Take a look at the new website to showcase the new Besserer street condominium building. GalleriaCondosOttawa.com is to serve anyone looking to get into the building, those currently in the building, and assist with anyone who is looking to rent out their unit.

The site features all units that are currently for sale in the building, which gives you a one-stop-shop for condos in that building. It features a Community Rental Board, which allows anyone (including other real estate agents) to post their for rent ads. As well for those who are already in the building, they can find contact information for condo board staff as well as store and restaurant locations in the area!

Powered by Matt Richling, GalleriaCondosOttawa.com is another website that is added to his already impressive online marketing arsenal. Each website is built and designed in order to funnel buyers who are looking to purchase, in front of your listing.

For more information visit GalleriaCondosOttawa.com or MattRichling.com. If you would like to post your rental information visit the message board or email Matt@Mattrichling.com.

If you would like Matt Richling to sell your downtown Ottawa condo or if you are looking for a unit for sale in Ottawa please contact Matt Richling at 613-286-9501 or by email Matt@MattRichling.com.
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http://www.MattRichling.com

Wellington Village will be getting another cool condominium project added to its roster. The Wellington at Island Park will be a 6 floor mixed use condominium development with some smaller commercial spaces on the ground floor. Being built by Theberge Homes and designed by Barry J. Hobin & Associates, the building will certainly add some nice character to the area. Take a look below to see the first rendering of the building, and below the current corner of Wellington st. and Carleton st. where the building will be built.

From the website:

“Intimate in size, contemporary in design, revered in location, The Wellington at Island Park projects refinement, sophistication and creativity unequaled in boutique-inspired luxury condo living.

Sleek lines and harmonious proportions exude confidence in every facet of the Wellington’s bold and chic interior designs. Reminiscent of a boutique luxury hotel, the Wellington at Island Park offers upscale amenities, rich finishes and exceptional comforts that leave nothing to the imagination.

Located in Ottawa’s thriving Wellington Village, The Wellington at Island Park rests mere steps away from upscale shops, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment. Architecturally inspired and designed by award wining architect, Barry Hobin, The Wellington at Island Park defines a new standard for Ottawa’s elite urban condominium residences.”

What do you think about The Wellington at Island Park condominium building? Please feel free to email me Matt@MattRichling.com or call me 613-286-9501 if you have any questions! I love getting your emails and comments!

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http://www.MattRichling.com

This morning a great article was published in the Globe and Mail that touches on a couple important subjects that every first time condo buyer should think about before purchasing your first condo.

The writer speaks about how condo buyers are allowing emotions to get the best and are not fully prepared for condo ownership. They see short commutes, no maintenance, and the lifestyle that developers are selling, before fully doing the math.

The buyers ‘ass’u'me’ that it is cheaper to live in a condo since you only pay one fee per month and wont have to pay for a furnace, roof or any of the other costs that can suddenly pop-up. But the writer explains that you might still have unexpected expenses that the reserve fund cannot cover and will have to reach out to the unit owners for additional funds. The writer gives some pretty extreme examples, but still very important.

Good little article that might take the wind out of your sail, but rightly so, you should be financially ready to own a home. The last thing I would want to do is help you sell because you cannot afford to live in your dream home.

Do you agree with me/the writer? Do you disagree? Tell me in the comments below or call me 613-286-9501 or email Matt@MattRichling.com.

Click below for the full article! Click to continue »

"pumpkin season" by émiliep on flickr

When you purchase a condominium in Ottawa we include in the offer a condition that allows you to research the condominium and read over its “status certificate” with your lawyer. This also gives you time to get in contact with members of the condo board and talk to them about the following questions. During the process you will learn how responsive and organized its members are. More importantly it will allow you to find out if there are any problems before it is too late.

1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.

2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can’t rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them.

3. How much does the association keep in reserve? Plus, find out how that money is being invested.

4. Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation? Smart boards raise assessments a certain percentage each year to build reserves to fund future repairs.To determine if the assessment is reasonable, compare the rate to others in the area.

5. What does and doesn’t the assessment cover? Does the assessment include common-area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, and snow removal?

6. What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years? How much was each owner responsible for? Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about the condition of the building or the board’s fiscal policy.

7. How much turnover occurs in the building? This will tell you if residents are generally happy with the building. According to research by the Canadian Real Estate Association®, owners of condos in two-to-four unit buildings stay for a median of five years, and owners of condos in a building with five or more units stay for a median of four years.

8. Is the condo building in litigation? This is never a good sign. If the builders or home owners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly.

9. Is the developer reputable? Find out what other projects the developer has built and visit one if you can. Ask residents about their perceptions. Request an engineer’s report for developments that have been reconverted from other uses to determine what shape the building is in. If the roof, windows, and bricks aren’t in good repair, they become your problem once you buy.

10. Are multiple associations involved in the property? In very large developments, umbrella associations, as well as the smaller association into which you’re buying, may require separate assessments.

I came across a list by NAR (National Association Of Realtors, basically our USA counterpart) and decided to Canadianize the list. You can check out the original list here.

If you  would like to talk about buying a condo here in Ottawa, please contact Matt Richling directly 613-286-9501 or by email Matt@MattRichling.com.

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Saturday, we saw the re-release of the SoHo Parkway. Designed by Gluckstein Design (which is founded by Brian Gluckstein) this 88 unit, 15 floor building consisting of mainly one and two bedroom units is located between Westboro and downtown at 201 Parkdale ave. (yes, directly across from Tunnys Pasture Government Complex).

There are currently 14 units remaining for purchase, ranging from $219,000 for a one bedroom (513 sqft) to $408,900 for a two bedroom (949 sqft) plus parking of $29,500 and locker of $3,000. Your monthly condo fees are aproximately $0.33 per sq ft plus hydro.

These prices include:

• Caesarstone Kitchen and Island countertops
• AEG Dishwasher
• AEG Built-in Wall Oven
• AEG Black Ceramic Cooktop
• Liebherr Frigerator and Freezer
• Panasonic Microwave
• Engineered Hardood Flooring in the living areas
• Cabano imported fixtures
• 9′ Ceilings with floor to Ceiling windows
• SoHo Black Card
• + Tons More!

Why SoHo? Check this video!

What do you think about this building? Did you buy a unit? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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http://www.MattRichling.com

The East Market condominium complex is comprised of three inter-connected phases with a total of 409 homes, including two different gym facilities, patio and garden areas, two party/event rooms, games lounge, and a meeting room. The three phases corner the east side of the Byward Market making them a short walk to all amenities possible. Built by Urban Capital, most of the units in the three phases have features typically found in loft buildings such as exposed concrete pillars and high +9ft ceilings (as seen at bottom).

Phase 1 - East Market

Located at 180 York Street (K1N 1J6) the 14 level building is comprised of 101 units (4 of which are retail) ranging from 485sq ft to 1570sq ft. Built in 2003 the building has great use of space and most units have excellent sized terrace balconies with great west, north and east views. Condo fees range from $312 up to $709.20 (Based on sale data for last 12 months).

Phase 2 - East Market

Located at 383 Cumberland Street (K1N 1J7) this 11 level building is comprised of 84 units ranging from 448sq ft to 1622 sq ft. Built in 2003, the building features mostly one bedrooms and is home the many of the amenities for phase 1 and phase 2 buildings (gym, party room, games lounge, meeting room). Condo fees range from $250 up to $344.88 (based on sale data for last 12 months).

Phase 3 - East Market

Located at 179 George Street (K1N 1J8) this 22 level building is comprised of 192 units (two of which are retail) ranging from 455sq ft (floor plan being the Gatineau 1) up to 1705sq ft (floor plan being Sky 4). Built in 2006, the building is quickly picked out of the Ottawa skyline with its clean lines, concrete crown and contrasting red brick exterior. Phase three also features a gym, patio and garden area (with a reflecting pool), and party room, all for use of phase three owners only. Condo fees range from $274 up to $514 per month (based on sale data for last 12 months).

For more information about units available for sale in either of the three phases, please contact me directly 613-286-9501 or use the Contact page.

More Pictures of the East Market

Below is an example of the exposed concrete pillars and ceilings within the East Market.

Below is the gym inside phase two.

Below is a one bedroom unit previously for sale with in phase two. Click here to see the unit and more photos.

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http://www.MattRichling.com

For those of you, who missed the pre-sale of units for Mondrian and have since been waiting anxiously for them to start going on sale, that day has finally come. The first unit to come available in the building, unit 913 has now available on the Multiple Listing Service. The 669 sqft (95 of which being the balcony) unit features enormous wall to wall, floor to ceiling windows with great southern views of Bank Street, exposed concrete ceilings (9ft) and columns. This unit also comes with plenty of upgrades including beveled walnut floors throughout, beautiful granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances.. etc. Attention ladies? Your new unit comes complete with your very own walk-in closet! Parking, in-unit laundry, pool, security, concierge, high speed elevators, storage locker, exercise room, party room…. The list goes on!

Listed at $285,000 with condominium fees of approximately $275 per month, you can be inside a great unit today for a excellent price! If you are interested, take note that the owner is currently out of the country, so all offers are being presented on September 8th. Time is of the essence, the unit will not last!

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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.

Over the last couple weeks the lower floors have been starting the final inspections, allowing the owners a chance to see the units. Below are some photos (sorry about the quality), that the owners have taken. I continue to be impressed with the building.

Rental prices are beginning to pop up, anywhere from $1,450 per month for a one bedroom and the prices go up from there (Parking of course is extra!).

(Above photos are property of Facebook)

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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.

One of the things I love about Westboro is the sense of community, which was very evident this past weekend while I walked around Westfest which was located at the feet of an exciting new condominium development. Westboro Station is developed by Bourk Family Developments and Morley Hoppner Group, and is going to add more of that community feeling to the area, which will make the area even more appealing. Barry J. Hobin & Associates were the chosen Architects for the 150 unit, two mid rise residential towers which pays homage to the old train station that stood in that same area (see below).

Phase One of the development is almost completed and speaking to owners who are about to take possession, you can tell the excitement level is very high. Being able to live in one of Barry Hobin’s buildings, is certainly something to be proud of. He has won many awards for his buildings and homes, and is referred to as Ottawa’s only “celebrity architect”.

Take a look at the current progress of Phase one of the Westboro Station development which I took over the weekend.

Phase Two of the Westboro Station development has yet to start construction so take a look at the plans below and the attached Specification Sheets, Floor Plans, and Price List. (Keep in mind that the plan below has north facing up and the bottom rendition has north facing down)

Westboro Station Phase Two Specification Sheet

Westboro Station Phase Two Price List *As of June 12th 2009*

Westboro Station Phase Two Floor Plans

As someone who spends many days in Westboro, I am very excited for this development to be completed! For more or updated information make sure to visit the sales center located at 416 Richmond Road.

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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 above video might not be viewable in your RSS reader)

Ottawa Real Estate TV - Take a look at 85 Bronson Avenue Unit 406! For a private viewing or more information please contact Matt Richling or Jeff Laprade. Oh, and do yourself a favor and watch it in HD (once you press play, the little HQ button pops up on the bottom)!

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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.