Last night, during the monthly meeting I was lucky enough to be voted on to the executive board for the Ottawa Real Estate Investors Organization (OREIO). If you are not familiar with the Ottawa Real Estate Investors Organization, it is a non-profit organization with over 300 members dedicated to providing education, networking, and support to new and experienced Canadian real estate investors in the Ottawa and surrounding areas so that they can grow their real estate portfolios.

Over the past year, I have started to see an increase in the amount of people looking to receive an additional income from their real estate portfolio. Whether purchasing a property specifically for its income or adding the income after the fact with adding in-law suites etc, it is becoming much more popular and I personally stand behind real estate as an investment.

I decided to become involved with OREIO because of the quality of the organization and the amount of real estate investment specific knowledge being taught and passed around. Actively being involved allows me to be stay up to date on real estate investing rules and laws (fire code, by-laws, landlord tenant act, etc) and to network with other Ottawa real estate investors, and be informed of their un-listed property deals.

If you are interested in learning more about real estate investing, check out OREIO’s website at http://www.OREIO.ORG or email me!

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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.

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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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.

Visit the Ottawa Home & Garden Show presented by Remax, March 26-29 at Lansdowne Park to find out what’s hot in home renovation, decoration, landscaping and outdoor living.  Up to 300 exhibitors will showcase home products and services, stage presentations will entertain and inform and a line up of show features will provide inspiration and ideas for your next home project.

The Ottawa Home & Garden Show, runs for four days from Thursday March 26th to Sunday March 29th and is full of opportunities for visitors to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Admission is $11.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors and $9.00 for children 13-17 and children under 12 are free (prices include GST). Also note that I have seen a number of coupons around Ottawa Rec Centers to save $3 per ticket.

For more information visit:  www.ottawahomeshow.com

Show Hours:
Thursday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday:   12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday:   10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Mike Ferry speaking to the 5000 RE/MAX agents from all over North America

Wow. What a great week it has been, and hats off to RE/MAX for putting together such a great event. The RE/MAX Kickstart Sales Rally was a two day event that attracted over 5000 realtors from all over North America. It offered courses on a variety of subjects and allowed many networking opportunities. As well it had a large trade-show exhibition area that provided us with many new tools and opened our eyes to some of the future trends for the upcoming year.

Trade-show area, featuring over 75 exhibitors.

The second day featured some of real estate’s highest rated speakers including Mike Ferry, Ken Goodfellow, Steve Rillo, and a panel discussion on what we can do, as agents, to better serve our clients within the future economic outlook.

Panel discussion with some Top Producing agents.

Overall It was an interesting event that provided us with a very positive outlook for 2009. It reminded me why I am a RE/MAX agent and a proud one at that.

Http://www.MattRichling.com - Matt Richling - Ottawa Real Estate Agent - Ottawa Condos - Ottawa First Time Buyers

Do you know somebody who is thinking of buying or selling but is not 100% certain whether now is a good time or not? tell them the secret words - MATT RICHLING DOT 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.***

This week I will be in Toronto for the annual Re/Max “kick start” sales rally. It is an opportunity to listen to some of the top names in real estate coaching speak about the effects that the U.S. economy will have on our business, how I can serve my clients better, and more efficient ways to handle my business. Not only will the speakers be a valuable source of knowledge but along with every event that I attend comes the networking opportunities of meeting other agents from outside of Ottawa. Being able to receive referrals from the other agents and as well being able to refer a client to another agent, gives my clients better care when moving. Think about it, you are moving to Toronto and have no idea who to call, you end up just calling local agents and in the end spend hours on the computer without any knowledge of the areas. Instead, I am able to refer you to someone that I feel you will work well with (I wont just refer you to any agent, I will try and match you both together personality wise), saving you countless hours, and possibly many trips back and forth.
There are going to be people from all over North America at the conference this week, and I will be making more connections to cover the continent. While you might think I will be “on vacation” this week, in-fact I will be working. Networking, learning, building, and creating relationships.

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage

Last night, I attended along with the 300 other young professionals, Schmoozefest 08 at Foundation in the Market. It was a good little networking event that, from what I saw, went off without any problems helping to raise over $13,000 for the 2008 campaign.

Look at that sexy no-haired guy in the front row!

Some of the attendees included Max Keeping and Michael O’Byrne from CTV Ottawa, Karen Soloman of ‘A’, the ever-present auctioneer-par-excellence Lawrence Greenspon of Greenspon, Browne and Associates, Janice Charette, Deputy Minister HRSDC and the GCWCC Campaign Chair, Dennis Jackson of Scotiabank, Steve Georgopolous of Les Suites Hotel, Mo Charania of Jubilee Jewellers, Michael Allen of United Way/Centraide Ottawa, Laura Peck of McLoughlin Media, Sue O’Sullivan, Deputy Chief of the Ottawa Police Service along with several others including moi!

I look forward to Schmoozefest 2009  and if you cant wait until then, checkout:

Thursday, Oct. 30 - Mid Campaign at City Hall,  5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Saturday, Nov. 15 - Timeraiser at Canadian War Museum, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 2 - Campaign Achievement at Hampton Inn, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information check out the United Way Ottawa website!

For pictures from last nights event check out the Flickr page here!

Http://www.MattRichling.com - Matt Richling - Ottawa Real Estate Agent