Another Terrific Month!!

The July stats have come in and it looks like there's once again another fabulous month for the Ottawa Real Estate Market.

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,577 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,414 in July 2008. This is an increase of 11.5 per cent.

Of those sales, 339 were in the condominium property class, while 1,238 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, etc.) which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

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

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in July in the Ottawa area was $300,016, an increase of 1.7 per cent over July 2008. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $216,826, an increase of 2.9 per cent over July 2008. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $322,795, an increase of 1.2 per cent over July 2008. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

So it seems like during these economic “down times” the Ottawa Market is not being affected. To see this many sales during a year such as 2009 is a wonderful feeling!

Now is the time to SELL!

Your Real Estate Professional,

Mary-Anne

DIY: Make Your Own Desk

Ever bought a shelf or desk that was impossible to assemble? I especially hate it when you buy pieces in the finish you want and go to buy additional pieces and of course YOUR finish has been discontinued! Here are some simple instructions on how to build your own desk! When you build your own simple wood desk you have the opportunity to choose the size and finish that work best for you and your space.

Here are the tools and materials you’ll need to get started: table saw, mitre saw, drill, clamps, 18-gauge brad nailer, #8 countersink, putty knife, paintbrush, wood filler, paint, two 4’ x 8’ sheets ¾” MDF, carpenter’s glue, 1 ¼” 28-gauge brad nails, 3” #8 woodscrews, 1 ½” #8 woodscrews, 120-grit sandpaper.

Step one: From two 4' x 8' sheets of ¾" MDF (medium density fibreboard) cut a 28 ½" x 58 ½" piece for the top; rip six 4 1/8" wide lengths for the legs; and rip two 4" wide lengths for the apron.

Step Two: To make the legs, apply carpenter's glue to 2 of your 4 1/8" lengths and clamp. Then do the same with the other four pieces. Let dry overnight.

Step three: To construct the box , that will serve as the legs you'll need to trim the laminated pieces to a width of 4" and cut four 28 ½" and four 29 ¼" lengths.

Step Four: Assemble the LEGS, into a square using two 28 ½" and two 29 ½" pieces. Glue and screw together using 3" #8 woodscrews.

Step five: To make the apron, mitre your 4" rips at 45° and wrap the desktop. Glue and nail using 1 ¼" 18-gauge brad nails.

Step six: To make the apron, mitre your 4" rips at 45° and wrap the desktop. Glue and nail using 1 ¼" 18-gauge brad nails.

Step seven: Fill, sand, prime and paint with two coats, lightly sanding between.

No more running around town trying to find the perfect desk to compliment your workspace. Do it yourself and you’ll enjoy using it every time!

Source: The Home Depot