Hamre Real Estate Team BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.weknowottawa.com/blog/Copyright WeKnowOttawa.com2024-03-15T11:56:45-07:00tag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22490Most Important Things To Look At When Viewing A Home
When you have 30 minutes or less to view a property, where do you even begin? 🏠
So we're gonna go through your specific priority list on that first viewing. 🔍
One of the key indicators I find with most of my clients is location, location, location, location. 📍
So we're gonna drive the neighbourhood, check it out. 🚗
Not too long ago, I had a client who loved the house in a certain neighbourhood and it really is specific to you. 🏘️
It should be in your triangle of whatever is in your triangle, like work, play, grocery stores, whatever it is, and you should be in the center there. 🛒
And it seemed to match up, but you have to drive around a couple of times and these guys did, they went, they drove during the day, it was in the summer, and they drove at night around the neighbourhood and they had a young family. 👨‍👩‍👦
Now there were no kids around. 🚸
So there were no kids on the street, there were no kids at the park. 🏞️
So right away, even though they love the house location wasn't working for them. ❌
So we moved on. ⏩
If the foyer is not on your list, it should be because this is where you get your first feel of the home. 🚪
And 80% of the buying decision is often made right here. 💡
Next up, nine times out of 10 is gonna be the kitchen. 🍽️
Make sure the bathrooms are on your list. 🛁
Is the basement space important to you or the ceiling heights important in the basement? 🏡
Do you need a recreation room? 🎱
We're also gonna check out the storage area, the utility room in the basement, take a look at the furnace, and the electrical box. 🔌
Is it old? Is it new? 🛠️
And if this is one of the homes you like, we'll obviously delve in deeper into that as we move along. 📝
Just a few other things we're gonna be looking at during that initial viewing would be such things such as the hardwood, the hardwood in great shape. 🌳
What about the appliances? 🧺
How did the appliances look, the baseboards? 🛋️
These are things that you might not think to look at, but you're gonna want to take a peek at those baseboards. 👀
Is yard space important to you and how well it's kept up? 🌳
And we can't forget the garage and the parking situation. 🚗
How many cars do you have? 🚙
Will they fit in the laneway? Will they fit in the garage? 🅿️
Now, these are just a few of the things on that first showing that we're gonna take a look at. 🔍
And of course, if it is a home that you like, we'll be back and I'm gonna go back to where we first started back to the location. 🔄
Check out the neighbors, take a peek on the street. 👀
Check out the neighbours, take a peek on the street, Karen MacDonald from the Hamre Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa.
If you're looking to buy or sell, reach out. 📲2024-03-15T11:53:50-07:002024-03-15T11:56:45-07:00Karen MacDonaldtag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22485Relocation To Ottawa 2024
📞Getting told you're ✈️ relocating to a new city can be very exciting, but also can come with a bit of fear. 😨
And I'm here to help you every step of the way, as they say. 👣👋
🎉Welcome to Ottawa! 🎉
I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX here in the beautiful city of Ottawa. 🏡🌳
And we have so much to offer: great job opportunities, great education. 🏢📚
It's a destination city. 🌆
There are some great eateries right now. 🍴
I'm in the Byward Market 🍔
🏙I just wrapped up some showings, and I'm so excited for my clients to have the opportunity to experience the city in the same way we do. 🤗🏠
We Know Ottawa, after all. 🧭
And when you get relocated here and you work with the Hamre Team, we tell you all our favourite places to go, from 🍱 eateries to where to get your hair done. 💇‍♀️
Somebody messaged me on where to get their nails done the other day. 💅
🧐We know it all and also the ins and outs of the different suburbs and different communities in the city too. 🏘
There's so much to offer and so much variety of what might be best for you, whether you're looking for more of a 🌆 downtown feel or more of a suburban feel, or maybe a bit of both, depending on what you're looking for. 🌆🏡
😀We know how to navigate your relocation and to make Ottawa feel like home before you even get here.
You have the patience, the knowledge, and the expertise to guide you every step of the way, whether you're deciding to move just for fun or maybe you got posted here for work. 🗺🏠
We do a lot of military, RCMP, DND relocations. 🪖
And again, we're here to help every step of the way. For more information, visit our website. 🌐👩‍💼
WeKnowOttawa.com. 💻
I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team, and I look forward to showing you my beautiful city of Ottawa. 🌟👋
Take care. 😊2024-03-15T08:59:13-07:002024-03-15T09:04:59-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22484TOP 5 Must Haves for Home Buyers in Ottawa
Looking for your dream home. 💭
<br />Let's explore the top factors buyers prioritize when searching for the perfect place to call home. 🏡
<br />🤩 Location is key. Buyers seek homes close to amenities like schools, shops, public transportation, and recreational facilities.
<br />Safety, neighbourhood reputation, and proximity to work or family are also significant considerations. 📍
<br />😀Size and layout matter. 📏 Buyers want homes that meet their space requirements with the right number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall square footage.
<br />The layout should be functional and adaptable to their lifestyle needs. 🛌
<br />🏚Condition and maintenance are crucial. 🔧 Buyers look for properties in good condition with quality construction and recent renovations or upgrades.
<br />They prefer homes that are well-maintained and require minimal immediate repairs. 🏠
<br />Price and affordability play a significant role. 💵 Buyers consider the asking price in relation to their budget and their financial capabilities.
<br />🔎They seek properties that offer value for money and are within their affordability range, factoring in mortgage rates and ongoing expenses. 💰
<br />Features and amenities make a difference. 🛋️ Buyers often have specific preferences for modern kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, ample storage space, and outdoor areas like gardens or patios.
<br />💡Energy-efficient systems and other amenities can enhance the appeal and the value of a home. 🌟
<br />So whether you're searching for your first home or forever home, keep these top priorities in mind to find the perfect place for you and your family. 🏠💖
<br />Start your journey to finding your dream home today. 🚀2024-03-15T07:47:00-07:002024-03-15T08:55:53-07:00Steve Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22463Relocating Back To Ottawa
To me, it's the biggest opportunity when clients call me and they're coming back home. 🏡
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🏠
Two years ago, I moved some people that the family, they were going back to Newfoundland, they were going back to home and they were so excited about it. 🌟
We sold their house, did really well on it and they just called me to say Greg, we realized that Ottawa is home. 📞
Ottawa is very much a destination city. 🌆
A lot of people come here just for jobs for the government jobs and, and other relocations thinking that they'll just do a short stay and then they fall in love. 💼
It's a destination city in that it has four season recreation, good-paying jobs, really a good community feel some great neighbourhoods. 🌳
And a lot of times people meet some really good other friends and family. 👫
I'm so excited that these people coming back and when you're working with past clients, you already know their likes and dislikes, you know their style. 😊
I could actually almost pick the home for them before they arrive. 🏠
I communicated with them today on the phone, we've been talking every week. 📱
So we're drilling down and educating them on what's available. 🔍
Their house is already sold in Newfoundland so they're coming in ready to buy and I can't wait to pick them up at the airport and say, find that ta-da moment that house that feels like home when they walk through the front door. ✈️
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🏢
This is not a hobby for us. 🚫
It's, it's our passion. ❤️
It's what we're obsessed with and I'm obsessed with our city. 🌆
But more importantly, I'm obsessed with making sure our clients find the right fit in the right place to call home. 🏠
They're forever home. 🏡
If you know of anybody relocating in and out of Ottawa, please reach out to us, hook them up with us. 🤝
DM Me below or put a message below. 💬
We want to work with them and give them that ultimate client experience. 💼
A memorable experience. 🌟
Hope to see you soon. 🤞
Take care. 🌟2024-03-13T08:58:43-07:002024-03-13T09:02:48-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22448Bluesfest Ottawa 2024 Lineup<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Ottawa_Bluesfest_2024.jpg" width="1200" height="628" />
Ottawa's most anticipated event is just a few months away and the lineup for Ottawa Bluesfest has officially been released.
Every year thousands from across Ottawa and beyond gather at Lebreton Flats to witness some of the music industry's greatest performers and up-and-coming local acts. Last year was one the biggest and most successful events in years featuring acts from Pitbull to Weezer and of course the iconic Shania Twain. This year's lineup promises to deliver the same level of superstardom and nostalgia to music fans.
Tickets are on sale now for this year's event. This article will give you insight into which tickets to purchase and the full lineup of can't miss attractions. If you are a music fan from the Ottawa area you definitely want to read and listen below!
Bluesfest 2024 Lineup
July 4th - Headliner
This year's event kicks off on July 4th. <a href="https://www.mothermothersite.com/" target="_blank">Mother Mother</a> will be the headline act on opening night. Mother Mother is an indie rock band from British Columbia. They have a unique style that incorporates musical themes from hard rock, classic rock, and indie styling. They are sure to put on an intriguing and exciting show as they are renowned live performers. Click below to listen to one of their most popular tracks on Spotify.
July 4th- Honourable Mention:
Also performing on July 4th are some popular indie bands. One of my personal favourites is <a href="https://tokyopoliceclub.com/" target="_blank">Tokyo Police Club</a>. This indie band from Newmarket, Ontario have been around the world and back sharing their music. Give one of their most famous songs a listen below.
July 5th - Headliner
July 5th has already been circled as one of the most anticipated days of the festival. This is how Bluesfest reminds of who they really are. <a href="https://nickelback.com/" target="_blank">Nickelback</a> is back. If today was your last day to buy tickets and tomorrow was too late make sure you grab tickets to this night. You will want to look at your photographs of this night over and over again. Relive some of their classic tracks below.
July 5th - Honourable Mentions:
This date is stacked with secondary performers. Including but not limited to country up and comer: Warren Zeiders, Miley's younger sister Noah Cyrus who is a tremendous artist in her own right, and indie music darling Ziggy Alberts. Click through below to get a glimpse of their musical stylings.
July 6th - Headliner
50 Cent is coming to Ottawa. Do you need to know much more than that? If you're a hip-hop fan this is big news. Cycle through some of the tracks from one of the most influential rap artists of the last 25 years below.
July 6th - Honourable Mention:
Arguably a headliner if you are not interested in hip-hop. Mt. Joy will be performing. They recently traveled with Noah Kahan as an opening act and deliver a similar indie sound with outdoorsy flair and poetic lyrics.
July 7th - Headliner
July 7th will be loved. Adam Levine and <a href="https://www.maroon5.com/">Maroon 5</a> will be headlining this night in music. Known for their series of pop hits they have headlined the Superbowl Halftime show and now they come to Ottawa to take over Lebreton Flats for one night only.
July 6th - Honourable Mention:
<a href="https://www.chelseacutler.com/">Chelsea Cutler</a> is known for her piercing lyrics and poignant music. Might be some tears in the crowd but this popstar is definitely worth a listen. Give her music a listen below if you've never heard the name before.
July 10th - Headliner
Country fans will rejoice when they read this: Zac Brown Band is coming. Don't wait for colder weather to see this band again. Grab your friends, cowboy boots and a Stetson this is a night that you absolutely cannot miss. Listen below but I'm sure you've heard a few of these tracks.
July 10th - Honourable Mentions:
Keep the country night rolling by checking out Charley Crockett. This artist is a true cowboy and country blues singer. Listen below:
July 11th - Headliner
July 11th features a Canadian icon none other than <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Young">Neil Young and Crazy Horse</a>. Famous for songs such as "Heart of Gold" and "Southern Man", this outspoken artist is certain to put on a good show. Listen to a few of his tracks below although he refuses to put much on Spotify out of protest.
July 12th - Headliner
Another awesome day for country music fans. <a href="https://tylerchildersmusic.com/" target="_blank">Tyler Childers</a> will be performing his unique brand of outlaw cowboy blues. Famous for his one of a kind country sound Tyler Childers is a grand inspiration for many top country stars. This Kentucky native has been releasing music since he was 19 and has never slowed down. Listen to some classics below.
July 12th - Honourable Mention:
July 12th also features one of the most successful local artists in recent memory. TALK will be performing live. Also worth mentioning is indie band The Bahamas who Bachelor fans may have seen perform on the most recent season for Joey and Daisy. Listen to TALK and Bahamas below.
July 13th - Headliner
One of the vintage rock bands performing this year at Bluesfest is Mötley Crüe. Known for their rule-breaking antics in their hay day they are sure to provide a lively and entertaining show to rock fans this year at Ottawa Bluesfest. Check out their top tracks below.
July 14th - Headliner
This is the final day of the festival and this year RBC Bluesfest Ottawa has a grand finale with hip-hop royalty in the one and only Nas performing live. He is your favourite rapper's favourite rapper. If you've never heard him before take a listen below.
Are You Going To Ottawa Bluesfest 2024?
Which night do you think sounds the best? Let us know your thoughts and hopefully we will see you this year at Bluesfest! There is music for every interest and genre. Both individual tickets and full passes are available for purchase now. 2024-03-12T09:39:02-07:002024-03-12T12:05:46-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22441Thinking Of Selling In 2024? <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Thinking_Of_Selling_In_2024_Banner.jpg" width="1200" height="235" />
If selling your home has crossed your mind, one or many of these thoughts may be something you're thinking about:
-Nervous about buying and selling at the same time?<br />-Are you hesitant to list your home for sale because you haven't considered where you would go if it sells before you find a new home?<br />-Are you searching for a home but cannot seem to find it?<br />-Are you worried about possibly having to move twice?
If any of these questions have crossed your mind, do not worry. These are completely normal anxieties to be having. Moving can be a huge milestone but when you are prepared and working with the right team it does not have to be scary or nerve-racking. We have seen some challenging times in the Ottawa real estate market but navigating any market is part of our expertise as a team.
Starting to research your move and the market conditions is a key step. Planning is crucial to make sure we have all our ducks in a row. This blog will help to explain some of the strategies behind selling your home and searching for the next one. This is not one size fits all and we can always adjust a plan to fit your needs. Read on to start thinking about how to navigate this situation and reach out at any point if you have questions or want to start working on your roadmap to success.
4 Crucial Steps to Buying and Selling at the Same Time:
Hire the Right REALTOR®: You want to be working with a professional who can be there for you through the process and understand your wants and needs. You also want to make sure that they have access to all the necessary tools to help you. Does your REALTOR® have access to all the homes for sale including homes that haven’t even been listed yet? This database is out there, and it’s important your agent has access. The Hamre Real Estate team has access to off-market and coming soon listings that not every REALTOR® can see. For some insight into our customer satisfaction, you can read through some of our <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/testimonials/">testimonials here.</a>
Get Preapproved for a Mortgage: This is one of the first things that just about every real estate agent will tell you to do before you start your search. This is especially important when you’re buying and selling at the same time. While going through the pre-approval process, ask your trusted mortgage professional to calculate what you can afford based on different sale prices for your current home. For instance, if you think your home could sell for $700,000, have them also calculate scenarios for $675,000 and $725,000. This will give you a clear understanding of your buying power no matter what price your home sells for. Your Hamre Real Estate Team agent will help you understand what your home is worth in current market conditions. This will allow you to be ready to strike when the right home arrives on the market.
Get Connected to an MLS Feed: This step is one that buyers can often forget or not know about. REALTOR.ca does not update as quickly as MLS and there can be key information on MLS that you are missing if you only search by yourself. The Hamre Real Estate Team will set you up on a personal search portal through One Home. This can be curated to match your exact tastes and requirements. It will send you notification emails the moment that something hits the market matching your criteria. As the search evolves we can narrow in on your ideal property and be prepared to visit it and make an offer.
Be Proactive and Take Action: What we often see is people who want to dip their toe in the water and not take the full dive in. You cannot take partial steps and expect full results. Deciding whether you want to list your home or buy your next home first can depend on your financial situation and possible living arrangements. the important thing is to be prepared on both ends. You may want to list your home before buying but that still means being ready to buy when the moment arises. We will set up a roadmap that makes sense to you and benefits your circumstances to the best of our abilities.
Regardless of which way you go, it’s crucial to actively explore homes and <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/communities/">narrow down where you want to live</a>. Be sure that you’re fully prepared to strike when the right house comes on the market. At the same time, be proactive and start taking all the necessary steps to list your home for sale. This for example can mean getting staging and professional photos done beforehand. Whether you’re prioritizing buying or selling first, being fully prepared on both fronts is essential!2024-03-11T11:22:00-07:002024-03-13T10:41:54-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21639How To Get Your Home Ready To Sell<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/How_To_Get_Your_Home_Ready_To_Sell.jpg" width="1200" height="628" />
Preparing your home for a quick and easy sale can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. This 10-step list will get you on the right path and have your home ready for showings in no time. The Hamre Team has been helping people in Ottawa sell their homes since 1980 so we have lots of experience with what works best. Although your home may be set up just the way you like it one of the key things to think about is that you are trying to appeal to the biggest possible audience in order to get the most possible buyers through the door. More excited potential buyers can equal more offers and more money in your pocket. Read through our 10-step list on how to get your home ready to sell in the Ottawa real estate market below.
Clean Thoroughly
Steam the carpets, mop or vacuum hard floors, clean windows, polish appliances and give the bathrooms a serious scrubbing. This may seem like a no-brainer to many. Obviously, you would want the cleanest possible house if you were a potential buyer. One thing to keep in mind is that your level of clean is different than someone else's level of clean. What you see as "clean" might be different than the standard of someone else. The best practice is to go above and beyond even the highest standards of cleaning.
When and How Often Should You Clean Your Home When It Is For Sale?
The first time that you want to truly perform a deep clean is before the photographer comes to visit and take photos. There is nothing worse than seeing a mess, cobweb or dust in photos. Most buyers in 2024 will see the home online before they visit. If they see a dirty home online they will not want to see it in person and you could lose potential buyers. Make sure that your home is spotless before photos are taken. You should additionally continue to clean regularly for the duration of the home being on the market. Obviously, life happens and you cannot clean fully every single day. But do make an effort to clean often and quickly tidy up any messes that might detract from the property.
Keeping the home clean and smelling nice could make a big difference in first impressions and the opinions of potential buyers. This is step 1 for a reason, make sure you stay on top of your home's cleanliness.
Depersonalize and Declutter
Room by room, remove little items that clutter up space and make rooms look smaller. Remove family photos and personalized decor, you want buyers to picture themselves living in the home, and they can’t do that with your family pictures on the wall. This step can be especially difficult if you've lived in the home for a long time. Removing personal items can make the home feel less recognizable or like it is not your home anymore. Remember you are trying to appeal to the most possible buyers. More empty space will allow buyers to fill the home with their imaginations. They can envision their personal belongings in the home. When buyers start to think about where they would place their furniture or their belongings that's when you know they are becoming a serious buyer. De-personalizing and decluttering is a key step. The Hamre Team offers professional staging that can also help you to depersonalize and declutter.
Rearrange Furniture as Needed
Remove furniture to make rooms seem bigger, and swap pieces in and out of different rooms to give each space an obvious purpose. This is the main idea of rearranging furniture. This very closely relates to the previous step. You want to create more open spaces and improve the overall look and feel of your home to buyers. You also want to make sure that every room has a very distinct purpose. Adding a desk and chair to a room or empty space can create an office area. Setting up a home gym in an unused space in the basement can also add value. The Hamre Team offers professional staging as part of our services. This consultation will use your current furniture to maximize the space.
When we show our current listings to potential buyers, all of our homes look like model homes. Why? We know how to stage a house to sell. And that's one of the advantages that you get when you list your home for sale with the Hamre Real Estate Team. Listing with the Hamre Team means that your listing will be showcased in the best possible manner. We pay attention to detail in our videos, pictures and descriptions. We have our own staging crew. They are professionals - they know presentation, floor plan definition and how to create the “WOW” factor in all of our client’s homes. Let us set the stage to make sure that your home is the one that buyers will be talking about.
Don’t Forget The Outside
Curb appeal helps your home make its first impression, and your to-do list will vary seasonally.
Spring
Once the snow melts be sure to get rid of dead leaves, branches, and weeds which may be showing through the snow, or on walkways you’ve cleared. When buyers pull up and see a well-kept yard, it means the home is well-kept on the inside as well. Clean out the gutters and make sure everything is in tip-top shape after the winter.
Summer
If you have it, flaunt it. Ottawa Buyers love a good pool. Make sure they can see the pool and that it is in working order. Take the time to set up any patio furniture along the pool as well. This will let buyers picture themselves enjoying the space. Other tasks for summer include keeping the grass short, planting flowers, and cleaning up any weeds in the front walkway.
Autumn
Rake the leaves. This is probably the most key component to this season. You do not want a ton of leaves covering up the yard and making things look messy. you also might want to think about closing the pool to get ready for the winter.
Winter
This season is all about shoveling. Keep the driveway and walkways shoveled and salted to make sure nothing is slippery or treacherous for buyers visiting your home. You may want to consider paying a professional to keep it clear in the winter. Have mats right on the inside of your door to stop salt and water from being tracked inside the house.
Keeping the outside of your home looking pristine will add to the curb appeal and improve the chances of a quick and successful sale. Some other quick fixes to the exterior could be painting a front door or tidying up the front porch. This can vary from property to property but it never hurts to have a beautiful exterior to your home.
Keep Storage Spaces Tidy:
Every buyer is looking for a home with plenty of storage, which means they’re going to be opening your closets, pantry, and garage doors. Make sure clothes are properly folded in closets and drawers. Organize the pantry as best you can. You may want to purge some items that you do not need to make storage areas less crowded.
<br />Highlight The Best Features
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />When highlighting the most attractive features of your home, it's essential to allow these elements to stand out and capture attention.
For instance, if your home has beautiful hardwood floors, consider removing any rugs that may be concealing their charm. Hardwood floors offer elegance and a sense of warmth to any space, making them a significant selling point. Similarly, if your kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, you should showcase them in their full glory. These appliances are highly sought after for their sleek, modern appearance and their ability to elevate the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. Avoid cluttering them with refrigerator magnets or other items that can detract from their appeal. By doing so, you allow these features to shine, enhancing the attractiveness and perceived value of your home.
The same applies to rooms in your home. Allow the rooms to flow and feel larger by positioning furniture in a way that accentuates the size and feel of a home. Our professional stagers will be there to help you with this process.
Secure Your Belongings
Lock away any valuables to avoid theft of expensive items or private information.
Have A Plan For Pets and Kids:
Your showings are much more likely to go smoothly if family pets or young family members aren’t around. Make plans for a babysitter or a place to bring your kids or pets. Plan to take the dog to the dog park or take your kids to visit their grandparents. Have a plan to make sure everyone is happily out of the way to ensure for easy showings for potential buyers.
<br />Set The Thermostat To A Comfortable Temperature
If tours will be happening when you’re at work and you usually turn the heat off, keep it on so that buyers will be comfortable during their tour. The same goes for the summer, if you have a nice, cool house, buyers will be inclined to stay longer and enjoy the home.
Any Questions?
Now that you have had the chance to read through our pre-listing tips. What questions do you have for us? Selling a home is not one size fits all. There are many factors to consider and we would be happy to help you with any questions that you may have. Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out to help you. 2024-03-07T12:22:00-07:002024-03-08T12:03:17-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22362Homeownership Protecting You & Your Investment🏡 Homeownership, protecting you and your investment.
My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
I'm at the REALiTy Convention here in Ottawa. 🎉
My hometown, great to have everybody here, but a lot of people think REALTOR®s just put old signs up. 🚫
We do more than that. 💼
<a href="https://www.orea.com/">Our agency</a> lobbies for affordable housing for home ownership and the benefit of home ownership, and we can't take that for granted. 🛠️
But one thing that we lobbied for right now and with the Ontario government is to remove rent on furnaces and air conditioners. ❄️
And I see a lot of older people retirees getting taken advantage of by people that oppose them from buying a furnace at $10,000 and getting them to rent to own. 💰
And that company now has a lien on your house, has ownership of your home. 🏠
And then when those seniors go to sell, there's a $25,000 bill to pay that for a that would have cost $10,000. 💸
We're seeing it more than you think buyers will not buy a home with a rental furnace and air conditioner. 🛠️❌
They will buy a home with a rental hot water tank, but a furnace and air conditioner, they'll want the sellers to pay it out and you'll be shot when it's $25,000 or more. 🔥❌
The Ontario government is getting rid of that. ✅
It's thanks to our <a href="https://www.orea.com/">Ontario real estate association</a>, lobbying for home ownership. 🏠🔑
My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🙋‍♂️
Happy to be in this profession. 🎉
It's what I study. 📚
It's what I do hope to see you soon. 🤝
Take care. 👋2024-03-07T08:44:59-07:002024-03-07T08:49:39-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22330REALiTY 2024 Conference Ottawa2024-03-05T14:07:00-07:002024-03-05T14:09:26-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:18063Best Elgin Street Restaurants
Where are Ottawa's best eateries?
We had friends / business aquaintances in from western Canada and wanted to show them the best!
A place that has a beautiful street setting, a little bit of a food destination that has a vibe to it.
And it was an easy choice.
And that was Elgin Street right along the Golden Triangle neighbourhood in downtown Ottawa.
The Golden Triangle neighbourhood is just to the east of Elgin Street along the Canal.
It's walking distance to the hotel district.
It has great walking score for all the eateries.
When you think of Ottawa and you think of Elgin Street, you think of a real variety of cuisines where whether it's French cuisine, Italian, lots of Asian options including Thai, Korean and Japanese, and a variety of nuvo kind of foodies and some really awesome Mexican taco joints as well.
And then to impress the guests, there is a variety of places that have really stepped it up and places that you go to for again, a business meeting and or a celebration, graduation anniversary or a birthday party where you really wanted to up the tempo not only the, the style of food and the luxury of that, but also the tempo of the service, better service experience in this service economy that we're in and the variety.
And on the north end it starts at Beckta which is in the old Fridays Roast Beef house building.
Then you hit Harmon's, which is absolutely decadent with the best of service that I've experienced in a long time in Ottawa.
And, and below that is Abby's, which is a cocktail bar which is excellent.
And if you're there, say hello to Tom!
He is just an unbelievable artist in the beverage making space.
There's Al's Steakhouse which has been redone in the last few years when you walk in, Sam will greet you and check in on you during your dinner.
That's kind of the who's who bar or restaurant in Ottawa.
They all meet on Elgin Street. That's where the local celebrities hang out.
And you're sure to see somebody that's famous, either a hockey player or maybe it's a politician or a celebrity that's visiting Ottawa .
Gitanes is one of my favourites.
The French restaurant right next to Lieutenants Pump, which I'll come back to and The Town restaurant which is a long narrow restaurant. It's great!
Has a sister bar called Citizens right on the other side. Wonderful service there.
Great food and lots of fun always.
And then there's a casual setting when you just want to meet with friends after work or on the weekend or during a post game of Ottawa Senators there.
There was lots of excitement there during the last World Cup, the streets were alive.
Everybody was out on the patios and those places would be like the Lieutenant's Pump, which has got a great patio on it.
Always a good energy and vibe and it's very spacious.
El Camino is across the street.
There's a rear patio.
I love to show up there on my bike.
The tacos are decadent and they make a great Margarita.
Pancho Villa is across the street. Always a legendary place for mexican food.
It's got one of the best patios up front, a great spot for people watching as well.
And then there's lots of pubs on the north end, British pub on one side and a Scottish pub on the other, both with, with exterior patios.
And don't let me forget the Whalesbone!
The Whalesbone is a great spot for oysters and seafood/
That kind of East Coast flair has a rear patio which is awesome.
But I like to sit at the counter right in front of Barnes who shucks oysters all day long.
It tells you about everything, really entertaining person and a lot of fun to be with.
And then don't forget the breakfast scene on Elgin because Elgin Street never sleeps.
And that would start with the Elgin Street Diner which is open 24/7. Its comfort food and breakfasts are phenomenal.
Staff's been there a very long time.
Great location right next to that is The Manx Pub, which is a bit of a cult classic bar. You go down a few stairs, there's just a little sign up front.
So you kind of have to know about it.
Mostly locals hang out there.
The food is great.
The service is phenomenal and it's open Saturdays and Sundays for brunch at 10 AM.
And there's always a line up.
Going a little farther north at the north end, you're going to hit Zak's Diner.
It's a staple in Ottawa.
It's a brand throughout Ottawa and all those restaurants are locally owned.
And so you're supporting local, you're supporting local chefs, local eateries and supporting our local streets, our food street and that would be Elgin Street.
I love living here.
I love working here.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
If you're looking for a restaurant and you can't find it, just reach out to us.
But we know where the greatest restaurants are and the greatest strip and that would be Elgin Street.
That gets my vote.
Hope to see you soon on Elgin.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Elgin_Street_Restaurants_Ottawa.jpg" width="1686" height="950" />
<br />Exploring Ottawa's Finest Culinary Gems: Elgin Street's Best Eateries
When it comes to showcasing the best of Ottawa's culinary scene, Elgin Street emerges as an undisputed destination. Whether you have friends or business acquaintances visiting from western Canada or simply want to experience a beautiful street setting with a vibrant food scene, Elgin Street in the Golden Triangle neighborhood should be your top choice.
Located just east of Elgin Street along the Canal, the Golden Triangle neighborhood offers convenient proximity to the hotel district, making it an ideal location for exploring various eateries. The area boasts an excellent walking score, ensuring easy access to a multitude of dining options.
Elgin Street has gained a well-deserved reputation for its diverse culinary offerings. With influences from French, Italian, and Asian cuisines, including Thai, Korean, and Japanese, as well as nuvo-style eateries and fantastic Mexican taco joints, this street caters to all tastes and preferences.
To impress your guests, Elgin Street offers a range of establishments that have elevated both the style of food and the level of service. These venues are perfect for business meetings, celebrations, graduations, anniversaries, or birthday parties where you seek not only a culinary experience but also top-notch service.
Starting from the north end, Beckta stands out in the former Fridays Roast Beef house building. Its elegant atmosphere and gourmet cuisine make it a favorite among discerning diners. Harmon's, just a stone's throw away, offers a decadent experience complemented by impeccable service. Don't miss Abby's, a cocktail bar known for its excellence in mixology, where Tom's artistry in crafting beverages will leave you astounded.
Al's Steakhouse, recently renovated, exudes timeless charm. As you enter, you'll be greeted by Sam, who ensures a memorable dining experience throughout your evening. Known as the "who's who" bar or restaurant in Ottawa, Al's Steakhouse attracts local celebrities, politicians, and even visiting hockey players.
If you're craving French cuisine, Gitanes, located next to Lieutenants Pump, is a must-visit. The Town restaurant, with its long and narrow layout, offers a unique dining experience, complemented by the sister bar, Citizens, situated nearby. Prepare for great food, excellent service, and a lot of fun.
For a more casual setting, where you can unwind with friends after work or enjoy a post-game gathering, Elgin Street has you covered. Lieutenant's Pump, known for its lively patio and spacious interior, guarantees a vibrant atmosphere. Across the street, El Camino serves up decadent tacos and fantastic Margaritas on their rear patio. Pancho Villa, with its legendary reputation for Mexican cuisine, provides excellent people-watching opportunities from its front patio. Additionally, the area boasts numerous pubs, including British and Scottish establishments, each with their own exterior patios.
Let's not forget The Whalesbone, a haven for seafood lovers, particularly those seeking oysters and that distinct East Coast flair. Enjoy the rear patio or sit at the counter, where Barnes mesmerizes guests with his oyster-shucking skills and entertaining personality.
Elgin Street never sleeps, and breakfast options abound. Start with the iconic Elgin Street Diner, open 24/7, which offers phenomenal comfort food and breakfast dishes. Right next door, The Manx Pub, a hidden gem, draws locals with its exceptional food and remarkable service. Make sure to visit during brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays, but expect a line-up.
As you head farther north, Zak's Diner awaits, a beloved Ottawa staple with multiple locations and a commitment to supporting local chefs and eateries. By dining on Elgin Street, you contribute to the vibrant local food scene and support the community.
In conclusion, if you're searching for Ottawa's finest eateries, Elgin Street in the Golden Triangle neighborhood is the ultimate culinary destination. With its beautiful street setting, diverse range of cuisines, and vibrant atmosphere, Elgin Street offers an unparalleled dining experience. From upscale establishments that impress with their gourmet offerings and impeccable service to casual spots perfect for post-work gatherings or weekend hangouts, Elgin Street has something for everyone.
Whether you're indulging in French delicacies at Gitanes, savoring decadent tacos and Margaritas at El Camino, or enjoying fresh seafood and oysters at The Whalesbone, each culinary adventure on Elgin Street promises to delight your taste buds. And let's not forget the breakfast scene, where the Elgin Street Diner and The Manx Pub serve up comfort food and brunch favorites that draw locals and visitors alike.
Moreover, Elgin Street's vibrant energy and welcoming patios make it a hub for both locals and celebrities, offering opportunities for people-watching and memorable encounters. By dining on Elgin Street, you not only support local chefs and eateries but also contribute to the unique character and charm of Ottawa's food scene.
So, whether you're hosting guests from out of town or simply looking for a memorable culinary experience, Elgin Street should be at the top of your list. Embark on a gastronomic adventure, sample the diverse flavors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ottawa's finest eateries on Elgin Street.2024-03-01T12:29:00-07:002024-03-11T13:03:22-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22079Dealing With A Curveball In Real EstateI couldn't believe this was happening. 😱
At the 11th hour. 🕚
A curveball was thrown that an average agent wouldn't have been able to handle. 🔄
I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX here in Ottawa. 🏡
And the 11th hour, my sellers, my clients who are selling their property for their first time, get a curveball saying that the buyers need to extend their closing by six months, six months is a big deal from what they had originally picked. 🏠
And anyways by having the right team, the right lawyer involved, the agent on representing the buyers was also great to deal with. 💼
We had some solutions as well. 💡
We were all able to make this happen and cross that finish line. 🏁
We were at a 9.5 kilometer about to get to that 10-K and it was just what are we going to do? 🏃‍♀️
So luckily, we're not average. 🍀
We came up with a great solution that exceeded our client's expectations. 💪
This is so important. 🙌
And at the end of the day, if we were average, we wouldn't have been able to put this together, you wouldn't have had the support, the knowledge, the tools to be able to make this all happen. 🛠️
If you're a seller, please do not work with someone average. 🚫
You deserve a better experience. 💯
And I would love the opportunity to have an interview for you to interview me to see if we would be the right fit. 🤝
It all comes down to that at the end of the day and I definitely do not want you having an average experience where something goes wrong. 🙅‍♀️
You're not in the right hands. ✋
Love that. ❤️
Send me a DM. 📩
Send me a text, visit our website. 📱💻
Weknowottawa.com. 🌐
I would love the opportunity to exceed your expectations. 💼
Just like we did for my first-time home sellers who are now moving to Calgary. 🏠➡️
They're moving back home and they moved to Ottawa a few years ago. 🏠
I helped them buy their first home. 🏡
Now, their family is growing and they're ready to go back to be closer to family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
So, really excited for them. 🎉
I'm going to miss them. 😢
But if we can make your home goals come true. 🏠
Please reach out. 📲
I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> with the Hamre Team. 💼
Take care. 👋2024-02-27T11:41:09-07:002024-02-27T12:02:50-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22068Downsizing In Ottawa - Real Estate Market
🏠 The hip term for empty nester is now called the Bird Launcher. 🐦 👋 My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🌊 We're seeing a wave of new buyers coming into the market. 🏡 These are 60-plus homeowners who are looking to downsize that grown-and flown lifestyle where they're now going, the kids have left the house. 🌊 We have too much space or we're looking for a new lifestyle and it is the wave of new buyers. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 There are 60 plus looking in the Ottawa area. 🤔 The question that comes up is Greg, when is downsizing or empty nesting? 🕰️ When does that take place in our lives? 🏡 And when should we start thinking about it? ❓ And what type of products should we look at? 🌳 I've been out all week long with people looking for bungalows for condominium lifestyle and it depends on their recreation. 🌻 If you still like gardening, you know, a bungalow is the way to go whether it's a stand-alone or a semi-detached. 🔑 If you're looking for more of something that you can just turn the key and lock the door and go away for a month, six months a week, and not have to worry. 🏢 Then a condominium is, is much more in your style. ❓ But a lot of the questions are, how do I prepare for it, Greg? 📦 We have companies that will go in and organize your home goods to a goodwill section. 🎁 We will pass this on to other family members who will take this with us and then the rest gets disposed of. 🚛 We also have people who will organize the move for you to make it as seamless as possible. 📅 My best advice is to start thinking about it before you actually want to do it. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I've already experienced it myself. 🏡 We've downsized, my wife and I have already downsized so I can tell you that there is life after kids and it's quite exciting. 🌟 There's still a lot of life to live out there. 🌈 Ottawa is a beautiful city to do that in but start planning ahead. 📆 It's never too early to start planning and this new phenomenon is not just happening to my clients and in Ottawa, it's called the Silver Tsunami and it is predicted to happen over in the next five years of a wave of 60 plus baby boomer crowd is making a move to lifestyle and they're moving away from the family style home and moving on to the quality of life, enjoyment, recreation, something that's walkable that they can hit amenities like coffee shops, restaurants, walkability, staying in health, whether it's winter activities or summer activities. 🌊 And then on top of that travel COVID has kept us huddled in our homes for many years and nobody wants to talk about it anymore. 💼 The fact is we'll be talking about it for another 100 years. 🦠 It just affected a lot of families and now everybody is ready to break loose more than ever. 📉 As we see interest rates come down this year, it's really going to accelerate that move of lifestyle. 🌊 It's called the Silver Tsunami for those people who have families that have grown and flown or the bird launchers or the empty nesters, whatever sounds hip to you. 🤝 We can understand that we want to be a part of that move for you, making it seamless as possible and as easy as possible for you. 🏡 But more importantly, finding you something that makes you excited to call home. 👋 My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 👀 We hope to see you soon. 🤗 Take care.2024-02-26T11:52:51-07:002024-02-26T12:28:23-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22051Weekend In Ottawa February 23-25😀If you're wondering how to make the most of this upcoming weekend, you're in the right place! 🌎
🌟 We've got a lineup of activities that promise to shake off the last chills of winter and spring into action. 💃 So, let's dive right into my top 4 things to check out in Ottawa this weekend. 🎉
First up, for all the enthusiasts of the great outdoors and boating lovers, the Ottawa Boat and Outdoor Show is happening at the EY Centre. ⛵ This is more than just an event; it's a herald of spring, offering a sneak peek into the latest in recreational boating and outdoor activities. 🌊 Imagine the shimmer of the water under the sun; this show will bring that summer feeling a little closer to reality. ☀️
Next, if you're in the market for a new home or just curious about what's out there, join us at our open house in Lowertown. 🏡 We'll be welcoming visitors at 170 Cathcart Street this Sunday from 2 to 4 PM. 🕑 It's a unique opportunity to explore one of Ottawa's vibrant communities and perhaps find the home of your dreams. 🏠
And for the sports enthusiasts, the excitement is in the air as the Golden Knights are in town to face off against our very own Ottawa Senators. 🏒 The puck drops Saturday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. 🥅 It's more than a game; it's a battle on ice that promises thrilling action and unforgettable moments. 💥 Make sure to wear your team colors and support our Senators! Leave the GOLD helmets at home. 🎩
Lastly, we're also hosting another open house, this time in the charming neighbourhood of Orleans. 🏘️ Come by 534 Cannes Crescent this Saturday from 1 to 3 PM. ⏰ Whether you're contemplating your next move or simply seeking interior inspiration, this open house offers a glimpse into modern living in a community that prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and scenic beauty. 🌳
So, whether you're looking to indulge in your love for boats and the outdoors, explore real estate opportunities, or enjoy some high-energy sports action, Ottawa has something for everyone this weekend. 🌈 I'm Steve Hamre from the Hamre Real Estate Team, and I hope to see you out there enjoying what our beautiful city has to offer. Enjoy your weekend, Ottawa! 🎈
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest events and listings in Ottawa. 🛎️ See you next time! 👋
Visit www.weknowottawa.com
#WeKnowOttawa #REMAX #OttawaRealEstate2024-02-23T10:54:04-07:002024-02-23T11:01:18-07:00Steve Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22050Family Fun Events In Ottawa This Weekend🎉Did you know that there are two fantastic family fun events happening in Orleans this weekend that I will be in attendance of here in Ottawa? 😊 I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team and I'm so excited for these events! 🎉 One I'm sponsoring and one I'm hosting. 🏡 So the first is on Sunday from 2 to 4. We are sponsoring Frost Fest in Cardinal Creek Village, which is where I live. ❄️ It will be a fun family afternoon with Elsa and Anna and the princesses from Frozen! 👸 I can't wait to see them! 😍 There's going to be donuts 🍩 and it's in one of the parks here. It'll be a great fun family event to spend time outside and to bring the community together as well. 🌳 The second event is an open house from 1 to 3 on Saturday. So I'm throwing you a bit of a curveball doing one of my open houses on a Saturday and I would love to see you there! 🏠 If you're looking to have a lifestyle change, you're in the market for a new single-family home, or you want to get to know me and come say hi, they will have great little gift bags, some fresh, warm cookies out of the oven. 🍪 And I would love the opportunity to chat and see how we can help with your home goals no matter what your goals are this weekend or what you're looking to do and focus on. 💬 I'd love to see you! There are two places that I'll be Saturday, 1 to 3 at the open house and Sunday 2 to 4 at Frost Fest in Cardinal Creek Village. If you can make it, let me know ahead of time, I would love to see you there again. 😊 My name is Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team and we'll talk to you soon! 📞 #WeekendEvents #Ottawa2024-02-23T09:32:38-07:002024-02-23T09:36:38-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22037Affordability vs Availability in Ottawa Housing MarketAffordability is taking a backseat to availability here in Ottawa.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🏠
If you're one of those buyers looking for that missing piece of the puzzle, the perfect place to call home, we've got some options for you. 🔍
Hang on, let's understand this. 🤔
New construction is down 39.2% here in Ottawa and a lot of that new construction is rental product. 🏗️
The last six to 90 days home sales have outpaced the year before by roughly 3 to 4%. 📈
So we're seeing more homes are being sold less inventory coming to the market. 🏡
Sale pricing was down in December and early January. 📉
That's traditional for that time of year. ❄️
The lowest prices are always in December, but as we click into the spring market, we're already in full motion of that. 🌸
We're predicting that in 2024 Ottawa, home prices will rise by 5% and they'll continue to rise year after year for the next decade. 📈
Finding the right home though is the advantage we have, we have access to coming soon and off-market listings and we have a knack for finding that little diamond in the rough product. 💎
And we don't stop until we found it. 🛑
But if you're a home seller and you're thinking of selling in the next 6 to 8 months, we want to talk to you right now. 🗣️
You have great leverage. 💪
You can control your pricing, control the closing day, control the conditions. 🏷️
And if you think this is a time of year to move, we can make that happen for you seamlessly as easy as possible. 🚚
We can prepare your house for the market and get it out relatively quickly. 🏠
If you're a buyer reach out to us, we want to talk to you. 📞
We have access to product. You're not seeing. 🔍
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🤝
We hope to see you soon. Take care. 👋
#WeKnowOttawa #OttawaRealEstate #Ottawa2024-02-22T08:34:42-07:002024-02-22T08:42:36-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22029The World Of Real EstateWhat's happening in the world of real estate right here in Ottawa?
I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> with the Hamre Team. 🏡
And this week has been really exciting. But we're seeing a lot of different changes and different aspects in the market because the reality is that it's never one size fits all. 🔄
I have clients who are looking for townhomes and that real estate market is thriving. 😀
They have so much to choose from, especially because three of them right now are looking at different areas and different parts of them. 🏘️ And there are options to choose from.
👀We're not seeing as many of them being tenant occupied, which is great. They're showing much nicer than they were in the Fall or November and December. 🍂
I also have a client who just purchased a beautiful three-story townhome in Cardinal Creek Village. 🌟
Only one of these came up on the market last year. So we knew that if one came up, we had to jump on it and we did.
Within 48 hours, we got an accepted offer! We saw it right away. So excited to make this happen and that we were able to put all the pieces together. 🔑
Then I have clients that are looking at the luxury market and there are multiple offers, especially in Stittsville.
We're seeing lots of multiples back on the nice stuff. 💎 Luxury can be kind of a loose term that's thrown around, but the true luxury stuff is selling quickly and there is a demand for that.
We'd love the opportunity to help you sell your luxury home. 🌆
🖊And then I have clients that are looking for single-family homes under a million dollars in certain neighbourhoods because we're factoring in schools, we're factoring in the location. We're factoring in the growth of their families and there's just not that much that's coming up for them.
🏠 So really, the real estate market as a whole, it depends on what you're looking for. You can be a buyer that you have tons of options and you can have a listing that has quite a few buyers for it.
You might have three buyers for that property. You might have one buyer for that property, but no matter what, whether the property is unique or not, we have the tools, the knowledge, and the expertise to help you make the right decision and to help you sell your home. 🔍
🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️If you're a buyer, we have all of the negotiation tools to make your dreams come true. 💫
I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX here in Ottawa.
Visit our website WeKnowOttawa.com and I would love to connect.
Always looking to take on some new clients and give you a wonderful real estate experience.
I'm your gal, talk to you soon. 🌟2024-02-21T10:35:19-07:002024-02-21T10:40:48-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:22020Should I Sell My Investment Property?Navigating the Last Mile: Insights from the Real Estate Market
In the bustling landscape of the real estate market, reaching the final stretch can often pose the greatest challenge. 🏁 With interest rates at a peak, the journey to securing properties becomes even more demanding.
I am Greg Hamre, a representative from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa, proudly serving as part of the Hamre Real Estate Team. 💼 Recently, I had the privilege of consulting with some valued clients who own an investment property. Together, we delved into a listing consultation to explore their options, recognizing that selling may not always be the optimal choice. 🏠
Upon reviewing their portfolio, it became evident that their investment property, meticulously maintained over the past 15 to 20 years, stood as a testament to their prudent ownership. Despite its current vacancy, the property had a true sense of potential.
In advising my clients, we considered re-entering the rental market as a strategic move. Rental properties play a pivotal role in benefiting our economy, underscoring the need for increased inventory availability. While their investment property remained mortgage-free, their primary residence did in fact have a mortgage. This is the part they were missing: while interest on a primary residence cannot be written off, an income property offers this financial advantage.
Ensuring my clients are well-informed about the best investment strategies for their real estate portfolio remains a top priority. With careful consideration and strategic planning, we aim to steer them towards long-term wealth rather than short term gains.
I invite you to connect with me, Greg Hamre, at RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa, and the Hamre Real Estate Team. Whether you're seeking guidance on property investment or navigating the complexities of the real estate market, we're here to assist you every step of the way.2024-02-20T09:18:37-07:002024-02-20T09:26:52-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21968When Will Interest Rates Drop in Canada?If we could just flip the switch, make interest rates more affordable. 🔄
Now we're in the first quarter of the year of 2024 and the last mile is always the toughest. 📅
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 💼
We're seeing a lot of activity but it's micro to certain neighbourhoods, certain neighbourhoods and certain price points. 🔍
It depends on the product. 🏠
What we do know is interest rates are coming down to the second half this year. 💰
But there's still that uncertainty today in buyer confidence and confusion, we will see the quickest drop in interest rates in history later this year. 😬
So much so that it will create a bit of an hysteria. 😱
Buyers will come off the shelf, come off the sidelines, re-enter the market. 🛒
There will be more buyers out there, looking, more homes sold and hopefully more inventory to go with that supply and demand. 🔎
Always the balance. ⚖️
I think it will be more balanced because a lot of people are waiting to sell for lower interest rates affordable and more people are looking to buy when it becomes more affordable. 🤝
So I'm looking for a more balance, but there's no doubt about it. 💡
Pricing is going to rise. 💰
This will be the lowest pricing that you will see on homes in a decade. 🏡
Right now. 🌟
The first half of 2024 if you're thinking of buying right now, we can navigate that with you. 🗺️
So you can buy now, close later and, or buy now and lock in at a lower interest rate six months for a year down the road. 🔒
We just want to get you in the market. 🚪
We just want to get you into homeownership. 🏡
Homeownership is not something we can take for granted. 🏠
It won't be for everyone going forward if you think prices are expensive now and affordability is expensive. 💰
Now on homes. 🏠
I haven't seen anything yet. 👀
We just don't have enough homes to show the nice ones are attractive to a lot of eyeballs, especially with the emotion we can engage in our marketing program and our outreach. 💼
Love to talk to you about it. 💬
Love to share our vision where we're going in real estate. 🌟
If that's a meaning to you, let's meet for a coffee or DM me. ☕
Drop me a message below and let's start putting a plan together for you. 📝
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 💼
Hope to see you soon. 👀
Take care. 🌟2024-02-13T14:21:38-07:002024-02-13T14:25:39-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21933Tomorrow's Real Estate News 2024If you could read tomorrow's paper, would you want to know the news? 📰
What's coming? 🤔
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 👋
And we really dive into the real estate market here in Ottawa. 🏡
It's not a hobby for us. It's our passion and our profession. 💼
What we really want to tell people right now is this may be the lowest price on housing that you're gonna see for the next decade and, and that seems shocking. 😮
But if you could buy now we have availabilities for some great work rates and hold on to that payment and get through the next six months, so much further ahead than your neighbors. 💰
And we're not making this up, interest rates are expected to come down. 📉
We just met with Benjamin Tal, the leading financial economist with CIBC and he said, Greg, they're going to start to come down in June of this year. 🗓️
We've got about another three or four months of a little bit of turbulence, then they're gonna start to come down and when they come down, they're gonna come down a lot. 💨
CMHC, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association has pointed out that they'll come down to 4.5 to 3.5. 🏠
Now, we're hearing that by 2025 we'll be in the 2.75 range here. 📉
Again, it's election year. The government's going to want it, the economy to be sporty. 🗳️
A little more aggressive on it and it'll really make housing that much more affordable and that'll be headline news and great for everybody. 🎉
Affordability is really what's keeping buyers sidelines right now. 🛑
Once that comes back in, I think we're gonna see a little movement, upsizing downsizing people moving laterally, people will be back engaged in the market in a bigger way. 🔄
But right now, my advice is run to the fire, take advantage of what's there today. 🏃‍♂️
Pricing is very attractive because when interest rates come down, competition increases, more buyers come into the market that usually happens in the spring market anyways. 💰
But with low rich rates, there'll be more competition, less leverage for buyers, more leverage for sellers and and hopefully selection increases as well as we definitely have a housing shortage here in Ottawa, let alone our nation. 🏠
Nice listings are selling quickly. 🏃‍♀️
Those that are turnkey. And the reason for that is buyers are fussier today. 🛠️
They don't have extra money to do renovations, so they're looking for that just move in type of product. 🏡
If you're a seller, we can help you prepare your and get it ready as well to make sure that it appeals to more buyers, not just emotionally but financially as well. 💼
We pride ourselves in staying in front of the market, being leaders in the industry and making sure that our clients have all the information they need to make a good purchasing or indoor selling decision. 📊
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 👋
If we can be of assistance to you, please reach out to us. 📞
I hope to see you soon. Take care. 👋2024-02-12T14:58:57-07:002024-02-12T15:00:47-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21932Playing The Long Game In Ottawa Real EstateReal estate is not a hit-it-and quit it or get rich quick, you're in it for the long game. 🏡
I was watching a video of an agent that I really admire and she has a friend who is a 13-year-old boy and he had saved all his birthday money, Christmas money through the years and he had enough money to buy a small home. 💰
That needed a lot of work and they bought it. 🔨
Obviously, his parents helped they bought it and this kid went to work and he scraped paint and he helped with the flooring and he helped make this place presentable and rentable. 🎨
And now he's a landlord with his parents. 🤵‍♂️🏠
Of course. Yes, I know people are gonna say, yeah, the parents help, but he put in a good chunk of change and now he's a landlord. 💼
So can you imagine what this kid's real estate portfolio is gonna look like in 10 years when he's 23 years old or when he's 33 years old, he is set, they have set him up and if I could do it all over again and this isn't me telling you, hey, pick me, pick me and go buy a bunch of properties. 🚀
No, I'm just telling you that real estate is the way to go and yes, interest rates are high, but try and look at it through the monthly payment, sit down with a lender and look at what you can afford and look at it through the monthly payment. 💵
We have listings. 📋
We just sold one for under $300,000. 💰
We have another one around the same, same price range and just scoop them up and just think about the wealth, the wealth that you could acquire the generational wealth. 💰💼
It's a long game, guys, you're not gonna buy a property and expect to get rich in six months. 📆
It's the long game and real estate is the way to go. 🌟
Karen MacDonald from the Hamre Real Estate team at RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa. 👋2024-02-12T14:32:14-07:002024-02-12T14:34:38-07:00Karen MacDonaldtag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:219275 Ds of Real Estate💡 Have you heard of the Five Ds Driving the real estate market?
🎓 The top three that my clients are experiencing right now are diplomas, diamonds, and diapers.
❓ And what does that mean?
👋 I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre </a>with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX here in Ottawa, and my clients are experiencing life-changing moments.
🏆 I like to call it the milestone era.
🌟 We're all in some sort of era right now, and these life-changing moments—the diamonds, the diapers, the diplomas—are defining those changes in the real estate market for what my clients are experiencing.
👶 We're definitely seeing it or I'm seeing it right now with a lot of my clients that have bought with me before where these diapers are definitely the big factor.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My clients, quite a few of them actually are having their 1st child, some are having their 2nd or 3rd.
👶 I even had one that just had their 4th.
🏠 And these are big lifestyle changes and milestones that I as a REALTOR®.
🎉 I get to be a part of. It's such an amazing experience to be a part of that.
💼 I share those milestones with my clients, but it also means that life causes people to move and especially those that have growing families.
🔍 We're looking at taking our next step and finding them something bigger, finding something that works more with their current lifestyle.
🗣️ Now, if you're looking or even thinking about now might be a good time for us to move or you know what we're thinking about having a child or a second child or such life event is happening.
🤔 Let's have a conversation and see what our next steps might be.
🛠️ There's really no size fits all when it comes to doing a buy and sell.
🔮 There's no magic formula.
🌈 It's all unique to your circumstance.
📞 So I'd love the opportunity to chat with you on how we can make those home goals happen, how we can factor in those 55 Ds into your lifestyle and make the best of it.
📲 Contact us today.
💻 Visit our website WeKnowOttawa.com or send me a DM directly here again.
👋 My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a>.
🏡 I'm representing the Hamre Team and I would love the opportunity to network with you.
🌟 Take care.2024-02-12T08:37:06-07:002024-02-12T08:49:30-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21899Best Referral REALTOR® in Ottawa🌍 Have you ever had to change cities, to move, to pack up, and leave?
🏡 We're in a situation where you want to be connected with the best person on the other end, a REALTOR® that can show you the best neighbourhoods, the best areas to live in, the best restaurants, the best recreational facilities, really the neighbourhood expert or the city expert or the town, depending on where you're going.
🏙️ My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team and relocation is a big part of our business.
🚚 Take great pride in telling people all about the city and when we pick them up at the airport on their house hunting trip after we work with them countless hours beforehand.
🏡 And today we're doing that with a lot of video meetings.
🌆 We wanna pick them up and show them where the highlights are where the best neighbourhoods are, where they'll want to live, where they want to eat, do the recreation and enjoy their lifestyle.
🌐 And to us, we need to be connected across Canada, the US and around the world.
🤝 It's a big part of the foundation of our business and we do a lot of interaction with other realtors.
👥 So we know who the best realtors are and the best fit for our client.
🌟 This week, we're in Mississauga at the jumpstart event.
🎉 It's a RE/MAX event by RE/MAX enterprise and specialists that'll have over 500 people there.
📚 I'm there to learn, but I'm also there to network.
🎤 We also have Chelsea in Hollywood, California this week.
🎩 She's speaking at the Maverick Convention of elite realtors.
👏 She's on a panel there, very proud of her, which she's there to learn as well to speak and to network.
🌟 And then Nic, Nic is out in Alberta.
🏒 He's out in Calgary this weekend and I, I know he was out there on Sunday to his old stomping ground in Alberta with Brooks Bandits, but he's out there to network.
🔍 There's a RE/MAX Hockey tournament happening six teams from across Canada and he'll be representing Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate team.
💼 He's there to have fun, but he's also there to network to really get a grasp on who the shooters are, not only in the game but in the business.
🤝 If you're relocating in or out of Ottawa, we want to connect with you.
🔎 But if you're a realtor, looking for a great realtor that could take your client's experience to the next level, a professional realtor that understands relocation.
📞 We want to talk to you.
🏠 My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
❤️ This is not our hobby, it's our passion and our profession and we absolutely love being a part of people moving in and out of Ottawa.
🤗 Hope to see you soon.
👋 Take care.2024-02-08T12:13:10-07:002024-02-08T12:16:51-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21873Predictions For Ottawa Real Estate Prices 2024Mark my words, the first quarter of 2024 will be the golden window for securing the lowest housing prices for the next decade. 🏠💰
I'm Melanie Giray with the Hamre Team and RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and I was just reading the most recent article by the Financial Post, here are my crystal ball predictions for the local housing market. 🔮📰
So let's talk about inventory. 🏘️📉
We've all heard it, there is not enough inventory, not only in Ottawa, in Ontario, but in the nation. 🇨🇦📉
So builders are not building fast enough to sustain our growing population and there simply are not enough roofs for our population. 🚧👷‍♂️
So it's going to take years and years to resolve this inventory shortage that we are experiencing. ⏳🔍
Not only that, interest rates are expected to go down in the second quarter of this year and to keep going down into next year, which is an election year. 📉🗳️
So no surprise there that interest rates will be at a lower place during an election year. 🤔💼
So that from a zoomed-out perspective, the housing market seems more affordable to the consumer, right? 🔍💰
But we all know when interest rates go down pricing blow up and this generates more competition amongst buy. 💥💼
If you think home pricing has reached the stars, just wait em, brace yourself for what's on the horizon. 🌟🔭
If you're someone who has been contemplating the idea of getting your foot into the market, I would love to chat with you before you get priced out of the market. 🤝🏠
Reach out any time I'm Melanie Giray, the Hamre Team and RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa. 💼🏠
We'll chat with you soon. 👋😊
Take care. 🌟🏡2024-02-07T12:28:53-07:002024-02-07T13:05:56-07:00Melanie Giraytag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21834Emotions Of Real EstateHave you ever woken up in the morning? 🌅
Feeling gratitude, feeling excitement just in wanting to be engaged? 🌟💼
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🏡💼
And we just returned, my whole team returned from Boston. 🛬🌆
We were fortunate enough to be invited to the Anthony Lamacchia crushing a real estate event. 💼🎉
It was a 24-hour turnaround. ⏰🔄
We were the only Canadians in the crowd of 1300. 🇨🇦👥
It was so exhilarating. 🤩🎉
When I talk about gratitude, the gratitude is being able to participate in the lives of families, purchasing and selling homes, and what a journey it is. 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
It's not just putting up-sold signs and signing listings. 🚫📋
It's very much being engaged in their lives, their family's lives, you know, their family history, you know, their future where they're going, and in a lot of cases, it's wonderful, you know, balloons and, and celebration new births, new kids on the way. 🎈👶
You know, the kids are growing in high school and then there's the, they decide that's the 60 plus, which is the downsizing, which is still great and really exciting or they're moving into a retirement village and, and you're still involved with their family. 🏫🏘️
It's a wonderful experience. 🌟🏡
They talked about it a lot at the crush of the real estate event. 🗣️🏢
It was a phenomenal experience to be there. 🎉🏢
Anthony La Macchia is truly a leader in our industry. 👨‍💼🌟
He, he's, he's forward-thinking; his brand and his brokerage are first class. 💼🌟
We received a lot of knowledge, we had dinner last night, just as we wrapped it up, the whole team sat at the table and just the, the exuberance of excitement of the knowledge that we learned about our vision where we're going in this industry, how to take the client experience to the next level. 🍽️🎓
It was phenomenal to be a part of it was exhilarating and we're all charged up for today this morning. 🌟🎉
I'm in getting ready for a luxury listing appointment. 💼🏡
It's one of those properties that doesn't come along very often. 🤩🏡
We have buyers waiting for this property and I've, I sold it to this club couple multiple years ago, probably 10 to 15 years ago. 🕰️🤝
And they raised their kids in it and now they're downsizing. 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
We have other young families ready to make that experience. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏡
It's a beautiful setting, a beautiful location, and the house is gorgeous. 🏞️🏡
I'm really excited to meet with them this morning and then I'm off to I've got a Zoom call with a seller who was referred to an agent in Ottawa when they purchased and they had a lousy experience and they'll never deal with that, that realtor again. 🖥️🏡
And the referral agent reached out to me, this reached out to me this time and said, Greg, my client needs a, a really top pro realtor and someone who understands the client experience and can take it to the next level. 💼🤝
And that's what we do. 🌟👨‍💼
The transactional realtors really suffered in 2023. 📉💼
The relationship realtors like ourselves, the Hamre Team, we prospered it. 📈💼
We were ahead of the market in, in every way in dollars and units in do doors and that's what we'll do. 🏆💼
And then at 1:30 this afternoon, I get to present the offer. 💼🕜
It, it's a state listing that we have. 🏡💼
The estate executor is out of town. ✈️🏡
So we're meeting via Zoom to take them through. 🖥️📄
I'm so excited. 🤩🎉
I actually spoke to him last night just to give him a little recap on, on the traffic and what's happening on the listing and Voila this morning, we have an offer. 🌄💼
So that will be my start of the afternoon presenting that offer. 🕒📑
And we'll work that through. 💼🏡
Really excited about today. 🎉🌟
Really excited about where the real estate market is heading and couldn't be happier to be involved in the lives of our clients making sure they have a wonderful experience when purchasing or selling a home. 🏡👫
If you're thinking about real estate joining real estate or being, being a, being a client of real estate. 💼🏡
We wanna hear from you. 💬👂
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates and Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 🏡💼
We hope to see you soon. 🤝👋
Take care. 🌟🏡2024-02-05T13:31:40-07:002024-02-05T13:48:05-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:217653 Things To Consider When Buying A Home<a href="https://youtu.be/8DN6Yjz3uwE" target="_blank" onclick="window.open('https://youtu.be/8DN6Yjz3uwE','','');return false;"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/3_Things_Ottawa.jpg" width="1810" height="1016" /></a>
Here is a list of three not-so-obvious things that you absolutely must consider if you're purchasing a home, especially if you're a first-time home buyer.
You're going to want to listen; you'll definitely take away a nugget. 🏡
Number one, make sure that you are budgeting for closing costs. So closing costs are in addition to the down payment and will typically vary between 1.5% to 2% of the purchase price. Make sure that you are budgeting accordingly to cover these fees. 💰
Number two, deposit. It is standard practice to submit a deposit along with your offer. Within 24 hours of an accepted offer, the deposit amount will typically vary between 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price, and these funds do go towards your down payment. It's not money that's lost; essentially, it's a token of good faith to the sellers that you are, in fact, serious about your offer and moving forward with the property. 🤝
Number three, offer contingencies. Contingencies, also known as conditions, are included for the benefit of the buyer. Typical conditions that are included, but not limited to, are the home inspection condition and the financing condition. Once again, these conditions are placed in an offer to protect the buyer. 🛡️
If you have any further questions about the home-buying process, please feel free to reach out. I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/melanie-giray/">Melanie</a>, representing the Hamre Team here in Ottawa with RE/MAX Affiliates, and we'll chat with you soon. 🏠🔑2024-01-29T11:17:25-07:002024-01-29T11:21:55-07:00Melanie Giraytag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21763Changes In Ottawa Real Estate 2024<a href="https://youtu.be/gHUBVn13A3o" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Change_Is_Inevitable_Ottawa.jpg" width="1810" height="1016" /></a>
One thing is certain: change is inevitable. 🔄
My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/" target="_blank">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 👋
We're here on the weekend, working away, and agents have been coming in and going out. 💼
We got open houses on Sunday, people preparing; we got showings happening, and business seems very much like normal in a traditional setting. 🏡
But I just returned from Inman in New York City, and I've got 25 pages of notes of a presentation to share with my team on Tuesday morning. 🗽📝
We are doing a "Get It to Tuesday Morning" event in our office where our team will get educated and learn the knowledge and foresight of what's coming up in the next five years. 📚🔮
I want them to be the first to know, and they will be when it comes to AI (Artificial Intelligence), how it's affecting the world, the customer service business, how it will affect real estate. Real estate is very much a handshake business, eye-to-eye, in-person business, but it's taking that client experience to the next level and how it will affect the marketing of real estate and our listings. 🌐🏠
And then on top of that, there were different topics of legalities, clauses, how to protect our clients, both buyers and sellers, so they have a wonderful experience. ⚖️
It was also a great networking event. 🌐
We met realtors not only from Canada and the US; there were people there from around the world, and it was quite intriguing, quite privileged to be there and to rub shoulders with some of the elite in the business of real estate. 🌍🤝
But my focus now is how do I condense three days' worth of notes down to 25 pages and communicate that to my team so that they know how to proceed and be the best of the best when it comes to the real estate business in Ottawa. 🗒️🏡
My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/" target="_blank">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. 👋
We're doing what we love to do, and that's being in the business of real estate and helping our clients succeed in their dreams and passions. 🏡🤝
Hope to see you soon. Take care. 🌟💙2024-01-29T09:40:47-07:002024-01-29T09:51:15-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21749Inman Connect 2024 - Chelsea Hamre<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/10_Key_Takeaways_Inman_Connect.jpg" width="1810" height="1016" />
<a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> took the stage live in New York City last week at Inman Connect. Inman Connect is a global real estate conference for the industry's elite top-producing performers. Real estate professionals gathered from across North America and beyond to convene in New York City for this exciting event with an emphasis on learning and improving skills. <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> was a key panelist alongside New Jersey REALTOR® <a href="https://tenhoeve.kw.com/about-me" target="_blank">DJ Ten Hoeve from Keller Williams</a>, and New York City REALTOR® <a href="https://www.corcoran.com/real-estate-agents/detail/julia-boland/13909/regionId/1" target="_blank">Julia Boland from Corcoran</a>. The dynamic and insightful discussion from this panel was a highlight from Day 1 of the conference. Their discussion was all about adding value for clients, taking the bar and raising it. How can real estate professionals raise the level of service and benefit their clients? This article will give you the key takeaways from the event and provide insight into the way that the elite real estate agents are increasing their level of service for clients.
1. Take Open Houses To The Next Level - Personal Attention To Detail
<a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> emphasized the impact of personalized gift bags at open houses. This is something we do for our open houses to help make a positive experience for potential buyers. Often baking cookies in the home to give that warm and cozy scent and vibe. The gift bags are definitely something that people do not expect at an open house and create a positive impact and association with the home. The Hamre Team also prints and delivers invitations to the open house, inviting the neighbours to stop by. This adds to the atmosphere and creates more positive exposure for the home we are selling. This is one way that the Hamre Team has been able to raise the bar for our clients.
2. Provide Detailed Market Insights
DJ Ten Hoeve highlighted the importance of offering in-depth market data to clients. This is something that the Hamre Real Estate Team prides itself on. We make sure to provide up-to-date market statistics for our clients so that they can make the best-informed decisions for themselves. Having a true consultation with the client and telling them what they actually need to hear rather than sugarcoating things or telling them what they want to hear.
3. Create Video Content
Boland shared her success in using video content, particularly on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Creating video content can benefit clients in a number of ways. the Hamre Team has been using video content to garner exposure for listings for over a decade. We create unique storytelling videos that explain not just the home but the feeling of driving up to the home and the true story of the home. We also create various videos that educate people on the real estate market. These videos help get our clients ready to purchase or sell and can be a great way to keep clients informed. This is one aspect of going above and beyond to make sure our clients are well taken care of with concierge service. Watch some of our video content below. <br /><br />4. Social Media
Each of the panelists emphasized using social media not just for building a following but for educating and engaging your existing audience. Clients should be looking at their agent's social media and seeing not just homes for sale or accomplishments from the agents but also education. Social media is important and creative, informative posts are the way to stand out and help clients.
5. Create A Memorable Experience
Offering a concierge experience and unreasonable hospitality is the way to make the experience truly memorable. Focusing on this will make clients feel respected, valued, and surpass their expectations. Examples of this would include following up after a transaction has closed and being there as a go-to source for help and information long after a client has moved in. The Hamre Team focuses on building a relationship with you and going the extra mile to make sure you have a wonderful experience.
6. Incorporate Innovative Client Services
We have always looked for cutting-edge ways to help our clients. Whether it be in marketing or home search techniques and beyond. One example would be our ability to leverage technology to improve the appearance of homes. We will often virtually replace dreary weather in the front photos of homes to show a property in its best light no matter the weather on the day of a photoshoot. These unique client services can make our listings stand out and greatly benefit our clients.
7. Be Authentic
Authenticity was a key component talked about on the panel at Inman Connect. Producing authentic content to reach out to people who will want to work with you. Being authentic allows the Hamre Team to build authentic relationships with the people we encounter. Being straight up, honest, and giving the right advice.
8. Client Reviews Are The True Measurement
Gathering authentic reviews are the true measurement of success. The Hamre Team collects reviews on <a href="https://rankmyagent.com/brokerage/the-hamre-real-estate-team" target="_blank">Rank My Agent</a> and <a href="https://g.page/r/CQHgMgmwCzISEB0/review" target="_blank">Google</a>. These client success stories are the true measurement of a job well done.
Chelsea said during the panel: “What would happen if you went to a restaurant and your waiter didn’t come back to ask you how your food was? It wouldn’t be a good experience.” “So put that into your client’s perspective as well. How would they feel if they never heard from you afterward?” she said. Asking for reviews is a way that we as REALTORS® can check in and make sure that we are doing the best possible job.
9. Deliver On Promises
Make bold promises and deliver even bolder results. Tell clients exactly what you are going to do for them and then follow through and get the job done beyond expectations. This is how the Hamre Team has built our reputation over the years.
Ten Hoeve stressed the importance of fulfilling promises and building a strong reputation in the industry. This reliability can lead to greater client trust.
10. Take The Lead On Technology
AI is not just a fad in real estate. It is here to stay and will grow in use over time. However real estate agents must continue to offer irreplaceable human interaction and advisory services. Person-to-person interaction will always be an integral part of real estate. We felt this during COVID when it was difficult to see people, that human connection was sorely missed. The Hamre Team will continue to use new tech to our benefit while offering the hands-on personal care that AI cannot provide.
Looking Forward...
Inman Connect 2024 in New York City was an incredible event with record attendance and many unique learning opportunities. It was electric to see Chelsea Hamre take the stage and represent not just our team but RE/MAX, Ottawa, and Canada as well. We are glad to have her back in Ottawa along with Greg Hamre who was able to attend the event.
We will be unpacking our new info this week and using it to better our team and clients going forward. Convening with some of the most celebrated and successful minds in real estate was a rare privilege and we look forward to the next opportunity to learn and grow at Inman and other major conferences.
Credit to Jessi Healey and Inman News as the source and basis for this article. 2024-01-29T09:11:00-07:002024-01-30T07:58:46-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21752First Time Home Buyer Ottawa<a href="https://youtu.be/7LCwkM_4fJo" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Working_with_first_time_home_buyer.jpg" width="1280" height="720" /></a>
You know, there's something truly special about working with first-time home buyers. 🏡
It's not just a job; it's a passion. ❤️
Let me tell you why I love it so much. 🌟
This is Steve Hamre from the Hamre Real Estate Team. 👋
When you work with first-time homebuyers, you're there at the beginning of the journey to homeownership. 🚪
It's incredible to witness their excitement, hopes, and dreams as they search for that perfect place to call home. 🤩
First-time home buyers often come with lots of questions and uncertainties. ❓
I love being their guide, educating them about the process, and empowering them with knowledge. 📚
It's rewarding to see their confidence grow as they become more informed. 📈
You know, there's nothing quite like the moment when the first-time home buyer walks into the house, and they can see it in their eyes that they found the one; that's a feeling of accomplishment and happiness is contagious. 😊🏡
Buying a first home can be an emotional roller coaster. 🎢
You can celebrate success and provide support during setbacks. 🤝
It's an opportunity to be a shoulder to lean on, which creates a lasting bond with your clients. 💙
The ultimate reward is helping these buyers achieve their dream of homeownership, seeing them unlock the door to their new home, and knowing that you played a big part in making it happen is incredibly fulfilling. 🌟
Working with first-time home buyers isn't just about closing deals. 🔐
It's about being part of a life-changing experience. 🌌
It's about making dreams come true and building relationships that last a lifetime. 😀
That's why I love it, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. 🌎
We know Ottawa 🏡
That's actually our website; visit WeKnowOttawa.com to start your home-buying journey.2024-01-26T12:42:32-07:002024-01-26T12:45:50-07:00Steve Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21748Mindset in Real Estate<a href="https://youtu.be/nJqed52N1aM" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Mindset.jpg" width="1280" height="720" /></a>
Some things in life are just out of your control.
But what you can control 100% of the time is:
Your MINDSET and your ATTITUDE
I'm <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/chelsea-hamre/">Chelsea Hamre</a> with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and I was just at INMAN, the most elite real estate conference in North America.
We learned so much.
I got the experience of being on stage, being able to share as well, and some great takeaways, and a few key points are:
AI is here to stay, and being authentic goes a long way.
I can't wait to share more from the experience and just recap everything, taking it all in.
It was such a knowledge-driven conference, and that's what I love about INMAN.
It's the elite people that are there to get the edge and to be there for themselves and their clients, and making sure that we have the edge is important to us.
I'd love to connect with you.
Visit our website, weknowottawa.com, and we'll talk to you soon.
Have a good night!2024-01-26T07:57:38-07:002024-01-26T08:27:10-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21733You Deserve the Best Attention - Ottawa Real Estate Agents<a href="https://youtu.be/G1fY-Fc1t_Q" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Best_Attention_2024.jpg" width="1280" height="720" /></a>
You deserve the best attention. 🌟
This is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/steve-hamre/">Steve Hamre</a> from the Hamre Real Estate. 👋
We firmly believe effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful real estate transaction, whether it's our interactions with you, potential buyers, or even their agents. 🏡
We prioritize prompt and thorough communication. 📞
It's simply the right way to operate. ✨
Our primary objective is to ensure you're well informed about all developments concerning your property. 📊
To achieve this, we are accessible through phone, email, or text message, ready to address any questions or concerns you may have. You deserve to collaborate with an agent who is always available to take calls and handle offers from both buyers and their agents promptly. ☎️
This is crucial because delays in response could lead to potential buyers moving on to another property. 🚀
One of our pet peeves is countering listing agents who fail to respond even after multiple attempts while trying to show a property or submit an offer. 🤔
Unfortunately, it happens more frequently than you may imagine. When they finally respond, it's often too late, as the property is already under contract or the qualified buyer has moved on. 📆
We are committed to ensuring that your property sale is not managed this way. 💪
Our commitment to effective communication sets us apart from other agents in our market. Reach out to us today via phone, text, or email so we can kick-start the process of listing your property. 📲
The Hammer real estate team at RE/MAX Affiliates represents the finest properties in the region with exceptional expertise, leveraging the most cutting-edge technology available. 🌐
Since 1980, we have inspired real estate dreams in the Ottawa area. 🏡
Our mission is to deliver an elevated level of customer experience by surpassing the goals of our buyers and sellers in the most professional manner imaginable. 🤝
We want to make sure you have a wonderful experience. 🌈
We possess a deep understanding of the perspective of both home buyers and sellers and a comprehensive grasp of the regional real estate market. 🏠
What are you waiting for? ⌛
Contact the Hamre Real Estate Team today. ☎️
Visit WeKnowOttawa 🌐
That's actually our website, visit WeKnowOttawa.com. 🖥️2024-01-25T14:16:57-07:002024-01-26T09:31:01-07:00Steve Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21710Home Showing Preparation<a href="https://youtu.be/lQ2Ihpr15EQ"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Prepare For A Home SHowing.jpg" width="1810" height="1016" /></a>
Click the image above to watch the full video.
🏡 Attention Sellers,
🤔 Are you currently contemplating the best strategies for preparing your home before a showing?
👋 Allow me to introduce myself; I am Steve Hamre from the esteemed Hamre Real Estate Team. Recently, I encountered some compelling experiences during property showings that I find pertinent to share with you.
👀 In the initial instance, I presented two properties to a client. The first property was meticulously staged, impeccably clean, and well-maintained, creating the impression of a model home. It left an indelible positive mark. However, the second property unfolded a different narrative. Upon arrival, the occupants were still present. Though they graciously invited us in, the showing became somewhat awkward. Activities like dishwashing, someone sleeping in a room, and even someone emerging from the bathroom during our viewing of the primary bedroom added an unexpected layer.
🔄 Transitioning to the second client, we eagerly showcased a luxury home in a picturesque neighborhood with a parkside setting. Arriving a bit early for a preliminary assessment before my clients' arrival, I could already hear the TV. Upon announcing my presence, the seller promptly agreed to leave in five minutes. Regrettably, even with their departure, the house wasn't in optimal condition. Disarray was evident throughout, with items out of place and a cluttered kitchen. Moving to the upper level, the bedrooms were untidy, with scattered clothes and unmade beds. Surprisingly, the primary bedroom housed a sleeping individual. We quietly retreated, feeling like intruders, and continued our basement tour, maintaining hushed tones throughout.
🔑 The overarching lesson from these anecdotes holds vital importance for anyone intending to list their property or collaborating with an agent. Open communication with your agent about presenting your property and conduct during showings is paramount. Here are some helpful tips: ensure the property is impeccably clean, beds are neatly made, clothes are neatly stored away, and there are no dirty dishes or cluttered counters. Most importantly, vacating the property during a showing significantly contributes to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for potential buyers. As agents, our objective is to deliver a pleasant experience for all parties involved, given the profound impact of the first impression.
❓ If you find yourself with queries regarding buying or selling properties in the Ottawa area, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Hamre Real Estate Team. We would be thrilled to engage in a discussion about our marketing plan, ensuring your home receives the appropriate representation for maximum exposure.
👋 Once again, I'm Steve Hamre from the Hamre Real Estate Team. You can find us at "We Know Ottawa." Interestingly, that's our website - Visit We Know Ottawa.com.2024-01-23T14:23:29-07:002024-01-23T14:29:00-07:00Steve Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21666What Is My Home Worth?
👋 Hey there, homeowners and future sellers!
Are you curious about the current market value of your home? Well, you're in luck because we've got an incredible offer just for you!
📊 Introducing our FREE Market Analysis service! It's time to find out the true value of your property and the suggested selling price. Don't miss this opportunity to make informed decisions about your home.
🏡 It's super simple, folks! All you need to do is fill out and submit the form below, and our team of experts will work their magic. We're talking about analyzing comparables, local trends, and all that juicy local market data.
💎 We leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing you with an up-to-date and accurate estimate of your home's value. Our expertise is second to none!
👋 Allow me to introduce myself; I am Nic Hamre from The Hamre Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Affiliates Realty! I am a third generation REALTOR®. If you know a Hamre in Ottawa, chances are they sell Real Estate.
🏡 These real estate pros have been inspiring dreams of others in the business of Real Estate in the greater Ottawa, Ontario, Canada area since 1980. That's over four decades of excellence!
🌟 Their mission is simple yet profound – to deliver a higher level of customer experience by exceeding the goals of their buyers and sellers in the most professional manner possible.
🔐 What sets them apart? Well, it's their dedication to ultimate privacy, security, speed, and efficiency. Plus, they harness the power of the most innovative technologies available!
📈 With years of full-time experience, they have a crystal-clear understanding of the mindset of home buyers and sellers. They've got their fingers on the pulse of the regional marketplace!
🏡 So, if you want to make informed decisions about your home, get that FREE Market Analysis now! Don't let the opportunity slip through your fingers!
🔑 Take the first step towards unlocking the potential of your property. Fill out the form below, and let The Hamre Real Estate Team work their magic for you!
👋 Thanks for tuning in today, folks. Remember, knowledge is power, especially in the world of real estate. Stay informed, stay ahead! See you next time!
👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated with all things real estate! Your dream home is just a click away. 🏠🔑
Learn more: https://www.weknowottawa.com/free-market-analysis/
#WeKnowOttawa #OttawaRealEstateMarket #REMAX2024-01-19T09:43:26-07:002024-01-19T09:46:28-07:00Nic Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21627The Ottawa Real Estate Market Is Changing
There's a new horizon on the Ottawa real estate market, and that is buyers will be fussier this year. 🏡🔍
My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. With lower interest rates, more listings will come onto the market. 💼📈
It will also pull buyers off the sidelines who have been sitting back for the last 18 months while the interest rates were so high. 📉🛋️
But the market will be balanced with the number of listings coming on, and the number of buyers will be specifically fussier this year because price points are still high. 💰
They can afford to do additional renovations. 🔨
They need turnkey homes, homes that they can just move into. 🏠
And you have to understand what the key aspects of the buying process are. 🤔
When a buyer walks into the home, number one, the front door tells a story. The front door has to show what the rest of the house will look like inside. 🚪🏡
Make sure it's clean. 🧹
Number two, they walk right to the kitchen. The kitchen sets the emotions; that's where they're going to entertain. 🍽️🎉
That's where they're gonna make their meals. 🍳
That's where they're going to make their festivities with their families. 🎊
And then lastly, they want to know how spoiled they'll be with their ensuite. 🚿
Those are the three key selling features of a home that draw emotion, that capture buyers' attention, and that lead them to want to put an offer in.
If we can assist you in engaging a buyer's emotions on your listing or attracting more eyeballs, more exposure, which brings you more offers, please reach out to me. ☎️
My name is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/greg-hamre/">Greg Hamre</a> from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
Hope to see you soon. Take care. 👋2024-01-16T11:46:59-07:002024-01-16T12:03:17-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21615Fallingbrook, Orleans
There are so many s and micro s in the city of Ottawa, and I would like to introduce one of my favourites, Fallingbrook. 🏘️ Moving to Fallingbrook is like stepping into a picturesque haven where suburban tranquility meets vibrant community living. 🌳🏡 Nestled in the heart of Orleans in the east end of the city of Ottawa, this neighborhood offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with tree-lined streets and a variety of homes from condo living to luxury properties which creates an inviting atmosphere. 🏠 There is something for everyone. 😊 As you settle into Fallingbrook, you will find a close-knit community that embraces a friendly and welcoming spirit. 🤝 The many local parks and green spaces provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. 🌲 With excellent schools, convenient amenities, and a diverse range of dining options nearby, Fallingbrook promises a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to call home. 🏫🍽️2024-01-15T13:53:55-07:002024-01-16T11:46:48-07:00Karen MacDonaldtag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21595Real Estate Journey - Relocating To Ottawa
🌟 Everyone has a unique adventure, a unique story, a unique experience, and in real estate, they're all different.
👋 My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
🏡 I've just done three listing appointments over the last few days, and each one of them had something special to me.
🌐 The first one was a referral from an out-of-town client. I met with the couple nine months ago, and we started putting a plan together to make sure that their home would be sold and ready to hit the market in the early part of the year, and that came together.
🤝 I had the opportunity to meet with them a few times since then and really get to know them and their story, and their life, and have a relationship with them because they're leaving town.
🚗 And a lot of times when people leave town, they're like, "Greg, well, that'll be the last time we ever meet you," but that's not the story.
📞 I stay in touch, and I have lots of DND people or relocation people, whether it's RCMP, CSIS, or whatever it is in Ottawa where they move in and out, and I stay in touch with them.
They call me every time they get posted to other places across Canada to say, "Who do I use in the East Coast, West Coast, or the Prairies as a REALTOR, Greg?"
📍 And in the roots, I'm still the realtor.
🌌 Another one of my listings in the last 24 hours was a couple that I dealt with their mom and dad many times.
👪 And when I sat in front of them, they said, "Greg, we're so happy to be dealing with you. You feel like family," and that's a great measurement to me.
📏 That's the measurement, and I won't let them down.
🏡 My last one was a couple that I dealt with a few years ago that sold through me and moved into a beautiful new home, and now they've decided to sell and move to a different style of home again.
📅 Met with them six months ago, started working on a plan, just met with them yesterday, and had a coffee and discussed the plan.
🔐 Everything is locked up, all the paperwork's done, talked to them a few times later that day.
☕ And then this morning, they sent me a beautiful text to say how excited they are to be working with me again and to be a part of this journey.
📊 And that's a measure to me.
📏 I wanna be that realtor that you call your realtor and that's special to you, and that really moves the needle for you.
🎯 It is not just somebody that passes in and out of your life who becomes your REALTOR.
📐 It's the measurement for me.
📌 It's really what I do it for.
👥 It's why my team does it.
💼 We have passion in our professionalism as being REALTORS.
📞 Hope to talk to you soon.
👋 If I can be of assistance to you.
🌟 My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team hope to see you soon.
#WeKnowOttawa #OttawaRealEstate #REMAX2024-01-10T13:10:30-07:002024-01-11T14:13:55-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21549Ottawa 2024 Real Estate - Steve Hamre
🎉 2024 is here.
🏡 It's a fantastic time to talk about new beginnings, and what's more exciting than finding your dream home.
👋 This is <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/steve-hamre/">Steve Hamre</a> from the Hamre Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Affiliates Realty.
🔍 Let's dive right into what is happening in the real estate market.
📈 We are seeing an influx of new listings. More options mean more opportunities for you, and guess what?
📉 Interest rates have lowered, making now the perfect time to think about buying. Plus there's a buzz that rates might drop even further by the time you're in your new home.
💻 Now, let's talk resources. Our website, WeKnowOttawa.com, is packed with everything you need for buying or selling.
📚 We've got comprehensive guides, market insights, and personalized advice to make your real estate journey smooth and successful. Even better?
📅 Set up an appointment for a buyer consultation or a home evaluation with a Hamre Team member.
🔒 And here's a special scoop.
🏠 Our team has access to off-market listings.
🔍 These are exclusive properties you won't find anywhere else.
⏳ So don't wait, contact the Hamre Real Estate Team today, and let's turn your dream into a reality.
Head over to WeKnowOttawa.com to get started.
👋 We're here to guide you every step of the way.
⏰ Remember in real estate, timing is everything, and the time is now. Let's make this new year the best one yet.
🙏 Thanks for watching.
🏡 This is S<a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/about/steve-hamre/">teve Hamre</a> from the Hamre Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Affiliates.
😀 We Know Ottawa, that's actually our website, visit WeKnowOttawa.com2024-01-08T11:45:20-07:002024-01-08T11:50:30-07:00Steve Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21486Key Insights - 2024 Ottawa Real Estate Market
🏠 As we step into 2024, here are the key insights gained from my real estate journey in 2023.
Buyers' Desires:<br />Buyers, now more than ever, crave three essential elements in their real estate journey:
🔍 Extensive Selection: Whether it's accessing listings as soon as they hit the market or uncovering hidden gems in off-market listings, our commitment is to provide a wide array of choices.
💰 Favourable Interest Rates: Recognizing the financial implications, buyers seek low-interest rates to make their dream home more accessible. We understand this crucial aspect of your investment, and we're committed to working with the market's best brokers to get you the lowest rate.
😊 Exceptional Experience: Beyond the transaction, buyers value a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the process. At the Hamre Real Estate Team, we prioritize making your journey not just successful but enjoyable.
Sellers' Expectations:<br />Sellers, too, have specific aspirations, and we acknowledge and address them with precision. Here are the three focal points:
🌟 Maximum Exposure: Sellers want their property to be in the spotlight. Our dedication lies in ensuring your property receives the attention it deserves through extensive marketing strategies & mass exposure.
💵 Market Knowledge for Top Dollar: To fetch the best value for your home, understanding the market is paramount. We bring in-depth market knowledge to the table to ensure you receive top dollar for your property.
🤝 Dependable Experience: When it comes to selling your home, experience matters. Sellers look for a realtor they can depend on. The Hamre Real Estate Team brings a wealth of experience, ensuring a reliable partnership.
At the Hamre Real Estate Team, our commitment is not just to meet these expectations but to surpass them, providing you with results that exceed your imagination. If you have any questions about the real estate market in the first quarter of this year, don't hesitate to reach out.
🏡 Your dream home or ideal buyer might be just around the corner, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.2024-01-05T09:27:21-07:002024-01-05T09:32:33-07:00Jacob Charrontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21413Buyers will be fussier this year
Buyers will be fussier this year when buying a home 🏡
👉Fussier than normal because there'll be more selection, more to choose from, more homes will be sold. 🌟
Sellers will need to engage buyers' emotions, they'll need to attract attention, have a competitive edge over their competition. 🏠💡
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team and there are some key areas you need to know. 🏢
Find a REALTOR® that understands the sell features of your home. 📈🏠
The littlest of details that can separate you from the house up the street that make your house have more appeal, that understand that the front door tells a story. 🔑🚪
Deal with a REALTOR® who deals with a professional accredited staging team. 💼🛋️
Our stagers at the Hamre Real Estate Team are not only professional, they're savvy and they're very skilled. 🎨✨
Lots of times when they're finished working with the items in your home and setting it up professionally, sellers will say, "I no longer want to move. I love this house. I should have done it earlier." 🖼️❤️
Having a professional photographer who understands the details and has high definition cutting-edge photography. 📸✨
We use HDR photography at the Hamre Real Estate Team. It takes three pictures of every image and blends them together. 🖼️🏠
Again, buyers will blow pictures of homes up on their 60-80 inch televisions today to look at the smallest of details. 🖥️🔍
Your home has to captivate those emotions, show the lifestyle, and highlight the features of your home. 🌟🏡
Lastly, you need outreach. You can't just put a for-sale sign out at the front door. 🚪🌐
You need outreach on the internet, mass exposure to bring in mass eyeballs to your product, to your home. 🖥️🌍
The more people that know that your home is for sale, the more buyers you will have, the more offers you will receive. At the Hamre Real Estate Team, we guide you through this process. 🏢💬
It's what we do, it separates us from our competition in our outstanding listing quality and professionalism. 💯🌟
Reach out to us today. Let's meet for a consultation and put a plan together that works for you. 📅🤝
It's never too early to start planning. My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. I hope to see you soon. Take care. 👋🏠2024-01-02T08:20:28-07:002024-01-02T08:26:50-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21400Basketball & Real Estate
I grew up playing basketball my whole life, and I've been working with the Hamre Team now for just over three years. 🏀
And here are five things that I learned playing basketball that still apply to my day-to-day life now.
The first thing is no one can do it on their own. 🤝
Even the best players need good teammates, and nobody can truly do it all by themselves. 🌟
You see it in basketball all the time. 🏀
There are great players that are able to get a lot done on their own, but they only truly succeed and have that ultimate success when they're working with a great team. 🏆
And the same is true in real estate. 🏠
You need a great team behind you. 👥
Number two is you're not gonna make every shot. 🎯
And that doesn't mean that you're a bad player. 🚫🏀
That doesn't mean that you're not good. 🌟
It's just the way it works. 🔄
You're not gonna hit every shot. 🎯
Steph Curry, who's considered one of the best three-point shooters of all time, maybe the best, only shoots 40% from three. 🏀
That means he's missing 60% of his shots. 😱
That's how difficult it can be. 🤷‍♂️
And in real estate, the same is true. 🏘️
You're not gonna win every home that you put an offer in on. 🛒🏡
You're not always gonna get that win right away, and that brings you to my third point, and that is to keep shooting, to keep trying. 🎯
That doesn't mean you stop. 🛑
That doesn't mean that you fail. 🚫
It just means that you need to get back out there and take another shot. 🔄
Number four is that hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. 💪🏅
And that basically means that you need to keep working hard, you need to keep on it. 🏋️‍♂️
You need to be studying the market every single day so that you know what's going on in the Ottawa real estate market, so that you know what's happening, and that way you can keep your clients informed and that way you can have the greatest chance of success because there's a lot of people out there that are very talented. 🏆
But if they're not working as hard as you, that means that you'll always have that edge, that edge in real estate. 🌟
And that brings me to number five. 🖐️
And this is something that applies to everything in life. 🌟
And that is if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. 🛠️
Basically, what that means is being prepared. 📚
It's practicing. 🏀
We're not all Allen Iverson; we need to practice, and this is true in basketball, it's true in real estate. 🔄
It's true in everything; you always need to keep practicing so that you're ready to succeed. 🏆
Those are the five ways that basketball and real estate correlate. 🤝
If you can think of any others, please let me know. 🤔
My name is Leif Olson with the Hamre real estate team, RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa. 🏠
I love basketball and I love real estate. 🏀🏠2023-12-29T14:21:31-07:002023-12-29T14:23:34-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21396Predictions For 2024 Ottawa Real Estate Market
The worst is over and here's my predictions for 2024 in the Ottawa real estate market.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
And there are five key components to the real estate market in 2024.
Number one, interest rates will come down.
We've got a tease for it in December where mortgage lenders came, some of them came below 5% to create a lot of excitement and buyers jumped in.
We saw that creep back up before the end of the month.
Mortgage brokers pulled back, but we expect that those price drops will continue to come on a more frequent level in 2024.
And we are expecting rates to get to 4.5 if not lower.
Number two, price increases, they'll be marginal up to 5% possibly, but there will be a push to be flat.
So the market pricing should be very flat to 2023 and the second half of 2022 there will be more selection buyers have been waiting, the lower interest rates will pull people in but sellers have also been pulled back because of the higher interest rates, they didn't put their house on the market.
It will balance out with buyers and sellers, meaning more of a flat line price points, the biggest increases will be in the condominium apartment style.
There's just not enough inventory here.
We don't have enough product coming onto the market as far as new builds go.
Selection is minimal.
There's some nice selection out there right now but not enough to bring people into that lifestyle.
One-level living and Ottawa will have a shortage of condominiums.
That will be the biggest price increase.
Buyers will be fussy in 2024 price points are still high.
Interest rates are still relatively high.
There won't be a lot of extra money to do new kitchens, bathrooms, roof and windows, and hardwood flooring.
So the product has to look attractive.
It has to be right and it has to be turnkey for as much as possible.
And buyers will be fussy and, looking for the type of product that grabs their emotions has the edge over the competition.
And lastly those sellers that list in January, February, and March will have a competitive advantage over other sellers throughout the rest of the year.
The excitement happened New Year's Day, it's the busiest day of the year for real estate.
And that first week, a lot of buyers have made that jump into 2024 were gonna make a move this year and they start looking now.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
We want to be a part of your journey in the real estate market.
We've been a part of family journeys in Ottawa for over 40 years and continue to be outstanding in our profession.
Please reach out to us.
Let's make your journey a wonderful experience and a prosperous New Year.
Hope to see you soon.
Take care.2023-12-28T10:40:16-07:002023-12-29T14:50:00-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21390Ottawa Real Estate 2024 - New Year, New Home
We want to be the topic of conversation around the charcuterie boards this holiday season, whether it's with your friends, family, colleagues at the office, the conversation of real estate always comes up.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
And the fact is more people start looking for real estate on January 1st, New Year's Day than any other time of the year.
They go to New Year's Eve parties and they say, "what's your New Year's resolution?"
They say "we wanna move next year."
That they're gonna buy a house and they start looking New Year's Day.
It's the busiest day of the real estate market for eyeballs on the internet and it's going to start early this year.
We're working right through Christmas Eve.
We have a point that's between Christmas and New Year with new listings, staging consultations starting January 2nd, photo shoots on the third with a lot of new exciting listings coming out and will come out at the beginning of January with new exciting momentum.
It's a great new product and some real eye-catching inventory that is sure to excite everybody looking for a home in 2024.
If you're thinking of moving in the new year, do not wait for spring.
Let's talk as soon as possible.
We want to talk to you now, we want to get the plans rolling a lot of the inventory.
The exciting inventory will hit the market at the beginning of the year and buyers have some momentum this year and a lot of excitement with lower interest rates and affordability becoming a major impact on homeownership.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates s in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
We hope to see you soon.
Happy holidays2023-12-27T07:47:55-07:002023-12-27T07:50:28-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21372Family Real Estate Business Ottawa
People often ask me, what's it like to be in a family business, especially in real estate.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. My last name is Hamre. It's a Norwegian background, but very few of us in Ottawa. In fact, if you meet any Hamre in Ottawa, it's very likely that they are REALTORS® three generations of REALTORS® here selling real estate in Ottawa for over 40 years.
But when the question comes up, how do you deal with working with family? I simply say this, I make it clear that there's a difference between the kitchen table and a boardroom table going into the holiday season. We'll want to shut it off, especially during that precious moments of the holiday season. Work won't come up. We won't talk about interactions in the holidays or transactions or deals or upcoming listings. We'll be simply focused on the kitchen table and that's the family moment. It's precious to me.
And number one thing I want to be is called that after the New Year, we'll back into the swing of things and we'll be, I'll be the team leader and we'll, we'll be pushing on to create a wonderful experiences for our clients in 2024. But during the holiday season and at the kitchen table, I want to be called dad and it's a kitchen table, not a boardroom table.
Lots of people have family businesses. I hope if this is a tip for an inspiration to you, I hope you take it to your kitchen table this holiday season.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team. Hope to see you soon. Take care2023-12-22T08:59:59-07:002023-12-22T09:28:24-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21364What Makes A House A Home?
What makes a house a home?
Usually it's the feelings. It's the people around. Maybe it's a dog or the announcement of a new baby. So many feels and gratitude this holiday season, I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX here in Ottawa. And over the last few weeks, I've been seeing some of my clients who've had some exciting news to share with me. Quite a few of them are expecting and I just thought it was so magical. It's really something that I was happy that they shared with me and that feeling of home.
One of them said that being here and having that new energy of feeling at home and turning the house into the home really helped them with the energy all around. It's just so exciting and special to be a part of. And that's the measurement for me. It's not a hobby for me. This isn't a part-time job. This isn't a side hustle; this is my career. And my "why" is that emotional feeling of you calling a house a home and getting to see that excitement and sharing those milestones with you.
If I can turn a house into a home this year, if you're thinking over the holidays that it's time for you to make a move, please reach out to me. I'm never too busy to help you. Have a great holiday season and enjoy the feeling of home. Take care.2023-12-21T10:59:16-07:002023-12-21T11:03:28-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21312December 2023 Ottawa Real Estate Market
What an interesting December market we are experiencing in the Ottawa real estate market. 🏡📈
Just this morning I was on my team meeting with my team and we were chatting about how active the market feels right now and how active we all are. 💬👥
And this is due to a combination of many different factors.
Number one, fixed interest rates have gone down a little bit. 💰📉 We can get you a five-year fixed rate under 5% right now. 🖐️🏷️
So definitely don't hesitate to reach out if you would like a contact for a wonderful mortgage broker. 📞👍 We work with some of the best in the industry and I would be happy to get you set up with one of our mortgage brokers. 💼🔍
Number two, affordability now, affordability is all relative. 💲📊 But in comparison to pricing where pricing was a year and a half ago, pricing has definitely balanced out and stabilized. 📈⚖️
So, we are seeing affordability out there and people are looking to take advantage of today's pricing and their leverage as a buyer in the winter market with these interest rates to get that deal that they're looking for. 🏘️💸
And number three, the weather. 🌤️ The weather is so interesting this December, we're still able to see driveways, roofs, patios, in our log, there's not much snow on the ground. ❄️🏠
So, buyers can really get a good look at the year of homes, which is causing buyers out there to be on the hunt. 🕵️‍♂️🔎
This time of year, we are very happy to be assisting our buyers and sellers with their home goals and reaching their home goals. 🤝🏠
If you're looking to make a move in the new year, I would love the opportunity to have a conversation with you and to help you achieve these real estate goals of yours. 🗓️🏡
I'm Melanie Giray with the Hamre Team and have a wonderful rest of your week. 🌟👋 Take care.2023-12-18T13:22:22-07:002023-12-18T13:28:25-07:00Melanie Giraytag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21294Buyers Market With No Buyers
Buyer's market without any buyers. 🏠💼 This is a headline that Bloomberg came out with just a couple of days ago. Since then, we've had a massive statement made by the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell that they anticipate to make three rate cuts in the year 2024 but the year 2024 has not come just yet. 📉💬 In the past two months, in particular, we've seen far fewer sales than normal. 📊 You can still take advantage of this piece of the market. 💡 I strongly believe this market today and what has been, you can make great deals happen if you wanna talk predictions. 🤝🔍 Royal LePage is making predictions to see an increase in pricing up to 4.5% increase here in Ottawa. 📈 This coming year across the nation. 🇨🇦💰 You can expect increases as well. 💸 We've seen a reduction in sales, some regions up to 20 to 30%. 📉 What we haven't seen is a drastic decline in pricing. 📈 Now, every area is different, every region is different, every property is different and every home tells a different story. 🏘️📚 It's best to educate yourself on the market and work with the professional today. 📚👨‍💼2023-12-15T14:27:44-07:002023-12-15T14:30:06-07:00Nic Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21287Making through December as a REALTOR® - OTTAWA RE/MAX
The number one song for realtors has got to be "If I Make It Through December." My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
And that's kind of the tempo that December has in the real estate world.
It's a month where there's a lot of buyer distraction. Of course, it's the holiday season. A lot of people have purchased their home, and they had 12 months to do it. This is the 12th month and their focus is on gifts and giving to others, not in all cases, but the buyer pool shrinks.
The month of December is a month where realtors just need to get through it because our coaching to our listings is in less than 30 days. It will be a fresh start. A new year, lower interest rates in 2024, more homes will be sold. It will be a new beginning, and it's always the same case as far as the difference in mindset, we just need to make it through December.
December is a great month for buyers. It's probably the lowest prices of the year, but there's just not many people out shopping. So our listings, we coach them through it. If we make it through December, everything's gonna be alright.
I know that's our motto at the Hamre Real Estate team here in Ottawa.
My name is Greg Hamre from RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa and the Hamre Real Estate Team.
We're gonna get through this month. Actually, we're having a phenomenal month, but we're gonna get through it with bells on.
We're really anxious to get going in the New Year.
Hope to see you soon.
Take care.2023-12-15T08:44:50-07:002023-12-15T08:46:36-07:00Greg Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:212732023 In Ottawa Real Estate
What a year it has been.
I have had the absolute pleasure to be part of so many incredible journeys.
Every client had a unique journey.
Some clients were first-time homebuyers who got to experience the excitement and the thrill of homeownership for the first time. Others were making a change in lifestyle by downsizing, upsizing, and even relocating.
While others were last-time home sellers who were able to cash out on their real estate asset and move on to their next chapters.
With some, we ran into the infamous multiple offers where we needed to pull out different tools and strategies in order to strike and win during these bidding wars. While with others, we had leverage as the only offer and we certainly did not shy away from negotiating terms.
One thing about all of these journeys had in common were both communication and education.
We have the edge in real estate and we are here to help you win and achieve your real estate goals, no matter what scenario we may be faced with.
Let's start the conversation today to get you moving in the right direction to achieve your real estate goals in the New Year.
I'm Melanie Giray at the Hamre Team and RE/MAX Affiliates in Ottawa, and we'll talk to you soon.
Take care.2023-12-14T08:50:14-07:002023-12-14T08:54:30-07:00Melanie Giraytag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21249Separation Season
It is SEPARATION season.
What does that mean?
I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX Affiliates here in Ottawa.
And it's time to separate yourselves from the average people.
This morning, I was listening to a podcast by Ed Mylett called Separation Season.
And the premise of it is separating yourselves amongst the crowd, making those habits or those choices that don't affect those habits that you've been able to build up all year or those changes that you've been able to implement, whether that's in life in business or in health.
And this weekend, we were able to negotiate a deal for my first-time home buyers using some separation strategies.
And these are things that not everybody does.
And if you're not in the game, you don't really have the edge to know.
So we were able to not only get them a closing in December, so that's in three weeks.
Yes, that's really quick.
There's not usually another time of the year that you can see that quick of a closing, but we have a fantastic team of lawyers and mortgage brokers behind us that are able to make that happen too.
Plus, we're getting them a fantastic rate on their mortgage because we have a Hamre Team exclusive with one of our mortgage brokers.
So they have a rate in less than 5%. That is huge, especially when they're looking at their month-to-month cost, they were able to get a bit more out of what they wanted to pay and what they wanted to put down as an offer on top of the closing of this month, everything really worked out well for them.
So if you're looking to be a part of that separation season when it comes to the real estate industry, I would love the opportunity to chat with you.
See how we can help and look at how we can make your home goals come true.
Whether that's before the end of 2023 or into 2024, we will make it happen.
Send me a DM and let's get the conversation started.
See you soon.2023-12-12T11:10:26-07:002023-12-12T11:14:06-07:00Chelsea Hamretag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21221Cumberland Dukes - Minor Hockey<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/The_Cumberland_Dukes.jpg" width="1200" height="628" />
The <a href="http://cumberlandminorhockey.ca/">Cumberland Dukes</a> are a minor hockey club in <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/communities/">Ottawa</a>. They are based in the east end of the city and offer house league hockey programs for all skill levels. They are affiliated with the Cumberland Jr. Grads which offers a competitive program for young hockey players. This hockey club is well known in the area for great coaching, fun games, and lots of ice time for young players looking to have fun and develop their skills. Several members of the Hamre Real Estate Team and their family members have played for the Cumberland Dukes or the Cumberland Minor Hockey League as it was formerly known.
Every year the Hamre Real Estate Team sponsors local teams in the area by providing practice jerseys. These jerseys allow teams to enjoy scrimmages and drills in practice while keeping the gameday threads clean and pristine. We are proud to support the community in this way.
The Importance Of The Cumberland Dukes
The Cumberland Dukes are the go-to house league club for Orleans and the east end. Players from <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/gloucester/orleans-homes-for-sale/">Orleans</a>, <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/cumberland/navan-homes-for-sale/">Navan</a>, <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/cumberland/">Cumberland</a>, and more all look to play for the <a href="http://cumberlandminorhockey.ca/">Cumberland Dukes</a>. This club features many teams and will even have multiple teams at the same skill level due to the popularity of the club in <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/communities/">Ottawa</a>. There are several house league levels for all ages of youth so every child will have an opportunity to play. Many parents and children alike know this club and have many fond memories of early morning at the rink with a coffee in hand watching some hockey. This club offers not only training in hockey skills but the development of life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Sports are a fundamental part of the development for young athletes in <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/communities/">Ottawa</a>. Whether it be hockey, basketball, soccer, or any other athletic endeavour. The Hamre Real Estate team has previously sponsored jerseys for many sports and are always proud to see our "Inspiring Dreams" branding hit the ice. Whether it's the dream of one day playing in the NHL or just scoring a goal one cool Saturday morning in December, we are grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of this community in <a href="https://www.weknowottawa.com/communities/">Ottawa</a>.
We'll be cheering for you all season long. Go Dukes Go!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/2140/image/Cumberland_Dukes.jpg" width="1080" height="1080" />2023-12-11T08:56:52-07:002023-12-11T09:26:05-07:00Leif Olsontag:weknowottawa.com,2012-09-20:21205Inspiration - The Spark That Fuels Us
Inspiration is the spark that fuels us. ✨
And this week, I had the incredible opportunity to not only inspire others but to get inspired myself.
I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team at RE/MAX Affiliates here in Ottawa. 🏡
And I got to present in front of one of the top 100 teams at RE/MAX here in Canada.
They're in Ontario and I've had the opportunity to work with some of them before, when they saw one of my speaking engagements and asked me to come on their last team Zoom Call of the year. 💬👥
What I really took out of it was how inspired I felt from their questions, from the energy in the room, even though I was there virtually, I could feel it. 🌟
And that's something that especially virtually, you don't get to feel all the time, but I felt I could feel the energy in the room. 🌐
I could feel the momentum. 🚀
They took some great inspiration out of that and just made we think our motto at the Henry team is inspiring dreams and that's inspiring dreams in the world of real estate. 🏘️💭
But we're not only doing that with our clients, we get to do that amongst other realtors as well.
I know when I get to share and get the opportunity to speak and to collaborate, I get so much great energy out of that. 💡🗣️
So if you're looking to have a conversation to spark some fuel to feel and spot, I know that it would also help inspire me.
And if you're on the buying or the selling side and you're looking to spark that fuel to reach your own goals. 🤝💼
Let's have a conversation because not only will you get a lot out of it, but I will too.
I'm here to help you every step of the way. 🤗
I'm Chelsea Hamre with the Hamre Team.
Take care, feel free to reach out to me directly here and we'll chat soon. 💬👋2023-12-08T13:27:49-07:002023-12-08T13:30:19-07:00Chelsea Hamre