Tips for Relocating to Ottawa

Whether work, family, or just a change of scenery brings you to Ottawa, this city is a marvelous place to live. Relocating to a new city has its challenges, and we'd like to share with you our top tips for relocating to Ottawa. 

Make a Shopping Plan

If you're only in town for a weekend, perhaps with the kids in tow, you need to make the most of your time. Before you arrive in Ottawa, establish your priorities with your Realtor: the number of bedrooms you need, neighborhoods you most desire, yard space, school zones, etc. Your Realtor will narrow down a list of properties in advance, and arrange showings at appropriate times. By reducing driving time and only focusing on properties that meet your criteria, you can make the most of a short visit to Ottawa. 

Shop from Afar

Technology can help us show you properties from afar, if traveling to Ottawa isn't possible for you. Arranging a property tour via live video chat is one way that we can help our clients find the right home. These remote tours provide more insight than looking at listing photos alone, as we share our unique insight and expertise throughout the tour. Noisy streets, pet odors, and tilted floors are just a few details that you might never learn from pictures alone. We're always happy to be your ally with boots on the ground. 

Sign Paperwork in Advance

In order to maximize the time you spend focused on your home search, take care of the necessary paperwork in advance. Seek pre-approval for a mortgage, and sign an agreement with your chosen Realtor. By signing a Buyer Representation Agreement and Working with a Realtor form, you'll be in a position to submit an offer faster when the opportunity arises. If you don't plan to travel to Ottawa in advance of your move, you can expedite the shopping process by having a local Realtor or lawyer verify your identity in advance. Your Realtor will explain verification requirements and necessary steps. 

Consider Budget Impacts

Depending on where you hail from, the Ottawa real estate market may be different from what you're used to. Right now, Ottawa is experiencing a sellers' market. Desirable homes often sell quickly, and for more than the asking price. Overall, Ottawa's list-to-sale price ratio was 99% in September 2019. That means the majority of homes sold for at least their asking price. 

In this type of market, a good Realtor will take your budget into account when advising you on what properties to consider. If we know it is likely that a property will attract multiple offers and exceed your budget, we will advise you not to spend too much time considering that property as a potential home. Ultimately, shopping below your budget can give you an advantage in a sellers' market. 

Ask for Referrals

Even if you’ve never been to Ottawa before and don't know anyone here, it’s possible to get a referral to a trustworthy Realtor. If you’ve purchased a home before, ask your previous Realtor if they know any reliable Ottawa Realtors. If you do know people here, even better — ask friends and family who they purchased or sold with. We do 90% of our business on referral, rather than mass advertising, because building strong relationships with clients and other Realtors is important to us.