February 2014 - Make your home energy efficient

February 2014 - Hammer Home News

Dear Friends,

I had the wonderful opportunity thanks to Natasha Belaire, Mortgage Specialist from RBC, to be invited this month to a seminar hosted by RBC and the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC). The seminar was called “Defining, Marketing and Selling Healthy Housing.” I learnt quite a few amazing tips and strategies to improve our homes energy efficiency to reduce overall costs, maximize energy consumption and most importantly, health impacts in products used, and air quality.

One of the most interesting ways to discover whether your house is an Energy Efficient home is simply by looking into your electrical panel to see whether you have the “Energy Star” decal. Typically, you will find these in most newer homes. If you are looking at purchasing a home that has an energy star or LEED certification, you can qualify up to 10% off discount from CMHC insurance if you are planning on purchasing a home with less than 20% down payment and the insurance applies to your purchase.

If you are wondering if your home is or could be energy efficient. The Natural Resources website offers a list of Energy Efficiency Auditors to help inspect your home to identify how you can make your home more energy efficient. Check out their website for more information:

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/industry/cipec/5161

If you are simply looking for more healthy practical tips for your home, check out the link below from the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation regarding plans you can do to improve your energy management.

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/60916E.pdf?fr=1393009414903

Thank you everyone for your continued support of my e-newsletter. I hope you are all enjoying the lighter weather we have experienced over the last week and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely

Rachel Hammer

Local Housing Market Steady, numbers show
By Vito Pilieci, OTTAWA CITIZEN

OTTAWA — Resale housing sales in Ottawa held their ground in January, a sign that the local housing industry remains on a strong footing, according to the Ottawa Real Estate Board.

The board released its monthly Thursday, saying that 589 residential homes were sold during the month, a slight decline from the 594 sold during the same month one year ago.

The board said the strong number of sales is important, especially considering the bitter cold snap that enveloped the city for much of the last month.

“The market activity is encouraging for homeowners considering the deep freeze Ottawa experienced this past month, a time when people are more apt to stay in and stay warm instead of venturing out to search for a home,” said Randy Oickle. “Residential sales this January were virtually identical to January 2013.”

This Month's Trivia Question:

What does CMHC stand for and who are they?

The first five individuals to respond correctly will win a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks. Email your answers to rachel@rachelhammer.com

Last Month's Trivia Question:

What are three of the best indicators of Real Estate market trends?

The Answer was: Existing home sales, new home building and mortgage interest rates.

Congratulations to: Maxime L., Mark R., Joe N., Krystyna T. were the first to correctly answer last month and win a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks.

Monthly Promotions

I am pleased to offer these great incentives
to my e-newsletter readers!

Contact Rachel at rachel@rachelhammer.com to find out how you can get a $50 gift card!

Feature Listings

605 Puffin Court

Welcome to 605 Puffin Court, a deceptively large home situated on a quiet prime court in Riverside South. This well maintained 4+1 bedroom home offers soaring ceilings and open concept feel throughout.

Read More...

8-510 Stonefield Private

Bright and spacious LEED certified condo, approx. 1095sqft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath and den. Built 2010, Brio II model sunny southeast facing top floor end unit.

Read More...

4 Greenhaven Crescent

Welcome to 4 Greenhaven Crescent, a beautiful Timberbrook model Richcraft home with over 3000 square feet of living space on a stunning 60 feet lot in Stittsville.

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158a Valley Stream Drive

Beautifully maintained two bedroom two bathroom end unit, nicely situated with a southern view.

Read More...

Rachel Hammer, Broker
www.rachelhammer.com

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Hammer & Associates Brokerage · 4 - 3101 Strandherd Drive · Ottawa, Ontario K2G 4R9 · Canada