Forging a Real Relationship with Real Estate
All of us have a relationship with real estate in some shape or form. For most of us, it’s a somewhat emotional relationship that begins with the excitement of purchasing our first home. Others approach real estate as a calculated means of investment. And for a few, it’s a passion.
As a broker with Keller Williams Ottawa Realty, and the founder of my own realty and marketing firm, I’m definitely a member of that third group. I can say with all honesty that, with all its challenges and rewards, there’s no career I’d rather pursue. But I’m keenly aware that, for the vast majority, emarking on real estate transactions can feel like diving into murky waters.
This is the first in a series of columns whose goal is to help you feel more comfortable with this sometimes mystifying world. The issues are myriad: How should I begin the search for a new home or condominium? What do I need to know before I decide to purchase? What pitfalls should I be aware of? How can I increase my wealth through real estate? How can I get the best price for my home when I ultimately decide to sell?
These are just a handful of the questions I plan to address. I encourage readers to write in with any others, and I’ll gladly answer them in this forum. Because, while I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years, engaging with people is still my favourite part of the job.
While most of us think of real estate in terms of property and numbers, that’s only part of the equation; the human element is by far the most intriguing aspect. Because I specialize in both sales and marketing, working equally with homebuyers and developers, I have the privilege of seeing that element from different angles.
I love helping people find the right home. I also love working with developers to help them create homes that people will be drawn to. This isn’t quite as straightforward as it may sound. Times change, and people change with them. The dream home of twenty years ago isn’t the dream home of today; and the desires of a hip urban couple aren’t the desires of a growing family with live-in grandparents. A significant part of my job is to forecast trends; to understand the buying public and the ways they live. To this end, my team and I are constantly reading and researching, conducting surveys and studying trends in other industries.
I formed Bennett & Company after meeting with considerable success as a realtor and as Executive Vice-President of a market-leading custom home builder. Our firm provides a full range of services to real estate developers, builders, property managers and investors, selling both new and resale homes. My passion for real estate seems to be contagious; today, my entire family works with me in the business. Our team also includes seven top-notch real estate agents.
I hope that, through this column, some of that passion will be passed onto you.
Marnie Bennett formed her boutique real estate marketing firm after meeting with remarkable success as an award-winning realtor and as Executive Vice-President of a market-leading custom home builder. Bennett & Company provides a full range of services to real estate developers, builders, property managers and investors. Marnie is a broker with Keller Williams Ottawa Realty.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Ottawa Condo Expert is on the Road
Marnie Bennett is on the road and will be touring Ottawa's most exclusive and luxurious condos. Enjoy pertinent facts about the neighbourhood, the buildings unique features and the builder. Join us on Youtube and view these amazing condo buildings from the comfort of your home or office.
The Galleria
Luxurious Brand New Condo, located in the heart of the City, seconds from the trendy Byward Market. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Peace Tower and the Gatineau Hills from this amazing highrise building. The large windows and natural light create warmth and charm.
To view our Exclusive Bennett Pros videos go to
Youtube-Bennett Pros
The Galleria
Luxurious Brand New Condo, located in the heart of the City, seconds from the trendy Byward Market. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Peace Tower and the Gatineau Hills from this amazing highrise building. The large windows and natural light create warmth and charm.
To view our Exclusive Bennett Pros videos go to
Youtube-Bennett Pros
Friday, September 25, 2009
Steady As She Goes Part5 - Final
Why these five neighborhoods made it through the recession with flying colours and why everyone should keep a close eye on these hot Ottawa areas.
The five Recession Proof Hoods:
The Glebe
New Edinburgh
Rockcliffe Park
TODAY’S FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD: Rothwell Heights
WHY: Because although it’s tempting to describe Rothwell Heights as a poor man’s Rockcliffe, there are benefits: lower house prices and much larger lots, to name two. Rothwell Heights also boasts the same village atmosphere and absence of commercialization. There is the sense that people here are pleased to be a bit isolated from life’s challenges and troubles. People want to live in neighbourhoods like Rothwell Heights – if they can afford it – forever. (Just 19 houses sold on Multiple Listing Service last year.) The average sale price of $716,763 was up 9.6 per cent over the previous year, a jum of about $62,000.
Westboro
The final neighbourhood has been revealed hope you enjoyed learning about Ottawa's exciting up and coming neighbourhoods.
For more information visit www.bennettpros.com
The five Recession Proof Hoods:
The Glebe
New Edinburgh
Rockcliffe Park
TODAY’S FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD: Rothwell Heights
WHY: Because although it’s tempting to describe Rothwell Heights as a poor man’s Rockcliffe, there are benefits: lower house prices and much larger lots, to name two. Rothwell Heights also boasts the same village atmosphere and absence of commercialization. There is the sense that people here are pleased to be a bit isolated from life’s challenges and troubles. People want to live in neighbourhoods like Rothwell Heights – if they can afford it – forever. (Just 19 houses sold on Multiple Listing Service last year.) The average sale price of $716,763 was up 9.6 per cent over the previous year, a jum of about $62,000.
Westboro
The final neighbourhood has been revealed hope you enjoyed learning about Ottawa's exciting up and coming neighbourhoods.
For more information visit www.bennettpros.com
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ottawa Condo Expert Video
Enjoy this exclusive video tour of the Soho Parkway by Marnie Bennett- The Ottawa Condo Expert!
Before we introduce you to SoHo Parkway, the building and its many amenities, let us first describe your new neighbours – because it is our belief that the exciting new Ottawa condominium community that is soon to emerge at SoHo Parkway will attract a crowd notable for their zest for living life at warp speed. Possibly more than its convenient location, or its stunning architecture, or its benchmark fitness, entertainment, party and business facilities, or its hotel managed services, it’s the SoHo Condominium owners who will be this building’s biggest draw. Folks who love to work hard and play hard. They love nature and fitness, and the location next to the Capital Pathway fulfills their desire for the active outdoors life. The Dalton Brown Gym is unlike anything in any other condominium project. To see what we mean you only have to visit the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel.
This is the first of many online video's about Ottawa's Condo Market.
Visit www.bennettpros.com for more information
Before we introduce you to SoHo Parkway, the building and its many amenities, let us first describe your new neighbours – because it is our belief that the exciting new Ottawa condominium community that is soon to emerge at SoHo Parkway will attract a crowd notable for their zest for living life at warp speed. Possibly more than its convenient location, or its stunning architecture, or its benchmark fitness, entertainment, party and business facilities, or its hotel managed services, it’s the SoHo Condominium owners who will be this building’s biggest draw. Folks who love to work hard and play hard. They love nature and fitness, and the location next to the Capital Pathway fulfills their desire for the active outdoors life. The Dalton Brown Gym is unlike anything in any other condominium project. To see what we mean you only have to visit the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel.
This is the first of many online video's about Ottawa's Condo Market.
Visit www.bennettpros.com for more information
Friday, September 18, 2009
Steady As She Goes Part 4
Why these five neighbourhoods made it through the recession with flying colours and why everyone should keep a close eye on these hot Ottawa areas. Make sure to visit my blog next week to learn why the final of the five, will also stand strong for years to come.
The five Recession Proof Hoods:
The Glebe
New Edinburgh
TODAY’S FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD: ROCKCLIFFE PARK
Why:
Because it’s the standard by which all other real estate in Ottawa is measured. Land here can sell for up to $3 million an acre, and they are not making any more of it, which is why Rockcliffe’s astronomical prices are expected to hold steady. Houses in Rockcliffe may be worth up to $11.8 million. That’s the latest assessment on socialite Marlene Cowpland’s too-modern-for-some home. Prices are highest west of McKay Lake. There, average sale price on the Multiple Listing Service rose 10.4 per cent last year. To $1,447,714. East of the lake, average sale price fell 24.8 per cent to $838,154. But in Rockcliffe, such stats can be misleading because of the small number of houses sold.
Rothwell Heights
Westboro
The five Recession Proof Hoods:
The Glebe
New Edinburgh
TODAY’S FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD: ROCKCLIFFE PARK
Why:
Because it’s the standard by which all other real estate in Ottawa is measured. Land here can sell for up to $3 million an acre, and they are not making any more of it, which is why Rockcliffe’s astronomical prices are expected to hold steady. Houses in Rockcliffe may be worth up to $11.8 million. That’s the latest assessment on socialite Marlene Cowpland’s too-modern-for-some home. Prices are highest west of McKay Lake. There, average sale price on the Multiple Listing Service rose 10.4 per cent last year. To $1,447,714. East of the lake, average sale price fell 24.8 per cent to $838,154. But in Rockcliffe, such stats can be misleading because of the small number of houses sold.
Rothwell Heights
Westboro
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
New Listing in Byward Market
S579,900124 Guigues Ave. Unit A201
Ottawa, ON
One of a kind heritage loft, executive 2 storey Ottawa condo, 2 bedroom plus den, 2 bath, with a roof top terrace and main floor terrace, views of Ottawa's Peace Tower, Notre Dame Basilica, and the National Art Gallery - 2 underground parking spots, and 2 lockers included in price.
This loft is so special and has been custom designed complete with a corner gas fireplace, wall to wall California shutters, gleaming hardwood floors - wide plank style set in a diagonal pattern, upgraded custom kitchen with extra high cabinets, lots of storage space, pull out spice rack, special gourmet canopy hood fan, upgraded stainless steel appliances, fridge complete with water and ice dispenser, exotic granite counter tops in kitchen and both bathrooms, breakfast island with storage and wine rack, gorgeous master en-suite with wall to wall windows and a special spa en-suite with double shower and body jets.
This unique loft will not last long - available October 2009 - by appointment only to qualified purchasers.
For more information visit www.bennettpros.com
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Steady As She Goes Part3
Steady As She Goes,
Why these five neighborhoods made it through the recession with flying colours and why everyone should keep a close eye on these hot Ottawa areas.
The five Recession Proof Hoods:
The Glebe
TODAY’S FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD: New Edinburgh
Why:
Because New Edinburgh has it all, plus houses cachet. Architecturally speaking, much of Ottawa’s history is here. Once modest 19th-century houses sell for half a million and up. Way up. The neighbourhood has far more character than its much pricier neighbor, Rockcliffe, plus top private schools close by, quality shops along Beechwood Avenue, and superb parks along the river and around Rideau Hall. New Edinburgh is equally attractive to young and old. And it’s just a good walk to the Byward Market. Property is priciest on the Rideau Hall side of Dufferin Street. There, the average sale price shot up 27.6 per cent last year to $593,684. Between Dufferin and Beechwood, the average house price has increased 8.1 per cent to$450,677.
Rockcliffe Park
Rothwell Heights
Westboro
Why these five neighborhoods made it through the recession with flying colours and why everyone should keep a close eye on these hot Ottawa areas.
The five Recession Proof Hoods:
The Glebe
TODAY’S FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD: New Edinburgh
Why:
Because New Edinburgh has it all, plus houses cachet. Architecturally speaking, much of Ottawa’s history is here. Once modest 19th-century houses sell for half a million and up. Way up. The neighbourhood has far more character than its much pricier neighbor, Rockcliffe, plus top private schools close by, quality shops along Beechwood Avenue, and superb parks along the river and around Rideau Hall. New Edinburgh is equally attractive to young and old. And it’s just a good walk to the Byward Market. Property is priciest on the Rideau Hall side of Dufferin Street. There, the average sale price shot up 27.6 per cent last year to $593,684. Between Dufferin and Beechwood, the average house price has increased 8.1 per cent to$450,677.
Rockcliffe Park
Rothwell Heights
Westboro
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