Equity One Real Estate Blog
Rural vs. Urban Home Buying in Ottawa: Which Lifestyle Is Right for You?
One of the biggest decisions home buyers face isn't just which house to buy - it's where to buy it. In the Ottawa area, buyers often find themselves comparing rural communities such as Greely, Manotick, Osgoode, Richmond, Carp, and North Gower against urban and suburban neighbourhoods like Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Stittsville, Alta Vista, and Westboro.
GST/HST Home Rebates Save Ottawa Homebuyers Thousands
The federal government has introduced significant new GST/HST rebate programs aimed at helping first-time homebuyers purchase newly built homes.
RECO Changes Reporting Requirements For Ontario Brokerages
Ontario real estate brokerages are facing the most significant regulatory changes since the introduction of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA). Following several high-profile trust account issues and brokerage failures, including the widely publicized iPro Realty situation…
Aluminum Wiring - What Home Sellers In Ottawa Should Know
If your home was built during the late 1960s or 1970s, there's a chance it contains aluminum wiring. Many homeowners become concerned when they discover aluminum wiring while preparing to sell.
Buying a Home with Vermiculite Insulation: What Every Ottawa Home Buyer Should Know
Finding vermiculite insulation in a home's attic can be alarming for many buyers. The word "asbestos" often immediately comes to mind, leading some purchasers to walk away from an otherwise great home.
Where Does the 5% Real Estate Commission Really Go?
When selling a home, many homeowners automatically assume that paying a traditional 5% real estate commission is simply the cost of doing business. But have you ever wondered where that money actually goes, and whether you really need to pay 5%?
How Government HST Rebates on New Homes Are Affecting Ottawa's Resale Housing Market
If you've been trying to sell a home in Ottawa recently, you may have noticed that buyers are taking longer to make decisions, homes are staying on the market longer, and price reductions are becoming increasingly common.
Bank of Canada Rate Hold: What It Means for Ottawa Real Estate
The Bank of Canada has officially held its key interest rate at 2.25%, continuing a pause that has now become the dominant theme of 2026. For buyers, sellers, and homeowners in Ottawa, this decision is more than just a headline - it sets the tone for the entire real estate market this year.
Poly B Plumbing: Risks, Insurance & Replacement Costs
If you’re buying, selling, or owning a home built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Poly B (polybutylene) plumbing. It’s one of those hidden issues that can quietly impact property value, insurance eligibility, and long-term maintenance costs, especially here in Ottawa and across Canada.
10 Qualities of the Best Ottawa Real Estate Agents
Choosing the right Realtor® can make a significant difference when buying or selling a home. A great real estate agent does far more than simply list a property or schedule showings. The best Realtors combine market expertise, negotiation skill, marketing strategy, and client-focused service to deliver outstanding results.
Homes That Sell Fast vs Homes That Sit: What’s the Difference?
In Ottawa, two similar homes can hit the market at the same time - yet one sells quickly while the other lingers for weeks or even months. Sellers often assume the difference is luck or timing, but in reality, homes that sell fast usually share a few key characteristics.
What You Should Know Before Buying A New Home From A Builder
Buying a newly built home in Ottawa can be exciting. New construction offers modern layouts, energy efficiency, and the appeal of a fresh start. But purchasing from a builder is very different from buying a resale home - and in Ottawa’s market, the details matter.
Different Ways To Sell Your Home In Ottawa
Selling a home in Ottawa isn’t one-size-fits-all. Today’s homeowners can choose from several selling methods — each with different costs, timelines, and outcomes. Whether your priority is maximizing price, minimizing stress, or selling quickly, understanding your options is the first step to making the right decision.
Pricing Real Estate: How to Price Your Home to Sell
When it comes to selling a home, pricing real estate correctly from day one is the single most important factor in determining how fast — and how well, or even if your property sells. While many sellers focus on renovations, staging, or marketing, even the best-looking home will usually sit unsold if it’s priced incorrectly.
Ottawa’s 8 Safest Neighbourhoods in 2026
Safety is one of the top priorities for Ottawa home buyers, especially families, downsizers, and long-term investors. While Ottawa consistently ranks as one of Canada’s safest major cities, some neighbourhoods stand out for their low crime rates, strong community presence, and long-term stability.
Buying A Rural Property. What You Need To Know.
Buying a rural property can be an exciting opportunity to enjoy more space, privacy, and a closer connection to nature. Whether you’re looking for a country home, hobby farm, or long-term investment, rural real estate offers a lifestyle that’s very different from city living. However, purchasing a rural property also comes with unique considerations…
The Benefits of Using a Cash Back Realtor.
Buying a home in Ontario is exciting — but it can also be expensive. Between your down payment, legal fees, inspections, and moving costs, every bit of savings helps. That’s why more home buyers are choosing cash back realtors, like Equity One Real Estate, who share a portion of their commission with clients.
Understanding Real Estate Commissions in Ottawa
Everything you need to know about real estate commissions. From what they cost, who pays them, and how to save on them.
Differences Between Foreclosure & Power Of Sale
In Ontario, foreclosure and power of sale are both legal remedies a lender (usually a bank) can use if a borrower defaults on their mortgage—but they work very differently.
What Determines The Value Of A Home in Ottawa?
The value of a home—commonly referred to as its market value—is determined by a combination of factors. It’s essentially what a buyer is willing to pay for it under normal conditions.