Great video on home owners insurance!
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http://www.MattRichling.com
Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
In 2008 Ottawa residents were able to cut usage by four percent during the one hour global event. This year the Earth Hour message was better received and we were able to cut usage by just over six percent, which is enough to power 58 homes for a month. It might not be the 15% that Toronto cut usage this year during the 60 minutes but we sure did our part. Local business jumped on board, the NAC’s Le Café and the Fairmont Château Laurier, served dinner by candlelight only. At the Westin Hotel, the chef performed an Earth Hour cooking demonstration, reportedly using a candle-powered grill. The nine Bridgehead locations across the city switched off lighting, music, dishwashers and other non-critical equipment in favour of candlelight, and acoustic music. Moksha Yoga Ottawa on Preston Street is held a special yoga class silent and lit with candles.
The skeptics, who include environmental activists, point out that it’s pretty easy to turn off non-essential lighting for 60 minutes a year, whereas making real headway combating global warming is difficult and will involve real — and likely expensive — sacrifices. Indeed, for everyone from multinational corporations to municipalities, Earth Hour seems an excellent marketing opportunity to show they care about global warming, without much pain at all.
So lets do it! Bridgehead, why not do the same thing one night a week? I would much rather sit in a bridgehead with some soft acoustic music and candlelight, (especially if I was on a date - very romantic!) and im sure others would as well. How else can we each contribute? How many of us leave our computers, or other things on at home overnight and during the day?
Toronto dropped usage by over 15%! Ottawa - six percent is a good start, but we can do better!
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http://www.MattRichling.com
Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Yesterday I checked out the Ottawa Home and Garden Show going on this weekend at Lansdown Park. I am profiling some of the more interesting booths and trends that I saw during my visit. Make sure to check out Ottawa Home and Garden Show GUIDE Part One as well.
Larry Roy gave me a quick lesson on artificial turf over at the SYNLawn booth. Not just for putting greens anymore, now Larry installs the synthetic grass around pools, backyards, playgrounds, pet areas, condo balconies, government buildings, and the list goes on. A true expert in everything synthetic grass, Larry showed me around 40 different types of grass products, to allow for any budget or end look/goal. Of course the product is being used in many LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification projects because of its low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and its environmentally-sensitive polyurethane backing. Not only is it a green product but it has almost effort-less maintenance - NO MOWING! Plus you do not need to water it or use any pesticides.
On the subject of artificial, check out the Northern Palm Company booth to see how you can make it feel more like the tropical season year round. Greg Combe explained how the Galvalume product that is used to make the tree’s is 55% aluminum and 45% zinc and can withstand up to 110 MPH winds. Just recently Greg and the crew were featured on Extreme Home Makeover with Ty Pennington, and also did a complete install for musician Kid Rock who puchased over $90,000 worth of trees. Prices start at $2,500 for a seven foot tree complete with lights, and go as high as 14 feet (see above picture).
At the RenoCoach booth, Daniel Wildgen walked me through his consulting business and how he can help “save your marrige”. With over 25 years of experience, Daniel and his team are there to help you make the most out of your renovation dollars. From the initial design, plan and schedual, to onsite project management and consultation, Daniel is deffinatly someone that you want in your corner when thinking about doing that addition or kitchen makeover.
I couldnt get through the show without some food, enter Jason Groulx from the Delta, who was doing a cooking demonstration for 100% organic burgers. VERY tasty, and worth the wait!
Make sure to check out Ottawa Home and Garden Show Guide part one.
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http://www.MattRichling.com
Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
The Ottawa Home and Garden Show is being held this weekend at Lansdown Park, so I thought I would spend the afternoon there today. There is over 300 exhibitors using the three large buildings, and worth the visit to each of them. Whether you are looking for a new contractor, a BBQ, new cooking recipes, or design ideas, the Ottawa Home and Garden Show has what you are looking for. A VERY large trend is ECO friendly, LEED, or Green products. More than ever before is it easier to bring an “earth friendly” products into the home. When you go this weekend, make sure you stop by some of the interesting booths that I visited.
Over at the Grun booth, Troy and his team were showing me around the Brill Razorcut push mower. Unlike traditional push mowers this German built device is designed with the user in mind. The typical push mower is hard to push let alone to cut the grass, but the Brill is designed for effortless cutting. Usually over time, the blades and other metal parts will corrode and make it very difficult to use, but the Brill mowers blades are contact free from the core of the machine, so it remains easy to use after 10 years. The mower sells for $269.00 and is also available at Home Hardware. The Brill mower was also featured in Esquire Magazine!
Make sure to check out the Sovereign Designs booth, to learn how they can help integrate your audio and video into your home. Lighting, climate, shading design and control, to home theater and media rooms, Russell and Johnny are able to help from the consultation to specific product sales and service, and even the installation. In the above picture, they are demonstrating how they hide a LCD tv behind a piece of art. So your ugly (yes I said it) LCD or plasma TV does not have to stick out in your room. These boys have done everything you can imagine and they know what they are talking about. Mainly dealing with RUNCO video products, also known as the Ferrari of home theater products, which run from $3,000 up to about $100,000 just for a LCD tv.
Who doesn’t like free stuff? Especially when it is expert advice! Stop by the CDECA or Canadian Decorators Association booth to get a free consultation from one of the accredited interior decorators. I spoke with Kim Koa, Ken Schliemann and Darlene Hall-Barrett who each gave me some great advice. Make sure to stop by and say hi.
Stay tuned for more!
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http://www.MattRichling.com
Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Tomorrow, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.
We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.
VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.
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http://www.MattRichling.com
Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Everyday I check to see how you are finding my website, whether it was by direct link or searching in Google. I check the search terms to accurately see what the visitor had typed in Google, Yahoo, etc. and then I sometimes check to see how high I ranked. Many of the search terms lately have been a combination of either certain buildings, streets, or developments, my name (with some very funny ways of spelling it), or general market information. For example, the search term just a moment ago which inspired me to write this post was, “is it a good time to buy a home in Ottawa over the next 4 months?”
Obviously the answer is YES! Well as long as you are thinking long term, it is an obvious yes. First you must think long term, and then understand your goals. Just like how I felt the first time buyers from a previous post should take some time to understand where they are and where they want to be, you should as well.
Once we are clear and fully aware of ourselves, then it is time to understand WHY real estate is the greatest investment and why it is a good time to buy.
If you don’t do it now, it will cost you more later. In 2008 the average home price in Ottawa was $289,766. In 1998 the average price was $143,953, in 1988 it was $128,434, and if you look back 30 years, in 1979 the average price for a home in Ottawa was $61,896.00. In the past 53 years there were only five years where there was a decrease (year over year) in average sale prices, with only two of the past 53 years having over a 2% drop. Re-read this sentence if you are like me and need to allow it to sink in.
So far this year we are seeing minimal changes in pricing with January experiencing a 1.5% raise in prices.
YES because of the credit “crisis” housing has been affected. Things have corrected them selves and we are not experiencing the BOOM similar to what we have seen over the past ten years. Ten years ago we saw the prices dip and then come rallying back. It is a cycle and we are enduring the “hard portion”.
What does this mean? For buyers this is the time to buy, jump on the train now, while you can and experience the ride up the mountain. For homeowners that are looking to sell, make sure everything you do shows your home at its best so that you can get the most dollar for your home.
So YES, over the next four months it IS a good time to buy in Ottawa!
Are you ready to make your move? Do you still need more convincing? Do not worry, I wont send the Soprano Family over to “help” you understand. I will take anyone that asks out for a cup of coffee and explain and answer any question that you might have about the Ottawa economy and our real estate market.
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Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Last year, I spent a good deal of time to find a charity that I could align myself with. One that I could actively get involved with that would also provide a good return for the city of Ottawa. November I was voted on to the board of directors for the Fund For A New Generation. Since 1993 the Fund For A New Generation bridges the gap between young professionals and underprivileged youth in Ottawa by hosting an annual charity event “The Ottawa Gala“. Since its conception Fund For A New Generation has raised not only tons of awareness for the true situation that is happening right here in our backyards, but also over $550,000 directly for various local charities. The majority of this money goes to the OCRI School Breakfast Program which feeds over 10,000 local children in 145 schools each and every day.
The Ottawa Gala, 2008
The Ottawa Gala is held once a year with over 800 of Ottawa’s who’s-who of working professionals in attendance. This years theme is the Golden Age Of Glamour. The lights, the glitz, the glamour. This is where it all began! Step back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood and experience the magnificence of the greatest entertainment boom of all time, which spanned from the 1920s through to the 1950s. Every year the event sells out early so make sure you get your tickets!
When? Saturday April 18, 2009
8:00pm to 2:00am
Government Conference Centre
2 Rideau Street
Black tie optional - Chic mandatory
General admission ticket - $55 (2 for $100)
VIP ticket - $120 (2 for $200)
You can purchase your tickets online at http://www.OttawaGala.com (click tickets) or you can purchase them at SOMA Health and Fitness club (located at 700 Sussex, in the Byward market).
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Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Step into unit 406 at 85 Bronson Avenue, “The Gardens”, and understand why it is one of Ottawa’s most desirable buildings. Located just steps from the Supreme Court House, Parliament Hill, and the entire downtown area. This two bedroom unit complete with two full bathrooms allows you to wake up to views of the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills. Head to the custom kitchen to make your fresh morning coffee and be greeted with new stainless steel appliances, granite, marble and hardwood floors. Use the on site exercise center and then head to your personal parking spot and dream about when you get to arrive back home. Listed at $444,900 with the condo fee of $369.00, you could experience this each and every day. The current owners have already moved to their new location and thus can accommodate a short closing period. For a private showing or for more information please contact me.
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Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Welcome to 29 Main Street. This two bedroom, three bathroom penthouse is located just steps from the Canal, and seconds to downtown. After spending thousands in renovations this beautiful unit is now ready for its next owner. Inside of “The Glassworks” which was built by Charlsfort, this Penthouse is the largest unit (1550 sqft.) and features 17 foot ceilings, new custom kitchen, metal industrial staircase and many other upgrades. Both bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms and an amazing view to wake up with. Unit 307 is listed at $469,900 with the condo fees at $513 per month. To view more photos or see the Visual Tour please check here. For private showings or more information please contact me.
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Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
Today, I was lucky enough to be taken on a tour of a brand new unit for sale in Phase 1 of The Claridge Plaza development. Being sold by Claridge, the Madison, is priced at $450,000 (condo fee of $448.42 per month) which includes parking, and over $50,000 in upgrades which include Granite counters in the kitchen, hardwood floors in the bedrooms, and stainless steel appliances. Aside from the breathtaking view, the 1238 sqft unit had many things that I loved to see such as a nice large walk in closet, decent en-suite, but most of all GREAT floor layout. This unit will be THE unit to entertain your guests in. Great building, spectacular view. Another unit available in the building is on the 20th floor. It is a modified Gotham which is 1454 sqft minus the den which was used to extend the kitchen. Going for a pretty $750,000 without parking (plus condo fee of $525.13 per month) it certainly will not be for everybody, but probably the best views in the city.
Here are some of the photos from my visit today.
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Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.
