In the world of real estate, it's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the industry—the accolades, the listings, and the charismatic real estate agents. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to remember that the heart of real estate lies not in the agents themselves, but in the homeowners and their unique needs. As a dedicated realtor, my utmost priority is to connect with my clients and ensure that their biggest investment decision is not only sound but also the least stressful experience possible.

Understanding the Homeowner's Perspective: When it comes to buying or selling a home, homeowners are driven by a myriad of factors, ranging from financial aspirations to personal circumstances. As a realtor, I firmly believe in taking the time to listen and understand my clients' individual needs, goals, and concerns. By putting the homeowner at the center of every transaction, I can tailor my services to create a personalized and seamless experience that addresses their specific requirements.

Building Trust and Connection: Establishing a strong rapport and fostering trust is fundamental to a successful client-realtor relationship. I strive to go beyond the mere transactional nature of real estate by genuinely connecting with my clients on a personal level. By taking the time to understand their unique preferences, lifestyle, and long-term vision, I can offer informed guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Guiding Through the Decision-Making Process: Navigating the real estate market can be overwhelming, especially for those making significant investment decisions. As a realtor, my role is not just to provide expertise and knowledge but also to act as a steady guide, offering valuable insights and advice. I am committed to empowering my clients with the information they need to make informed choices, ensuring that their best interests are always at the forefront.

Reducing Stress and Facilitating a Smooth Transaction: The process of buying or selling a home can be filled with stress and uncertainty. Recognizing this, I make it my mission to alleviate as much of that burden as possible for my clients. From conducting thorough market research to streamlining paperwork and negotiations, I handle the intricate details, allowing homeowners to focus on what matters most—their own lives and aspirations.

A Holistic Approach to Real Estate: Real estate is not merely about transactions; it is about people and their stories. I believe in taking a holistic approach that goes beyond the confines of a single transaction. By building lasting relationships and maintaining open lines of communication, I aim to be a trusted advisor for my clients, even beyond the immediate real estate needs. Whether they require assistance with home maintenance, renovations, or future investment opportunities, I am there to provide ongoing support.

In a world where real estate can sometimes overshadow the true essence of the industry, I am committed to recentering the focus on what truly matters—the homeowner and their needs. As a realtor, I understand that my success lies in helping my clients achieve their goals and make sound investment decisions. By placing the homeowner at the forefront of every transaction, I strive to create a seamless and stress-free experience that exceeds expectations and builds lasting trust. Let me be your guide on this exciting journey, as we work together to make your real estate dreams a reality.

July 2023 ■ Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,658 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,493 in June 2022, an increase of 11%. June’s sales included 1,234 in the freehold-property class, up 10% from a year ago, and 424 in the condominium-property category, a 16% increase from June 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in June is 1,881.

“Although June’s transactions surpassed last year’s, the number of sales, average prices, and new listings declined on a week-to-week basis over the course of the month. Compounded by the typical summer decline in activity, the Bank of Canada’s interest rate adjustment at the beginning of the month may have also flattened the curve,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a freehold-class property in June was $746,445, a decrease of 4% from 2022, but still on par with May 2023 prices.
• The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $448,380, an increase of 2% from a year ago and up 1% over May 2023 prices.
• With year-to-date average sale prices at $731,847 for freeholds and $432,885 for condos, these values represent a 10% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 7% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“Supply is trending in the right direction. The increase in inventory is encouraging and indicates sellers have confidence in the market. A growing resale housing stock will result in more selection for buyers and more sales,” Dekker suggests.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• June’s new listings (2,758) were 14% lower than June 2022 (3,212) and down 2% from May 2023 (2,822). The 5-year average for new listings in June is 2,802.
• Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 2.1 months from 1.9 months in June 2022 and 1.5 months in May 2023.
• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has decreased to 1.4 months from 1.6 months in June 2022, although up from 1.3 months in May 2023.
• Days on market (DOM) for freeholds stayed on par with last month at 23 days and increased to 27 days for condos compared to last month (26 days).

“We are looking forward to a strong second half of 2023 in terms of sales volume and prices compared to last year. Whichever side of the transaction you are on, the advice of a professional REALTOR® who has their pulse on the week-to-week variabilities in Ottawa’s resale market is priceless.”