, now is a good time to do so. As the region begins to reopen its economy and restrictions are loosened, there is an increased demand and the market has become extremely active. Here are a few reasons why you should consider selling your home now, despite the ongoing pandemic:
- Serious Buyers: Currently, individuals must adhere to stricter guidelines when buying or selling a home. The process has become a little more complicated due to the pandemic, so you are more likely to encounter buyers who really want to or need to move and are willing to make an offer right away.
- Low-Mortgage Rates: At this time, mortgage rates are extremely low, relative to what has been observed in the past. This is very attractive to home buyers who will be more motivated to purchase a home and take advantage of these low rates.
- Extra Preparation Time: Take advantage of the extra time by making some minor improvements to the interior or exterior of your home before listing it. With more people working from home than ever before, buyers will look for homes that are both stylish and comfortable since this is where most of their time will be spent. In making these upgrades, you can also draw in more equity as the seller.
Selling Your Home? Century 21 Action Power Team Ltd is Here to Help
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. That’s why the Century 21 Action Power Team has put additional precautions into place to ensure you have a positive home buying or selling experience, despite the ongoing pandemic. Whether you are looking for your forever home or a commercial space in Orleans or Ottawa, you can expect a wide range of options to suit your needs when you work with us.
A glimpse into the Orleans Real Estate Market in 2020 – A four-part miniseries
Part 1: Welcome 2020!
It’s late December 2019, Orleans Real Estate has taken a little bit of a break, along with everyone else. I’m at home, spending time with my family and loved ones over the couple weeks of Holidays. As the days go by, I realize that it’s almost time to get back to the grind, but before doing so, I need to make sure to have a realistic business plan for 2020! As the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”, nothing could be truer than what was to come in 2020. I set out my business goal planning and was very optimistic about the year to come in Real Estate.
Some of the reasons I was optimistic about the Ottawa and Orleans Real Estate market were that 2019 started and ended with some of the highest sale prices we’ve ever seen. Throughout the year we noticed such low inventory in the market which consequently followed one of the oldest economics laws, of supply and demand. Demand was still extremely prevalent especially within the $300,000 to $500,000 price range and the supply for these priced homes was low. So what happened? These forces in the market moved the pendulum towards the Sellers which helped further push the Ottawa market into a Sellers’ market. I could anticipate this trend continuing in 2020, especially after attending a presentation from CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) on the future outlook of the Ottawa Real Estate market for 2020, 2021 and into 2022. Therefore, one of my main areas of concern for 2020 was to get more listings and be acutely proactive in preparing with my buyer clients.
The new Year is here, let’s get back to work! I’m working with multiple clients, from Sellers, to Buyers and Renters. As predicted the market is still very competitive, and there’s still isn’t much inventory for Buyers and Renters to choose from in Orleans. Listing prices are higher than the previous year, months of inventory is sitting at 1 month (the lowest it can go), a typical balanced market is anywhere between 5-9 months of inventory. We’re hosting Open Houses, tons of people are coming through, listings are overly active, there are plenty of overlapping showings (when 2+ agents show up with their clients at the same time to visit a home), homes are going into bidding wars, multiple offers and selling way over price. I think to myself; this is the new normal that we will have to manage throughout the year. I discuss with all my clients the different scenarios and strategies which are currently commonplace in the Orleans and Ottawa market. Townhomes and terrace homes are a remarkably hot commodity as they fall into the previously mentioned competitive price range. Sellers are extremely happy with their sales; Buyers are getting restless about losing bidding wars and seeing homes sell for way over the listing price. These first two months of the year were especially challenging with my relocation clients, coming in for a “house hunting trip”, where they have to purchase a home during the 5-7-day window period that they are in Ottawa. Luckily for us we were able to find each one of them a home within that time frame, but I could definitely feel the stress, pressure and market frustration from my clients.
In February we saw much of the same as in January, except home prices continued to increase. They increased both on the listing side and selling side. Days on market in Orleans reduced from 25 in January to 18 in February, while active listings remained pretty much the same. I remember thinking to myself, what is going to happen when the Spring market hits, typically our busiest time of the year, how much are these townhomes going to sell for? Will we see townhomes in Orleans sell for over $500,000?
As all of this was happening a pandemic was starting to spread overseas, could it make its way to Ottawa, and would it affect the Real Estate market?
We all now know what happened, but how did it affect the Ottawa and Orleans Real Estate market?
Read part 2 of my mini series to find out!
