I couldn't think of anything clever to say today, and the last time I tried to force the issue...it didn't go too well. Then I thought, hey, I'm a Realor, talk that! For those reading this on Facebook it's a link from my website - www.waynebowness.com hence the real estate stuff. If you're thinking of selling your home privately, you're killing me! let me know; I can set you up on my site and perhaps find you a buyer for 2.5%. Its got a kick-ass virtual tour, lots of descriptive space, etc. Could be a win-win! Ya'll have a nice weekend.
Last Wednesday the Federal Government abruptly cancelled the Energy Retrofit Program because it was "too popular". Scheduled to run for 3 years at an original cost of $400 million, it was designed to increase the efficiency of homes well into the future. It will be interesting to see the report card on our economic recovery program spending efficiencies. The inevitable waste would likely fund making our homes greener and more eco responsible far beyond well into the future. Someone should conduct a poll to determine the number of folks who had planned to upgrade their homes but now can't. Boggles the mind!
As the Leafs continue their time honoured tradition of playoff-free hockey, we should all take a moment to reflect on the positives over the last 6 years as support to the "Leaf Nation":
Fewest playoff loses
Fewest goals against
Most scratch golfers
No drunken street celebrations
Parade equipment kept in tiptop shape
Best spoiler team EVER
is tomorrow, March 27 from 8:30pm ro 9:30pm. Think Scotiabank Place will turn off the lights during the Senators' game?
That was a short Spring. Summer's here! A week ago I made a path to my barbeque to help move things along. Well the path is gone, all deck now. So no weather worries 'til December, and I take full credit! What's that you say? Chickens before they hatch? I don't follow.
I have just listed 3 lots in Julia Estates, in Dunrobin Shores. As a Realtor, I'm thrilled. As a 'green' guy, this neighbourhood is ecologically cool. I know that word has gone mainstream of late, it's trendy to associate with greenness, eco-whatever, sustainabiliy. Julia Estates offers a $10,000 rebate on geothermal heating and cooling system installations. Free money! Chemical use? Not happening here! Covenants strictly prohibit the application of chemical pesticides, herbicides, etc. Kids and pets are grateful. During your build assistance is available on a variety of eco-friendly materials to help you decide how your needs are best served. Free!
When a great neighbourhood has common values, good things happen. Come see.
Prstigious Dunrobin Shores
• lot / land - 
MLS® $119,000
Dunrobin Shores, Ottawa - This fabulous building site on 2 acres in prestigoius Dunrobin Shores incorporates all that is pleasing for a comfortable, naturalist lifestyle: country living fifteen minutes to Kanata, ecologically responsible neighbourhood ($10,000 rebate when geothermal heating/cooling system installed), lovely varied topography throughout the sub-didvision, near the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, and historical points of interest, and lots of recreational facilities are some of the amenities awaiting you and your family. Come on home!
Property information
As I stand back and look at Ottawa housing market canvass, I see the recession effect is that of a time shift. Demand is there, it's just laying low as people sort through the economic news and how it affects them. Even as severe as these times are, life for most goes on pretty much as always. Once fears subside, that demand will swell up, creating a healthy balanced market for the spring season, and presenting opportunities for both buyers and sellers. I speak with people every day who are making plans for a housing transition. With the stability enjoyed in Ottawa, it's easy to see why. Inflation is at 1.1%, a 5 year mortgage goes for under 4.5%, and prices will not fluctuate; in fact they may rise. Wealth building through Real Estate, many believe, will be the soundest financial strategy for many years to come. Did I mention all this comes with the enjoyment of new surroundings! So get out there and do your happy dance!! Oh, and I'll be your dance partner!
Picturesque, Gorgeous, Impressive.
•
Fitzroy, Ottawa - Spectacular, Impressive, and Picturesque are but a few words to desribe this rarely, if ever, offered 200 acre piece of heaven situated on 1600 feet of Ottawa River shoreline next to Fitzroy Provincial Park. Close to the city yet in its own world, this one of a kind property, with natural terraces providing unimpeded views, and cul de sac paved roads framing two sides, is a developer's delight, or a sanctuary accomodating an uncompromised lifestyle for those seeking only the best. $2,500,000
Property information
Ha! Made you look! Ok, first a little history. Way back in the '80s, that's 3000 years in tech-dog time, numbers like 386 and 486 got us all excited. Power accelerated! Trouble was, software advanced even faster, bogging down processors yet again. Imagine today's kids staring at a screen for EVER! Didn't think so.
I digress....
Well the hardware guys finally ramped things up which in turn ramped up our lives. Fast forward - tech blood all over the human landscape! Tech up or tech out! Case in point, walk into a store - TV/phone/computer, etc. is tech=x and cost=y. Five minutes later it's tech=z and cost=a. x and y, of course are inferior and more costly. Five minutes later....
I digress....
A la Meatloaf, "...stop right there, before we go any further...." (it's a song, you young'uns), we're beginning, a little bit, to be ok with the same tech stuff in our houses for longer than it takes for the kids shoe sizes to change. 'Cause if we don't....imagine the 5 year old looking away from the screen and says, "Mommy, life is moving too fast."
Do I digress?
Writer's cramp today so I checked the newspaper for inspiration, no smiles there though. Except maybe for the guy whose eleven month old son accidently called 911 while playing with the phone. Because there was no response police were sent to the house as follow-up only to find Daddy in the middle of a 500 plant marijuana grow-op going on. Where you goin', Daddy?
And a Happy Birthday wish for Pat.
We are exposed to a flood of information every day, every hour if we look for it. Lot's of bad stuff, good stuff too, but for the most part, we are immune to feeling or caring about what we see and hear because we are almost never 'part' of it. Well cue the recession. Got your attention? Mine too! It starts with "I think I'll be ok" Then as it permeates everything around us, we get nervious and twitchy even if we are not 'part' of it. All of a sudden we're team players.
So the recession might yet prove to be a wonderful thing. For the first time ever, ever, all regions of the world see themselves in the same mess. And once we get past our knee-jerk protectionalist mentality, it may dawn on everyone that the mess needs to be addressed by the collective whole. The planet. One solution.
Ok, fast forward to the end of the recession. The world stands back to better view the canvass, and whaddya know, we did it thinking as one! What a concept! Who knew! Now insert here:- A Great Leap of Faith. Is it possible, that we just may see the advantages of global collaboration? Book my ticket! This recession is going to be great!
Of course, as soon as we have our sh*t together, the aliens will get us.
Trust ya'll had a good down time, back to the yoke! Ususally I try to inject a little humour into my blogs 'cause, well, it makes me feel good! My hedonistic tendency. But as a Realtor and a consumer I read the same stuff about the economy in general and housing in paticular as everyone else. Serious stuff. After all it's human nature to stick one's hands deep into one's pockets when uncertainty is out there. Self preservation.
We live in Canada, and that's good! We have not lived beyond our means for years and years like the U.S.; buying over priced homes with no money or sustainable income. A $300k home sells for $500k then drops to $250k. Busted!!
We live in Ottawa, and that's great! No spike in housing prices. No manufacturing sector to speak of, no jobless stats as elsewhere. Highly educated. Good standard of living. Stable. Beautiful city.
For most of us, our quality of living revolves around the home, our sanctuary.
If you're looking to add, say 20% to your net worth this year, don't buy a house. Do tell me where to find the 20%, however! But holding off those plans to buy a home is to hold off on your quality of life. And waiting for prices to fall (in Ottawa) may result in lost opportunity.
I can see you're all fired up now, all you need is a 'go to' Realtor to make your dreams happen. Umm, that would be me. wayne.bowness@century21.ca
Rare 2.5 acre property under $400k
• 3,000 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $399,900
Dunrobin Shores, Ottawa - This unique,custom designed home of approx. 3000 sq.ft.is perched on a rare and spectacular 2.5 acre park like estate setting with beautiful views of the Ottawa River and Gatineaus. a totally paved winding driveway leads to a 30x40 insulated 2 car oversized garage located at the back of the property. The kitchen boasts warm brickwork complimenting the lovely cabinetry, island, desk/bookcase etc. Two bedrooms lead to a balcony, while the Master has great views and a deck! Two full baths were professionally renovated in 2000 and 2004. Water access, nature trails, and a first class golf course at yout front door completes a quiet, safe, enjoyable lifestyle that awaits you and your family. Privacy + location = gracious living for under $400k. Fifteen minutes to Kanata. Welcome home!
Property information
Go to your room.
Wikipedia defines 'Economist' as "...an expert in the social science of economics" Must be a tough gig these days. Get up, read the morning newspaper, cringe. Go to the office, brainstorm with colleagues, publish a bunch-o-forecasts, leave the office, cash paycheque. Go home, read the evening newspaper, cringe. Repeat.
Actually Economists are good for the economy. With a median salary of $75,000 (top 10%, $130,000+) (Wikipedia), that's some serious spending power! Of course it can take years to pay off the student loans...wait!!...unlike Engineers, Lawyers, or Doctors, there is no educational requirement or license to be an Economist. Oh but look, there's a Nobel Prize for Economics. Insta-cred! Big props! What? Two Economists won the Nobel for totally opposite views? (true) OMG!, nobody got the memo!
Chronically wrong forecasts have their fun side too. In the summer (2008), we were warned that cheap gas was long gone, suck it up people, we're sure about this one....