How To Find The Perfect Condo When The Market Supply Is Low?

The 2019 condo market is great if you are a seller, but not that great if you are trying to buy. One of the largest issues buyers are facing right now when searching for a condo in Ottawa, is a lack of supply - there are no good condos to buy (at a decent price)! Talk about a first world problem!

When supply is low, there are a bunch of ways that a great agent can help find buyers a property. We put together a list of methods that we use with our buyer’s to find that perfect un-listed/hidden/secret condo.

Working with an agent who focuses on the specific area or building. 

This should go without saying, but if you are looking to get a difficult to find property (aka a condo), working with an agent who focuses on that type of property, or even in the specific building will give you a major head start. Why hire a plumber to do your electrical work? We often have sellers who are 2-3 months away from selling, or getting ready to list next week. Our job is to keep our “ear’s to the ground”!

Peer Networking

One of the best ways I find off market condo’s is by chatting with other agents. In this market I spend more time asking other agents what they have coming up, and letting agents know what I have before a property hits the market. Even getting an extra day notice before a property is listed, gives you the buyer a huge advantage in this market. Having focused on condo’s for such a long period, I receive a high number of other agents letting me know what they have coming up.

Off Market Builder Supply

Typically builders will only list a few units in a building, even if they have a bunch of available condos, as they don’t want to overwhelm a buyer. Often builders won’t tell buyers or other agents that they are able to be purchased. Earlier this year, we had a builder that had condo with cosmetic damage and was not being shown or advertised. However since we had a great relationship with the builder, we were able to sell it to our buyer. Our buyer loved not being under pressure from other buyers trying to compete for the same unit. No bidding wars!!

Looking Outside Your Budget

While this is normally discouraged, it has provided us with options when times were tough! In this market it is common to see sellers get extremely confident with their pricing and list way over market value. A unit that should be $350,000 but is listed for $390,000 might miss your search if you set your max budget to $375,000. A few months or even weeks on the market, and they might be willing to accept a decent offer of market value. 

Parking?

Finding a unit that includes parking can often be a huge restriction when searching, depending on the price point. Not every seller originally purchased parking and that can really cut your options down if you MUST have one. We have seen property matches drop by half - or even more! Ask yourself if you really NEED parking? Could you rent a parking spot? I have helped many buyers who have decided it was a better option for them to rent a spot in the building for $150 per month than pay $35,000 upfront plus another $80 per month in extra condo fees. While this isn’t a solution for everyone, knowing these options that you have can make a huge difference.

Consider Renting?

While you won’t hear many agents try to convince you away from buying, sometimes renting is the smarter idea - at least temporarily. We all have those friends who have bought something since it was the only option versus waiting for the right option, and regretted it shortly after. If you don’t love it, then don’t buy it! That being said, renting in this market is almost as difficult, if not worse - but at least you’re not tied to a $400k mortgage.

Need help finding a condo? If you are not already working with another agent, we would love to help. Fill out the form below, or call/txt directly 613-286-9501.

Claridge Moon - Sales Update

**For more information about Claridge Moon, visit our Claridge Moon project page HERE. All information about the project will be located here, including floorplans, renderings, construction update, news articles, pricing, etc. **

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Claridge launched its latest project called Claridge Moon which will be located at the corner of Queen and Lyon street. The project will consist of 266 units over 27 stories. As of today, Claridge has sold firm 33 units with another 10 units currently held reserved for signing. Pricing has not yet increased, yet we are told to expect an increase soon.

The Bowery Promo Event

New promo has just announced directly from Richcraft for anyone who purchases The Bowery. Buyers have the choice between no condo fees for one year, free storage locker, upgraded designer package, or hardwood in the bedroom.

While you might have a preference on which you would prefer, it will depend on the size of the unit to decide which option would be the best option. No condo fees for one year is typically a rebate or discount off purchase price. Easily calculated for the size of the unit - $0.36sqft 800sqft = $3456/year or 400sqft = $1728/year. Storage lockers are priced around $3,000. Then the designer package and hardwood depend on the unit. 

Questions about the building, units, or purchasing pre-construction condos in Ottawa? I would love to chat - fill out the form below or email directly Matt@MattRichling.com.

The Slater - Promo Prices + Broker Event

The Slater - a 21 Storey tower that is mixed condos and a boutique hotel, at 199 Slater Street just off of Bank St. Developed by Broccolini the project is currently at around 80% sold out. Units range from 408sqft up to 1929sqft. "Inspired by the clean, square lines of the mid-century towers that surround it, it marries a hip 1950s aesthetic with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Minimalist interiors by II by IV are cool, classic and understated. The Slater is beautiful, sleek – and eternally chic. "

Last week I was invited to a limited brokers lunch where Broccolini walked through the project status, what is left for sale, a new promo being offered and a sneak peak for their next downtown space. Overall the project has seen good success, and a few units still remain. The promotions are not being advertised so if you are interested, contact me.

If you are interested in The Slater, and learning more about current promotions that are being offered, contact Matt Richling at Matt@MattRichling.com or by filling out the form below.

Zibi by Windmill - Launching May 30th

Just announced, Windmill's next condominium building will be launched next weekend. Highly anticipated, this launch is the first for the Chaudiere Falls multi-phase future development with a mix of residential housing types of low and high rise condominium towers and townhomes, commercial and office space, unique waterfront plazas and outdoor squares, recreational facilities, and more.

There are only 65 condo units available with pricing starting from $199,000. Starting at 10am until 4pm on the 30th of May at the "state-of-the-art" sales center at 3 Rue Eddy in Gatineau.  Windmill has come out and said they will be offering "opening-day incentives".

From the Zibi website: The Chaudière Falls have long been a gathering place where the remarkable occurs. Long before settlers arrived, First Nations gathered at the Falls, trading stories of the River, and making offerings at the Falls. In 1799, after several reconnaissance missions, Philemon Wright determined that this location was the best spot in the Ottawa Valley to settle, creating a community at this very location. ‘Big’ Jos Montferrand later made history crossing the Union Bridge, providing inspiration to hundreds of thousands. Years later E.B. (Ezra Butler) Eddy and John Rodulphus Booth both became Canada’s early entrepreneur stars, innovating and inspiring, and employing thousands.

To request an appointment or to learn more about the project contact me using the form below, or contact Windmill sales center directly.

Gotham Showcases Modern Industrial In Four Models - Ottawa Citizen

The Ottawa Citizen looks at the four models that are opening to the public tomorrow March 14th, inside the Gotham Condos. Of the 240 units in the building, only 40 suites remain, with pricing starting at $262,900 up to $451,900. Built by Lamb Development, the building is starting occupancy March 24th, 2015. Questions about Gotham? I would love to help.

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Gotham Showcases Modern Industrual In Four Models
Patrick Langston - Ottawa Citizen
March 13, 2015 

Condo buyers anxious for a taste of life at Lamb Development’s much-anticipated Gotham — a name that evokes robust images of both New York City and Batman — can do so Saturday when four model suites open to the public.

The models, ranging from 497 to 922 square feet, feature strong industrial accents such as exposed concrete as well as generous glazing and contemporary decor.

The 17-storey building of glass, steel and black brick towers over a mostly low-rise neighbourhood at the corner of Gloucester and Lyon streets.

The project has sold well since it launched four years ago: only 40 of its 240 units remain available, and the builder may keep some of those unsold condos as rentals. Penthouses and “glasshouses” (spectacular, glass-enclosed units) have all sold.

Construction was slowed by this winter’s extreme cold, but company president Brad Lamb says buyers are expected to take occupancy by March 24.

The remaining units will be sold four at a time, and there will always be a quartet of model suites for viewing. Lamb calls the approach a “patient” way of selling. Keeping your customers a little hungry is also a smart way of selling.

Available suites at the time of writing range from $262,900 to $451,900.

The model suites embody the company’s fondness for contemporary, industrial-tinged design, according to Lamb.

“We want to be edgier in all our units: we use exposed concrete; nine-foot ceilings, sometimes higher; modern, clean finishes. We don’t want anything historically oriented; it’s always to the future.”

Lamb says the models target Ottawa’s main condo market: young singles, young couples, the occasional 50-plus pair without children. 

“Our goal is to deliver in every market the best units in the middle-class range.”

The project will include seven condo townhomes with private patios and 20-foot-plus ceilings in the living/dining rooms. Five of the seven homes have sold.

The models

Loft 08/09: The one-bedroom, 497-square-foot unit may be the smallest of the four models but, like all the condos at Gotham, the shotgun-style layout captures some of the great outdoors thanks to the wall of glass in the living/dining/kitchen area. The expanse of glazing includes a patio door leading to the standard-issue balcony with its gas barbecue hookup.

The kitchen features stainless-steel appliances including a gas stove, and the sleek, white Euro-style cabinetry matches the quartz countertop. The finishes in the models are all standard features, says Lamb.

The bath and bedroom, the latter with three walls only and simply decorated to reduce clutter, sit between the entry and the main living area.

An exposed concrete wall runs the length of the model, which is priced at $262,900.

Loft 10: With both a den and a bedroom, this unit maxes out its modest 648 square feet.

The den, just off the entry, sets the contemporary tone with its exposed concrete wall, black-and-white photo of a manual typewriter, and a metal-and-glass floor lamp.

A round wooden table set with white candles and surrounded by wood and-blue fabric chairs lends warmth to the living area with its one concrete wall and ceiling that are Lamb standards.

The bedroom’s sliding, frosted-glass door would provide privacy if you had a guest sleeping on a pull-out couch in the adjacent living room.

This unit is $317,900.

Loft 11/12: Another bedroom-plus-den unit, but at 751 square feet, this one has extras such as a four-piece bath with access from both the bedroom and den.

The kitchen, which is just off the foyer, has an elegant feel thanks to the blend of charcoal grey cabinetry and white countertops.

“I think we build the most beautiful washrooms and kitchens in any market,” says Lamb. “They’re like art.”

The suite, which sells for $357,900, features dark wood flooring and striking furniture, like a metal and timber credenza.

Loft 07: At 922 square feet, this unit has room for a den, a bedroom large enough for a compact tub chair in one corner, a four-piece ensuite with an undermount sink, and, just off the foyer, a powder room.

Contemporary reigns in the living area with metal basket dining chairs, a gleaming white laminate credenza, and low-slung steel and fabric easy chairs.

The kitchen sports a large island with a double, undermount sink and contemporary fixtures. The backsplash is light grey subway tile.

The unit costs $451,900.

In the area

It’s a short walk to everything from Bank Street’s restaurants and stores to parks like the one overlooking the National Library of Canada. For those with a green thumb, there are a couple of nearby community gardens, including one at Nanny Goat Hill at Laurier and Bronson.

Gotham

What: 240 condo units in a 17-storey downtown tower. Also an adjacent seven-unit townhome condo development.

Builder: Lamb Development Corporation

Prices: Apartments that will be available as of Saturday start at $262,900. Condo fees: 42 cents a square foot. Parking, $35,900.

Sales centre: 224 Lyon St.

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m.; weekends, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. (Model viewings by appointment only.)

Information: 613-257-8887, gothamottawa.com