Take a look at this really interesting time lapse of Rideau Street and 90 George, which interestingly enough is taken from 200 Rideau! Credit to Robbie’s Photo Art on Flickr!

—

http://www.MattRichling.com

(The above video might not work through your RSS reader. Pop over to the website to view!)

Almost daily, I get the question about what exactly separates one unit from the other. I took a little trek over to the Mondrian which is still under construction to show what is keeping the elephants out!

Please leave your comments below! And you can also call me direct 613-286-9501 or email Matt@MattRichling.com!

—

http://www.MattRichling.com

The two beautiful Edison semi’s were featured again today during a special brokers open house. The homes were very busy with many agents in and out all morning. If you still have not had a chance to get inside, do not miss out! The workmanship on these units, the price, and the features coming included is not comparable to anything else on the market!

For more pictures check out the full post on the two semi-detached homes HERE. To get inside contact me directly at 613-286-9501.

—

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 housing market in Ottawa was hot again, despite not so great weather which (most think) fueled the resale housing market. Members of the Ottawa Real Estate board sold 1,577 residential properties in July 2009 compared to 1,414 in July 2008. That is an increase of 11.5 percent over 2008.

Home values saw an increase with the average condominium sale price rising 2.9 percent over July 2008 to $216,826. Residential homes saw an increase of 1.2 percent over July 2008 to $322,795.

“Ottawa’s resale housing market had another strong month in July, and strong sales in the past few months have brought year-to-date sales to 2.6 per cent higher than in 2008,” said Board President Rick Snell. “High demand combined with a very low listing inventory is creating a very strong seller’s market with multiple offers and an increase in prices,” he added.

—

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.

Night Scene in Ottawa - Taken by Robbie's Photo Art on Flickr

Yesterday, a deal that I had been working on fell through. Both sides could not come to an agreement, and decided that it was best not to continue. Although my client was initially unhappy with the outcome after investing her time and money to get where we had, she was very happy to realize things about the property now, before she had possibly taken ownership.

Okay so why are you telling us this Matt?

Because this situation happens, and most people do not prepare you to look at the facts. Regardless of the property type (income producing or not), there is a conditional phase (building inspection, due-diligence etc) where we take a closer look at the property and “dig a little deeper”. We try and take away the emotional side (”I really want it”) that we as buyers have, and bring in the “truth professionals” also known as the building inspector, lawyer, etc.  We pay them good money to look at the facts, and to give it to us straight.

My role in this, as an agent (some clients call me their secret agent, please feel free to do so as well) is to work with the other side to get you what you want. You want that lamp, alright let me see what I can do. You want that hole that a squirrel uses as the entrance to your home fixed before you move in, let me see what I can do. Keep in mind, both parties (buyer and seller) are both human beings. Both sides have goals, which most often are not financial, and are looking to have the other side provide it.

We (as in the team) are going to find things (some good some not so much), and nine times out of ten we can negotiate them into/around/out of the purchase. But sometimes at the end of the day there will be a fact that just can not be negotiated, or fixed about a property. We will do our best, but that deal might not be the one for you and we will have to understand that.

The great thing is that I will stay with you through this deal and the next. I will be there to help you find those squirrel holes and get them fixed.

—

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!

—

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.

—

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.

—

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.